WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-2-21

State Police are reminding motorists to obey the states "Move Over Law" after a state trooper on duty in his patrol car in Westchester County, had a truck crashed into his vehicle early Tuesday morning. Trooper Carlos Desilva was monitoring traffic from inside his troop car on the shoulder of I-87 when he was struck by a truck that drifted off the roadway and slammed into Desilva's marked cruiser. State Police said the vehicle sustained heavy damage, Trooper Desilva was taken to an area hospital & was treated & released.

Delaware County Public Health continues to report a surge in COVID 19 cases, with 111 new positive cases reported on Tuesday & Wednesday. The County has 290 Active cases, 18 are now hospitalized and 290 are quarantined, only 53.4% of County Residents are fully vaccinated.

On Wednesday November 24th, 2021, the Town of Walton Court issued a bench warrant for the arrest of 41 year old Robert Smith of Walton, for failing to appear at court on a prior charge of criminal possession of stolen property. Delaware County Sheriff’ Deputies located Smith Tuesday in the Town of Walton, and arrested him on the bench warrant. Smith was arraigned at the Town of Walton Court and was released again in his own recognizance.

Families visiting the Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon, can have their pictures taken with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the shelter’s adoptable pets. Family dogs are invited to participate as well, but must be up to date on vaccinations. To view available animals or to donate, visit sqspca.org. or call 607-547-8111, The New Shelter is located on State Route 28 in Cooperstown.

The Otsego County Fairgrounds in Morris is the site of this year's "Holiday Of Lights" Event. The event will run December 10th, 11th, 12th, 17th & 18th from 6:00 to 9:00 PM each night, the cost is $10 per carload, more information is available on the Otsego County Fair Facebook page.

Small Business Saturday may have already passed this holiday season, but area chambers are asking residents to continue to shop local wherever possible through the holiday season, Delaware County Chamber of Commerce President Ray Pucci explains:

(Ray Pucci 12-2-21)

Pucci said that 67% of money spent at local stores stays in the community, while shopping at chain stores contributes as low as only 14% to the community they are located in.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 12-2-21

Otsego County Department of Health reported 55 new cases of COVID 19 have been reported Wednesday, with an additional 22 cases also reported from November 18th to the 28th, which were in a nursing home and were not previously reported to the health department. Otsego County has 267 Active cases, with 8 Hospitalized & 2 more Deaths, Otsego County Department of Health recommends everyone, even those who are fully vaccinated, to wear a mask indoors in public, and to continue actively washing hands & practice social distancing.

Delaware County Public Health will be conducting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic today at 97 Main Street in Delhi from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. This clinic is open to people over the age of 18 & Boosters will be available at this clinic, pre-registration is required for all Moderna Boosters through apps2.health.ny.gov. The COVID vaccine is also available for people who are completing their first series

The caregivers of Bassett Medical Center will be holding a candle lighting service of remembrance in honor of patients who have died due to COVID-19 tonight at 7:00 PM. The in-person event for the families of the deceased will be held at the United Methodist Church in Fly Creek, The virtual event will be held on Zoom, the link is available at bassett.org/2021-memorial.

On Sunday evening, November 28th, 2021, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a report of a car accident in the Town of Tompkins. 19-year old Tyler Wood of Sidney Center had 2 rifles in the vehicle, Wood is prohibited from possessing firearms, due to a previous felony conviction, he was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon & was released on an appearance ticket & is scheduled to appear in Town of Tompkins Court at a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies observed a vehicle traveling on State Highway 10 in the Town of Walton, with one headlight out recently, the driver was identified as 22-year old Trevor Merwin of Walton, whose driver’s license was suspended for a previous failure to answer a summons. Merwin was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Operating with Driver’s View Obstructed, and Operating with Inadequate Headlamps; he was released on tickets and is scheduled to appear at the Town of Walton Court at a later date.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 11-3-21

Mark Drnek won the race for Oneonta Mayor Tuesday, he told WCDO news of how the first weeks of his administration will go:

(Mark Drnek 11-3-21)

Drnek said that he has about 8 weeks to transition into the mayor's position, with help from outgoing mayor Gary Herzig.

Brian Doliver was elected Tuesday as the next Mayor of the City of Norwich, he told WCDO News that there a lot of big issues to deal with right from the start:

(Brian Doliver 11-3-21)

Doliver said that he will also reach out to former Norwich Mayors Christine Carnrike & Joe Mauriano, who he served with a member of the Norwich Common Council.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum announced that they will be receiving artifacts from the World Series Champion Atlanta Braves. Artifacts will include Spikes worn by Braves Game 6 starter Max Fried, a Batting helmet worn by World Series MVP Jorge Soler, a Bat used by Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman in Game 6 & the Jersey worn in Games 1 and 2 by Braves manager Brian Snitker.

The Friends of Afton announced the return of Afton’s Annual Christmas Parade, scheduled for Saturday December 4th at 5:00 pm. Floats and vehicles will line up at Corporate Park off Route 7, Walking groups, bicycles, and golf carts will gather at the Afton Edge Apartments.

A.M. News Wednesday 11-3-21

Yesterday was Election Day, The Delaware County Board of Elections did not announce a winner for the Sidney Town Supervisor’s race, between write-in candidates Eric Wilson & Kevin Greene, Officials told WCDO News it will take days or maybe even weeks to count & certify all of the write in votes across all 19 towns from this year's elections, there were 552 write in Votes Tuesday in Sidney Town Supervisors race. The winners for the Sidney Town board were Frank Selleck & Bill Heath, in the Town of Meredith, Town Council winners were John Janiszewski & David Briggs, the Town of Franklin Board seats go to Garret Sitts & Heather Ross, the town of Middletown Supervisor Will be Patrick Davis, the Town of Tompkins Clerk was Michelle Phoenix, in the Town Of Delhi, the supervisor will be Mark Tuttle, the Town Council winners were Margaret Baldwin & Matthew Kryston & the Walton Town Supervisor will be Joseph Cetta. In Chenango County, Sheriff Ernest Cutting was re-elected, The County Clerk winner is Brian Wessels, & the winners for the Norwich City Council are Fred Gee, William Loomis, Tom Revoir & Barry Christopherson. The winners for the Guilford Town Board were Thomas Ives & Matthew Retz, in Otsego County, the Board of Representatives winners were Ed Frazier, Jerry Madsen, Rick Brockway, Margaret Kennedy, Jennifer Mickle, Charles Varney, Keith McCarty, Clark Oliver & Donald Scanlon & the Town of Oneonta Supervisor will be Randall Mowers, while Karen Liddle & Sean Farrell Won the 2 Town of Oneonta Justice seats & Kimberly Fierke & Skylar Thompson Win the 2 Seats on the Oneonta Town Board. The town of Hartwick Supervisor will be Robert O’Brien while Christopher Briggs & Bruce Markussen win the seats on the Town Board. In the Town of Unadilla, the Town Justice winner is Joshua Palmer The Unadilla Town Clerk will be Terry Yoder & the Town Council winners were Ron Reed & Jessica Grow, in the town of Laurens, George Decker, Edwin Winslow were the winners of Town Board Seats. Across New York State, voters rejected the propositions, amending the apportionment and redistricting process, eliminating the 10 day advance voter registration requirement, & authorizing the no excuse absentee balloting. Voters approved the proposition to the Right to clean air, clean water and a healthy environment.

The New York State Cannabis Control Board will hold their next meeting today, at 1:00 pm. virtually. The public is able to observe this meeting at players.brightcove.net. Videos and transcripts of the meeting will be posted at cannabis.ny.gov.

The Town of Oneonta will hold a public budget hearing tonight at 7:00 PM at the town hall in West Oneonta, the town board will also discuss a law to over-ride the State Tax cap.

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold their next meeting this morning at 8:00 am, it will be held at Trackside Dining on Main Street.

On October 21st, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies observed a vehicle traveling at 68 miles per hour in a 55 mile per hour zone on State Highway 8 in Masonville. 52-year-old Jack Mason of Whitney Point, was stopped, his license was revoked due to failure to answer a prior summons from the Sidney Town Court. Mason was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operator of a Motor Vehicle, Speeding, Failure to Use a Turn Signal, and Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Stop Lamps. Mason was later released on traffic tickets to Masonville Town Court at a later date.

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 Wednesday 8-11-21

Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul held a press conference this afternoon, she said that she will continue with many of the policies, but not with the toxic drama associated with outgoing Governor Andrew Cuomo:

(Kathy Hochul 8-11-21

Governor Cuomo announced his resignation yesterday, Kathy Hochul will take over as Governor on August 24th.

THE AMERICAN RED CROSS CURRENTLY HAS A CRITICAL NEED FOR ALL BLOOD TYPES. RED CROSS SPOKESPERSON, MEG ROSSMAN EXPLAINS WHY...

(MEG ROSSMAN 8-11-21)

UPCOMING BLOOD DRIVES IN THE TRI COUNTY AREA INCLUDE TUESDAY, AUGUST 17TH AT THE GUERNSEY MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY IN NORWICH AND AO FOX-TRI TOWN CAMPUS IN SIDNEY AND THURSDAY AUGUST 19TH AT THE FRANKLIN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH AND THE WALTON FIRE DEPARTMENT. VISIT RED CROSS BLOOD.ORG FOR A LISTING OF BLOOD DRIVES IN YOUR AREA.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office arrested of 33-year-old Brad Wenk of Lakewood, Pennsylvania, on State Highway 268 in the Town of Tompkins for traveling at a high rate of speed. Deputies determined that Wenk was operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, he is charged with aggravated DWI & Wenk will appear in the Tompkins Town Court on a later date.

STATE POLICE reported that 57 year old James Jones of Louisiana was recovered from the Whitney Point Reservoir around 9:00 AM Tuesday, he was kayaking with another person when his kayak tipped over. His kayak was located but he did not resurface. The incident remains under investigation. Troopers were assisted by Broome County Sheriff’s, Chenango County Sheriff’s, Broome County Emergency Services, Broome County Technical Rescue Team, Whitney Point Fire, Harpursville Fire, West Windsor Fire, Chenango Bridge Fire, Vestal Fire, Killawog Fire, Lisle Fire, Greene Fire, Marathon Fire, Triangle Fire, Broome Ambulance, Greene Ambulance, Marathon Ambulance and Broome Security Division.

THE CHENANGO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS VOTED MONDAY TO APPROVE AN ADDITIONAL COUNTY MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION FEE TO HELP FUND A NEW COUNTY-RUN EMS SERVICE. THE PROPOSAL INCLUDES AN ANNUAL $5 FEE FOR COUNTY RESIDENTS WITH VEHICLES WEIGHING 35 HUNDRED POUNDS OR LESS AND A $10 FEE FOR HEAVIER VEHICLES. THE COUNTY BOARD ESTIMATES THE ADDITIONAL FEE WILL GENERATE NEARLY 300 THOUSAND DOLLARS EACH YEAR.

COMMUNITY WIDE YARD SALES WILL BE HELD THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 14TH FROM 9AM TO 4PM IN THE VILLAGE AND TOWN OF GREENE. SALE LISTS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE GREENE COMMUNITY YARD SALES FACEBOOK PAGE.

A.M. NEWS 8-11-21

The Chenango County Fair returns today at the Fairgrounds in Norwich with a variety of events for the whole family, spokesperson Mary Weidman explains:

(Mary Weidman 8-11-21)

The full list of events is available at chenangofair.com.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-5-21

Governor Cuomo announced today the loosening of restrictions regarding the New York Mets & New York Yankees In their stadiums starting May 19th, where people vaccinated against COVID can sit in adjacent seats at a game, and those who are not will have to maintain social distancing in the ball parks.  Also, Broadway Theater will re-open in September and will be allowed 100% capacity when they re-open, as the COVID positivity rates & Hospitalizations go down.

(Cuomo 5-5-21)

WCDO Reached out to the Binghamton Rumble Ponies to see if the new guidelines will also apply to NYSEG Stadium, they had not yet been notified if the Major League Ballpark Guidelines will be allowed in the Minor League Ballparks.

The state continues to see favorable statistics regarding COVID 19, as Tuesday's statewide testing showed a positivity rate of 1.49%, the lowest numbers since last October.  The number of decreased by more than 100 to 2658, the number in ICU Beds went down by 15 to 610, and the number of Patients on Ventilators went down slightly to 379.  There were 31 deaths attributed to the COVID virus Tuesday in New York State.

Delaware County Public Health reported 4 new COVID cases Tuesday, out of 185 tested.   Delaware County reports decreases in active cases to 51, quarantines to 99 & hospitalizations to 8.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County will be hosting a live stream Energy Chat on Tuesday, May 18th at 12:00 noon on Facebook Live.  This event will feature a discussion about Clean Energy Communities with Terry Carroll from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County. More information is available at 865-6531 or ccedelaware.org.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-5-21

Governor Cuomo signed an extension of the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020 and the COVID-19 Emergency Protect Our Small Businesses Act. The legislation extends protections prohibiting residential and commercial evictions, foreclosure proceedings, credit discrimination and negative credit reporting related to the COVID-19 pandemic until August 31st.

State Police found a missing toddler who was allegedly abducted in Minnesota after spotting the suspect’s vehicle on the Thruway Tuesday.   27-year-old Amina Mohamed of Minneapolis, is accused of kidnapping her little sister, 2-year-old Nasteha Mohamed, State police received a ‘be on the lookout’ notification for a gold Chevrolet Equinox, they were stopped near in the town of Elbridge, the child appeared to be in good health & will be in the care of Onondaga County Child Protective Services until she can be safely returned to her mother.   Amina Mohamed was taken into custody, the investigation is ongoing.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-16-21

Chenango County Public Health reported 3 more COVID related deaths today, bringing their total to 72 since that pandemic began. Chenango County has 113 active cases, 411 quarantined & 7 Hospitalizations; the number of tests conducted is now over 100,000.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded Thursday to a report of a vehicle partially blocking Windfall Road in the Town of Tompkins.   Deputies located the vehicle & later located and identified the vehicle’s driver as Robert Price of Lansing.   Price’s New York State driving privileges were suspended and he had 16 current suspensions for failure to pay fine, failure to appear or answer summonses and failure to pay child support, his vehicle was unregistered and was displaying incorrect license plates.  Price was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation,  operating an unregistered motor vehicle, displaying improper plates and improper parking, he will appear in the Town of Tompkins Court at a later date.

The Otsego County Conservation Association’s Earth Festival will be held April 22nd to the 24th, highlighted by a "Drive Through, Drop Off" event on Saturday April 24th, Program Director Jeff O'Handley explains:

(Jeff O'Handley 4-16-21)

Preregistration is available at occainfo.org. more information is available at 282-4087.

National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum President Tim Mead announced that he will be resigning, effective mid-May.  Mead was named President in April 2019 following a 40-year career working for the Los Angeles Angels organization; he became the 7th president in the 82-year history of the organization, succeeding Jeff Idelson.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-16-21

The State Labor Department announced that the state Economy Added 61,200 Private Sector Jobs in March.  The number of private sector jobs was over 7.4 Million; it was over 8.2 million before the pandemic.   New York State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 8.9% to 8.5% in March.

State Police at Norwich were dispatched Tuesday morning at about 10:00 AM to a reported domestic related incident involving 3 people at Fred's Inn in the town of Norwich.  An investigation revealed that 2 people were assaulted with a sharp object resulting in minor injuries; they were taken to Chenango Memorial Hospital & were treated and released.  The investigation is on-going and appears to be an isolated incident; Police are looking for 53 year old Jose Gonzalez of Norwich as a person of interest.

Otsego County Sheriff's Office arrested 50 year old David Lolik of Hartwick following a Domestic Dispute on March 22nd.   Lolik was charged with Criminal Contempt & Criminal Trespass; he was taken into custody and arraigned at the Otsego County Jail central arraignment where he was released on his own recognizance.

Delaware County Public Health reported 6 new COVID cases Thursday out of 684 tested, with 117 active cases, 233 mandatory quarantines & 19 hospitalized.

More than 50% of New Yorkers 18 years of age and older have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and more than 1 in 3 in the same age group have been fully vaccinated. More than 12.5 million doses of the vaccine have been administered in New York State. 198,257 doses have been administered across the state's vast distribution network in the last 24 hours, and more than 1.5 million doses have been administered over the past seven days.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-16-21

Chenango Public Health reported another COVID related death last week, bringing their total to 50. The County reports 19 hospitalized, 75 active cases & 247 quarantined, they've had a total of 2327 cases since last year.

Delaware County Public Health announced that there were 8 new cases of COVID 19 reported on Monday out of 115 tested, their active cases are at 129, the number hospitalized is 23 & 256 are quarantined.  Delaware County Public Health will continue to vaccinate 1B essential workers, this week, public health will be vaccinating people 65 and older with comorbidities, appointments can be made through the Office for the Aging at 607-832-5750, vaccines will continue to be available for people over 65 at pharmacies & state mass vaccination sites.

Bassett Healthcare Network has resumed partial visitation for inpatients at its hospital locations, Fox Hospital in Oneonta, Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, Cobleskill Regional Hospital, Little Falls Hospital, and O’Connor Hospital in Delhi.  Visitation hours are limited from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. On weekends, hours will be open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.  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.

Governor Cuomo announced his 30-day amendments to his Executive Budget proposal, which includes the establishment of an adult-use Marijuana program in the state:

(Cuomo 2-16-21)

The amendments also include funding for Job placement programs, adult education, mental health treatments, & also the reducing of penalties for 3 drug charges.  The budget is due to be passed by the legislature on Aprils 1st.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will be starting their "Leaderful Delaware" classes virtually, starting in March on 2 afternoons a month for 8 months.  Chamber President Ray Pucci explains:

(Ray Pucci 2-16-21)

Applicants can go to Delawarecounty.org or call 746-2281 for an application or more information about the program.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 2-16-21

State Police arrested 2 people after a Trooper witnesses 1 man chasing another with a baseball bat in Unadilla January 26th.  The suspect with the baseball bat ran to the Unadilla House after seeing the trooper, the victim, 26 year old Justin Cirigliano of Bainbridge was taken to AO Fox Hospital Tri Town Campus in Sidney, he was found to be in possession of a syringe, & was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & was will appear in the town of Unadilla court.   State Police arrested 44 year old Daniel Racquet of Unadilla for 2nd degree Assault & Menacing, after he was located at an unrelated incident and was hiding in a closet.  Racquet was transported to Otsego County Central Arraignment and Processing.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies responded to the report of a disabled vehicle on State Highway 206 on February 10th, they assisted 61-year-old Victor Passela of Arkville, who ran out of gas, the vehicle’s registration and Passela's driver’s license were both suspended, Deputies issued Passela traffic summonses for aggravated unlicensed operation, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration and failure to surrender his suspended license and registration, plus several other charges.   Passela will appear in the Town of Tompkins Court on a later date.

State Police arrested 37 year old Justin Lopez of Richfield Springs for Possessing Sexual Performance by a Child, following a cyber tip and a subsequent investigation, Lopez was arrested at his residence, he was processed at the State Police barracks in Richfield Springs, he was released & was ordered to appear for arraignment at the town of Richfield court on February 24th.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-20-21

Governor Cuomo held a COVID 19 & Vaccine allocation briefing in Albany this Afternoon, he said that the network of providers is more than adequate, the supply of vaccines is lower & erratic:

(Cuomo 1-20-21)

The state conducted over 195,000 COVID tests Tuesday with 13,300 + testing positive, which was 6.8% of all tested. Hospitalizations continue to increase to over 9200, the number of ICU Patients went up over 1600 and 10644 are on Ventilators, there was 185 deaths from the virus Tuesday.

Chenango County Public Health reported 8 new cases of COVID 19 today, bringing their total to 1758. They have 191 active cases, 21 are hospitalized and 532 are quarantined, they have had 32 death since last spring.

The Otsego County Department of Health reported 80 new positive COVID 19 cases Tuesday. 21 people are currently hospitalized from the virus, there are 263 active cases & the county has reported a total of 23 deaths from the virus, including 4 since January 1st.

State Police have received multiple calls from people scammed out of hundreds of dollars after answering classified ads for purebred puppies for sale. Victims report after answering the ad, the suspects provide a photo of the breed they are looking for and arrange a deposit to be paid. Once the deposit is cleared, the victim is provided an address, which does not exist, to pick up their puppy. State Police said that the scammers request payments through various payments Apps like CashApp, All communication with the “breeder” takes place by text. State Police said that those who are scammed may go to the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org or to the Federal Trade Commission online at reportfraud.ftc.gov or call 877-FTC-Help.

State Supreme Court Justice Scott DelConte is waiting on Ballots that were submitted through the Oneida County DMV site, before he will declare the winner of the 22nd Congressional District race between Former Congresswoman Claudia Tenney & incumbent Democratic congressman Anthony Brindisi. About 2400 voters submitted their ballots through the Oneida County DMV but they were not processed, a decision on the winner of the 22nd Congressional District may be announced by the end of the week.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-20-21

The Village of Sidney Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative Committee will hold a 2nd ZOOM meeting tonight for the community to hear about the village’s Police Reform plans, Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak urges Sidney residents to fill out the surveys & return them:

(Matviak 1-20-21)

Governor Cuomo last year challenged Police Departments across the state to meet with the communities they serve, in order to make reforms on Police policies, the plans are due to the state by April 1st.

State Police arrested 36 year old Paul Zandt of Deposit for 3rd degree Assault. The arrest stems from an investigation of an altercation Saturday at Dollar General in Windsor. Zandt is accused of striking the victim in the face in the parking lot of Dollar General then leaving the area. The victim was checked out by Eastern Broome Ambulance but was not transported to a hospital. The victim and Zandt did not know each other prior to the incident. Zandt is a State Trooper, but was not on duty at the time of the incident, he was arrested and released on appearance tickets to the town of Windsor court on January 25th.

Delaware County Public Health announced Tuesday that a 22nd person has died of Covid-19 related complications. Delaware County Public Health received 22 positive lab reports for COVID-19 Tuesday, they report 129 active cases in the County with 16 hospitalized & 231 quarantined.

Due to an uptick in COVID cases, the Bainbridge-Guilford Schools will be fully remote for the remainder of this week. Students should plan on full remote instruction for the next 3 days.

The Walton Central School District has been advised that a staff member has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The District is coordinating with the Delaware County Department of Health to conduct contact tracing. Individuals requiring quarantine will be notified by County Health officials. Walton will move to full remote for today and Thursday, January 21, this includes all programs at DCMO BOCES Harrold Campus.

An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held at the Church of the Immaculate Conception on State Highway 206 in Greene today. The Blood Drive will run from 12:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. Appointments are requested with the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at redcrossblood.org or 1-800-red cross.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a 911 report of a domestic dispute in the Town of Tompkins last Friday. Deputies arrested and charged 40 year-old Benjamin Pankiewicz of Walton for criminal mischief, he is accused of breaking a cell phone and preventing another person involved in the domestic dispute from communicating a 911 request for emergency assistance. Pankiewicz was processed and released on an appearance ticket directing him to appear in the Town of Tompkins Court at a later date.

City of Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig gave his State of the City address Tuesday evening. The presenation was viewed in a ZOOM Meeting with the Common Council, it is available on the city's Youtube Channel.