WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 10-7-21

Governor Kathy Hochul today signed several pieces of legislation aimed toward reducing drug-related overdose deaths across New York State and encouraging those suffering from addiction to seek help in their recovery. Governor Hochul said that 1 bill will decriminalize possession of opioid antagonists, which are drugs that block opioids by attaching to opioid receptors without activating them, another bill establishes a program for the use of medication assisted substance use disorder treatment for incarcerated individuals, another decriminalizes the possession and sale of hypodermic needles and syringes & another bill establishes an online directory for distributors of opioid antagonists, to be maintained by the Office of Addiction Services and Supports.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that $125 million in state funding is now available to help landlords that couldn't participate in the New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program due to a federal requirement for tenants to participate in the application process. The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is accepting applications starting Today, the Landlord Rental Assistance Program provides up to 12 months of past-due rent to landlords, the assistance is first come, first serve, for landlords who did not receive rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more information can be found at otda.ny.gov.

Delaware County Public Health reported 38 more cases of COVID 19 on Tuesday & Wednesday, they have 161 active cases, 8 hospitalized and they are back up to 299 quarantined. Delaware County still reports a 6.3% positivity rate, well above the state average. Only 50.9% of the County population are vaccinated, 63% of the positive cases are unvaccinated, 16% of the positive cases are Pre-K-12th students or school district employees.

Delaware County Clean Sweep Chemical Disposal Days are being held Friday for County Businesses and Saturday for homeowners. The County Solid Waste Department will collect various household chemicals for proper disposal such as paint, pesticides, automotive chemicals, glues, and pool chemicals, various types of light bulbs & sharps & syringes. The clean Sweep disposal days were able to be held on their usual days in October this year, last year they were forced to hold the event later in the year due to the COVID pandemic & subsequent shutdown.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 10-7-21

A Chenango County man was arraigned in federal court Tuesday, 42 year old Brian Whipple of New Berlin was indicted for receipt and possession of child pornography, from 2009 to 2020, and allegedly possessed the images on multiple devices. Whipple faces a minimum of five years and a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted. He would also have to register as a sex offender and could be fined up to $250,000.

The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage and must collect 10,000 additional blood products each week for the next several weeks to meet hospital and patient needs. Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are urged to make an appointment. A blood drive is being held today in Delhi, from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Delhi Alliance Church on state Route 28. Appointments can be made by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Delaware County Board of Elections reminds County Voters that October 8th is the last day to register in person and to postmark a registration form for the November 2nd General Election. Early voting will be in the County Office in Delhi will be from October 23rd through October 31st. More information is available at 832-5321.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 9-29-21

Chenango County Public Health announced that next Tuesday, October 5th, they are hosting a Pfizer booster clinic for those eligible, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the South Plaza location in Norwich. About 400 appointments are available, more information or registration is available at co.chenango.ny.us. The County currently has 108 Active Cases of COVID 19, 29% are vaccinated cases, and 272 are quarantined.

The American Red Cross continues to ask the public to donate blood as soon as possible, as donations are at their lowest point since the summer of 2015. A Blood drive is being held in Cooperstown until 4:30 this afternoon at the St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, at 31 Elm Street. Appointments can be made by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Bassett Healthcare Network announced some temporary changes to services, this week, as they anticipated that there would be a significant shortage of employees, based on the state mandate that health care workers had to get COVID Vaccinations, or leave their jobs. Gabby Argo of Bassett Healthcare said that they had a high percentage of vaccinated workers:

(Gabby Argo 9-29-21)

Argo said that the most up-to-date information about temporary service changes can be found at bassett.org.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced Dr. Mary Bassett has been appointed Commissioner of the Department of Health. From 2014 through summer 2018, Dr. Bassett served as commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Dr. Bassett replaces Dr. Howard Zucker, who served as Health Commissioner for just under 7 1/2 years.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 9-29-21

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies investigated a personal injury car-deer accident on State Highway 206 in Trout Creek Saturday Night. 32 year-old Anthony Mister of Sidney collided with a deer and sustained a head injury, he was transported to Delaware Valley Hospital in Walton for treatment. A routine driver’s license inquiry revealed that Mister’s driver’s license was suspended for failure to answer a summons, he was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, he was released and directed to appear in the Town of Tompkins Court on a later date.

The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance announced that construction is underway on Greater Opportunities for Broome and Chenango’s North Side Rehabilitation Project, that will create 27 units of permanent supportive housing across 4 sites in Binghamton. The 8.1 Million Dollar project will serve people who have experienced homelessness, mental illness, people who were formerly incarcerated, veterans, young adults and youth aging out of foster care.

Governor Hochul announced that all New Yorkers enrolled in SNAP will see their level of benefits increase next month resulting from a federal cost adjustment. On average, households enrolled in SNAP will see their regular benefits increase by about $36 per person. The U.S Department of Agriculture to re-calculated SNAP benefits, which resulted in the 1st increase in more than 45 years. In New York, a family of four will see their benefits increase from a maximum allotment of $680 to $835 under the new plan.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-20-21

State Police in Herkimer County are investigation a fatal stabbing in Jordanville late Sunday evening, that resulted in 2 deaths. State Police were called to a home on State Route 167 at around 7:00 PM, a person of interest in the investigation was flown by helicopter to Upstate Medical in Syracuse with unknown injuries, State Police reported that there was no threat to the public.

Chenango County Public Health announced that they have 116 active cases of COVID 19, 50 of the cases are vaccinated. 291 County Residents are Quarantined, 6 are hospitalized, 1 of those patients is vaccinated. Chenango County has had 4148 total cases, 3891 recoveries & 82 deaths since the pandemic began.

Broome County Sheriff's Department Captain Kate Newcomb has announced that she will run for Sheriff after current Sheriff David Harder retires. Newcomb faces State Senator Fred Akshar, who announced earlier this year that he seeks he law enforcement position, rather than run for re-election to the State Senate.

The ARC Otsego announce that the Hot Cocoa 5k Run and 1k Walk, Run, and Roll will take place on Sunday, November 7th in Neahwa Park. The 1k will start at 9:30am, and the 5k at 10:00 am. To register, visit thearcotsegohotcocoa5krun1kwalkrunroll.itsyourrace.com/register.

This year, the Home Energy Assistance Program or "HEAP" season is opening early on October 1st. The Delaware County Office for the Aging announced that any individual, age 60 and over, not on SNAP, or Temporary Assistance and was approved for HEAP last year, was automatically sent an application for the 2021-2022 heating season by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Households who did not receive an application may apply by submitting their application at mybenefits.ny.gov. More information is available 832-5750.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their next regular meeting Tuesday morning at Bob's Diner in Bainbridge. The meeting will begin at 7:30 AM, more information about the chamber is available by calling 607-967-8700.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-20-21

Otsego County Department of Health reported that New cases of COVID-19 continue to be high in Otsego County. Since September 1st there have been 408 cases of COVID reported, last week there were 3 deaths related to COVID-19. The most recent deaths occurred in individuals ages 42-78. 94% of all deaths related to COVID are in unvaccinated individuals. Vaccination clinic sites can be found at otsegocounty.com or covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov, many pharmacies are offering vaccinations.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a multi-agency plan to address the school bus driver shortage affecting schools across the state. The plan includes short-term steps to remove barriers and recruit traditional and non-traditional Commercial Driver's License holders, expand CDL testing opportunities, and enhance processes all designed to get more drivers into school buses. Additionally, New York State is launching outreach to more than 550,000 CDL license holders in New York State. The longer term steps include changes to address the training and licensing of drivers, as well as broader recruitment into the bus driver profession.

Broadway in Binghamton announced that their new Season starts in October with "JIMMY BUFFETT’S ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE". Tickets will go on sale today at 10:00 AM at the Arena Box Office and Ticketmaster, more information is available at BroadwayInBinghamton.com.

Boy Scout Pack 34 in Sidney will hold a Recruitment Night tonight at 6:00 PM at the United Methodist Church; 12 Liberty Street. All Sidney kids grades K-5 are eligible to join. Interested scouts must bring a parent or guardian and come on over.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-17-21

The Otsego County Health Department reported 1 more COVID 19 death Thursday, bringing their total of deaths from COVID for this year to 48 & 67 deaths since the pandemic began. The Department reported 20 new cases Thursday with 173 active cases, 7 hospitalized & 5267 total cases since March of 2020.

The State Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, September 22 at 5:30 PM, to present the design plans for improvements to pavement, sidewalks and drainage on State Route 7 in the Village of Otego. The project will enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety and improve resiliency along Main Street from the I-88 ramps to the Otsdawa Creek Bridge. The in-person event will take place at the Otego Fire Department at 5 River Street in Otego. To join online, open the project website at dot.ny.gov/Route7Otego and click on the "Attend Live Public Meeting", more information is available at 772-7333.

This weekend will be the 6th annual "Par for Paws" golf outing to benefit the Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at the Otsego Golf Club in Cooperstown, beginning today and extending through Sunday. Golfers can mention that they are golfing in support of the SQSPCA, & a percentage of the fees will be donated to the shelter, more information is available at 547-9290.

The FCC has adopted rules to establish 988 as the new, nationwide, 3-digit phone number for Americans in crisis to connect with suicide prevention and mental health crisis counselors. To ensure that calls to 988 reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, area codes with a "988" Exchange, will need to transition to 10-digit dialing. Beginning October 24, in the 607 area, callers must dial 10-digits, the area code + telephone number, for all local calls, those who only dial the 7 digit phone number will not have their call completed, and a recording will remind the caller to hang up and dial again using the area code and the 7-digit number.

The Otsego County Health Department reported that a bat has tested positive for Rabies on Thursday in Cooperstown. Officials said that there was no human exposure; more information about rabies is available at 547-4230.

Telephone registrations began today for the Delaware County Clean Sweep Chemical Disposal Days. Solid Waste Department spokesman Tyson Robb explains:

(Tyson Robb 9-17-21)

Telephone registrations are available through October 1st at 865-6474, online registrations are continuing at cleansweepdelaware.eventbrite.com. Farms & Businesses will dispose of their items on Friday October 8th; Homeowners will bring theirs on Saturday October 9th.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-17-21

State Police are investigating the intentional burning of a pride flag outside of a home in Gilbertsville.   The flag was hanging on the front porch of the home on Spring Street when it was set on fire sometime between September 9 and September 12.  The fire also caused minor damage to the paint on the front porch.  The homeowner also reported that another pride flag and a “Keep it Kind” lawn sign were stolen from the same property several weeks ago.  It is unknown at this time if the incidents are related.  Anyone with information is asked to New York State Police at (607) 561-7400.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that $200 Million dollars in additional food assistance through the SNAP program will be available through the end of September.  All SNAP Recipients Will Receive Maximum Food Benefits for the Month, Governor Hochul also directed the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to continue working with the federal government to ensure these supplemental benefits will reach households in need throughout the fall.

The 6th annual Friends of Rogers Wild Goose Chase 5k Trail Run/Walk will be both virtually and on-site at the Rogers Center in Sherburne on Saturday.  A virtual event also allows participants to complete the run/walk race at their own pace and location of your choosing or at Rogers Center.   Registration is open at runsignup.com

A Fundraising golf tournament will be held on Sunday to benefit the Friends of the Oneonta Theatre, which is a nonprofit organization looking to reopen the historic theater as a performance venue.  The fundraiser begins at 1:00 PM at the Oneonta Country Club with 18 holes of golf, for more information call 434-1930 or visit OneontaTheatre.org and Friends of the Oneonta Theatre on Facebook.

P.M. NEWS Wednesday 9-15-21

Governor Kathy Hochul said today that she will challenge a court order issued by a federal judge in Utica Tuesday, which temporarily bars the enforcement of the state's medical worker vaccine mandate for those seeking religious exemptions in New York.  The original mandate requires most medical workers statewide to get the first COVID-19 vaccine dose by September 27th, or risk losing their jobs.  On Tuesday U.S. Northern District Justice David Hurd issued the restraining order after 17 Christian medical professionals sued state officials Monday, Judge Hurd gave state officials until September 22nd to respond to the lawsuit and set a court hearing for September 28th.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand continues to push for the implementation of the Health Force, a multibillion-dollar public health legislation passed in the American Rescue Plan earlier this year:

(Kirsten Gillibrand 9-15-21)

Gillibrand successfully secured nearly $8 billion for her Health Force legislation, to create a public health workforce to aid vaccine distribution and mobilize community leaders to improve health outcomes in their communities. Gillibrand said that New York is projected to lose about 39,000 nursing jobs by 2030.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a series of universal mask requirements that applies to New York State Office of Children and Family Services-licensed and -registered child care centers, home-based group family and family child care programs, after-school child care programs and enrolled legally exempt group programs during operational hours. New masking requirements will also apply to congregate programs and facilities licensed, registered, operated, certified or approved by the Office of Mental Health, the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, Office of Children and Family Services and the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

The Village of Sidney Clerk's office is temporarily closed until further notice at the Sidney Civic Center, starting today. The drop box on their office door at the 1st floor Village office can be utilized; residents can also call 561-2339.

The State DEC announced that the Berry Hill fire tower in the town of McDonough is now open to the public for recreation.  About $125,000 was spent on upgrades to enhance safety and accessibility for the 59 foot tower which was originally erected in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps for fire protection.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 9-15-21

Chobani is helping families affected by Hurricane Ida and evacuees from Afghanistan, housed on U.S. military bases, by donating and delivering nearly 300,000 products. In the wake of Hurricane Ida, and to assist our troops who are caring for refugees evacuated from Afghanistan, Chobani is dispatching trucks full of food from the company's Chenango County plant to the New York City area, Louisiana, Virginia and New Jersey.

On September 13th, shortly before 8:00 PM, State Police at Oneonta responded to a report of a physical domestic dispute at a residence on State Highway 28 in the town of Meredith.   During the physical dispute, one person was stabbed and later flown to Albany Medical Center where they were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.  The incident remains under investigation.

The New York State of Health Enrollment continues to surge as more New Yorkers sign up for lower cost coverage following the American Rescue Plan and enhancements made to New York’s Essential Plan.  The latest report shows that as of August 31, more than 6.3 million individuals; or 1 in 3 New Yorkers, are enrolled in health coverage through the Marketplace, Enrollment has increased across all marketplace programs since April when the state began implementing the changes.  Enrollment continues through the end of this year, more information is available at nystateofhealth.ny.gov, by phone at 1-855-355-5777.

State Police arrested 45 year old Jeremy Barcoski of Lincoln Park, New Jersey for Petty Larceny, after Troopers were dispatched to a report of man who stole items from Speedway on State Route 8 in Unadilla and left in a vehicle.  Troopers were able to locate the vehicle, troopers learned that Barcoski used a Lottery machine inside the store and it didn’t give him back the appropriate change, so he stole items from the store.   Barcoski was arrested & he was released on an appearance ticket to the Unadilla Town Court on October 18th.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 7-26-21

The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force executed a search warrant Friday in Windsor, officer seized Methamphetamines, Fentanyl, weapons & drug paraphernalia.  Police arrested Shawn McCabe of Windsor on a variety of Weapons & Drug Charges, he was being held at the Broome County Sheriff’s Correctional Facility pending arraignment.

Norwich city police are looking for a suspect in a stabbing in downtown Norwich Sunday evening.  Norwich Police said that a pedestrian was walking near American Avenue in downtown Norwich at about 5:25 PM, & was stabbed several times in the neck & chest during the robbery near American Avenue.  The victim was taken to Wilson Memorial Hospital in Johnson City; Norwich Police officers are asking anyone with information about the attack to call them at 336-8477.  The Suspect is described as a White Male with a red backpack, wearing a Baseball cap, line at 607-336-8477.

Governor Cuomo today announced a new streamlined application process for the rent relief program to help eliminate potential barriers to funding. The new process relaxes documentation standards for both tenants and landlords and implements a streamlined process for submission of arrears documentation for multi-tenant landlords effective Tuesday.   The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance will administer the program.

Bainbridge Fire Fighters responded to a car fire at the Mirabito's Saturday afternoon.  Firefighters found a Kia from North Carolina fully involved, the occupants were out of the vehicle & no injuries were reported.

The State HEAP Cooling Assistance Program, which provides up to an $800 benefit to purchase and install an air conditioner or a fan, will be open until August 31st.   To apply, households must contact their local social services Department; more information is available at otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/.

A.M. NEWS Monday 7-26-21

State Police arrested 29 year old Anthony Masi of Sidney for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property.  Masi was the driver of a motorcycle that crashed into an SUV near the intersection of State Highway 28 and the Lettis Highway on July 4th in Oneonta,  Masi was taken to Albany Medical Center, the other driver was not injured.  An investigation determined that the motorcycle was stolen.  Masi was charged by the Village of Sidney Police on July 19, he was turned over to the State Police. Masi was transported to Otsego County Central Arraignment and Processing.  He was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $10,000 cash or $20,000 property bond.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office responded to a commercial bus fire earlierSaturday on State Route 28 in the Town of Otsego.  The bus passengers were heading to a wedding when the fire broke out.  No injuries are reported, the bus suffered substantial damage and was towed from the scene.  The Cooperstown and Hartwick Seminary Fire Departments responded, with Assistance by the Cooperstown Police Department and the State Police.

State Police responded to a report of a fatal skydiving incident in the area of County Highway 34 in the town of Westford.   A preliminary investigation revealed that 59 year old Karen Bernard of Wildwood, Florida jumped out of a plane to skydive when it appears she had a malfunction with her parachute,  the investigation continues.

State Police arrested 21 year old Noah Bascom of Hamilton for 3rd degree Assault and Overdriving, Torturing and injuring an Animal.  Bascom allegedly repeatedly struck a small dog with a wooden dowel.  He was also accused of striking a person in the face, causing injury.  The victim was taken to Community Hospital by a third party and received treatment.   Bascom was located at his residence in Hamilton and arrested.  He was released on an appearance ticket to the Earlville Village Court on August 11th.

Governor Cuomo announced that 4 mass vaccination sites will cease operations as part of the ongoing downscaling that will allow the State to focus on localized vaccination efforts. As part of the downscaling, the site at Binghamton University will cease operations following vaccinations TODAY.

The Bainbridge Fire Department responded to State Highway 7 for the report of a Single Engine Plane Crash last night.  The plane was tangled up in wires, & the person was able to get out of the plane. More information is expected to be released later today.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-9-21

The Raymond Corporation of Greene is holding a Drive Through Job Fair Thursday, Friday & Saturday, and they are looking for a wide variety of talent to add to their operation, Executive Vice President Steve Van Nostrand comments:

(Steve Van Nostrand 6-9-21)

The Hours for the Raymond Drive Through Job Fair in Greene are tomorrow from 2:00 to 6:00 PM, Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM & Saturday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, more information is available at careers.raymondcorp.com.

The Afton Fair will return next month, after being cancelled last year by the pandemic, Spokesperson Rhonda Barriger said that a full slate of activities has been scheduled at the Afton Fairgrounds:

(Rhonda Barriger 6-9-21)

The Afton Fair will run this year from Thursday July 8th through the Sunday July 11th.

Sidney Police responded Tuesday to a residence on West Main Street for a report of a person refusing to leave the property. 40 year old Lloyd Hunt of Unadilla was located hiding in the basement, he refused to cooperate, implied that he had a weapon, after 20 minutes, officers took Hunt into custody without incident. Hunt was charged with Criminal trespass, Obstruction of governmental administration, Resisting arrest, he was out on Parole & State Parole officers issued a detainment warrant for Hunt, he was transported to the Delaware County Jail to be held pending an investigation by State Parole.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum announced that this summer’s Induction Ceremony will take place at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, September 8th in front of limited crowds as an outdoor ticketed event on the grounds of the Clark Sports Center. The Induction Ceremony will be broadcast live exclusively on MLB Network. Planning continues to be adapted to guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and the State of New York. The Hall of Fame’s 2021 Induction Ceremony will

honor the members of the Class of 2020: Derek Jeter, Marvin Miller, Ted Simmons and Larry Walker. No candidates were elected for Induction in 2021.

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar announced that the mass Vaccination site at the SUNY Broome Ice Center will be closing. Garner said that over 93,000 of the more than 190,000 Broome County Residents are fully vaccinated, about 1/4 of those received their vaccinations at SUNY Broome's Ice Center.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-9-21

The state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance announced that all New Yorkers enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will receive at least the maximum allowable level of food benefits for June, a benefits distribution that will push more than $200 million in federal aid into the state’s economy. The supplemental benefits provided to individuals and households enrolled in SNAP have already infused more than $2.3 billion into New York’s economy since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic last year.

On Tuesday, the State Legislature passed a bill to test for 40 emerging contaminants in drinking water by every New York water utility. Approximately 2.5 million New Yorkers have not previously had their water tested, approximately 2,000 small water utilities in New York have not been required to test for the 40 contaminants like strontium, chromium-6, and many others, the bill heads for the Governor's Desk.

Governor Cuomo proposed legislation to waive taxes on grants from the $800 million COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program. Applications for the program will be accepted starting June 10, Flexible grants up to $50,000 will be made available to eligible small businesses and can be used for operating expenses, including payroll, rent or mortgage payments, taxes, utilities, personal protective equipment incurred during the pandemic. Over 330,000 small and micro businesses are potentially eligible for this program,

P.M. NEWS Tuesday 4-13-21

State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker announced today that following a CDC and FDA statement recommending a pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, the state will follow that guidance statewide immediately.  All appointments for Johnson & Johnson vaccines today at New York State mass vaccination sites will be honored with the Pfizer vaccine.  Dr. Zucker stated that adverse events related to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are extremely rare; some have reported severe headaches, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within 3 weeks after J&J vaccine

Chenango County Public Health reported that they have 104 Active COVID 19 Cases with 350 Active Quarantines & they are up to 3007 Total Confirmed Cases.  They have 8 Active Hospitalizations, 2739 Recoveries and over 99,000 Tests have been performed.  Public Health also reported that the Total number of vaccine doses given by the department to date is 4,817; 34.9% of the population has had at least 1 dose of vaccine.

Broadway in Binghamton & NAC Entertainment announced a new scheduled of shows that are scheduled to begin this fall, Tina Niles of NAC Entertainment told WCDO News about the New Season:

(Tina Niles 4-13-21)

Niles said that more information on upcoming shows, are available at BroadwayInBinghamton.com or by calling 772-1391.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 4-13-21

New updated guidance for graduation and commencement ceremonies have been announced. Effective May 1, indoor and outdoor graduation and commencement ceremonies will be allowed with limited attendee capacity, depending on the event size and the location. All event organizers and venues hosting ceremonies must follow the State's safety protocols, including requiring face masks, social distancing, health screenings and collection of contact tracing information. Detailed guidance for graduation events is available at coronavirus.health.ny.gov.

The Otsego County Health Department reported 1 new death from COVID 19 Monday, their 55th death so far, and 36 deaths since January 1st.  They had 22 new cases, 155 active cases & 7 hospitalized; their positivity rate was at 2.9% Monday.

Delaware County Public Health reported 31 new COVID cases Saturday, Sunday and Monday out of 238 tested.  17 people are hospitalized; there are 151 active cases & 204 quarantined.

The state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance announced that all New Yorkers enrolled in SNAP will receive the maximum allowable level of food benefits for April, households already near or at the maximum benefit level now will receive a supplemental payment of at least $95 per month for as long as the supplemental payments continue, more information is available at otda.ny.gov/SNAP-COVID-19 or mybenefits.ny.gov.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 3-10-21

Chenango County Public Health announced 5 positive COVID 19 tests today.  They report 2510 total cases with 2288 recoveries, there are 76 active cases, 8 hospitalizations and 261 quarantined.

Delaware County Public Health announced that they will no longer collect names or emails for COVID-19 clinics.   COVID-19 clinic announcements will be made on Public Health's Facebook page and press releases.   Registration links for clinics will be available at delawarecountypublichealth.com/covid-19.  Delaware County Public Health is holding a COVID-19 Clinic on tomorrow MARCH 11th, for Essential 1B Workers and People with Underlying Health Conditions 18 and older ONLY, more information is available at delawarecountypublichealth.com/covid-19.

Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich received & administered their first doses last week for the Johnson & Johnson 1-dose vaccine, they are hopeful that more of those arrive, along with the Moderna vaccine, Vice President of clinical service David Finney explains:

(David Finney 3-10-21)

Governor Cuomo announced yesterday that the vaccine eligibility list was increased to include those 60 & older, down from the previous 65+ requirement.  New Yorkers will be able to make appointments through the Am I Eligible tool or by calling the NYS Vaccine Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).

The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance announced that an additional $15 million is available to help eligible New Yorkers facing a home heating emergency. Households that have already received emergency assistance from HEAP can apply for a 2nd round of benefits if they are in danger of running out of fuel or having their service disconnected when the statewide moratorium on utility shutoffs expires at the end of March, the deadline to apply for both the regular and emergency HEAP benefits was extended until April 30. More information is available at otda.ny.gov.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 3-10-21

State Police responded last Friday to a fatal garage fire in the town of Bainbridge.  87-year-old Lloyd Darling of Bainbridge did not survive.  A trooper was dispatched to the fire in a garage on County Highway 38 called in by people passing by.  1 person attempted to put out the flames with fire extinguishers, the trooper used his fire extinguisher, Guilford, Bainbridge and Sidney Fire Departments put the remaining fire out.  The Chenango County Fire Bureau responded to the scene to investigate the fire, which does not appear to be suspicious.  The incident remains under investigation.

On March 2nd, State Troopers, Sidney Police, Sidney EMS and Sidney Fire Department were dispatched to a report of a 1-vehicle crash on I-88 in the town of Sidney.   38 year old Richard Robinson of Utica failed to negotiate a curve and drove into the median.  The vehicle continued along the median, then struck an earth embankment and became airborne, overturned and rolled.  Robinson was transported by LifeNet to Upstate Medical Center for a head injury.   The accident remains under investigation.

New York State of Health announced that across all Marketplace programs, enrollment increased by nearly 885,000 people from the end of the 2020 Open Enrollment Period last year, to the end of February this year.  There are now 5.8 million people enrolled in coverage through NY State of Health, approximately 1/3rd of all New Yorkers.

Delaware County Sheriff's deputies arrested 2 East Meredith juveniles for allegedly engaging in repeated physical and verbal harassment at the Charlotte Valley Central School in the Town of Davenport.  The Investigation revealed that from October of 2020 through February 4th, the 2 juveniles had repeatedly engaged in conduct that placed the victim in fear of physical injury.  Deputies charged the juveniles with harassment; they were issued juvenile appearance tickets directing them to report to the Delaware County Probation Department at a later date.

Delaware County Public Health reported 6 new COVID cases out of 165 tested Tuesday, there are 120 active cases, 12 hospitalized & 291 in quarantine.   Delaware County Public Health has vaccinated 1,359 people.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 3-4-21

Delaware County officials announced that, Effective immediately the construction of the new Delaware County Behavioral Medicine building in Walton is being shut down as a precautionary measure, after 2 contractors working on the building have tested positive for COVID-19 and several coworkers are now quarantined.  The shutdown is in effect through March 15, the delay is not expected to impact the timeline for completion.

Chenango County Public Health had 9 COVID 19 positive tests announced today.  They report  62 Active Cases, 245 Active Quarantines, 6 are hospitalized and there have been a Total of 2452 Confirmed Cases since the start of the pandemic in New York State a year ago.

Bassett Healthcare Network is continuing partial visitation for inpatients at its hospitals, including A.O. Fox Hospital, Bassett Medical Center and O’Connor Hospital, with new hours beginning March 8th.   Visitation hours will be 3:00 to 7:00 PM daily, including weekends, Visitors may present 1 at a time, with a maximum of 2 persons per patient each day and a total of 4 hours per patient. All visitors must be screened for admittance, including temperature checks and a short questionnaire & all visitors must wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including a mask.  Visitation remains suspended at A.O. Fox Nursing Home in Oneonta, Valley Health Services in Herkimer, and all outpatient locations across the network. More information is available at bassett.org/covid-19.

COVID 19 testing continues statewide, with over 270,000 tests conducted Wednesday, with 7593 positives, for a 2.8% Positivity Rate, the Lowest Since November 21st, there were 5,177 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide; the Lowest Since December 9th, there were 1,043 Patients in the ICU; the Lowest Since December 13 & 712 were on ventilators, the Lowest Since December 29th.  There were 60 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Wednesday.

The state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance announced that all New Yorkers enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or "SNAP" will receive the maximum allowable level of food benefits for March. Roughly half of all households participating in SNAP will receive the supplemental allotment later this month, which will result in an infusion of roughly $100 million into the state’s economy.  More information is available at otda.ny.gov/SNAP-COVID-19 or mybenefits.ny.gov.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 3-4-21

Delaware County Public Health reported 10 new COVID cases Wednesday out of 376 tested.  They report 97 positive cases with 11 hospitalized & 401 quarantined.

Delaware County Public Health reported that a raccoon in the Town of Middletown has tested positive for rabies. One person was bitten by the rabid raccoon and has begun Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis.  Raccoons, foxes, skunks, and bats are considered a primary carrier of the rabies virus in the United States.  More information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com

Bassett Hospital has just announced a two-day clinic this weekend to administer 1,200 doses of anti-COVID vaccines the county Health Department received for people over 65.  Vaccination clinics will be on Saturday, March 6, and Sunday, March 7, at the Clark Sports Center.  To make an appointment, call 1-833-697-4829 or go to the State Health Department website.

The Sidney Central School District was notified that a 1st grade, 2nd grade and 8th grade student have tested positive for COVID-19. The students have not been on campus since February 26th, Delaware County Health Department conducted an investigation and contact tracing, there will be no change to the instructional model at this time.

Rural Health Network of South Central New York's mobility management program, Get-there, has provided transportation assistance to 7000 individuals for health related needs since 2013.  On February 5th, a UHS Wellness Coordinator phoned Get-there looking for a way to get a 59 year old Endicott resident with Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease to the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio today.  Get there Spokesman Bill Wagner explains:

(Bill Wagner 3-4-21)

Wagner said that Wings Pilot and founder Joe DeMarco, Sr. will fly the plane to Cleveland & back, he also has a similar plan to bring another patient to Philadelphia & back prior to the Cleveland flight.