WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-27-26

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office and the Broome County Health Department are taking action to treat and prevent the spread of a stomach bug-like illness that health experts believe to be norovirus at the Broome County Correctional Facility. On Monday, several incarcerated individuals reported symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and headaches to medical staff at Correctional Facility. Over the next 24 hours, over 140 incarcerated individuals in multiple housing units were seen by medical staff for similar symptoms. The Norovirus is a highly contagious stomach illness effecting 19 to 21 million people in the United States each year and the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in the country, The Correctional Facility is also taking additional precautions to limit exposure for staff and other incarcerated individuals within the facility, while performing deep and steady cleaning on any exposed surfaces or areas within the facility.

State Attorney General Letitia James and DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton today awarded more than $1.34 million in grants to support farmers in Delaware and Sullivan Counties. The Agricultural Environmental Innovation Grant Program is funded by the Attorney General's & the DEC's 2023 settlement with FrieslandCampina, for repeated violations of environmental law at its Delhi facility. The grant program will reinvest the settlement funds by providing 25 farms with access to new technologies and practices.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 1-30-25

The State Health Department is currently tracking 3 strains of the flu in New York State, with 48,000 new cases reported the week of January 18th to the 24, a 46% increase from the previous week. The state reports a total of over 177,000 cases of all 3 flu strains, over 11,000 have been hospitalized from influenza, there have been 2 pediatric deaths this flu season.

Michael Beilby of East Meredith was resentenced in Delaware County Court for violating the terms of his felony probation supervision. On September 25, 2020, Michael Beilby killed 2 people in a motor vehicle crash, he was driving while using drugs and using his cell phone, he pleaded guilty to 2 counts of Criminally Negligent Homicide & was sentenced to a split term of 6 months incarceration, followed by 5 years of probation supervision, and he was required to not use any illegal drugs or alcohol. The Delaware County Department of Probation accused Beilby of cocaine use and he avoided mandatory drug treatment appointments. Beilby admitted to those allegations & Judge Rosa ordered that Beilby be returned to probation supervision and start attending sessions of the Adult Treatment Court..

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the morning hours on Friday, local meteorologist Rich Townsend comments:

(Rich Townsend 1-30-25)

We'll have the complete Tri-County Forecast at the end of this news cast.

Governor Kathy Hochul and Senator Charles Schumer today announced the opening of The Center for Discovery’s Children’s Specialty Hospital in Rock Hill, in Sullivan County. The facility is dedicated to supporting children and adolescents with complex disabilities, including autism, through specialized short-term inpatient care. The new hospital will create 400+ jobs, more information is available at tcfd.org.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-27-24

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Midnight through 7:00 PM on Thanksgiving in Delaware, Otsego & Sullivan Counties, Meteorologist Rich Townsend told WCDO news about this storm:

(Rich Townsend 11-27-24)

the higher accumulations are expected to be in the higher elevation, mainly to the Eastern part of the WCDO Listening area, we'll have our Tri-County Forecast at the end of this news cast.

The Otsego County Department of Health reports that a bat tested positive for rabies in the town of Oneonta, 1 person was exposed and started rabies post exposure vaccinations. All dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated for rabies, Unvaccinated pets in contact with wildlife that is suspected or confirmed to be rabid must be either euthanized or strictly quarantined at owner’s expense for 6 months. More information is available at 607-547-4230 or otsegocounty.com.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested 56 year old Scott Wood of Hamden for Driving While Intoxicated on November 16thth. Deputies responded to an assist EMS call on West Terry Clove Road for a male having trouble breathing, the male left the scene and was traveling on West Terry Clove Road. Deputies found a vehicle stopped in the roadway with a male asleep in the driver seat, who was identified as Scott Wood, who was charged with DWI & Driving with a BAC of .08 of higher, Open Container among other charges, he was released and will appear in the Town Hamden Court at a later date.

Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar released the results of the targeted, 5-week public safety and crime response initiative conducted by the Broome County Sheriff’s Office Strategic Response Group in Binghamton. From October 10th to November 15th , the Group's efforts resulted in 19 Narcotics Arrests, 14 Warrant Arrests, 43 Vehicle and Traffic Arrests, they conducted over 800 traffic stop and issued over 760 traffic violations.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-27-24

48 year old Scott Mawhiney of Deposit was found guilty in Broome County Court this week for Attempted Murder, Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer, Assault, Criminal Use of a Firearm, Criminal Possession of a Weapon among other charges. On June 23, 2021, Mawhiney was involved in a domestic incident, the 2 female victims escaped, State Police responded, Mawhiney armed himself & shot at Trooper Ryan Thorp, who received a career tending injury from a bullet fragment striking him, Mawhiney will be sentenced on February 26. He faces a potential maximum sentence of 30 years to life in prison.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-20-24

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon in much of the WCDO listening area, local Meteorologist Rich Townsend explains;

(Rich Townsend 11-20-24)

The National Weather service predicts between 4 to 8 inches mainly for Delaware & Sullivan Counties, we'll have the Tri-County Forecast following this newscast.

The Otsego County Health Department reported that a skunk tested positive for rabies from the town of Laurens Tuesday. 3 unvaccinated dogs were exposed & will be quarantined, there was no human exposure, more information about rabies is available at 607-547-4230.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-20-24

State Forest Rangers remain on the scene of a 5,304-acre fire in the town of Warwick. The Jennings Creek fire is now 90 percent contained. Rangers are leading the efforts with 6 state agencies, dozens of volunteer fire departments from across the state, and 18 wild-land firefighters from Montana. The Statewide Burn Ban remains in effect until November 30th.

20 year old Elijah O’Neill of Unadilla pleaded guilty in Delaware County Court to Criminal Possession of a Firearm. On July 26, Sidney Police responded to a motor vehicle crash on River Street, O’Neill was the driver of 1 of the vehicles, a loaded 40 caliber Glock was observed next to the driver side door, O'Neill admitted that it was his pistol, he did not have a pistol permit, the firearm had been previously reported as stolen. O'Neill will be sentenced to 6 months in the Delaware County Correctional Facility, and then 5 years of felony probation supervision.

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced the Delaware County Grand Jury returned a single count indictment against John Pierre Regazzi for Criminal Contempt. Regazzi allegedly violated of an order of protection, by calling the victim numerous times with the intent to harass, annoy, threaten, or alarm the unidentified victim.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 3-12-24

The US Department of Veteran’s Affairs announced that all Veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military are eligible to enroll directly in VA health care through the recently signed PACT Act. Peter Potter of the VA in Albany told WCDO News that veterans can come to the Albany VA clinic where they are staffed to help eligible vets:

(Peter Potter 3-12-24)

Potter said that Veterans from all branches are eligible, they can go to VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MYVA411 to get additional information.

NYSEG is reporting additional success in getting power back on following yesterday's high winds knocking down tree limbs & power lines, area counties are back on, crews have shifted efforts to Sullivan County where about 1200 were without power this afternoon.

The State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for January. The State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 4.6% in December 2023 to 4.5% in January 2024. Locally, Chenango County had 4.5% unemployment in January, Delaware County had 5.2% & Otsego County had 5.3%.

Delaware County Board of Elections reminds are voters that the Presidential Primary will be held on Tuesday, April 2 at your usual polling site from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Early Voting by Mail or Absentee ballot applications can be made through the state Board of Elections website at elections.ny.gov/request-ballot & Early Voting at Delaware County Board of Elections, will be from Saturday, March 23 to Saturday, March 30th. More information is available at 607-832-5321

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 3-12-24

Guilford Firefighters with assistance from other area departments responded to a report of a basement fire at 427 Ives Settlement Road, which was called in at about 4:30 PM Monday. The basement fire was knocked down quickly, Guilford received assistance from Bainbridge, Sidney & Oxford fire Departments.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 5-9-23

Terry DeCutler of Sidney & Nicholas DeCutler of Unadilla were sentenced in Otsego County Court, to 20 years to life in prison, for the murder of Kaleb O'Neill in Oneonta on Memorial Day last year. The DeCutler brothers both pleaded guilty to 2nd degree Murder, for the fatal stabbing of O'Neill in an alley near Dietz Street in downtown Oneonta.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $7 million for 15 providers across New York State to support medication for addiction treatment. The funding is being distributed through the State's Opioid Settlement Fund, Awardees are providers certified by either various state agencies including the the Office of Mental Health, & the Department of Health. Each provider is receiving an award of up to $500,000. In the Southern Tier, awardees include the United Health Services Hospitals. More information is available at oasas.ny.gov/treatment.

The Delaware County Chamber has released a New Toolkit for Businesses, called the "Fair Chance Hiring Toolkit, for businesses, nonprofits, and government units about hiring individuals with criminal records. Delaware County Chamber President Ray Pucci told WCDO news about eh toolkit:

(Ray Pucci 5-9-23)

Pucci said that the program is modeled on a successful plan implemented in Oklahoma and has been adapted for Delaware & Sullivan Counties, the free download is available on the Resources tab of delawarecounty.org.

The Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society is seeking participants for an upcoming Electric Vehicle Car Show on Saturday, June 3 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Damaschke Field in Oneonta. Delaware Otsego Audubon Society Spokesperson Susan O'Handley explains:

(Susan O'Handley 5-9-23)

EV Owners are invited to participate at no charge. Sponsorship levels and registration information can be found at doas.us/ev-2023. All are encouraged to register by May 20th.

A.M, NEWS TUESDAY 5-9-23

Opening statements began in Schoharie County Court Monday, in the trial of Nauman Hussain. Hussain is the owner of Prestige Limousine, he is charged with criminally negligent homicide and second-degree manslaughter in connection with the 2018 crash in Schoharie that killed 17 passengers, the driver and 2 people in a gas staion in Schoharie, where the vehicle's safety is in question.

Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to reports of a vehicle in the Chenango River Friday off of I-88 near Exit 3. The updated report stated that 21 year old Colby Degnan went off the highway into the Chenango River, he & passenger Colleen Bobola escaped the vehicle as it started floating down the river & was sinking, Bobola was able to make it to shore, the currents swept Degnan further down the Chenango River. Deputy Mark Hamilton tied a rescue line around his waist before jumping into the river, Hamilton brought Degnan back to shore, but he was unresponsive, CPR was performed, Degnan was transported to Wilson Hospital where he remains in critical condition, Bobola was taken to Wilson Hospital for minor injuries and released. The Broome County Sheriff’s Accident Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating the accident.

The Centers for Disease Control confirm that Sullivan County is the latest New York county to test positive for Polio, Sullivan County has a 62.33% polio vaccination rate, their residents are urged to get vaccinated. New York State reported the first polio case in the United States since 2014, when an unvaccinated Rockland County man was hospitalized after traveling in Europe in July. The CDC began testing Rockland County residents and water samples, polio has also been found in Orange County and New York City wastewater, and testing is continuing.

New York Motorists are reminded, as school gets ready to return in the coming weeks, that it is illegal to pass a New York School Bus that has its flashing lights on & is receiving or dismissing students. The 1st conviction can result in a $250 to $400 fine, 5 points on a license, and up to 30 days in jail, a 2nd conviction within 3 years could result in a $600 to $750 fine, 5 points on a license, and up to 90 days in jail.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 8-31-22

The Broome County District Attorney's Office announced that 44 year old Michael Carley of Johnson City and South Carolina pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Carley was stopped for a traffic violation, he was wanted on an unrelated warrant and was taken into custody, he was also found to be in possession of methamphetamines. Carley will be sentenced to 2 years in New York State and 2 years of post-release supervision on November 28th.

The State Health Department reported that the COVID 19 positivity continues to trend downward, down to 4.78%, the 7 Day Average Positivity rate to 6.35%, Patient Hospitalizations were down to 2,329, with 248 ICU patients, with 94 on ventilators.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the deployment of the New York Army and Air National Guards To support fire suppression efforts at the 150-acre wildfire currently burning in Minnewaska State Park Preserve in Ulster County. 2 Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopters, capable of dropping 600 gallons of water at a time, began aerial operations, the Air National Guard have been deployed, the State DEC Forest Rangers are serving as Incident Commanders, with more than 200 wild-land firefighters and volunteers, local firefighters, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, State Police Aviation, and State Fire also fighting the fire.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 8-26-22

Otsego County Department of Health & the CDC recommends that everyone who is not fully vaccinated to contact their Health Care Provder & complete the polio vaccination series as soon as possible, especially children. In Otsego County, only 80.4% of 2 year olds are recorded as having the recommended doses of polio vaccine, locally, Delaware County has a vaccination rate of 89.4%, and Schoharie County 88.8%. So far, 8 polio cases are being investigated in Rockland, Sullivan and Orange Counties.

The Broome County Health Department reports a continuing increase in Overdoses in 2022, with 54 fatal overdoses & 333 Non fatal overdoses from January to this week. Broome County had as many as 76 fatal overdoses in 2016, the number was down to 32 in 2018, but the number of cases has increased every year since, with 54 last year. More information is available at gobroomecounty.com/boac.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 8-26-22

Delaware County Public Health’s Children & Youth with Special Health Care Needs program is sponsoring Art in the Park, hosted by The Oneonta World of Learning, tomorrow from 1:00 pm to 4:00 PM, at 167 Youngs Road in Oneonta. More information is available by calling Oneonta World of Learning at 607-353-9503.

Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their next Business & Breakfast event this Friday Morning at 8:30 at the Hamden Inn. Delaware County Chamber President Ray Pucci explains:

(Ray Pucci 7-12-22)

Chambers members can register for Friday's discussion at delawarecounty.org.

Chenango County Health Department is conducting a county-level Community Health Assessment. The Assessment helps identify the specific health needs of local communities, The survey can be found at surveymonkey.com.

The Otsego County Department of Health is holding a Rabies Vaccination Clinic at the Edmeston Town Barn from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. More information is available at 607-547-4230.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 7-12-22

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of a free hotline for people who test positive for COVID-19 but do not have a health care provider. The hotline, 888-TREAT-NY, was launched by the State Department of Health after reaching an agreement to utilize the Virtual ExpressCare Platform operated by NYC Health + Hospitals. The hotline is available to all New York residents.

Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak announced that 62-year-old James Sullivan of Vestal pleaded guilty to felony charges of the criminal sexual act and 1st degree sexual abuse. Sullivan admitted that he engaged in sexual conduct with a male child under the age of 11 for a 6 year period, Sullivan will serve 7 years in prison followed by 10 years of post-release supervision, when he is Sentenced in October.

New York State now has Early Voting, for Delaware County registered voters it will take place at the Board of Elections Office, 3 Gallant Avenue in Delhi. Hours for Early Voting for the June 28th Primaries will start Saturday June 18 & run through Sunday June 26th. The polls for the Primaries for in person voting will be from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm on June 28th, more information is available at 607 832-5321.

32 year old Anthony Schorer of Burlington was sentenced to 10 years probation in Otsego County Court. Schorer pleaded guilty to a 2nd degree criminal sexual act against a child, State Police originally arrested Schorer on January 4th and his brother, 33 year old Timothy Schorer of Hartwick on January 11th, he is due in court on June 24th. The alleged crimes happened between 2003 and 2010, the victim was between the ages of 5 and 11 years old.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 6-8-22

The State Department of Health today announced the 1st confirmed orthopoxvirus case outside of New York City, following testing at the Wadsworth Lab in Albany. The Sullivan County health department is treating the case as a probable monkeypox case, and contact tracing efforts are underway. The State Health Department 9 confirmed monkeypox cases, including 8 in New York City. For more information on monkeypox, go to health.ny.gov/Monkeypox.

Broome County Transit premiered their new fully electric buses that the county will be transitioning to in the coming months. The Busses are manufactured by Nova Bus of Plattsburgh, Broome County will be the only county in the state to transition to an all-electric public transit system.

Delaware County Public Health Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats and ferrets Today from 4:00 TO 6:00 PM, at Arkville Fire Hall. For questions or more information call 607-832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com

Delaware County Public Health will be conducting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for people 12 and older on Thursday at 97 Main Street in Delhi. Pfizer 1st or 2nd doses will be available from 2:00 to 3:00 PM for walk-ins only. Pfizer boosters will be available from 2:00 to 3:00 PM for those who pre-register at apps2.health.ny.gov. For more information, call Delaware County Public Health at 607-832-5200.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced the results of an audit of the Otsego County Industrial Development Agency regarding the Oneonta Rail Yards Acquisition. The audit stated that the agency did not adequately plan for the 2017 acquisition of the rail yards, which was acquired based on a $6 million to $20 million development plan, but without an interested developer. Auditors found no indication that the board of directors had significant discussions of the pros and cons of developing the property, they then learned that a large-scale timber operation would be the only type of local industry that could profitable at the Rail Yards property.

The Friends of Recovery of Delaware and Otsego Counties will be expanding into Chenango County with a new site being prepared in the City of Norwich. The new location will be located at at 24 East Main Street in Norwich, they hope to open up the facility sometime this spring, more information about the program is available at friendsofrecoverydo.org.

The Chenango Arts Council’s annual Chenango Student Art Show will take place from March 4th to March 31st, the exhibit will open with a reception and awards ceremony on Friday March 4 beginning at 5:30 pm. In addition to a number of awards for different categories, 2 scholarships will be awarded for Chenango County seniors intending to pursue a degree in the Arts. The exhibit will be displayed in the Mariea Brown and Raymond Loft Galleries, located at the Chenango Arts Council, 27 West Main Street, Norwich and on the Arts Council’s social media. More information is available at 607-336-2787.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-15-22

The Otsego County Office of Emergency Services were requested to respond to a reported structure fire at 22 Maple Street in the Village of Gilbertsville Monday morning at about 9:15 AM. Firefighters from Gilbertsville, Morris, Mount Upton, Otego, Sidney, Wells Bridge and Otsego County EMS, all responded to the scene, 64 year old Louise Dubben was located deceased inside her residence. The Otsego County Office of Emergency Services, New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control and the New York State Police are leading investigation efforts. An investigation into the fire is ongoing.

The City of Oneonta Police Department has arrested 29 year old Elijah Vergari of Oneonta in connection with the NBT bank robbery that occurred at 1 Wall Street in the City of Oneonta on December 29th. An indictment was handed down by a Grand Jury for the arrest of Vergari, Vergari was delivered to the Otsego County Court Monday, he was arraigned for 3rd degree Robbery, Due to the existence of pending felony charges in Delaware County, bail was set for $10,000 cash bail and he was remanded to the custody of the Otsego County Sheriff. The Oneonta Police Department worked in conjunction with the New York State Police Forensic ID unit, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, and NBT bank security services.

An Oneonta man died in a two-car crash on Route 365 in Westmoreland late Sunday night. The Oneida County Sheriff's Office stated that 20-year-old Joshua Parker of Utica, was driving westbound on Route 365 when he started to have car trouble and put his flashers on while trying to make it to a gas station, Parker's vehicle was hit from behind by 40-year-old Lance Johnson of Oneonta, who was transporting medical test samples to a lab. Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene. Parker was taken to St. Elizabeth Medical Center to be treated for injuries that are not considered to be life-threatening. The investigation is ongoing.

Assemblyman Joseph Angelino is announcing his re-election campaign. Angelino is serving in his first term, He is the ranking Republican on the Assembly Committee on Oversight, Analysis and Investigation. Angelino will be running in the new 121st Assembly District which includes the majority of Chenango and Broome counties, and portions of Madison, Otsego, Sullivan and Delaware counties.

Village of Sidney Police Department arrested 23 year old Donovan Teague of Sidney, Wednesday following an investigation into a stolen bicycle.  Teague is accused of possessing small amounts of heroin and methamphetamine & was charged with Criminal mischief, Criminal possession of stolen property & 2 counts of Criminal possession of a controlled substance, he was arraigned in Village of Sidney Court & was released on his own recognizance, Teague was on parole, he was turned over to State Parole officers, who then remanded him to the Delaware County Jail.

Republican Kyle Van De Water has decided to run against Congressman Antonio Delgado again, after losing to him in 2020, when Delgado won with 54% of the vote, to Van De Water 42%.  The 19th Congressional District currently includes all of Delaware & Otsego Counties, as well as Schoharie, Sullivan and Ulster counties & a part of Broome County, but it could look substantially different after redistricting based on the 2020 census.

A.M. NEWS Wednesday 7-14-21

NYSEG reported about 310 customers were still without power this afternoon in Broome & Chenango Counties, after last night's storm, crews are working to restore power as quickly as possible.

Chenango County Public Health announced that their next COVID vaccination clinic will be today at Seeber’s Tavern in Smithville Flats from 3:00 to 6:00pm, a 1st dose Pfizer clinic for 12 years and older clinic will be held tomorrow at the former Label Shopper Store, in the South Plaza in Norwich from 4:00 to 6:00pm, More information is available at 337-1660.

Chenango County Public Health reported 38 more cases of COVID 19 since last week, bringing their total to 2376 since the pandemic started early last year.  There were 81 Active Cases, 211 Active Quarantines, and 13 Active Hospitalizations; there have been 2169 Total Recoveries.

Governor Cuomo today announced that the New York State Department of Health is now accepting applications from businesses seeking to operate as cannabinoid hemp processors, retailers or distributors. The applications are available on the Cannabinoid Hemp Program's webpage health.ny.gov/regulations/hemp. In October, Governor Cuomo announced that the Department filed proposed regulations to regulate cannabinoid hemp products in New York State, which can be found at regs.health.ny.gov.

State Police reported Sunday that a father-to-be was killed & his brother was injured involving an exploding device that was to be used in a gender reveal in Liberty. 28-year-old Christopher Pekny was killed in the blast while constructing the device in Sullivan County, 27-year-old Michael Pekny of Liberty was injured & was taken to an area hospital.  The investigation is continuing.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 2-22-21

The State Health Department statistics Saturday showed that the statewide positivity rate was down to 2.99% the lowest rate since November 23rd.   The state reported over 221,000 tested, with 6610 positive tests, patient  Hospitalization were down to 5,764, patients in an ICU Bed were down to 1,162 & the number on ventilators was down to 794, there were 75 deaths from COVID Saturday.

The State Health Department reported the 1st case of the South African variant has been identified in Long Island resident, last week, a Connecticut resident who had been hospitalized in New York City was found to have the South African variant.

Delaware County Public Health reported 14 new COVID cases Friday, 12 new cases Saturday & 10 cases Sunday.  Delaware County reported 23 hospitalized, 120 active cases & 238 quarantined.

The Sidney Central School District reported that two 10th grade and one 11th grade student have tested positive for COVID-19. The last time the students were on campus were 1/18 & 2/11.  The Delaware County Health Department has conducted an investigation and the contact tracing has been completed. There will be no change to the instructional model at this time.

Governor
Cuomo will not change his mind on a new bail reform law signed earlier this
year that goes into effect Wednesday.
Delaware County Sheriff Craig Dumond opposes the law:

(Dumond
12-30-19)

The new law blocks judges from jailing defendants on bail for misdemeanors or nonviolent felonies. those accused will instead be released and ordered to return for their next court date.

NYSEG officials reported that a few hundred customers had power outages this afternoon due to the weather.  75 customers were without power in Broome County, 250 were without power in Otsego County, and over 1500 in Sullivan County, where the bulk of the icy precipitation is expected through midnight tonight.  NYSEG has crews ready for the expected power outages from the ice, in the eastern counties of the state.

Several
new laws go into effect this week on New Year's Day.  Starting January 1st, farmworkers across New
York have the right to unionize. The new law also requires farmers to set a
60-hour work week for workers and allow them at least 24 consecutive hours of
rest each week. Also, the state's Minimum wage will increase; Workers across
Upstate will get a new minimum wage to $11.80 an hour.  Also on January 1st, Health insurers must
limit co-pays or co-insurance for outpatient mental health treatment and
treatment for addiction.

Governor
Cuomo announced a proposal of his 2020 State of the State agenda: legislation
banning all flavored nicotine vaping products including menthol flavors and
vaping advertisements aimed at youth. The legislation would also authorize the
State Department of Health to regulate the sale of chemicals used in
vaping-related products and ban the sale of vaping product carrier oils deemed
to be a public health risk. Finally, the legislation would prohibit the online,
phone and mail order sale of e-cigarettes; only registered retailers would be
allowed to purchase e-cigarettes using those methods.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker declared that
influenza is now prevalent in New York State. This announcement means that
healthcare workers who are not vaccinated against influenza wear surgical or
procedure masks in patient areas.
Laboratory-confirmed cases are in 42 counties and all 5 boroughs of New
York City. So far, there are 691 flu-related hospitalizations and 1
flu-associated pediatric death reported.
More information is available at health.ny.gov.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 25 year old
Dystinee Rubera of Unadilla  with
Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Moved from lane unsafely
and Operate Motor Vehicle by Unlicensed Driver. The arrest occurred as result
of a traffic stop on State Highway 10 in the Town of Delhi, Rubera was issued
an appearance ticket to Town of Delhi Court at a later date.

Another free Christmas Day dinner is being offered by Gene
Schmidt & his family at the Sidney Fire Department on River Street, Schmidt
is looking for volunteers to help out:

(Gene Schmidt 12-9-19)

The dinner will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 PM Christmas Day,
those who would like more information, or to volunteer, can call Schmidt at
607-610-4030.

Several Dietz Street area
businesses owners are teaming up for a lawsuit against the City of Oneonta,
they claim that the city did not follow proper procedure when they approved of
plans for new housing on Dietz Street.
Plans call for are related apartments & businesses to go into the
Lofts project on Dietz Street, some of the parking spots in the Municipal lot
would be removed in favor of the new building.

Investigators from the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office
arrested 27-year-old Anthony Masi Friday, for Criminal Contempt.  Masi was being held at the Delaware County
Correctional Facility on a Parole violation, he allegedly violated an Order of
Protection issued by the City of Norwich Court.
Masi was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court and remanded back to the
Delaware County Correctional Facility on $1,000 cash bail, or $2,000.00 bond
& he will appear in the Town of Delhi Court at a later date for further
Court action.

The Otsego County Board of Representatives voted last week
to approve their 2020 budget plan, and voted to approve of adding the position
of County Manager at an annual salary of $150,000, a search will be conducted
and a county manager is expected to be hired later next year.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 44-Year-Old
Jubar McDaniel of St. Albans, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor
vehicle, Failure to Comply with a Lawful Order, Speeding as well as several
other charges, after he failed to comply with law enforcement on State Highway
17 in Hancock, into the Town of Colchester, and he stopped in Sullivan
County.  McDaniel was arraigned in the
Colchester Town Court, and subsequently remanded to the Delaware County Jail on
$500 cash, or $1,500 bond.  McDaniel is
scheduled to return to the Town of Colchester Court at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff’s
Department arrested a Sidney Center woman at the Jackson County Sheriff’s
Office in Medford, Oregon.  32 year old
Chellie Warner of Sidney Center was wanted on a Bench Warrant issued by the Delaware
County Court for failure to appear for a scheduled conference and sentencing
following her guilty plea for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance.  Warner was originally arrested by Delaware
County Sheriff’s Office in December 2017, on a Grand Jury Sealed Indictment
Warrant for various drug charges for selling Fentanyl laced Heroin.  Warner was returned to Delaware County
Wednesday she was remanded to the Delaware County jail without bail.

Changes in the length of the statute of limitations recently
passed in the New York Child Victim’s Act, have led to hundreds of lawsuits
being filed against members of the clergy & educators who have been accused
or convicted of rape or sexual abuse.
Former Afton Principal David Curtis now faces a lawsuit after he pleaded
guilty for sexually abusing a teenage student over 30 years ago; his accuser
has brought a lawsuit against him and the Afton school district.    Curtis pleaded guilty to Endangering the
Welfare of a child by Sexual Contact, under the terms of a plea bargain
arrangement in 1991.

The Afton Community Theater presents "Matilda the
Musical" this weekend.  Clair
Sullivan plays Matilda in 2 of the 4 performances this weekend:

(Clair Sullivan 9-27-19)

Marek Rajner also has a key role in this production:

(Marek Rajner 9-27-19)

The shows will be Friday & Saturday nights at 7:00 PM,
with Saturday 7 Sunday Matinees at 2:00 PM, at the Margery Secrest Theater at
the Afton Central School.  Tickets are
available at BrownpaperTickets.com.

The Broome County Sheriff's Department is looking for a
person who crashed a vehicle into a home at 11 Old State Road in Port Dickinson
late last night.  The car was left at the
scene, the driver left the scene, the investigation is continuing.

Governor Cuomo announced he has received and reviewed a
recommendation from New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker to
include menthol in the ban on the sale of flavored electronic cigarettes and
nicotine e-liquids. He has accepted these recommendations and directed the
Commissioner to convene an emergency meeting of the Public Health and Health
Planning Council as soon as possible to expand emergency regulations to include
menthol flavors in the ban.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi fought to protect the
Bainbridge VA clinic in Chenango County at a House Veterans’ Affairs Health
Subcommittee hearing Wednesday, and confirmed with Dr. Richard Stone of the Veterans’
Health Administration that the clinic will not close in December 2019, as was
previously proposed. Brindisi invited Stone to visit the Bainbridge facility
and see firsthand the need it fills for Chenango County Veterans.  More than 3,600 Veterans reside in Chenango
County.

Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond announced that on Thursday September 19th, local law enforcement agencies joined forces in the Village of Sidney area to conduct a multi-agency traffic enforcement detail, which resulted in 43 traffic summonses.  Also, 36 year-old Mitchell Knapp of Masonville was arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and Violation of Probation.  Knapp was arraigned in the Town of Sidney Court and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility where he was held without bail pending further court action.

Donors of all blood types are urgently needed to donate
today in Wells Bridge & Tomorrow in Sidney.
Appointments can be made by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor
App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or enabling the Blood
Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. The Wells Bridge drive would be from 1:00
to 6:00 PM at the Wells Bridge Fire Department, Saturday’s Sidney drive will be
from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the First Congregational Church.

The Broome County District Attorney’s office announced that 27 year old Thomas Sessions of Whitney Point was arraigned Wednesday in Broome County Court, in connection with a March 23rd attack that seriously injured a Lisle resident. Sessions was located earlier this month in Arizona and taken into custody. The grand jury indictment charges Sessions with attempted 2nd degree murder, 1st degree assault, & attempted 1st & 2nd degree assault; he is accused of striking the victim in the head after knocking on the victim’s door & claiming to have a disabled vehicle.

A new report released Monday by a coalition of New York State law enforcement officials, public health experts and elected officials, showed that The Delaware County had the highest rates of gun-related suicide and homicide. The research focused at the rate of homicide and suicide in each county from 2012 to 2016, the report showed that for every 100,000 residents of Delaware County, there were 13.4 gun-related deaths, & the a rate of suicide by gun at 12.9. Other counties that ranked high were Allegany, Wyoming, Cattaraugus and Sullivan counties. New York State’s overall gun-related death rate was 4.4 deaths per 100,000 residents, which is below the national average of 11.8 deaths per 100,000 residents.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 19 year old Cordell Witherow of Plymouth for 3rd degree Assault. Witherow is accused of causing serious physical injury to an unidentified male victim. Witherow was released on an appearance ticket and is to appear in the Town of Plymouth Court at a later date.

Chenango County Sheriff's Department arrested 24 year old Cara Kaskeski of Mount Vision, for Welfare Fraud & Offering a False Instrument for Filing. Kaskeski allegedly collected more than $9,000 in child care assistance from July 2014 through November 2017 which she was not entitled to receive, she was issued appearance tickets to appear in the City of Norwich Court at a later date.

US Postal Inspectors, State Police CNET, Homeland Security Investigators (HSI), Vestal Police Department and the Broome County Drug Task Force made a controlled delivery of a package containing approximately 250 grams of Ecstasy to a residence in Binghamton. Following the delivery, a search was conducted at the home of 32 year old Andrew Davis, A search of the residence leads to the recovery of the package, digital scales, cellphone, & other items, Davis was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, he was arraigned and was remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 42 year old Patrick Renner Jr. of Stamford for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Operating a Motor Vehicle without an Ignition Interlock Device, Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle & violating the terms of his probation. Renner is accused of driving a vehicle on Main Street in the Village of Stamford on Thursday with a revoked driver’s license and without an ignition interlock device, from a previous DWI conviction. Renner was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail pending further court action.

State Police arrested 36 year old Jennifer Grant of Westford for DWI, Operating a Vehicle While Registration Suspended, & Unlawful Possession of Marihuana, plus numerous traffic tickets. Troopers stopped Grant while on Otsego County Highway 34 after they observed her cross the center line and drive onto the shoulder. Grant was released to a sober third party and given appearance tickets to the town of Westford Court on July 17th.

Delaware County Public Health and Delaware Opportunities will be holding a free Car Seat Safety Event at Delaware Opportunities 35430 NY-10, in Hamden, today from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Parents and caregivers can have their child’s car seat checked at no cost by certified child safety seat technicians. Car seats which do not meet the Federal Motor Safety Standard may be replaced; more information is available at 832-5200.

22 year old Richard Garreau of Sherburne has been arrested by the Otsego County Sheriff’s Department, for allegedly stealing 5 guns and several other items from a Laurens residence. Garreau was allowed to live with and was given a job by the victim, who discovered that the items were gone once Garreau moved out. Garreau was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond pending court action.

The Amphenol Corporation announced that the Vintage Manufacturing Facility buildings located at 40-60 Delaware Avenue in Sidney will be removed in preparation for future use. Amphenol spokesman Joe Bianchi stated that the plating operations at the west end of the site will continue to be in operation, the rest of the manufacturing and support operations were moved to Amphenol's new facility at 191 Delaware Avenue in 2014. The buildings in question were damaged in the flooding of 2006 and 2011 & no future use for those buildings could be identified. The building removal project will begin in June & should be finished in October of this year, under the guidance of the Village of Sidney, the state Department of Health & the state DEC. Potential future uses of the site are currently being considered.

School Budgets & Bus Propositions were passed by voters by large margins Tuesday across the Southern Tier. Area school district kept their increases close to the state cap, Only Stamford in Delaware County failed to get their budget passed, and a decision by their School Board will be made shortly.

The City of Norwich Fire Department announced that the Celebration scheduled for today for the retirement of Chief Tracy Chawgo has been postponed. According to the Niagara County Sheriff's Office, Chawgo's son Bradley died Monday night in a motorcycle crash in the town of Cambria, he was a graduate of Norwich City School District in 2013, and had recently left the Norwich area. Deputies reported that Bradley Chawgo was struck by an SUV driven by 19 year old Ajjada Amos of Niagara Falls, who may have fallen asleep at the wheel, crossed the center line and struck his motorcycle head on.

Dairy farmers may be able to get money back from the revised Margin Protection Program this month, but they have to sign up before June 1st in order to benefit. Farm Service Agency representatives in each county office across New York State are available to meet with dairy farmers to discuss the program and its anticipated returns for each particular farmer and help farmers sign up if they are not already enrolled. FSA representatives are available in Delaware County at 865-4005 and in Otsego County at 547-8131.

Governor Cuomo declared a state of emergency in nearby Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, and Sullivan Counties as they continue to recover from several severe thunderstorms yesterday. The Governor has deployed 125 members of the New York National Guard to assist communities with recovery efforts, plus thousands of state and local personnel are working to clear debris & re-open roads. A travel advisory was also put into effect for those counties, NYSEG reported over 10,000 were still without power from the storms earlier this afternoon.

Governor Cuomo announced a Lyme and tick-borne disease control plan on public lands, increase public awareness and create a working group to participate in a Lyme disease summit this summer. The Governor has directed the Department of Health, DEC and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to collaborate in order to target priority counties and public lands with the highest risk of tick exposure and Lyme disease. More information about Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases is available at health.ny.gov.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested a Hancock couple for allegedly possessing stolen Snowmobiles from Pennsylvania & possessing drugs packaged for sale. Deputies recovered 4 stolen snowmobiles in Hancock and Deposit, they arrested 28 year old Matthew Mason of Hancock, for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property for allegedly possessing the stolen snowmobile trailer and 4 snowmobiles, he was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond. Deputies had also arrested 43 year old Tammy Moore on 2 separate occasions once for Aggravated DWI, Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & later for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property. Moore was returned to the County Jail after posting bail on the 1stset of charges. A search warrant was executed at the Mason and Moore home; deputies seized marihuana plants, processed marihuana & drug paraphernalia.

State Police arrested 38 year old Michael Sullivan of Agawam, Massachusetts & 30 year old Gabrielle Graham of Pittsfield, Massachusetts for criminal possession of a controlled substance, Sullivan was additionally charged with Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Troopers received a complaint of a disabled vehicle on I-88 in the town of Afton; they located marijuana and a smoking pipe with residue. Sullivan and Graham were arraigned in the town of Afton Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bond. Their next court date is scheduled for April 23, 2018 in the town of Afton Court.

Johnson City Police Department announced that 29-year-old Corey Robinson is being detained in Marietta, Georgia, he is suspected of murdering 46 year old Erika Smith Cunningham, who was found dead at 92 Crocker Avenue Sunday morning. An arrest warrant was issued on Thursday and Robinson was taken into custody a few hours later. Robinson will be charged with 2nd degree murder, Extradition proceedings have begun, Robinson is expected to be returned to Broome County in about a week.

New York continues to be one of the leading states in the country where people are moving out of, according to United Van Lines. New York ranked 3rd behind Illinois and New Jersey, as the top 3 states that people are leaving. The United van Lines statistics showed that 46% left for job-related reasons, 29% left following retirement, 19% left for family reasons, 5% for health reasons. The largest age population of those who left were ages 55 to 64.

Governor Cuomo today announced a new initiative to provide teachers and coaches with resources they can use to help prevent and address substance use disorder among young people. Starting next week, the New York State Department of Health, the New York State Education Department, and the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services will notify schools statewide of the availability of flash drives loaded with materials in English and Spanish for coaches, teachers, school nurses, and other educators to use in personal conversations with students and in community forums.

The Otsego County Department of Health is hosting the 2018 Living Healthier Expo at the Foothills Performing Arts center on market Street in Oneonta today & tomorrow. The American Red Cross will be holding blood drives over both days, topics will include Lyme disease, rabies Awareness, Chronic Disease management; more information is available at 547-4230 or LHEOtsego.com.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce is hosting their 2nd Annual Comedy show at the Old Schoolhouse Inn of Downsville Saturday Night starting at 7:30 PM. Tickets & more information are available at 746-2281 or delawarecounty.org.

The Otsego County Health Department has reported that the Oneonta School district has 6 cases of Pertussis, also know as Whooping cough. Parents of students at the Oneonta School have been notified, Pertussis is highly contagious & is usually accompanied by fever, a runny nose & a harsh cough.

Resorts World Catskills announced that the new casino in Monticello is expecting to add 1400 jobs once they are open for business. The company is holding job fairs in Sullivan & Orange Counties, the casino is one several new casino's opening in the Upstate Counties, after the state amended their laws to allow for the casino's to open.

NY State of Health announced enrollment in Qualified Health Plans and the Essential Plan have reached nearly 900,000, outpacing last year by 13%. Open Enrollment in a Qualified Health Plans continues through January 31st, but consumers need to enroll by December 15th, 2017 for coverage beginning January 1st, 2018. Consumers can enroll in a health plan Online at nystateofhealth.ny.gov, by calling 1-855-355-5777.

The Broome County Emergency Services Dispatch Center received a report late yesterday afternoon of a possible drowning in the Susquehanna River in the Town of Colesville. Emergency responders were met by a fisherman who took them by boat, to 56 year old Joseph Kapral of Albion, who was not breathing. Efforts to revive Kapral were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation revealed that Kapral suffered a heart attack which contributed to his drowning, the death has been ruled as an accidental drowning.

The State Department of Health today announced a new set of regulations that will for the state's Medical Marijuana Program. The new regulations will allow for the sale of additional medical marijuana products and the addition of new courses that will allow prospective practitioners to complete their training in a shorter amount of time. There were 26,561 certified patients and 1,155 registered practitioners participating in the program. More information is available at health.ny.gov/regulations/medical_marijuana/.

State and federal crash Statistics have been released of the Counties in New York State with the highest motor vehicle crashes based on fatalities per 100,000 people. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that Seneca County had the worst numbers, followed by Greene County, Delaware County, Sullivan County & Wyoming County.

The Delaware County Fairgrounds are gearing up for the annual fair next week in Walton. Spokesman Jason Craig explains:

(Jason Craig 8-10-17)

The 131st Delaware County Fair will run from august 14th to the 19th

Chenango County Sheriff's department arrested 38 year old Mandy Martinez of the Bronx on an active Bench Warrant. Martinez was wanted by the Town of Norwich Court for failing to appear on in court to answer to a Petty Larceny charge from 2014, she was taken into custody & was arraigned & remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $500 cash bail. Martinez had returned to Norwich following the murder of her daughter, 11 year old Jacelyn O'Connor, and the arrest of 2 men for that murder.

Chenango County District Attorney Joe McBride announced today that more charges have been filed against James Brower & Tobias Rundstrom-Wooding, in connection with the rape & murder of 11 year Old Jacelyn O'Connor on July 30th in Norwich. Brower faced court action this afternoon in Norwich, the 2 men were charged initially with 1st degree Murder, and now felony "While acting in concert" in connection with the girls death. Both men are being held without bail pending additional court action.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office Investigators arrested 30-year-old Scott Hanrahan of Deposit, 29-year-old Justin Crandall of Sidney, and 27-year-old John Bolster of Hancock, for promoting contraband within the Delaware County Correctional Facility. All 3 are incarcerated at the County Jail on unrelated charges, they are accused of possessing prescription medication prescribed to another inmate, they were charged with 1 count each of Promoting Prison Contraband, they face arraignment on the new charges in the Town of Delhi Court at a later time.

Delaware County has a rapidly growing aging population, with an increasing number of young adults leaving the region, which is causing problems for the Delaware County Office for the Aging to take care of elderly clients. Office Director Wayne Shepard explains:

(Wayne Shepard 8-8-17)

Shepard said that anyone who wants to volunteer, or want to pursue a career ion helping the elderly, they can contact Delaware County Office for the Aging at 832-5750.

Governor Cuomo announced today that $1.6 million has been awarded to 3 emergency food relief organizations in the Southern Tier through the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program, administered by the Department of Health. Agencies receiving these awards are required to devote a portion of the funding to food identified as helpful in the prevention of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity. Locally, funding was awarded to the Broome County Council of Churches, they received $100,000 & Delaware Opportunities received $149,315

The Electoral Action Working Group of Delaware County Solidarity has organized a community forum Saturday, August 26th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM in the Community Room, The United Ministry of Delhi at 1 Church Street. Candidates who have officially announced their run for the 19th congressional seat will participate, including Jeff Beals, Steven Brisee, Dave Clegg, Antonio Delgado, Brian Flynn, Gareth Rhodes, Pat Ryan and Sue Sullivan. More information is available at 363-2752

Governor Cuomo announced a program to provide no-cost or lower-cost naloxone at pharmacies across New York. Beginning tomorrow, individuals with prescription health insurance coverage, including Medicaid and Medicare, will receive up to $40 in co-payment assistance, Uninsured individuals and individuals without prescription coverage will still be able to receive naloxone at no cost through a network of registered opioid overdose prevention programs. More information is available at health.ny.gov/overdose.

A Winter Storm is heading up the East Coast & will impact much of the state starting tonight. Sidney High School Science Teacher & Meteorologist Rich Townsend explains:

(Rich Townsend 3-13-17)

The National Weather service has a Winter Storm Warning in effect tonight through Wednesday Night & a Blizzard warning has been posted for parts of Delaware County & neighboring Sullivan County.

Oneonta Police Department received a call Friday Night from a citizen in southern New York State regarding an acquaintance who was stranded in Oneonta and possibly expressing suicidal and homicidal tendencies. Officers located 35 year old Samuel Browning of Philadelphia Pennsylvania, in the area of 145 Main Street. Browning was taken into custody without incident, he was found to be in possession of a loaded .357 magnum revolver and a small quantity of marijuana, the handgun had been reported stolen from the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Browning was charged with Criminal possession of a firearm, Criminal possession of stolen property, And Unlawful possession of marijuana. Browning was held at the Oneonta Police Department until arraignment in the City of Oneonta Court.

Chenango County Sheriff's Department arrested 2 Town of Greene residents for agriculture and markets law violations. Deputies arrested Martin and Mary Canny for 7 counts of failure to provide proper sustenance of farm animals and dogs, following a complaint on March 6th, the Leather Stocking Veterinary Clinic of New Berlin responded, they found numerous animals to be malnourished and recommended them to be removed from the property and offered assistance from the clinic. Martin and Mary Canny voluntarily gave up their rights to the rest of their animals, they were also taken to the Leather Stocking clinic.

The State Health Department announced that the UHS Senior Living at Chenango Memorial; Hospital in Norwich is in the top 20% of New York Nursing homes. The distinction was based on the 2016 Nursing Home's Quality Initiative, which evaluates the nursing homes Quality of Care & Performance. The UHS Senior Living department at Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich is located on the Hospitals 2nd floor & offers 75 beds.

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

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

Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig announced that s steering committee of local shareholders & community leaders has been formed, who will work with urban planners and staff members from the department of state, homes & community Renewal & the governors office. The city received a $10 million dollars Downtown revitalization award through the Mohawk Valley Economic Development regional council, the first meeting of the steering committee will be on September 27th, a time & a place has not yet been announced. The meetings will be open to the public, and time will be allotted for public input.

A Broome County jury has found Brendan Barrett not guilty of beating an infant to death. Barrett was originally charged with 2nd-Degree Murder, 1st-Degree Manslaughter, and 2nd-Degree Assault in the December 2013 death of Camryn Davies.

GO-EDC energy sub-committee has scheduled a general interest presentation on this subject for Today, at 4:00 PM in the conference room of the Oneonta Hampton Inn. Dan Sullivan, the Mohawk Valley Region's new outreach coordinator for the Clean Energy Program will be the presenter. The CECP is a NYSERDA program which provides grant opportunities to Clean Energy designated communities of between $100,000 - $250,000 depending on population.

State Police responded to a report of a physical domestic dispute at 318 Stein Road in Greene, 44-year-old Anthony A. Bowman of Cortland, was involved in an argument with his son, 20-year-old Anthony L. Bowman of Greene. The argument evolved into a physical dispute with the younger Bowman stabbing his father multiple times in the torso. Anthony A. Bowman was transported to Wilson Memorial Hospital for the treatment of non-life threatening wounds. Anthony L. Bowman was charged with 1st degree assault, he was arraigned in the Town of Oxford Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash bail.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office responded to Route 81 southbound, exit 3 in the Town of Kirkwood for a head-on motor vehicle collision with injuries. The initial investigation revealed the deceased vehicle operator was traveling north in the southbound lane when she collided with an SUV traveling south. 5 SUV occupants suffered minor injuries and were all transported to Wilson Hospital. The deceased vehicle operators name has not yet been released pending family notification, Route 81 was closed at exit 3 south-bound off ramp for about 4 hours until 7:40 this morning.

The State Department of Health announced that it has begun issuing the results of seasonal mosquito surveillance and testing statewide, and added Zika to its list of mosquito-borne viruses under surveillance. The Department conducts surveillance for mosquito-borne viruses including West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus and Zika virus. Zika virus is spread primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitos become infected when they feed on a person already infected with the virus and can then spread the virus to other people through bites.

Governor Cuomo is in Sullivan County today, for the 1st annual Catskill Summer Challenge. Cuomo will be accompanied by Special Guest Robert De Niro, at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel. At 3:00 PM Governor Cuomo Attends the 2016 Catskill Summer Challenge Luncheon and Award Ceremony at Bethel Woods,

Chenango County Public Health will host another free rabies clinic tonight in New Berlin. The clinic will run from 5:30 to 6:30 at the New Berlin Firehouse, more information is available at 337-1673.

The last day to register to vote in the November 3rd General Election for Delaware county residents is Friday October 9, 2015, it is also the last day for the Board of Elections to receive an enrollment change to be effective for 2016. The 52nd Senate District covering Deposit and Hancock has a 1-year vacancy. County Court Judge and County Family Court Judge and many town offices are up for election. Absentee ballots, sample ballots with any propositions for the General Election are available at the Board of Elections Office in Delhi, Registration Forms and Absentee Ballot applications may be downloaded from co.delaware.ny.us/departments.

Fire Prevention Safety Week is this Sunday October 4th through Saturday October 10th. The Franklin Fire department will hold their 2nd annual open house & public safety day on Sunday, from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM, with free refreshments, free smoke detectors & participation with the American Red cross, Delaware county sheriff's department state police & Bassett health care among others. The Franklin fire department is located at 351 Main Street.

Delaware County Public Health Services announces that the next free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats, and ferrets on October 14th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Delhi Fire Hall at 140 Delview Terrace. This will be the last rabies clinic for 2015 for Delaware County; more information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com.

The Sidney high school athletic department announced that directions are available to the Sullivan West central school in Lake Huntington for tonight's Sidney away game. The directions can be accessed on the Sidney central school district athletics web page.

The Chenango County Council of the Arts will host a Drink Wine & Let’s Design workshop today from 6-9pm, Workshop fees are $35 for CCCA members and $45 for non-members, and includes workshop instruction, paint, palette, brushes and canvas. Classes are held in the Council’s art classroom at 27 West Main Street, Norwich. More information is available at 336-ARTS or chenangoarts.org.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies identified the person and vehicle sought in a Sands Creek Road, Town of Tompkins burglary investigation. 32-year-old Justin Biedekapp of Hancock, confessed to the crime to authorities after surveillance photos & information were released to the media. Biedekapp was charged with 2nd degree Criminal Trespass & was issued an appearance ticket returnable in the Town of Tompkins Court at a later date.

Governor Cuomo recently asked the Gaming Casino Location Siting Board to consider awarding the 4th casino license to the Southern Tier Region, after awarding only 3 licenses out of 4 last month. Area State Senator John Bonacic stated that the Sullivan County choice in his district is outstanding, and should be fast-tracked to get open quickly, before considering Tioga downs:

(Bonacic 1-16-15)

Bonacic said that the casino in Sullivan County is projected to being over 20 million dollars a year in extra revenue to the Sullivan & Orange County areas due to the expected increased tourism to the area because of the new casino.

Nigel Saunders was found guilty of 2 counts of 2nd degree murder, 1st degree burglary 1st degree robbery and 2nd degree assault in Broome County court this morning. Saunders was on trial for the murder of 23-year-old Jordan Dordell & his fiancé in Binghamton, after only 3 hours of deliberation. Saunders will be sentenced on March 27th.

The state Department of Health inappropriately paid more than 29,000 pharmacy claims worth nearly $1 million over a 27-month period for thousands of Medicaid recipients whose benefits were already covered by other plans, according to an audit released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. A second audit released today found another $61,711 in overpayments to providers because of incorrect Medicare coinsurance, copayment or deductible amounts. DiNapoli recommended that the DOH Review and recover improper overpayments; instruct providers to bill Medicare Part C claims in accordance with existing requirements, & assess all claims that auditors did not examine in detail and determine if overpayments were made that warrant recovery.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Department arrested 19-year-old Maxwell Horton of Sherburne for unlawful possession of marihuana. Deputies arrested Horton following a traffic stop for vehicle and traffic violations and during the investigation of the traffic stop deputies found Horton to be in possession of marihuana. Horton was released on an appearance ticket for Village of Sherburne court on a later date.

The State DEC extended the public comment period on the draft permit for the proposed Constitution Pipeline and an upgrade to the Iroquois Wright Compressor station in Schoharie County by an additional 28 days.  Public comments will now be accepted until Friday, February 27.  Written comments should be submitted to: DEC – Division of Environmental Permits, 625 Broadway, 4th Floor, Albany, NY  12233. Copies of the documents can be viewed online at constitutionpipeline.com,  Printed copies are available at the Libraries in Afton, Bainbridge, Franklin, Sidney & Deposit.

National Weather service officials have confirmed 8 tornadoes in our area in the last week.   Officials said that 8 Tornadoes is unusually high, the region only averages a few tornadoes a year.  Officials said that severe weather tends to come in cycles, with the most recent year with similar activity is 1998.   The latest confirmation was that a tornado hit the Sullivan county hamlet of Parksville on Sunday, with 90 mile an hour winds, making that tornado ranked as an "EF-1".

Pre-trial hearings for Ganesh Ramsaran will be closed to both the public and the media, by Chenango County judge Frank Revoir.  Ramsaran is accused of killing his wife Jennifer Ramsaran in December of 2012, her body was found about 2 months later in a wooded area in Pharsalia. Ramsaran's murder trial is scheduled to begin in September.

The murder trial of 40-year-old Aaron Powell continues in Broome county court.  Powell is accused of murdering his estranged wife Christina Powell and 24-year-old Mario Masciarelli at the Powell's Binghamton home in March of 2013.  Prosecutors allege that Powell killed Masciarelli with a baseball bat and strangled his wife with an electrical cord.  Powell remains held in the Broome County jail without bail during the trial.

The Anti-Fracking movement claimed victory this week when a supreme court judge tossed out lawsuits from the Joint Landowners Coalition and Norse energy, the 2 entities were trying to push Governor Cuomo to make a decision on Hydrofracking after 6 years of a moratorium.  Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Rob Astorino vowed to move forward with allowing hydro-fracking is elected as governor in the November election.  Governor Cuomo inherited the gas-drilling moratorium from the previous administration of David Paterson; research is still being performed by the state health department following thousands of [public comments on the issue.

The Otsego county health department will hold a free rabies clinic today at the Morris fire department.  The clinic will run from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, for dogs 7 cats at least 3 months of age.

36-year-old Jeremy Barrett of Deposit pleaded guilty in Broome County Court to 2 counts of sexual conduct against a child. Barrett admitted to sexual contact with 3 under aged girls, he faces sentencing on August 1st.

The State Senate Task Force on Heroin & Opiod addiction will hold another public hearing tomorrow, to gather more input on the growing problem. The task force will be in State Senator John Bonacic’s District:

(Bonacic 5-8-14)

Friday’s hearing will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Sullivan County Government Center in Monticello, those who were unable to attend the Oneonta event are invited to testify at Friday’s event.

The Delaware county Sheriff's Office now has a drug drop-0ff Box In their Front Lobby at 280 Phoebe Lane in Delhi.   Sheriff Tom Mils announced that Mallinckrodt's Hobart plant is responsible for the prescription drug take-back collection box. County Residents are invited to safely and legally dispose of unused or unwanted prescription drugs at the Delhi Location, in order for these items to stay out of the wrong hands. The box may be utilized to dispose of prescription medications, however, Needles and liquid medicine cannot be discarded in this box.   More information is available at 746-2336.

State Police arrested 34-year-old April Florance of Kirkwood, for DWI & Unlawful possession of Marijuana. Police reported that Florance drove the barracks to make a complaint; the desk Trooper detected a strong odor of alcohol on her breath.   Troopers determined that Florance also in possession of marijuana in the police station.   Florance refused to submit to a breath test, she was arraigned & was and remanded to the Broome County Jail pending future court action.

Federal auditors say New York should repay $60.8 million in Medicaid reimbursement, for unallowable costs for room and board for taking care of developmentally disabled people. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services inspector general said repairs, maintenance, utilities, and property-related costs should have been excluded, in calculating Medicaid payment rates at state-operated residences. The audit recommends the state Health Department refund the $60.8 million federal share of those costs.

Oneonta Police Department arrested 3 people on a variety of drug charges.  Arrested were 24-Year-old Adam Scully of Oneonta ,  22-year-old Ray Arnold of Oneonta for criminal possession of a controlled substance, Police confiscated 11 bags of heroin, also arrested was 25-year-old Cody Clapper of Oneonta, for conspiracy, criminal possession of a controlled substance and possession of a hypodermic instrument.  Scully, Arnold and Clapper were arraigned in the City of Oneonta Court and sent to the Otsego County Correctional Facility pending a future court action.

The Catskill Watershed Corporation has extended eligibility guidelines for its Septic Rehabilitation and Replacement Program.  Homeowners within the New York City Watershed in Delaware, Greene, Schoharie, Sullivan or Ulster Counties may be eligible for assistance if their property is within 300 feet of a watercourse, and if their homes were built prior to November 2, 1995.  The program pays 100% of the cost of replacing failed septic systems for permanent residences; 60% for non-primary residences.  Homeowners  who may be eligible for this program, should call  845-586-1400 to arrange for a CWC staff visit.

New York State of Health reported that Over 1.2 million New Yorkers have completed their applications and over 908,000 have enrolled for coverage since the launch of the Marketplace last October 1st.   More than 70% of those who have enrolled to date were uninsured at the time of application. New York State of Health will continue to provide additional assistance to individuals who began the application process by March 31. All applications and enrollments must be completed by the end of the day on April 15th.

On April 3rd Delaware County Deputies participated in Operation Safe Stop to combat the illegal passing of stopped school buses.   Deputies shadowed school buses during their morning and afternoon bus routes in the Downsville, Deposit, Delhi, Franklin and Stamford Central School Districts.  During the Operation deputies issued 1 traffic summons to an individual that passed a Franklin School District Bus that was stopped with flashing red lights.  Statistics show that increased awareness of school bus traffic laws has brought the umber of potentially deadly incidents way down since Operation Safe Stop began.