WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-7-20

Governor Cuomo held a COVID briefing today, with Dr. Anthony Fauci of the CDC, the governor recapped the state strategy as more small gatherings are expected over the holidays, which is contributing to 70% of the new cases currently:

(Cuomo 12-7-20)

Dr. Fauci said that if people let their guard down & don't follow the CDC guidelines, the surge could hit badly in the New Year:

(Dr. Anthony Fauci 12-7-20)

The state reported that 152000 tests were performed Sunday, with 7302 positive  tests, or about 4.8% of all tested, over 4600 are hospitalized, 872 are in ICU beds & 477 are on ventilators, and another 80 died from the virus Sunday.

1 person was killed in a 3 vehicle accident Saturday Night on State Route 235 in the town of Coventry.  26 year old Kyle Smith of Afton was attempting to pass a vehicle driven by 20 year old Austin Smith of Harpursville, Kyle Smith attempted to get back into his lane after observing a 3rd vehicle driven by 36 year old Dennis Robinson of Susquehanna Pennsylvania, Kyle Smith lost control, hit Austin Smith's vehicle, which then hit the Robinson Truck.  Austin Smith was pronounced dead at the scene, the investigation is continuing.

A traffic stop in the town of Norwich led the to the arrest of a man wanted for stealing a camper from Otsego County in October then abandoning it in Binghamton.   State Police arrested 46 year old Clint Payne of Beaver, Pennsylvania, for Grand Larceny, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.  On November 20th,  Payne came to the State Police Norwich barracks inquiring about another matter, when he drove off a trooper observed that Payne’s vehicle had multiple vehicle and traffic infractions, he was stopped & the trooper discovered that Payne was wanted for Grand Larceny in Otsego County & he was accused of possessing of methamphetamine.  Payne was processed in Oneonta, the Otsego County Central Arraignment and Processing & Broome County Central Arraignment and Processing.

State Police arrested 26 year old John Flora of Windsor for allegedly burglarizing residences in the town of Windsor. An investigation by State Police BCI arrested Flora at his residence.  He was charged with multiple counts of 2nd degree Burglary & was taken to Broome County Central Arraignment and Processing.

Village of Sidney Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative Committee has had 16 community members appointed, with Village residents, business owners, Religious leaders, Village Board members, Members of the Police Department, Delaware County Public Defender's office  and Delaware County District Attorney John Hubbard.  The committee has reviewed how the Sidney Police Department operates and with public input determines what changes, if any, need to be made.  Sidney mayor Andy Matviak told WCDO News about how they will get public input:

(Andy Matviak 12-7-20)

After the public input in the months of December and January, they will draft a reform and reinvention plan that will be shared with the public, in February the committee will make any needed changes & submit the revised plan to the Village board for approval. In March the approved plan will be submitted to New York State.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-7-20

Attorneys for the Claudia Tenney and Anthony Brindisi campaigns filed new motions in State Supreme Court in Oswego regarding the ongoing ballot counts in the 22nd congressional district race.   55 recently-discovered Chenango County early voting ballots & about 2000 other disputed ballots will be ruled on by Justice Scott Delconte in State Supreme Court in Oswego this afternoon.

The Walton Central School District will learn remotely today and Tuesday, after the Delaware County Health officials notified the district of a positive COVID-19 case involving a staff member, contact tracing will take place the next two days.

Otsego County Department of Health announced that they had 14 COVID cases reported Saturday & 22 new cases Sunday.  Otsego County is up to 1418 total confirmed cases, 109 are active cases, 9 are hospitalized, and there have been 8 deaths since March.  Otsego County Department of Health is announcing a potential COVID 19 exposure at the American Legion 60 Main Street Cooperstown, from November 25th through November 30th, should monitor themselves for symptoms and get tested.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 11-20-20

The Sidney Police Department investigated 2 incidents of a scheme where a forged postal money order had been used or attempted to be used at the Sidney Federal Credit Union in Sidney. The investigation revealed that the Sidney cases were similar to cases in other jurisdictions. Sidney Police teamed up with Police in Delhi, Walton and Bainbridge, they arrested 22 year old Daron Bartholomew of Brooklyn for Grand larceny & Scheming to defraud, & 21 year old Anthony Someone of Merrick for Possession of a forged instrument & Attempted Scheming to defraud, both were arraigned in Village of Sidney Court and were released & will return to court at a later date.

Broome County Health Department reported another 81 positive COVID 19 Friday, they have had a total of 4565 cases, they reported another death, they are up to 113 deaths, they’ve had 3881 recoveries & over 4000 are being monitored.

Hartwick College reported 1 new case of COVID-19, there is 2 active cases on campus; the total number of cases detected since August is 68.  After today, Hartwick students will be completing the rest of the semester remotely, as planned.

The Helio Health Center announced 50 new stabilization and rehabilitation beds in Binghamton, in the fight against the ongoing opioid crisis.  The $13 million investment will add 50 more beds to the current 50 bed facility on Glenwood Road.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 11-20-20

Otsego County Sheriff's office arrested 23 year old George Wang of Lawrence Kansas for Attempted Murder, Vehicular Assault, DWI & Operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs, after intentionally striking a pedestrian with a motor vehicle in the Town of Hartwick Wednesday afternoon.  Wang allegedly drove off the roadway and shoulder into a grassy area in front of TOPS Plaza, where he struck a pedestrian, Witnesses aided the victim, Wang fled at a high rate of speed south on State Route 28.  State Police stopped Wang at State Route 28 and the I-88 interchange; he was arraigned & is being held at the Otsego County Jail on $300,000 bond.  The victim is listed as in stable condition and is being treated for multiple injuries sustained during the incident.

Otsego County Health Department had 14 new COVID 19 cases reported Thursday & they continue to investigate a cluster of cases linked to the Copper Fox. Otsego County had had 1142 total confirmed cases, 75 active cases with 1 hospitalized.  There have been 8 deaths, 762 cases linked to SUNY Oneonta & 67 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to County Highway 14 in the hamlet of Treadwell Wednesday to investigate a report of a female slumped over in the driver’s seat and causing a traffic obstruction.  60-year-old Lora Leitenberger of Treadwell is accused of operating a motor vehicle in an intoxicated condition, she was charged with the felony DWI, for having 2 prior DWI convictions within the previous 10-years.  Leitenberger was also issued traffic summonses for parking on pavement & open container; she faces court action at a later date.

4 Towns Forward is an effort from Sidney, Unadilla, Bainbridge & Afton & they are working together for a Small Business Saturday event for the holidays tomorrow, Teri Schunk of the Sidney Chamber comments about their plans:

(Teri Schunk 11-20-20)

June White told WCDO News about the Bainbridge Chamber's event with many vendors spread out over several sites tomorrow:

(June White 11-20-20)

Also, 6zero7 Advertising & Events of Afton will hold their 2nd Locally Made Holiday Shop event at the Hitching Post on Route 7 in Port Crane Saturday from 9:00 to 2:00 and 4:00 to 8:00 PM.

The Helios Care Tree of Lights event will be a virtual event this year due to the ongoing pandemic, Helios Care Director of Development Alicia Fish explains:

(Alicia Fish 11-20-20)

More information about the Tree of Lights event this weekend is available by calling Helios Care at 432-6773.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies responded November 8th to the Town of Davenport where 65-year-old Jack Burgess of Davenport allegedly engaged in communications and the exchange of images with a child, in violation of an order of protection issued for that child.  On Tuesday November 10th, Deputies located, arrested and charged Burgess with criminal contempt of court and endangering the welfare of a child, Burgess is directed to appear in the Town of Davenport Court on a later date.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-17-20

SUNY Acting President Dennis Craig announced that the college's COVID Response Team with more than 50 college employees, students and parents shared its Draft Re-opening Plan for the Spring 2021 semester with staff & students & parents recently.  President Craig Told WCDO News of the timeline to bring back students on the spring:

(President Craig 11-17-20)

President Craig said that 2 Town halls are planned, 1 on Wednesday afternoon for faculty & staff, & another 1 Wednesday Evening for students & parents.  The full document is at suny.oneonta.edu/covid-19, the COVID Response Team is adding items into the draft plan by the December 10th deadline to SUNY.

Chenango County Public Health had 5 more positive cases of COVID 19 to report, today, they have 46 Active Cases with 3 hospitalizations, 277 Active Quarantines; they are up to 506 Total Cases.  They report 441 Recoveries, 10 deaths, and over 41,300 tests administered.

The Cooperstown Central School District learned Monday afternoon that a teacher in the Elementary Building has tested positive for COVID 19.  The district developed lists of all students and staff members who were in direct contact with this teacher last Thursday and Friday, and a small number of students will be required to quarantine for 14 days. Due to the number of staff members requiring 14 days of quarantine, the Elementary Building will be turning to emergency remote instruction until November 30th.   More information is available at cooperstowncs.org.

Governor Cuomo announced the launch of a new online training platform with nearly 4,000 online programs, to enable unemployed and underemployed New Yorkers affected the COVID-19 pandemic to learn new skills, earn certificates, and advance their careers at no cost.  New Yorkers can request a free account on the New York State Department of Labor website.

The Community Foundation for South Central New York has received $200,000 in grants from Chobani, to 4 central New York organizations helping organizations expand their economic opportunities and entrepreneurship in the region. Chobani has named four recipients: The Charlotte Valley Central School District, Clear Path for Veterans, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chenango County & The Center for Agricultural Development and Entrepreneurship.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-17-20

The Walton Central School District was advised Monday that 1 person in the district has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The District is coordinating with the Delaware County Department of Health and they have indicated that due to the timing of the onset of symptoms and the last date of the individual being physically present in a district building or vehicle, there is no requirement of contact tracing at this time. As a result, the school operations will continue as normal.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 6 new cases of COVID 19 Monday.  The County is up to 1104 total confirmed cases, they have 47 active cases with 2 hospitalized, there have been 8 deaths, 756 cases are linked to SUNY Oneonta & 67 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students.

Delaware County Public Health is reporting 3 new cases of COVID-19 Monday. The known active cases in the County is now 59. To date there have been 276 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, with 196 people now under mandatory quarantine,  49 people are isolated and receiving care at home and 10 people are isolated in the hospital, 9 people have died and 208 have fully recovered.

Binghamton Police Department responded Friday to a report of a loud party at 140 Front Street, officers discovered around 100 people inside, there was alcoholic beverages & some people under 21 years of age.  2 unidentified people were charged with violating the City's Social Host laws that were enacted earlier this year.

Hartwick College reported 1 new case of COVID-19 has been detected, there are 27 active cases on campus; the total number of cases detected on campus since August 1st is up to 58.

1 Small Business Saturday event will encompass more than 1 Saturday this year, for holiday shopping convenience locally. Sidney Chamber of Commerce President Teri Schunk explains:

(Teri Schunk 11-5-20)

Schunk said that they are still planning out the schedule for special events leading up to the holidays, and announcements will be made shortly.

Catholic Charities, other charities & the Village of Sidney are teaming up for another mass food distribution at the Sidney Fire Department Friday starting at 11:00 AM. Penny McKnight of Catholic Charities explains:

(Penny McKnight 11-5-20)

McKnight said that the September 17th Mass Food Distribution helped out about 1200 individuals from 500 families, with 12 tons of food given out.

The State Education Department announced the cancellation of the January Regents Examinations due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The Education department also plans to submit a proposal at the December Board of Regents meeting to modify requirements for high school diplomas, so the Regents cancellation will not affect students about to graduate. The Education department canceled the June Regents earlier this year because of the pandemic, and modified high school diploma requirements for the Class of 2020.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 11-5-20

The State Health Department reported that 133,000 COVID 19 test results were reported Tuesday, yielding 2126 positives. Patient Hospitalization went up again by 26 to 1,253, the number of ICU patients increased to 284, 129 are on ventilators, there were 14 COVID Deaths.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 14 new cases of COVID 19, 2 are in college students, and there is a cluster of 10 cases related to a residential group home in Oneonta. Otsego County reports 1039 total confirmed cases with 47 active cases, 0 hospitalized, 8 deaths, and 754 cases linked to SUNY Oneonta & 56 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students

Delaware County Public Health reported 8 new cases of COVID 19 Wednesday, they have 47 active cases & 181 quarantined, and they are now at 201 total cases since March with 9 deaths and 145 recoveries.

Richelle and Delana Wood of Walton held a lemonade sale at their Walton home in September to benefit the Delaware County Sheriff’s K9 program. The Wood Sisters indicated they wanted to recognize K9 “Ozzie” who passed away due to a medical condition earlier this year, & support the continuation of the program and our agency’s new K9, “Eli”. The girls raised $516.55 for the K9 program; $416.55 through lemonade sales as well as another $100.00 by private donation, Deputy Kyle Karcher and K9 Eli received the donation from the girls at their Walton home last week.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a reported burglary in the Town of Walton, Deputies were informed by the victim that property stolen from a building located on County Highway 21 was found at the Cow Path Lane location. Deputies obtained and executed a search warrant and recovered the stolen property. Deputies arrested 40 year-old Robert Smith and 35 year-old Terriann Connolly, both of Walton, for 3rd degree burglary & Petty larceny. Smith was also charged with criminal possession of stolen property; both were released on appearance tickets directing them to appear in the Town of Walton Court on a later date.

Hartwick College reported 1 new case of COVID-19 today. There are 26 active cases on campus; the total number of cases detected on campus since August 1st is 56.

The Walton Central School District has been notified of a Positive COVID 19 case in a student. The school schedule will all remote education through Friday, and will be reassessed at the end of the week. The decision also includes all programs at DCMO BOCES, Intramurals and offseason athletic workouts are canceled until further notice. More details are available at the Superintendent’s page at waltoncsd.org.

The State DMV reminds New Yorkers that they have today only to renew their expired documents including vehicle inspections, vehicle registrations, and non-driver IDs. The expiration date of these documents was postponed by Executive Order during the Coronavirus public health emergency, but this extension will no longer remain in effect after today, November 3. The DMV encourages those who need to renew a driver license to do so online at dmv.ny.gov.

Lockheed Martin in Owego has been awarded a $193 Million Dollar contract modification to previously awarded contract for the production and delivery of 4 MH-60R aircraft, and exercises a $13 Million Dollar option to procure 3 airborne low frequency sonars in support of the government of Greece.

The Acting Justice of the Supreme Court John Lambert has reviewed the 2019 hearing that resulted in the termination of Dana Scuderi-Hunter as Delaware County Commissioner of Social Services. In 2019, Delaware County filed charges against Scuderi-Hunter of misconduct, insubordination, and child endangerment, an independent Hearing Officer was brought in to review evidence, hear testimony, and make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors, recommending immediate termination. This year, Scuderi-Hunter filed a petition challenging the Hearing Officer’s recommendations. The final ruling of Judge Lambert states that the preliminary issues presented to the court have been resolved; the matter will be deferred to the Appellate Division, Third Department for disposition.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office announced that a violation of a temporary order of protection last week has resulted in the arrest of a Masonville man for criminal contempt charge. On October 22nd, Deputies responded to a disturbance at a Masonville business, 67 year-old Edward Sherman of Masonville had violated the terms of a temporary order of protection issued by the Town of Masonville Court. Deputies arrested Sherman for criminal contempt; he was arraigned virtually & was released on his own recognizance pending his appearance in the Town of Masonville Court on a later date.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 11-3-20

Today is Election Day, with a host of Offices to be decided by voters. There is the vote for President & Vice President, as well as all seats in the US House of Representatives, the New York State Senate & State Assembly. Polling places close at 9:00 PM.

Delaware County Public Health announced 2 new positive cases of COVID 19 Monday, with 30 active cases, 4 hospitalizations, 150 in quarantine, giving Delaware County a total of 182 cases since March. There have been 9 deaths, 143 recoveries & over 24,700 tests conducted. Public Health is requesting that if you were at T.A.’s Place on October 19th, 24th or 25th, Gramma D’s 10/23, 10/24, 10/25 or the Circle E Diner 10/24; to self-monitor and if you become symptomatic to call Delaware County Public Health, at 607-832-5200. 2 employees of T.A.’s Place in Walton have tested positive for COVID-1Tuesday 11-3-20 Coronavirus Update

The State Health Department reported that 96,101 tests were for COVID 19 were performed Sunday, with 1633 positive tests.  1151 people are hospitalized with the virus, 276 were in an ICU bed, with 116 on ventilators, all of the hospitalization related numbers are about double of what was reported October 2nd,  there were 14 more COVID deaths Sunday.

The Walton Central School District has been notified of a Positive COVID 19 case in a student.  The school schedule will all remote education through Friday, and will be reassessed at the end of the week. The decision also includes all programs at DCMO BOCES, Intramurals and offseason athletic workouts are canceled until further notice. More details are available at the Superintendent’s page at waltoncsd.org.

Governor Cuomo announced that the Special Enrollment Period for uninsured New Yorkers will be extended through December 31, 2020; New Yorkers can apply for coverage online at nystateofhealth.ny.gov, by phone at 1-855-355-5777, and by connecting with a free enrollment Assistor.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-23-20

Delaware County Sheriff's Department arrested 19 year old Dakota Hall of Fleischmanns for 2nd degree murder following a domestic dispute in Fleischmanns Thursday night.  Deputies, State Police & EMT's responded at about 10:50 PM Thursday night to a reported stabbing at a residence on Main Street. The stabbing victim, 27-year-old Eric Hall, was taken to Margaretville Memorial Hospital and died for injuries sustained in the attack.  Dakota Hall was taken into custody without incident by Deputies for allegedly stabbing his brother; Hall was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Jail without bail pending future court action.  The investigation is ongoing.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies investigated a head-on collision in the Town of Franklin on Wednesday afternoon.  Deputies reported that at about 5:30 PM, they responded with EMT's to the accident on County Highway 21 near Leland Hull Road.  Deputies determined that a vehicle driven by 50 year-old Jeffrey Lewis of Walton crossed over the center line and collided with a vehicle driven by 62 year-old Wayne Knorr of Laurens, causing the Knorr vehicle to overturn several times.  Knorr was taken to Fox Hospital in Oneonta for a head injury; Lewis was taken to Delaware Valley Hospital also for the treatment of a head injury.  Lewis’ driving privileges were revoked as a result of previous alcohol related offense, he was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, operation of a motor vehicle without an ignition interlock device, failure to keep right and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, he was released to appear in Town of Franklin court at a later date.  Alcohol was not a contributing factor in this accident.

Governor Cuomo announced $357 million in funding for the renewal of 135 paving projects throughout the State. Locally $42.4 million will go for rehabilitating I-88 from exit 17 Colliersville/Cooperstown Junction to exit 18 Schenevus in Otsego County, $3.2 million will be used to resurface Route 8 from the Village of Sidney Line to south of the intersection of Routes 37 and 51 in Mount Upton & $4.5 million to resurface Route 206 from Route 27 in the Hamlet of Trout Creek to the Village of Walton Line.

Early voting begins tomorrow around the region.  Area Counties have different times & locations for early voting from tomorrow through November 1st, contact your county Board of Elections for specific dates & times.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-23-20

Broome County Health Department announced that they have 103 new COVID 19 cases and 55 recoveries, the county's active cases up to 646.  There was another death reported, bringing the county's death count up to 89, the number of people hospitalized went up by 5 to a total of 19.  The total number of cases is up to 3060, 2325 have recovered.  The County has a 3.7% positivity rate; it's over 9% in the state designated "Yellow" zone.

The Oneonta City School District have switched middle and high school students to remote learning yesterday & again today after being notified of a teacher testing positive.  NO student or any faculty/staff member is deemed a “close contact” to the affected teacher, according to a district letter; all elementary buildings will open as normal. Middle & High School students are scheduled to return on the previous hybrid schedule Monday.

Otsego County Department of Health reported 10 new cases of COVID 19 Thursday; they are investigating a cluster of cases that originated at a wedding that has now spread into the community.  Current COVID numbers, they report 952 total confirmed cases, 27 active cases with  2 hospitalizations, they've had 7 deaths,  747 probable and confirmed cases linked to SUNY Oneonta &  Hartwick College reported 2 more cases of COVID-19 have been detected, they have 3 active cases on campus; the total number of cases is 24.

Delaware County Public Health reported 4 new cases of COVID 19 Thursday, with 12 active cases, 3 hospitalizations, & 73 in quarantine.  Delaware County is up to 149 cases since March with 8 deaths and 129 recoveries.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold their "Commitment to Community" Annual Dinner Saturday Night.  The guest Speakers will be Kerri Green of Commerce Chenango & Assemblyman Cliff Crouch, at Club 55 on Union Street in Sidney.  The Chamber will honor their Citizen of the Year award winner Roy Nabinger, their Business of the Year; My Home Gym, The Business of Distinction award goes to John’s Garage and the Service Organization of the Year is The Bainbridge Lion’s Club.

The Baristacrats Coffee Bar of Afton is teaming up with Gavin's Pizzeria on Division Street in Sidney on Sunday; they will be donating a percentage of the day's sales to the Afton VFW Building Project.  Baristacrats owner Alexis Van Buren explains:

(Alexis Van Buren 10-23-20)

Van Buren said that The Afton VFW building needs renovations; the building was built in 1898.  Contributions can also be mailed to P.O. Box 238, Afton NY 13730.  The combined effort will be held at Gavin’s Sunday from 12:00 Noon to 6:00 PM.

DEA's next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is this Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, many local police departments also have drop boxes available year round to get expired medications or unused narcotics out of the waste stream or out of criminal hands.  A listing of local law enforcement agencies & fire Departments participating can be found at the WCDO Facebook page.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 10-19-20

Governor Cuomo today announced that 78,993 tests were reported for Sunday, yielding 898 positives or a 1.13% positivity rate.  Patient Hospitalization went up by 21 to 934, the number of patients in an ICU beds decreased slightly to 198, the number of patients on Ventilators went up by 4 to 106, 14 New Yorkers died due to COVID-19 Sunday, bringing the total to 25,659.

The Broome County Health Department reported 2825 COVID 19 cases on Monday, an increase of more than 200 since last Thursday.  They report 86 deaths, 2176 recoveries, the Health Department is monitoring over 4600 people.

Chenango County Public Health announced that they are at 313 cases of COVID 19 since March.  Currently there are 49 Active Cases with 4 Hospitalizations, 223 Quarantines, 7 deaths, 246 recoveries & about 33,550 tests have been conducted.

Governor Cuomo announced the state's Micro Cluster Management strategy, designed to zero in on the cluster's origins & keep any restrictions to a much smaller area:

(Cuomo Micro Clusters)

Governor Cuomo Announces Ski Resorts Allowed to Reopen With 50 Percent Indoor Capacity Beginning November 6th.  Masks will be Required When Not Eating, Drinking or Skiing, Lifts will be Restricted to Members of the Same Party, Thorough Cleaning and Disinfection of Rented Equipment and Other Health and Safety Protocols will also be Required.

The State University of New York Athletic Conference announced that they are cancelling all winter sports seasons.  The sports that are impacted include the conference schedules and championships for men’s and women’s basketball, as well as men’s ice hockey.  The championships for men’s and women’s swimming & diving and indoor track & field are also cancelled.  SUNYAC will continue to plan for the possibility of spring sports, that decision will be made at a later date.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce "Commitment to Community Dinner" tickets are on sale until Tuesday, October 20th at Bob's Diner.   The Guest Speakers will be Kerri Green; President & CEO of Commerce Chenango & Assemblyman Cliff Crouch.  The dinner will begin at 6:00 on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, at Club 55, on Union Street, Sidney, more information is available at 967-8700.

Delaware County Sheriff's department announced the arrest 20 year old Jarett Griffin of Walton, following numerous complaints of roadside campaign signs being stolen. A State Forest Ranger patrolling the Steam Mill Forest in the Town of Masonville last week recovered more than 20 stolen campaign signs that were dumped on the state owned land.  Griffin was charged with petit larceny following an investigation and review of video surveillance images by Deputies and the candidate; he faces court action in Town of Walton Court at a later date.   The Sheriff's department encourages anyone witnessing the theft or destruction of campaign signs to report their observations to them, Delaware County Sheriff's Office.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Investigators arrested and charged a Parksville man in connection with a January 2nd burglary at the Hancock County Store.  Investigators noted similarities to the December 9th 2019 burglaries at the Hancock Mirabito Convenience Store and the Hancock Post Office.  Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested and charged 57-year-old Julius Leonard, Jr., of Parksville with 3rd degree burglary & petit larceny in relation to the Hancock Country Store burglary & for a parole violation. Leonard was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail pending further court action.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 10-19-20

Governor Cuomo held a COVID 19 briefing Sunday, he said that the next big project will be how to deliver prospective vaccines to New Yorkers, how much federal help will there be & how do they store the vaccines that may require -80 degree refrigeration, for anywhere from 20 to 40 million doses:

(Cuomo 10-19-20)

The State had 1390 positive tests on Saturday, there were 913 hospitalized, 200 in ICU beds, 102 on ventilators, & 7 died from the virus.

Governor Cuomo announced that movie theaters outside of New York City can reopen at 25 percent capacity under state guidance starting October 23. No more than 50 people are allowed in front of each screen in each movie theater at once. Theaters can only open outside of New York City in counties that have COVID-19 positivity rates of less than 2 percent on a 14-day average and do not have any cluster zones.   Theaters cannot reopen in Broome County due to their current cluster situation.

Delaware County Public Health announced another positive case of COVID 19 Sunday.  They now report 140 cases, with 8 deaths, 121 recoveries, 96 are in quarantine, there are 11 active cases, and no one is hospitalized.

Otsego County Department of Health announced 2 new COVID 19 cases; both are in SUNY Oneonta students. Otsego County reports 927 total confirmed cases, 8 active cases, 2 hospitalizations, 7 deaths, there are 744 probable and confirmed cases linked to SUNY Oneonta & 21 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students

Delaware County Sheriff's Department responded Friday to a crash where 3 people were transported to O’Connor Hospital.   The 2-car, head-on collision occurred on State Highway 28 in Delhi, at 10:45 AM,   87 year-old Robert Helt of Margaretville crossed into the opposing lane and struck an on-coming car being driven 54 year-old FaithAnn Hill of Delhi.  Helt was extricated from his vehicle by a homeowner and passerby immediately following the collision.  Hill and a passenger in her vehicle, 31 year-old Corinne Wheeler of Delhi were extricated from their vehicle by members of the Delhi Fire Department, all 3 were transported to O’Connor Hospital in Delhi for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.  Sheriff’s Deputies are continuing their investigation of this accident.

New York State will begin fully enforcing a ban against the distribution of plastic bags.  A ban on the distribution of plastic bags in New York started March 1st, a lawsuit by the plastic bag industry then held up the state's enforcement of the bag ban. That lawsuit was rejected by the New York State Supreme Court, which issued a decision upholding the ban. The State DEC is set to begin enforcement of the plastic bag ban today.

Chenango County Public Health announced that they have reached 290 cases of COVID 19 since March.  There are 26 Active Cases, 1 hospitalization, 196 Active Quarantines, there have been 7 deaths, 244 recoveries & over 32,200 tests have been conducted.

The Broome County Health Department announced that the county has had 138 new cases of COVID since Monday, they now have 2606 positive cases with 85 deaths, 1881 recoveries and over 3700 people are being monitored by the Health Department.  Areas in Binghamton and Endicott are in a "yellow zone" requiring precautionary measures that include 50% maximum capacity in houses of worship, a maximum of 25 people for non-essential gatherings and mandatory weekly testing at schools of both students and personnel. The full list of locations where positive cases existed is available at gobroomecounty.com/hd/coronavirus/public_statements.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 43 year old Duane Houck of Walton after they responded to a domestic dispute. Houck is accused of acting in an injurious manner in front of a child after he allegedly engaged in a physical domestic dispute, Houck was charged with with endangering the welfare of a child.  Houck was issued an appearance ticket and directed to appear in the Town of Walton Court on a later date to answer the charge.

The deadline to respond to the US Census is this tomorrow Morning at 6:00 AM.  The Census can be filled out online at 2020 census.gov & takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 10-15-20

Delaware County Public Health reported 2 new cases of COVID 19 Wednesday, giving the County 137 since March.  There are 10 active cases, all isolating at home, 106 are quarantined, and there have been 8 deaths and 119 recoveries.

Delaware County Public Health announced that their next Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats and ferrets will be held today from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Heart of the Catskills Humane Society, State Route 10 in Delhi.  Appointments are required at 832-5200; more information is available at delawarecountypublichealth.com.

Commerce Chenango is holding their Legislative Breakfast this morning at The Silo Restaurant in Greene.  Legislators expected to attend in person are State Senator Fred Akshar, Congressman Anthony Brindisi, Assemblyman Cliff Crouch, Assemblyman Gary Finch and State Senator Jim Seward will attend virtually, to discuss legislative issues affecting businesses of New York State.

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The Delhi Health center will host a drive through Flu Shot clinic for established Bassett Hospital patients today from 12:00 Noon until 2:30 PM.  Appointments are required at 746-0550.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-29-20

Governor Cuomo today held a COVID 19 briefing regarding an outbreak of clusters of the virus in 27 zip codes around the state, including 1 in Binghamton:

(Cuomo 9-29-20)

The Governor Said that Rapid Testing kits are being sent immediately to the areas where the clusters have hit, he also said that many of the downstate clusters were tied to religious events, and he is addressing various religious leaders today to remind them that all faiths are required to wear masks, keep social distance and wash hands vigorously.

The Broome County Health Department reported another 50 COVID 19 positive cases since yesterday, with a total of 1527 cases, an increase of about 156 since Friday. The number of deaths remains at 82, recoveries is at 1265, which is 15 more since Monday, 876 people are being monitored by the Broome Health Department since the latest Binghamton area cluster was found.

Chenango County Public Health announced that they have 3 more cases of COVID 19, giving them a total of 251. There are 2 Active Cases, 1 Hospitalization, there have been 7 deaths, 228 recoveries & over28,700 tests performed.

Chenango Arts Council has not been able to bring any live events to the region this year due to the pandemic & subsequent shutdown, & they had to come up with a way to pay the bills and keep going until better days arrived. Council Executive Director Alecia O'Neill told WCDO News that they have devised an online catalog on their website to act as a conduit between those who want to see the arts and the artists:

(Alecia O'Neill 9-29-20)

O'Neill said that the Guide to the New World of Arts and Culture is an interactive 54 page online catalog is available at chenangoarts.org, more information about sponsorships or the online catalog is available at 336-2787.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-29-20

The Otsego County Department of Health had 15 additional cases reported over the past 4 days. 1 of those is a Hartwick college student, 5 were county residents, & 9 were SUCO students, of those 9, 5 were new infections and 4 are already recovered but had not been reported to the health department. Otsego County reports a total of 883 confirmed cases, with 15 active cases, 1 hospitalization, there have been 7 deaths. 714 cases are linked to SUNY Oneonta, 18 confirmed cases were from Hartwick College students

Delaware County Public Health reported 1 new active case of COVID-19 Monday. The known active cases in the County is 4, with 3 recovering at home & 1 is hospitalized. To date there have been 121 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Delaware County, with 20 people now under mandatory quarantine, 7 people have died and 110 have fully recovered.

Delaware County Sheriff's deputies announced that a New York City man’s failure to dim his headlights to on-coming traffic resulted in his arrest for driving while ability was impaired by drugs. Deputies in the Town of Walton Thursday observed an approaching vehicle, the driver failed to dim his headlights, the vehicle was stopped and Deputies noted the odor of marijuana from within the vehicle. 20-year-old Emmanuel Ogando of New York was charged with driving under the influence of drugs, unlawful possession of marijuana, failure to dim headlights, operating without a supervising occupant in the front seat and operating in violation of restrictions of license class. Ogando was released on appearance tickets directing him to appear in the Walton Town Court on a later date.

On Sunday State Police were dispatched to a 1-car crash in the town of Sanford on State Route 17 near exit 84, where a Honda Pilot went off the roadway, struck a delineator & an embankment & rolled. A Passenger, 20 year old Joselyn Castaneda-Guzman of Pawling was transported by LifeNet to Wilson Medical Center where she was in stable condition. The driver, 65 year old Wulder Castaneda of Pawling was also taken to Wilson Medical Center. A 2nd passenger 55 year old Mercedes Guzman of Pawling was not injured. The investigation into this crash is on-going.

On Saturday State Police responded to a motorcycle crash on State Route 17 in the town of Sanford. The investigation revealed that 23-year old Thomas Alsdorf of Washingtonville went off the roadway and struck a guiderail, he & his passenger were ejected. Alsdorf was airlifted to Upstate University Hospital in critical condition, the passenger, 21-year old Angela Decker of Westtown was transported to Wilson Medical Center where she succumbed to her injuries. The crash remains under investigation.

State Police charged 19 year old Madisyn Colsten of Binghamton for DWI after she allegedly drove her car into a house at 211 Dunbar Road in the Town of Windsor at 3:40 AM Saturday. The occupant of the home, the driver, and the passenger were not injured. Colsten has been issued an appearance ticket for October 13th.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-18-20

The Otsego County Department of Health, Bassett Medical Center & NYS Department of Health has partnered to provide a rapid testing to Otsego County residents.  The testing will be performed on Tuesday & Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM each day at the Foothills Performing Arts & Civic Center on Market Street in Oneonta, for those who pre-register at 547-4279.

Governor Cuomo announced that the COVID-19 results from Thursday, as 790 out of 89,727 tests performed Thursday were Positive.  The state has had 448,052 cases since March, there were 478 hospitalized, 141 were in an ICU, 62 were on ventilators, there were 10 COVID-19 Deaths, bringing the state toll up to 25,423.

The State Department of Labor announced that New York has paid nearly $1.9 billion in Lost Wages Assistance benefits to 2.26 million New Yorkers this week, representing retroactive payments of $300 for the weeks ending August 2nd, 9th, and 16th. The State has paid $44.5 billion in benefits to New Yorkers during the COVID-19 pandemic; also FEMA has approved New York for the second and final round of that funding. This round of funding provides three additional weeks of Lost Wages Assistance benefits, paid retroactively for the weeks ending August 23rd, August 30th, and September 6th. New Yorkers will begin to receive these payments next week.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 33 year old Edwin McGraw of Hancock following the report of a possible trespass in progress at a remote camp in the Town of Tompkins Wednesday.  Deputies discovered evidence of forced entry to an unoccupied residence and boat house, with the theft of 1 or more firearms. McGraw was charged with 2nd degree burglary, 4th degree Grand larceny & criminal mischief; he was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of $5,000 cash bail pending his appearance in the Town of Tompkins Court on a later date.

Governor Cuomo today announced that the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is expanding online services, making it easier for New Yorkers to do business with the DMV from the comfort of their homes, and allowing the DMV to serve more customers in person who cannot complete their transactions online. The DMV has initiated a pilot program to offer the written learner permit tests for passenger cars and motorcycles online. It is also piloting a process to allow customers who reside in counties served by the state DMV to register their vehicles online. More information can be found on the DMV website at dmv.ny.gov.

A.M. News Friday 9-18-20

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office in Florida found the body of Otsego County Native Michael Shaver buried under a concrete slab in the backyard of his home in 2018,  his wife, 37-year-old Laurie Shaver, has been arrested for 2nd-degree homicide.  Shaver's family had told authorities that they had not heard from Michael since 2015.

Delaware County Sheriff office arrested a Delaware County inmate after a Correction Officer discovered contraband during a routine cell search conducted in late August. 33-year-old Christiaan Stewart of Bloomville was charged with promoting prison contraband, Stewart will be arraigned the Town of Delhi Court on a later date to answer the charge.

Delaware County Sheriff's Department arrested 37-year-old Level 2 Sex Offender Martin Planty of Walton for failure to register a change in his residential address.   Planty, who was previously convicted, in the State of Florida, he was arraigned by teleconference, and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail pending his appearance in the Town of Delhi Court on a later date.

Commerce Chenango & The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce have teamed up for an event next Tuesday, September 22nd, where there members can get answer to questions they may have from the Small Business Administration officials.  Delaware County Chamber President Ray Pucci explains:

(Ray Pucci 9-18-20)

The online event will be held Tuesday from 12:00 PM thru 1:00 PM, more information is available from Commerce Chenango at 334-1400 or the Delaware County Chamber at 746-2281

Otsego County Department of Health reported 5 new cases of COVID 19 were reported Thursday, 3 are related to the SUNY Oneonta outbreak and 2 are county residents.  Current COVID numbers: there have been 692 confirmed cases linked to SUNY Oneonta, 16 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students, 26 active cases currently residing in the county.  There have been a total of 853 cases, 1 person is hospitalized.

Delaware County is reporting no new positive test result for COVID-19 and no additional recoveries. The known active cases in the County as of today remains 3, all are recovering at home. To date there have been 117 confirmed positive cases of COVID19 in Delaware County, with 55 people now under mandatory quarantine, 6 people have died and 108 have fully recovered.

The State Health Department reported 557 new COVID positive tests Monday, out of almost 58,000 tests administered statewide.  There were 445 people hospitalized, 114 in ICU Beds, & 52 on ventilators, 5 people died, bringing the state death toll to 25,367.

The Broome County Health Department reported that they have had 1265 positive COVD cases since March, they reported 1 more deaths since Friday, with a death toll of 80 1132 have recovered, and 353 are being monitored by the health department, they have conducted over 45,200 tests.

Delaware County Sheriff's deputies responded to an accident in the Town of Walton Monday evening that resulted in the arrest of 41 year old Geoffrey MacDonald of Oneonta for Driving While Intoxicated.   Deputies located a car into a guiderail on Seeley Wood Road; they accuse MacDonald of crossing into the oncoming lane of travel and colliding with a guiderail on the opposite shoulder of the roadway.   MacDonald was charged with DWI & failure to keep right, he was released on tickets returnable in the Walton Town Court on a later date. Macdonald is also scheduled to appear at a Department of Motor Vehicles Refusal hearing on a later date for failure to submit to a chemical test.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-8-20

Otsego County Department of Health continues to investigate a large outbreak of Coronavirus involving SUNY Oneonta.  On Monday, 32 new cases were reported, 31 of the cases are linked to SUNY Oneonta, 1 case in not connected to the college outbreaks.  Currently, 139 students are isolating on campus and 43 students are in quarantine on campus awaiting test results. Current COVID numbers, there have been  807 total confirmed cases,  685 confirmed cases linked to SUNY Oneonta,  11 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students,  8 linked to the high school gathering, there are no hospitalizations currently.

Governor Cuomo and SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras announced the launch of a SUNY system-wide COVID-19 case tracker dashboard. The centralized dashboard will provide real time, up-to-date information on COVID-19 cases, testing, and quarantine and isolation space availability across SUNY's 64 colleges and universities to more efficiently monitor, respond to, and contain the virus.

Governor Cuomo announced that another 520 COVID cases were confirmed Sunday or .88% of all those tested, Bringing Statewide Total to 440,021; 413 are hospitalized, with 115 in ICU beds & 57 are on Ventilators, there were 2 deaths reported, bringing the state death toll to 25,361.

The Governor also announced the results of the State's testing in the City of Oneonta over 5 days. A total of 1,965 tests were performed at the 3 sites, 91 positive cases were identified, for a positivity rate of 4.6%. Contact tracing efforts in partnership with local health departments are ongoing. 85 of the 91 positives cases were ages 18 to 24, or about 11.5% positive.

SUNY Delhi will begin conducting surveillance testing for COVID-19 on campus starting Tuesday, September 15th, as an early warning system to assist in the prevention of COVID-19.  SUNY Delhi will conduct pool testing of saliva samples from students. The test will identify the presence of COVID-19 in the samples with a 95+% confidence level.  Students will be selected for pool testing in designated groups and will be notified via email with detailed instructions. Participation is mandatory. Students who have previously had a confirmed case of COVID-19 will need to get medical documentation from their health care provider and must call Health Services at 746-4690 to coordinate an exemption for the surveillance testing.

State Police responded Friday to a 3-car crash on State Highway 23 near the intersection of Regan Way in the town of Davenport.  An investigation revealed that a Pontiac driven by 56 year old Kevin Johnson of Windham was stopped waiting to turn left into the Mirabito when he was rear ended by a Hyundai driven by 20 year old Shaun Jones of Davenport, which caused the Hyundai to then enter the westbound lane of traffic and into the path of an ambulance traveling west on State Highway 23.  The ambulance then struck a guiderail.   Jones was transported to Albany Med and was treated & released, Jones's passenger, a 19-year-old female of Otego was transported to Bassett Medical Center.  The driver of the ambulance, 41 year old Gerald Brown of Milford was transported to Fox Hospital, his passenger; a 21-year-old male of Sherburne was also transported to Fox Hospital.  The crash remains under investigation.

A "Meet the Candidate" event will be held in Afton today, featuring Libertarian Candidate Thomas Daniel Quiter for the State Senate's 52nd District, as well as Larry Sharpe, who was the 2018 Libertarian candidate for New York Governor.  The event will be held in front of 175 Main Street, Afton (The Afton Inn) from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM today.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 8-24-20

Governor Cuomo held a COVID 19 update earlier today; he reported that guidance has been issued with regards to the High School Sports season:

(Cuomo 8-24-20)

The governor said that 408 tested positive out of more than 62,000 tests administered statewide on Sunday, giving the state a total of 430,135 total cases since March, hospitalizations were down to 482, the number of patients in an ICU went down to 122, the number of patients on ventilators was down to 54 & 7 people died from the virus Sunday, bringing the state death toll to 25,295.

The Delaware County Sheriff's Department announced that an all-terrain vehicle accident in the Town of Walton early Friday afternoon has claimed the life of a Bronx teenager.   Deputies and Walton Fire & EMS, responded to Cayuga Trail Road in the Town of Walton, their preliminary investigation revealed that the 15-year-old victim lost control of the ATV, ran off the roadway & collided with a tree and was ejected from the vehicle.   The victim was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, he was transported by LifeNet to UHS Delaware Valley Hospital where died of the injuries he sustained in the accident.

Today is the day that Gyms & Fitness Center across the state may begin to re-open with a variety of special restrictions.  Jamey Mullen at the Norwich YMCA told WCDO News that while many of their services have been open all along, their fitness center is not open today & will take some time to be ready:

(Jamey Mullen 8-24-20)

Mullen said that members of the YMCA can get the latest information posted on their Facebook page.

A State Appeals Court decided last week that the evidence used against Casey Callahan in Otsego County Court in 2016 was not overwhelming and they have reversed his murder conviction & a new Trial will be scheduled.  The Otsego County District Attorney's Office argued that Casey Callahan intentionally ran over his wife Elizabeth Callahan on January 19th, 2000 while in the parking lot off of Interstate 86 near the New York Pennsylvania border, he was tried in Otsego County Court as he was accused of concocting the plan in Otsego County.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 28 year old Corey Bateman of Binghamton following a traffic-stop on State Route 8 in the Town of Sidney Sunday afternoon.  Deputies observed a vehicle towing a camping trailer with improper license plates, it was determined that Bateman had a suspended driver’s license for failure to answer a summons in Broome County and for possession and/or sale of drugs.  Bateman was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, unlicensed operator, improper plates, unregistered trailer, as well as improper brake light; he will appear in the Town of Sidney Court at a later date.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 8-24-20

Governor Cuomo announced that the state had 572 new COVID 19 cases diagnosed Saturday statewide, giving New York over 429,700 cases since March.  There were 472 hospitalized for the virus, 110 were in an ICU, 50 were on ventilators, 5 more deaths were reported, including 1 in Broome County, bringing the state death toll to 25,288.

FEMA has approved New York for a FEMA grant under the Lost Wages Assistance program, which will allow New York to provide $300 per week, on top of their regular unemployment benefit, to those unemployed due to COVID-19. FEMA will work with Governor Cuomo to implement a system to make this funding available.   More information is available at fema.gov/fact-sheet/fema-lost-wages-supplemental-payment-assistance.

Delaware County Public Health received no new positive test result for COVID-19 Friday and no additional recoveries were reported. The known active cases in the County is 4. To date there have been 101 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Delaware County, with 30 people now under mandatory quarantine, 4 people are isolated at home,  6 people have died and 91 have fully recovered.

The Women’s Fund Leadership Committee of the Community Foundation for South Central New York has announced its 2020 grant awards to organizations supporting women and girls in the region. The grants went to DCMO BOCES for scholarships for women to participate in an entrepreneurship program, to Family Planning of South Central New York to support their Access to Women’s Healthcare program, to Mothers and Babies Perinatal Network for the their Perinatal Education and Support for Women in Recovery program, to TruthPharm for the Women’s Motivational Interviewing Support Group & to VoteRunLead for a leadership development program to encourage local women to run for office.   More information is available at donorswhocare.org.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office responded to a 2 motorcycle, 1 car accident Saturday night on State Route 206 in the town of Walton.   Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies and Walton Fire Department and Emergency Squads were dispatched to a motorcycle – deer accident on State Highway 206 near the intersection of Davis Road. 64-year-old Bruce Gerken, and his wife, 58-year-old Deborah Gerken of Bainbridge were traveling on a motorcycle when they collided with a deer that ran into the roadway, Bruce Gerken lost control & he and his wife were ejected from the motorcycle, which then struck a vehicle driven by 56-year-old Debra Higley of Trout Creek.  Bruce & Deborah Gerken were taken to Wilson Hospital, Debra Higley & her passenger 62 year-old Luther Higley were uninjured.  Another motorcyclist traveling with the Gerkens, 74-year-old Richard King from Bainbridge lost control of his motorcycle while attempting to avoid the Gerken’s collision; he struck the guide wires, his Motorcycle overturned, fatally injuring King.  The accident remains under investigation

The State Health Department reported 655 additional cases of COVID 19, after testing almost 67,000 people Monday, bringing the statewide total to 426,571 since March.  537 people are hospitalized, 126 are in Intensive Care, with 60 on ventilators, and there were 8 deaths from the virus Monday, bringing the state death toll to 25,264.

Chenango County Public Health reported that they have had 218 total confirmed cases of COVID 19 since March, they have 96 Active Quarantines, 1 Hospitalization, 199 Total Recoveries, 7 deaths they have conducted 19916 tests.

Governor Cuomo announced that 2 additional states have been added to the travel advisory requiring individuals who have traveled to New York from those states to quarantine for 14 days. The newly-added states are Alaska and Delaware. No areas have been removed.  The full list of restricted states can be found at coronavirus.health.ny.gov.

Mirabito Energy Products announced that the employee at the center of the controversy that occurred in Bainbridge last weekend is no longer employed by Mirabito.  Racially motivated and all discriminatory hate speech is not consistent with the values of the Mirabito organization and they do not condone such activities & they will not tolerate activities that create a harmful environment for customers, employees and the communities in which they operate.

Colorscape Chenango announced that they do a "Virtual” Arts Festival on September 12 & 13, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on YouTube. Spokesperson Roz DeRensis explains:

(Roz DeRensis 8-18-20)

DeRensis said that Music performances will be prerecorded from The Slambovian Circus of Dreams and Adam Erza.  Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival was recently ranked #97 by Sunshine Artist Magazine in their annual list of the 200 Best Arts and Crafts Festivals.

The next Bainbridge Chamber Of Commerce General Membership Meeting is Today @ 7:30 am.  The Meeting will be held at the back of Bob's Diner.

The City of Oneonta has established a dedicated hotline for citizens to report concerns over gatherings that are seen as jeopardizing public health doing this time of COVID-19 pandemic. New York State Law currently prohibits gatherings at which individuals cannot remain a minimum of 6 feet distance from others. Under no circumstances are gatherings of more than 50 persons permitted. Concerns may be reported by either phone call or text message to (607) 376-7453.

US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced that she & many other members of Congress are calling on Postmaster Louis Dejoy to respond regarding the apparent dismantling of the US Postal Service:

(Gillibrand 8-18-20)

Gillibrand said that she is also calling for the Postal Bank to be brought back, which could generate up to 9 Billion dollars a year in revenue for the under-funded postal service.

State Police arrested 24 year old Alexander Hartman of Binghamton for 2nd degree Burglary and 3rd degree Arson.  On August 9, Troopers and the Nanticoke Fire Department were dispatched to a garage fire, an investigation revealed that Hartman broke into a residence to steal items then started a fire in the garage.  Hartman was arrested and processed at the Binghamton barracks & he was later transported to Broome County Central Arraignment and Processing.

Delaware County received no new positive test result for COVID-19 today or over the weekend and no additional recoveries have been reported. The known active cases in the County as of today remains at 2. To date there have been 98 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, with 18 people now under mandatory quarantine.  2 people are isolated at home, 6 people have died and 90 have fully recovered.

Governor Cuomo held a COVID 19 update today in New York City; he said that July 4th gatherings upstate are increasing COVID numbers:

(Cuomo 7-23-20)

The state had 811 new cases of the virus Wednesday, bringing the state total to 409,697, the number who died from the virus, was 13, bringing the state death toll to 25,081, the number hospitalized dropped to 706 statewide.

Oneonta police arrested 40 year old Brian Boore of Oneonta for 1st & 2nd degree Assault, for allegedly stabbing another person Tuesday.  The victim was taken to Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, Boore was located a short distance away from the scene, the investigation is continuing.

The Oneonta Police Department is investigating a series of slashed tires Sunday night into Monday morning in the City's East End.  Police are using surveillance video to try to determine the suspect.  Anyone with information is asked to call Oneonta Police at 432-1111.

The New York State Department of Health and Delaware County Public Health are investigating reports of potential COVID-19 exposures associated with those who attended Walton First Baptist Church, 55 Townsend St in Walton, NY on Sunday, July 12th.  People that attended church on July 12th, 2020 or a church function on the night of July 12th should immediately self-isolate and call Delaware County Public Health at 607-832-5200.

The Delaware County Board of Supervisors met in person in Delhi Wednesday for the first time in several months because of the COVID 19 pandemic & state requirements that followed.  The board accepted federal grants for COVID-19 relief for the County Office for the Aging.

The Broome County Health Department announced that they are up to 882 positive cases of COVID 19, with 63 deaths, 684 recoveries and 602 are being monitored by the Health Department.

Due to the rising cases of COVID-19 in Broome County the Binghamton Rumble Ponies have decided to postpone "A Night at Rumble Town," originally scheduled for July 31st.  Fans who had already purchased tickets will be receiving an email in the coming days with information on refunds for the event.  As soon as it is safe to host fans at NYSEG Stadium, the Binghamton Rumble Ponies will post information on BINGRP.com along with their Facebook and Twitter pages.

SUNY Broome will be hosting a virtual graduation to celebrate the class of 2020 on Saturday.  The commencement ceremony will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday and will be available by Livestream on YouTube and Facebook Live.  SUNY Broome has provided a webpage for graduates, friends, and family and loved ones to participate in the celebration at sunybroome.edu/graduation.

Governor Cuomo held his Coronavirus earlier today; he said that the numbers continue to be good across the state, but the problems of people congregating in large groups is a problem:

(Cuomo 7-20-20)

The Governor said that the State had 716 people hospitalized with the virus, the lowest number in 4 months, there were 8 deaths Sunday, the state death toll is at 25,056, and there were 519 new cases diagnosed of the virus, bringing the number to 407,326.

State Police responded to a fatal motorcycle crash Saturday night on I-81 in Cortlandville.  The investigation reveals that 47 Michael Sipe of Johnson City was operating a homemade, unregistered motorcycle when he lost control, struck a guiderail and crashed.  Sipe was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies & DEP Police responded July 7th to a 1 car accident near the intersection of State Highway 206 and Wilson Hollow in the Town of Colchester, the vehicle was not occupied, but Deputies located 33-year old Brian Hartwell of Bainbridge walking on State Highway 206.  Hartwell lost control of his vehicle and struck a highway sign and drainage ditch when he swerved to avoid a deer, he left the scene as he had been driving in violation of his conditional license.  Deputies discovered that Norwich Police Department held an arrest warrant for Hartwell for criminal contempt.  Hartwell was charged with a number of traffic offenses, & for the Norwich charge, he was turned over to the Norwich Police Department.

Otsego County Department of Health announced that they have had 4 new cases of COVID 19 reported in last few days.  They have had 89 total confirmed cases, 10 active cases with 2 hospitalized, 74 recoveries, 5 deaths,

The Watershed Agricultural Council will be sponsoring their 4th annual blood drive from 12:00 to 5:00 pm today at the Walton Fire Department, 59 West Street, Walton. Appointments are requested at redcrossblood.org.

The Chenango County Department of Public Works will close County Road 9 today between Page Road and Gardner Road in the Town of Greene, for the replacement of large twin culvert crossing under County Road 9.  This closure shall be in place from the stated date of closure until the twin culvert replacement project on County Road 9 is complete.  There shall be NO ON-SITE DETOUR. The traveling public is asked to seek alternative routes. Local traffic shall be allowed access to their homes, on each side of project.

Delaware County Public Health received no new reported case of COVID-19 Friday and no additional recoveries. The known active cases in the County remains at 4,   to date there have been 86 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Delaware County, with 30 people quarantined.  4 people are isolated at home, none are in the hospital, 6 people have died and 76 have fully recovered.

Governor Cuomo today announced that 4 additional states meet the metrics to qualify for the travel advisory requiring individuals who have traveled to New York from those states to quarantine for 14 days. The newly-added states are Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio and Wisconsin, the state of Delaware has been removed. The quarantine applies to any person arriving from a state with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents over a 7-day rolling average or a state with a 10% or higher positivity rate over a 7-day rolling average. A travel enforcement operation begins today at airports across the state to help ensure travelers are following the state's quarantine restrictions and to help contain the rates of COVID-19 transmission in New York State, failure to adhere could result in fines up to $2000.

The State Health department announced that there were 5 deaths in New York State from the Coronavirus, 2 of those were in Broome County, the state death toll is 24, 994.  Hospitalizations increased by 28 to 820 statewide, the number of people on ventilators was 101, there were 912 positive tests in the state Monday, bringing the statewide total to 403,175 confirmed cases since March.

Dr. Tommy Ibrahim took over Monday as President  & CEO Of the Bassett Healthcare Network, He told WCDO News of his background & how he could not let this opportunity pass:

(Dr. Tommy Ibrahim 7-14-20)

Dr. Ibrahim's full interview with WCDO News will run in its entirety Thursday Morning following the 10:00 AM News.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested a Walton man upon the conclusion of their investigation of an early morning domestic dispute.  Deputies arrested 30-year-old Victor Matonis of Walton for unlawful imprisonment and harassment, he is accused of physically grabbing, restraining and attempting to prevent the victim from fleeing from the residence.  Matonis was arraigned in the Town of Walton Court and was released on recognizance pending his reappearance in the Town of Walton Court on a later date.

Chenango County Public Health announced that they were up to 169 total cases of the Coronavirus.  Currently there are 111 Active Quarantines, no Hospitalizations, 147 recoveries, 6 deaths and 13,236 tests have been performed.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County will be hosting a live stream Energy Chat on  Tuesday, July 21st at 12:00 noon on Facebook Live at CCEDelawareHE.  The event will feature Energy Navigator Bob Romick about saving on heating bills.  More information is available at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County at 865-6531 or by emailing vsd22@cornell.edu or at smartenergychoices.org.

On Monday July 20th, 2020, the Chenango County Department of Public Works shall close County Road 9, between Page Road and Gardner Road in the Town of Greene, for the replacement of large twin culvert crossing under County Road 9.  This closure shall be in place from the stated date of closure until the twin culvert replacement project on County Road 9 is complete.  There shall be NO ON-SITE DETOUR. The traveling public is asked to seek alternative routes. Local traffic shall be allowed access to their homes, on each side of project.

State Police at Norwich responded to a fatal motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian near Fred’s Inn on State Highway 12 in Norwich, shortly before 10:00 PM last night.  The pedestrian was pronounced deceased on scene, an autopsy was ordered.  The operator of the vehicle is being cooperative with New York State Police Investigators. The investigation is on-going, more will be released when available.

Governor Cuomo announced the start of "Operation Hardhat," a statewide traffic enforcement detail targeting motorists who drive recklessly through work zones. The operation is a joint initiative between the New York State Police, Department of Transportation and Thruway Authority, State Troopers will patrol active highway work zones throughout the summer, Troopers will be present within the work zones, dressed as highway maintenance workers, to identify motorists who disobey flagging personnel, speed through the work zone or violate the state's Move Over Law.

Delaware County received a report of one new case of COVID-19 and no additional recoveries over the past weekend.  The known active case in the County is now 1. To date there have been 83 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, with 30 people under quarantine, 1 person is isolated, 6 people have died and 76 have fully recovered.

The State Health Department announced the latest Coronavirus Numbers for Monday.  The number of Hospitalizations state wide is 891, there were 13 deaths Monday from the virus; bring the state death toll to 24,855.  There were 524 new positive cases diagnosed Monday, or about 1% of those tested, the state number since early March is 393,454.

Chenango County Public Health announced their latest statistics regarding the Coronavirus pandemic.  They have had a total of 146 cases, with 134 recoveries, there are Currently 26 people Quarantined, there are no Active Hospitalizations, 6 deaths, they have conducted 10,803 tests.

The Broome County Department of Health announced today that they are up to 680 cases of the Coronavirus, they report 51 deaths, 572 recoveries, 265 are being monitored by the Heath Department, they have conducted over 19,500 tests.

The Board of Directors for the Delaware County Fair announced today, that the Annual County Fair in Walton is cancelled this year, spokesman Jason Craig explains:

(Jason Craig 6-30-20)

Craig said that they are going forward to plan for the 2021 Delaware County Fair in Walton in August of 2021.

The New York State Department of Health announced that they have led a study on multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children associated with COVID-19.  The study describes 99 cases of the syndrome and concludes the emergence of the condition in the State followed widespread COVID-19 transmission and often is associated with cardiac dysfunction in children up to the age of 21.   Of the 99 patients 36 had a pre-existing condition, the most common being obesity, Of the 99, there were two fatalities, the syndrome is compared to Kawasaki disease, and more studies will be conducted.

Former Delaware County Social Services Commissioner Dana Scuderi-Hunter has filed a lawsuit against the Delaware County Board of Supervisors, and Chairperson Tina Mole for wrongful dismissal.  Scuderi-Hunter was suspended in early 2019, & was fired at the end of the suspension.

The Sidney Central School District will receive over $52,000 in grant money from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, for a farm to school program.  The district will expand their efforts to procure locally sourced produce & food products from area farms, for school lunches & breakfast programs.

Delaware County DPW announced that the New York City owned road around the Cannonsville Reservoir will be closed from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM on July 7th & 8th for paving.  Motorists are asked to use alternate routes during the paving project.  The DPW also announced that oil & stone projects will begin on County roads in the northern part of the county starting on July 6th.

Syracuse native & former area businessman Robert Raide died on June 18th in Canandaigua, he owned Raide Canvas Company in Syracuse & was the founder & Principal Owner of WCDO, which went on the air on May 8th 1982, until he sold it to the current ownership group that includes Craig Stevens, in 1986.  Raide was 76.

The Village of Unadilla announced that the Village playground will be open from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM and 1:00 PM-5:00 PM. The playground equipment will be sanitized every day between 8-9 AM and 12:00-1:00 PM. This playground equipment will be closed during this time to allow the cleaner to dry.  Also, the Tennis Court is opened on 1 side at this time; they are working to open up both sides shortly.

3 people have been arrested after the discovery of illegal fireworks in their vehicle.  On June 27th, State Police arrested 29 year old Leon Tryon and 25 year old Garett Lavalley, both of Wolcott, NY.  They were each charged with Unlawfully Dealing with Fireworks and Dangerous Fireworks.  A third person was charged with a violation level offense for Possessing a Firework or Dangerous Firework.   A trooper monitoring traffic on I-81 in Kirkwood observed Tyron make a vehicle and traffic infraction. A stop was initiated and an investigation led to the discovery of $900 worth of illegal fireworks.  All 3 were processed and issued appearance tickets to the town of Kirkwood court on July 15th.

State Police arrested 35 year old Holly Cornell of Berkshire for Unlawfully Dealing with Fireworks and Dangerous Fireworks, after a trooper monitoring traffic on I-81 in the town of Kirkwood initiated a traffic stop after a traffic violation, troopers located over $2,000 worth of illegal fireworks in Cornell’s possession, she was released on appearance tickets to the town of Kirkwood court on July 7th.

The New York State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment will meet by a Webcast at 10:30 AM Today, which can be heard at dps.ny.gov/Webcasts.  The Siting Board agenda includes the Application of High Bridge Wind, LLC for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need Pursuant to Article 10 to construct a Wind Powered Electric Generating Facility in the Town of Guilford.

Delaware County is reporting no new cases of COVID-19 and 1 additional recovery. The known active cases is now 0. To date there have been 82 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, 17 people are quarantined, 6 people have died and 76 have fully recovered.

The Otsego County Department of Health has 1 New case of the Coronavirus, giving them 76 total confirmed cases, no one is hospitalized,  69 have recovered, there have been 5 deaths, 11 people are quarantined, 5,589 tests have been performed.

State Senator Jen Metzger announced that her staff will hold a Mobile Office event on Tuesday, June 30th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in Delhi.  Appointments are required, they can be scheduled by emailing cordella@nysenate.gov More information is available by calling (845) 344-3311.

The State Department of Transportation will host a virtual public hearing by videoconference with a phone-in option for the upcoming bridge replacement project in the Towns of Fenton and Barker in Broome County; and the Town of Greene in Chenango County.  The Hearing will be held today, at 5:00 pm at dot.ny.gov/NY79ChenangoRiverBridge

Firefighters in Norwich fought a blaze at 20 Brown Street Sunday afternoon at around 3:35 PM.  1 occupant escaped firefighters from North Norwich & Plymouth assisted the Norwich Fire Department, no injuries were reported, the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Chenango County Public Health announced that they now have 139 positive cases of the Coronavirus.  No one is hospitalized currently, 33 are quarantined, 131 have recovered, there were 6 deaths, and they have conducted over 880 tests.

Broome County Health Department announced their Coronavirus numbers Monday that they have 632 total cases of the Coronavirus, with 51 deaths, 545 recoveries, and 146 are being monitored by the department, they have conducted just under 18,000 tests.

The Town of Guilford Board will hold a special meeting on Zoom Wednesday night at 7:00 PM.  The Town Attorney & the Board will be discussing the proposed Certificate Conditions on the High Bridge Wind farm LLC proposal, more information is available at 895-9966.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 49 year old Jonathan Brooks of Walton after stopping an uninsured vehicle in the Village of Walton.   Brooks is accused of operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration; his driving privileges were also suspended because of his auto insurance not being in effect.  Brooks was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle among other charges, he was ordered to appear in Village of Walton Court at a later date.

State Police and Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies responded Friday night to a shooting on Light Road in Harpursville.  An investigation revealed that 38 year old Timothy Wilcox shot his estranged wife, 35 year old Meghan Wilcox then turned the gun on himself, and a 16-year-old teen was at the house at the time of the incident and was not injured.  Meghan Wilcox was transported Wilson Hospital in Johnson City where she is in critical condition, Timothy  Wilcox was transported to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City and later flown to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse & was in critical condition, he is employed as a peace officer with the Broome County Security Division.   The investigation is on-going.

State Police responded to a fatal motorcycle crash on State Route 79 in the town of Windsor.  50 year old Brian Bidwell of Virginia was traveling southbound on State Route 79 when he left the roadway for an unknown reason and stuck a ditch.  He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Polling Sites have been consolidated in all area Counties for Tomorrow's Primary voting, for those who did not send in or vote early.  All Chenango County Voters will vote Tuesday at the Chenango County Sheriff's Office in the town of Norwich, Otsego, Delaware & Broome counties have consolidated polling places, the information can be found on the county websites, or by calling Broome County Board of Elections: 778-2172, Delaware County Board of Elections: 832-5321or the Otsego County Board of Elections: 547-4247

Chenango County Sheriff's deputies arrested Garrett Hunter for 3 Counts of Burglary, plus Criminal Contempt, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Grand Larceny, among other charges for allegedly breaking into the Mirabito Gas Station in Sherburne on 2 separate occasions.  Hunter is accused of stealing a loaded handgun from a vehicle in Sherburne, & breaking into a victim’s residence in Smyrna.   Hunter was located hiding inside of the victim’s residence by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit and the Chenango County Sheriff’s Deputies, he was arraigned and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $25,000 cash bail, further charges may be filed, the investigation is continuing.

Delaware County is reported 1 new case of COVID-19 and no additional recoveries, there have been 81 confirmed positive cases, 9 people are quarantined, 1 person is in the hospital, 2 are isolated at home, 5 people have died and 73 have fully recovered.

Governor Cuomo today reiterated the need for people to be cautious & follow the social Distancing Guidelines & wear masks, as most of the Upstate Counties moved into Phase 3 of Reopening today:

(Cuomo phase 3)

The Governor also signed the into law today some reforms for Law Enforcement agencies to follow in the wake of the George Floyd Case in Minneapolis:

(Cuomo police)

The new laws allow for transparency of prior disciplinary records of law enforcement officers by repealing section 50-a of the civil rights law; Bans the use of chokeholds by law enforcement officers; Prohibiting false race-based 911 reports; and Designating the Attorney General as an independent prosecutor for matters relating to the civilian deaths attributed to law enforcement.

Governor Cuomo also signed an Executive Order requiring local police agencies, including the NYPD, to develop a plan that reinvents and modernizes police strategies and programs in their community based on community input. Each police agency's reform plan must address policies, procedures, practices and deployment, including, but not limited to use of force.  Police forces must adopt a plan by April 1, 2021 to be eligible for future state funding and certify that they have Engaged their constituents in a public and open process on strategies and tools; Present a plan to the public for comment; & present the plan to their local legislative body for approval, If the local government does not certify the plan, the police force may not be eligible to receive future state funding.

State Police arrested 2 teenagers from Delaware County after they engaged in 2 separate vehicle pursuits with troopers.  A 16-year-old was charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Grand Larceny, and 2 counts of Fleeing an Officer in a Motor Vehicle, a 17-year-old was arrested for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property & Grand Larceny.  Troopers were advised of an erratic driver on I-88 near Unadilla, Troopers attempted to make a traffic stop, the vehicle failed to comply, accelerated off the Interstate at exit 10 and on to State Highway 7 in Unadilla.  Another trooper attempted to stop the vehicle on State Highway 7 when the vehicle went off the roadway and struck a tree, the juveniles fled on foot & were spotted in another vehicle on State Route 7, and they failed to comply but were taken into custody at the Speedway at State Routes 7 and 8.  The 1st vehicle was stolen from the town of Downsville, the 2nd from the village of Unadilla; both teens were virtually arraigned and were released to legal guardians.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a property damage accident on State Highway 206 in the Town of Colchester Thursday.  38-year-old Alan Moore of Walton apparently he fell asleep at the wheel on State Route 206, lost control of his vehicle, it overturned before coming to rest in a ditch.  Moore was not injured in the accident, he did not possess a New York Driver’s license and had 9 active suspensions, he was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, failure to keep right, operating out of class among other charges, and he will appear in the Town of Colchester Court at a later date.

Delaware County reported no new cases of COVID-19 Thursday and no additional recoveries. To date there have been 79 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, 17 people quarantined, 2 are in the hospital, 6 are isolated at home, 5 people have died and 66 have fully recovered.

The Sidney Central School District announced that they will be hosting a car parade for the graduating class of 2020 on Friday June 12th, beginning at 11:00 AM at the Junior Senior High school.  The Parade will go down West Main Street to Main, River Union Street, onto Pearl Street & back to the School grounds for a drive through Barbecue.

Governor Cuomo today said that the & The State Health department are carefully watching the numbers in the coming weeks, to see if the mass gathering protests will show a spike in Coronavirus cases:

(Cuomo 6-4-20)

The State Health Department reports the number of Hospitalizations from the Coronavirus is below 3000 statewide, the number of Deaths Wednesday was 52, the state death toll during this pandemic is 24,133, and the total number of cases is over 375,000.

A traffic-stop by Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies on May 30th resulted in 24 year old Garrett Gascon of Sidney being arrested on State Highway 10 in the Town of Walton.  Deputies discovered that Gascon's driving privileges were suspended for failure to answer summonses in Chenango and Otsego Counties & he was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and speeding & will appear in the Walton Town Court on a later date.

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies arrested 68 year old Thomas Lima of Franklin after they responded to a harassment complaint in the Town of Franklin on May 27th.  Lima allegedly made contact with, and harassed, a protected party for whom an order of protection was issued by the Delaware County Family Court, Deputies arrested Lima for harassment & criminal contempt, during processing at the Delaware County Sheriff's Office, Lima is accused of spitting on and attempting to trip Deputies, he was additionally charged with obstructing governmental administration & attempted assault on a police officer.  Lima was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on cash bail, pending future appearances in the Town of Franklin and Delhi Courts.

Chenango County Public Health announced that they are up to 133 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus since early March.  1 patient is currently hospitalized, 106 are quarantined, there have been 98 recoveries & 5 deaths, over 4900 tests have been performed.

The Broome County Health Department announced that they have had 583 positive cases of the Coronavirus since Early March.  There have been 45 deaths, 431 recoveries, 320 patients are being monitored by the Health Department, and they have conducted over 13,700 tests.

The Walton Central School District Board of education announced that they have appointed Michael MacDonald as the new Superintendent, starting on July 1st.  MacDonald will succeed interim Superintendent Larry Thomas; MacDonald started his education career as a Special Ed Teacher in Walton in the early 90's

Cornell Cooperative Extension, Catholic Charities, the SUNY Morrisville Norwich Campus will be holding dairy and ag product drive-thru event today at the Chenango County Fairgrounds.  A variety of dairy products, including Chobani yogurt, will be donated to those families in-need beginning at 2:00 p.m. until supplies are gone.

Oneonta City officials announced that Center Street will be closed today between 7:00 AM & 3:00 PM between Maple & East Street.  Crews will be repaving the street in that area, local traffic will be allowed where possible.

Governor Cuomo announced this afternoon that the 5 regions that were first allowed to enter the 1st phase of Reopening can now move onto the 2nd phase:

(Cuomo 5-29-20)

Local Assemblyman Cliff Crouch said that many area businesses & their workforce were on pins & needles waiting for the declaration:

(Cliff Crouch 5-29-20)

Commerce Chenango CEO & President Kerri Green told WCDO live this morning that all businesses have to fill out the certification form that they are following the state guidelines while they are operating:

(Kerri Green 5-29-20 certify)

The website to find the certification document is at follow.ny.gov, and go to 2nd phase, print out the document, fill it out & have it on hand in your business.

The State Health Department announced that the number of Coronavirus cases statewide went up to 368,284. Hospitalizations dipped below 4000 for the first time in weeks, the number of deaths Thursday was 67, giving the state a death toll from the virus of 23,780.

Early Thursday morning the Sidney Police Department assisted Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies with the arrest of a Walton woman on a Warrant of Arrest issued by the Delaware County Court for violation of probation.   33 year-old Nikita Kingsbury was charged with violating the terms of her probation imposed in December as a result of her conviction for criminal possession of a controlled substance.  Kingsbury was arrested September 5, 2019, along with several others at for trafficking methamphetamine from 37 Union Street in Sidney.   Sidney Police located and arrested Kingsbury, she was turned over to Sheriff’s Deputies, she was arraigned remotely by Delaware County Court & was ordered held in the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail pending further court action.

The Chenango County Department of Public Works announced that Effective June 1st, the Brisben and North Norwich Transfer Facilities will both be Open normal hours: Monday 8AM to 12PM, Tuesday through Saturday 8AM to 4PM.  The Landfill in the Town of Pharsalia will be Open normal hours: Monday through Friday from 8AM to 4PM to Residents and Haulers.  Saturday the landfill will be open from 8AM to 12PM for residential garbage only.   More information is available at 337-1792.

Delaware County Public Health received no positive lab reports for COVID-19 Thursday, so far there are 73 Positive Results, 58 have recovered, 6 are isolated at home, 5 are hospitalized, 4 have died & 30 are quarantined.

Many New York Businesses are gearing up for the expected Phase 2 Re-opening in most of the Upstate Counties, including in the Mohawk Valley & Southern Tier regions locally.  Phase 2 includes the reopening for office, real Estate, some in-store retail, & automotive dealerships, all with existing restrictions, Kerri Green of Commerce Chenango & the Southern Tier Control Room visited WCDO live this morning:

(Kerri Green 5-29-30)

Green said that the Phase 2 reopening could come in the next few days, as the 7 key criteria that is being measured is still favorable locally, even though some of the numbers have had a slight uptick in the last week.

Endicott Police confirmed that the body found near the Susquehanna River Monday morning was 30-year-old Dominic Davy of Endicott.  Davy was reported missing on April 10. The investigation into the cause of death is continuing, there was no indication of foul play.  Davy was a professor at Binghamton University.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in the Town of Walton on April 7th,  during their investigation, they learned that 32 year-old Katie Komosinski, of Walton, endangered a young child by driving her car with the child clinging to the side of the vehicle.  Upon completion of their investigation, Sheriff’s Deputies forwarded the complaint to the Walton Town Court which issued a Criminal Summons last week, Deputies located and arrested Komosinski Sunday at her residence and served the criminal summons, she will appear in the Walton Town Court on a later date.

The Village of Unadilla Board meeting will be held on Tonight at 6:30 PM at the firehouse at 77 Clifton Street, the meeting is not open to the public at this time but can be attended via Zoom.

Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County is offering a "Working Through Grief" on May 27th at 5:30 PM First Responders & Health care staff after they have dealt with additional challenges & stresses during the Coronavirus Pandemic. The presentation will be held remotely by grief counselor Rachel Barletta,  Hospice Operations Manager Lindsey O’Donnell explains:

(Lindsey O'Donnell 5-19-20)

The presentation will be held through Zoom, those interested are asked to pre-register at rbarletss@hopspicechenango.org or call 334-3556.

The State Department of Labor today announced that $9.2 billion in unemployment benefits have been paid to New Yorkers since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. This figure includes nearly $290 million in back pay that was processed in the last two weeks and which was unlocked through a new, streamlined process that allows New Yorkers to submit Federally mandated weekly certifications they had missed, unlocking previous weeks’ benefits.

The State Department of Health today announced that 2 pieces of the Comprehensive Tobacco Control Policy take effect today. The first law prohibits the sale of flavored nicotine vapor products, and the second bans the sale of all tobacco and nicotine vapor products in pharmacies. The law does not include flavorless and tobacco flavored nicotine vapor products.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi will address and take questions from AARP members on the coronavirus pandemic. During the town hall, AARP will poll participants on their top information needs in relation to COVID-19.  The event takes place this afternoon from 2:10 to 3:10 PM, by call-in, listen-only at 877-229-8493 with PIN Number 18948 or by Facebook live stream at facebook.com/AARPNY

The Otsego County Department of Health has not had a new COVID 19 case since April 30th, they report having 62 total confirmed cases, 1 is hospitalized, 57 have recovered, there were 4 deaths, 4 people are quarantined, and 279 people have been released from quarantine.

Governor Cuomo held his latest Coronavirus briefing in Rochester this morning; he discussed the different phases of opening for businesses which is likely to begin May 15th:

(Cuomo 5-4-20)

The Governor Stated that the CDC Guideline dictate that a state needs to have 14 straight days of a decline in new Hospitalizations from this or any pandemic, the state has had only 3 days straight of that decline.  Meanwhile, The State Labor department has identified some of the problem with those who claim that they have not received an unemployment check after filing an application, Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa explains:

(Melissa DeRosa 5-4-20)

DeRosa said that the Department of Labor will regularly send emails informing New Yorkers when they are able to begin certifying and receiving their benefits.

The Otsego County Health Department announced today that they have no new cases of the Coronavirus to report.  They have 62 confirmed cases, 1 person is hospitalized, 57 have recovered, there have been 4 deaths, and 25 people are quarantined.

Governor Cuomo announced that New York is joining a regional coalition of 7 nearby states to make the purchases of PPE's as a group, to lower the prices and not have the state competing against each other:

(Cuomo 7 states)

Participating in the coalition are New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, but the ideal would be to have those necessary items made in the US.

State Attorney General Letitia James and a coalition of 23 additional attorneys general urged the U.S. Senate to take action to protect women nationwide by reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.  The Violence Against Women Act was originally signed into law in 1994, it has been reauthorized several times, but when the most recent reauthorization expired in September 2018, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to approve in April of 2019, the US Senate has not acted on the bill. During the Coronavirus Pandemic & subsequent quarantines, violence against women has increased.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 44 year old Christopher Merwin of Walton for disseminating “revenge porn” early last month.   Deputies responded to a harassment complaint in the Town of Hamden involving the alleged non-consensual sharing and dissemination of an intimate image depicting the victim, Merwin is accused of sending the image of the victim to a 3rd party by electronic means. Merwin was picked up Friday on an arrest warrant issued by the Delaware County Court he was charged him with unlawful dissemination or publication of an intimate image, he was arraigned by teleconference& he was served with a temporary order of protection.

Governor Cuomo issued an executive order delaying school board elections and budget votes statewide until June 9, 2020. The school board elections and budget votes will all be conducted by mail and all qualified voters will be sent an absentee ballot with return postage paid. The Executive Order also delays local special district and village elections until September 15, 2020.

Following protests around the state where protestors were not practicing social distancing or wearing protective face masks, Governor Cuomo said that law enforcement should enforce those laws:

(Cuomo 5-3-20)

New York State now has over 316,000 cases of the Coronavirus, with 9,786 hospitalized, and the state death toll is up to 19,189.

Delaware County Public Health reported 1 new case of COVID-19 Sunday.  To date there have been 73 confirmed cases, There are 22 people under mandatory quarantine, and 12 confirmed cases have been transferred out of the county. 3 people are isolated in a hospital, 7 are recovering at home, 4 people are deceased and 47 have fully recovered.

Sidney Central School District Superintendent Eben Bullock asks that as the temperatures start to increase, each family receiving a bulk food delivery should leave a cooler or container that can keep food cool at your door, the food will be placed inside of the container at delivery. For those interested in signing up for the bulk food delivery, contact the school at 561-7703.  Bullock also asks that district parents fill out the online survey, a link can be found on the school district website, the district's Facebook page and twitter account.

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

(Mike Bloomberg 4-30-20)

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

(Mujica 4-30-20)

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

Chenango County Public Health announced today that they are up to 96 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus, they've had 3 deaths, 67 recoveries 7 people are hospitalized & 68 are quarantined.

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

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 38 year old Dennis Lafferty of Unadilla for violating an order of protection earlier this month.  Deputies received a complaint from an Otsego County domestic violence victim earlier this month, reporting receiving a phone call from the Delaware County Correctional Facility where the victim’s alleged abuser was being housed for the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office, Lafferty allegedly violated the terms of an order of protection issued by the Hartwick Town Court last November, by making calls to the protected party following his incarceration on April 13th.  Lafferty was charged with 4 counts of criminal contempt & he remains incarcerated in the Delaware County Correctional Facility, pending a court appearance in the Town of Delhi Court on a later date.

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

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

Congressman Anthony Brindisi will hold Telephone Town Hall this afternoon at 5:00 PM regarding the latest developments on the coronavirus pandemic.  To receive a call, go to brindisi.house.gov/live or call (315) 732-0713.

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

The Tri Town Coalition on Substance Abuse Prevention will their next meeting today at 6:00 PM through Zoom.   Today's Presenter is Amanda Decker of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Delaware County,  more information is available at 437-4274 or 265-9273.

Governor Cuomo today announced that the number of Coronavirus cases in New York State went up to 222,000 people; Hospitalizations remained at over 17,000, with an average of 2000 new cases discovered daily on average.  The Governor said that the key to restarting the economy and sending people back to work is a lot more testing, with federal financial support;

(Cuomo 4-17-20)

State Budget Director Robert Mujica said that 70% of the state taxpayers filed by the usual April 15th filing date, most of those were getting refunds, those who have to pay, will wait until the July 15th extension, causing a cash flow problem:

(Robert Mujica 4-17-20)

Governor Cuomo said that another 606 people died from the Coronavirus Thursday, bringing the total to 12,858, about 60% of the deaths are male, and 50% of the deaths are age 70 and up.

Governor Cuomo signed an Executive Order announcing that New Yorkers MUST wear masks or face coverings on public transportation systems and while taking private transportation or riding in for-hire vehicles. Additionally, all operators of public systems, private carriers and for-hire vehicles must wear a mask or face covering at all times while working. The Executive Order is also requiring everyone in New York to wear a mask or a face covering when out in public and in situations where social distancing cannot be maintained. The order will go into effect tonight at 8:00 PM.  Governor Cuomo is also signing an Executive Order directing all public and private labs to coordinate with the State Department of Health to ensure prioritizing diagnostic testing for public health and for restarting the economy.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies responded Thursday to a report of an unresponsive man in a parked vehicle at the Franklin Mirabito convenience store, the vehicle's operator regained consciousness and fled the scene at a high rate of speed.  Deputies stopped that vehicle on County Highway 21 in the Town of Walton after observing the driver pass another vehicle in a no passing zone.   Deputies identified the driver of the vehicle as 29 year-old Casey Killian of Walton, he was charged with passing in a no passing zone, unlicensed operator, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle & driving while ability impaired by drugs, he was released & will appear in the Town of Walton Court at a later date.

The Catholic Charities of Chenango County Roots & Wings program is delivering meals to those who cannot get out, Spokesperson Robin Cotter explains:

(Robin Cotter 4-17-20)

Those who would like more information can call 334-8244.

Chenango County Health Department announced today that they have 73 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus.  9 people are hospitalized, 39 people have recovered & 189 are quarantined, after conducting 435 tests.

The Otsego County Health department announced that they had 3 more positive cases of the Coronavirus today, they have 50 positive cases, 4 are hospitalized, 4 have died, 25 have recovered, 30 people are quarantined & 157 have been released from quarantine.

State Attorney General Letitia James and Governor Cuomo announced that the state has renewed a previous order from March 17th that halted the collection for another 30 days, of medical and student debt owed to the State and that was specifically referred to the Office of the Attorney General for collection, in response to growing financial impairments resulting from the spread of coronavirus.  The new order took effect this morning and will run for an additional 30-day period, at that time, the Office of the Attorney General will reassess the needs of state residents for another possible extension.

State Senator Jen Metzger to Join Congressman Antonio Delgado’s Telephone Town Hall regarding the Coronavirus this afternoon.  The call can be accessed by calling 855-905-3295 at 4:40 PM.

Delaware County received 1 new positive test result for the Coronavirus Thursday, there are 59 confirmed positive cases, with an additional 73 people under mandatory quarantine and 1 person under precautionary quarantine, 7 confirmed cases have been transferred out of the county to the patients home county. Of the 52 confirmed positive cases in Delaware County, 6 are in a hospital, 24 are recovering at home, 3 people are deceased and 18 have fully recovered.

Broome County Department of Health reported Thursday that they have 171 coronavirus cases, with 39 recoveries, 8 deaths, & 282 people are quarantined.

Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond announced that the CDC
COVID-19 Alerts are available free from the Delaware County Sheriff’s
App.

(Sheriff Craig DuMond 3-18-20)

The app and the upgrade are available free for Android and
Apple.   The upgrade also includes
an Inmate Search, A map of sex offenders in Delaware County, press releases
& more.  Search for Delaware
County Sheriff's Office in the App Store or Google Play, or
apps.myocv.com.

1 Chenango County resident is among the newly confirmed
cases of the Corona Virus.  The
unidentified person is in quarantine, the County Health Department is not at
liberty to discuss the location of the quarantined patient.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli issued a revenue projection
for the 2020-2021 state budget which reflects an estimate of the economic
impact and ongoing volatility stemming from the spread of the coronavirus.
DiNapoli estimates tax revenue will be at least $4 billion below the
projections in the Executive Budget, he also offered an alternative scenario if
a more severe recession or sharper declines in the stock market occur, which
could lower tax revenues by more than $7 billion.  Governor Cuomo requested that DiNapoli
examine the revenue projection before the adopt a new budget, which is due
April 1st.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a domestic
dispute in the Town of Walton last Friday.
Deputies arrested 32 year old Heather Norton of Walton for Harassment,
Endangering Welfare of Child and Unlawful Imprisonment, for allegedly
restraining a person while acting in a manner likely to be injurious to a child
less than 17 years of age.  Norton was
arraigned in the Hamden Town Court and released on her own recognizance pending
her appearance in the Town of Walton Court on a later.

The New York State Department of Labor today released
preliminary local area unemployment rates for January 2020, which decreased
1/10th to 3.8%.   Locally, Chenango,
Delaware & Otsego County all had 5.6% unemployment in January.

Delaware Valley Humane Society officials
announced today that the office is open by appointment only, & dog &
cat food is available for those in need.
Adoptions services are still available; all inquiries should be made by
calling 563-7780.

Delaware County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Tina Mole
has declared a State of Emergency and County offices will be closed until
further notice, Mole said that maintaining “Social Distancing” is extremely
import during this COVID 19 Pandemic:

(Tina Mole 3-18-20)

The Delaware County Clerk’s office will remain open Tuesdays
and Thursdays, & Department of Motor Vehicles in Deposit, Margaretville and
Sidney will be closed until further notice.

Governor Cuomo announced that as of today, all New York State
schools are closed through at least April 1st.
Many area school districts announced that they would stay closed until
April 14th, due to concerns regarding COVID-19.

The STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR is implementing a filing
system & extending Unemployment office hours to address the increase in
Unemployment Claims.  A new more
efficient filing system based on the first letter of the applicants last name
will be put in place, A  - F will come on
Monday, G – N on Tuesday,  O – Z :
Wednesday, if you Missed your day go on Thursday and Friday

The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office has received information
of a possible scam occurring. Allegedly subjects are approaching residences
identifying themselves as being from the CDC and looking for test samples for
the Coronavirus.  Neither the Center for
Disease Control or the Otsego County Health Department has agents in the field
soliciting test samples.  If you
encounter such a situation request identification and DO NOT allow anyone into
your residence.  Report the matter to law
enforcement, any information as far a description of the subjects, vehicle info
would be helpful.

The Bainbridge-Guilford Central
School District will hold their Board of Education meeting today in the
District Conference room at 6:30 PM.
This is a date and place change from the originally scheduled meeting on
March 19, 2020.

Chamber & O’Hara Car & Truck Center of Sidney &
The Sidney Great American Supermarket are teaming up to put together grocery
orders and deliver them to those who cannot or should not come out during this
time with the Corona Virus issue so prevalent, Cork O’Hara explains:

(Cork O’Hara 3-18-20)

O’Hara said that they would start this endeavor tomorrow;
the number to place the order or get more information is 563-3404.

Governor Cuomo will issue an executive order directing
non-essential businesses to implement work-from-home policies effective this Friday.
Businesses that rely on in-office personnel must decrease their in-office
workforce by 50%, exemptions from the order will include shipping, media,
warehousing, grocery and food production, pharmacies, healthcare providers,
utilities, banks and related financial institutions.

State
Police responded to a 2-vehicle crash in the town of Chenango Saturday.  22 year old Mallory Neira of Owego lost
control of her vehicle & crossed into the opposing lane into a vehicle
driven by 82 year old Harold Sickles of Binghamton.   Neira was taken to Packer Hospital in Sayre;
Sickles was taken to Wilson Memorial Hospital where he succumbed to his
injuries.   The accident remains under
investigation.

Delaware
County Sheriff Deputies received a complaint from the State Child Abuse Hotline
registry regarding alleged physical abuse to an 11 year old child.   Deputies arrested 55 year-old Yvette
Rivera-Wood of Sidney for Endangering the Welfare of Child, for allegedly
striking a child & causing injuries. Rivera-Wood was released on an
Appearance Ticket and is to appear in the Town of Sidney Court at a later date.

The Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie Oneida Herkimer & Madison Counties Cancer Services program has been offering free testing around the region with the Basset Mobile Coach, Outreach Coordinator Cali Riese explains:

(Cali Riese 3-2-20)

The
Next Oneonta screening day will be Saturday April 4th at the Foothills
Performing Arts center during the Oneonta Living Healthier Expo, appointments
are requested at 1-888-345-0225.

A
Downsville man was arrested on Arrest Warrant for allegedly disseminating
“revenge porn” on social media.    Delaware
County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 44 year-old James Amato of Downsville for
Unlawful Dissemination or Publication of an Intimate Image.  Amato was taken into custody by the Town of
Colchester Police & was turned over to Sheriff's Deputies to be arraigned
on the arrest warrant from the Village of Walton Court in November, 2019.

Delaware
County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested and charged 50-Year-Old Edmund Rajner of
Sidney Sunday for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, unlicensed operation of a
motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle without an inspection certificate, as
well as failure to signal a turn.  Rajner
was released on traffic tickets and is scheduled to appear in the Village of
Sidney Court on a later date.

Governor
Cuomo announced that the state will begin testing for the Corona Virus at their
own Wadsworth labs in Albany.  Previous
samples were sent to the CDC, but now the FDA Approved of testing in Albany.

State
Police are searching for 37-year-old Casie Weese of Glen Aubrey, who was last
seen leaving a party with her husband in Apalachin Sunday morning at
approximately 1:30 a.m. but their vehicle ended up getting a flat tire a short
distance away from the party.  Weese was
last seen walking east in Main Street in Apalachin and has not been seen since.
Weese is 5 foot 5 inches and weighs approximately 100 pounds.  She has brown hair and brown eyes and was
last seen wearing a black and white checkered jacket, jeans and black boots.
Anyone with information should call 911 or the State Police at 687-3961.

Dr. Ed
Erickson will discuss the "Mythology of the 2nd Amendment” this evening in
Norwich.  Dr. Erickson will outline the
actual meaning & reasons behind the 2nd Amendment to form American Militias
in the 1770’s, in the event that the new country was attacked by another
country with an established Army.  The
discussion will be held this evening at Bohemian Moon 103 East Main Street in
Norwich at 6:30 PM.

The State Department of Health is continuing to monitor the
status of the Corona Virus in New York State.
Governor Cuomo commented this afternoon in Albany:

(Cuomo 2-26-20)

There are no positive cases yet in New York State for the
virus.  There have been 26 negative test results,
with one case pending, according to the Centers for Disease Control &
Prevention, and additional 40 million dollars will be made available to the
State Health Department in the event that a positive test result occurs in New
York State.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a 911 call
for a burglary in progress on Seeley Wood Road in the Town of Walton.  Deputies were informed that 40 year old Ryan
Kite of Walton fled from the scene; Kite is accused of forcefully entering the
residence & allegedly stole prescription medication and choked a female
victim.  Deputies located Kite in Walton
Tuesday evening, he was charged with 2nd degree Burglary, Criminal
Mischief & Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation, he was
arraigned & was released on his own recognizance pending his appearance in
the Town of Walton Court on a later date.

The Emmanuel Episcopal Church of Norwich has committed
$25,000 toward a new emergency room and walk-in center at UHS Chenango Memorial
Hospital.  Parish leaders presented a
ceremonial check Tuesday to campaign leaders; it is the latest pledge in the Chenango
Memorial Hospital’s largest fundraising effort in 3 decades.  More information about the fundraiser &
the project is available at 337-4183 or via email at
melissa.stagnaro@nyuhs.org.

Jury selection began Tuesday in
Otsego County court for the trial of Kimberly Steeley of East Worcester.  Steely is charged with Manslaughter for the
asphyxiation deaths of her 2 infants 2 weeks apart in June 2018.

Oneonta Police arrested 26 year old Thomas Miller of Oneonta
for 8 counts of Making Graffiti, & 5 counts of Criminal Mischief & 1
count of Criminal Mischief in the 3rd degree as a hate crime.  Miller is accused of painting an offensive
symbol on an Oneonta church, and graffiti on private property & businesses
in recent months, he was issued an appearance ticket for the City of Oneonta
Court at a later date.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will hold a Business
After Hours Event today, at My Home Gym On state Route 7.  The event will be held 6:00 to 8:00 PM this
evening.

A State Budget Presentation will be held by Commissioner of
the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Major General Patrick
Murphy in Norwich today.  The presentation
will be held at 12:00 p.m. at the Northeast Classic Car Museum, Rexford Street
in Norwich.

The Tobacco Free Communities of Delaware Otsego &
Schoharie Counties will hold an open house & ribbon cutting today in
Oneonta today.  The organization will
open their office at 155 Main Street in Oneonta in Suite C; the event will run
from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM & is open to the public.

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer will be in Binghamton next week,
as efforts are continuing to keep the Binghamton Rumble Ponies from being
contracted along with 40 other minor league teams by Major League Baseball
Commissioner Rob Manfred.  Local
Congressman Anthony Brindisi recently met with MLB Officials, imploring them to
work with Congress to keep Binghamton a minor league baseball town:

(Brinidisi 2-20-20)

Senator Schumer's will meet with Binghamton city officials,
and the Rumble Ponies owner John Hughes, The Rumble Ponies will still exist in
2020 with their season starting at home on April 9th.

Governor Cuomo is hoping for the 2nd Medicaid Redesign team
to come up with savings as successful as the first Team did going back to 2011,
to close about 1/3 of the state projected budget gap for the next fiscal year,
Cuomo discussed that during his recent Budget Presentation in Albany:

(Cuomo 2-20-20)

The Medicaid Redesign Team #2 has had to preliminary
meetings last week, they are tasked with coming up with a solution to the out
of control costs, in time for the start of the next fiscal Year on April 1st.

A statewide education and outreach campaign is underway to
ensure that New Yorkers are aware of the March 1st implementation of the ban on
single-use plastic bags.   New Yorkers
use an estimated 23 billion plastic bags annually and approximately 85 percent
ends up in landfills, recycling machines, waterways and streets.  More information about the plastic bag ban is
available at dec.ny.gov or (518) 402-8706.

The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce announced that they are
accepting nominations for their annual Business of the Year & Good Neighbor
of the Year awards.  Both recipients will
be honored at the annual Dinner in April; nominations will be accepted until
March 1st to the Chamber office PO Box 275, Unadilla NY 13849.

The City of Oneonta Announced
the 2nd round of awards of the Downtown Improvement fund, so that 4 property
owners can convert vacant spaces into downtown apartments.  Funds will go for projects to improve 177,
250 & 285 Main Street and the Springbrook properties at 186-212 Main
Street.

State Police responded to a crash involving a Susquehanna Valley Central School District school bus on State Highway 11 in the town of Kirkwood.  State Police reported that the school bus was stopped, displaying flashing lights and the stop sign extended out, when 56 year old Michael Patchen of Conklin rear-ended the bus.   27 elementary school students were on the bus, along with bus driver 61 year old Mary Reardon they were not injured, Patchen was transported to Wilson Medical Center with Hand injuries, the students on the school bus were evaluated by a school nurse.

CDO Workforce held a Job Fair today at the Sidney American
Legion.  Representatives from several
area businesses attended, officials from the CDO workforce said that dozens of job
seekers met with representatives of participating businesses.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 55-Year-Old
Michael Lagano of Sylvan Beach for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor
Vehicle following a traffic stop on State Highway 10 in the Town of
Walton.  Lagano was additionally issued
tickets for Unlicensed Operator, operating a motor vehicle without stop lamps,
and was released on traffic tickets returnable to Walton Town Court at a later
date.

19th District Congressman Antonio Delgado visited the CDO
Workforce Oneonta Career Center Tuesday.
Delgado met with workforce center leadership and clients and discussed
his efforts in Congress to support workforce development programs.   Earlier this month, Congressman Delgado
introduced the Gateway to Careers Act to create a career pathway grant program
that would fund partnerships between community or technical colleges and
workforce development partners such as state workforce development boards, industry
associations, and community-based organizations. These programs would support
efforts to offer wrap around services including child care, opioid addiction
treatment, transportation, and other forms of assistance for community college
and CTE students.

State Police are searching for Aaron Rifanburg, who is
wanted for criminal possession of controlled substance.  Rifanburg is wanted on a bench warrant for
failing to appear in the village of Oxford Court, he was arrested on a drug
possession charge in May 2019 after a vehicle he was a passenger in was
stopped, was in possession of drugs. Anyone with information should call the
State Police in Norwich at 334-3291 or email Crimetip@troopers.ny.gov.

Delaware County Sheriff’s
Deputies arrested 21-Year-Old Brendon Frank of Otego for Harassment following
an investigation of a domestic dispute which occurred in the Town of
Walton.  Frank is scheduled to appear at
the Town of Walton Court at a later date to answer the charge.

The annual Regional Spelling Bee competition is scheduled to
be held in Oneonta next month, with the goal of sending the winner to the
National Scripps Spelling Bee in Washington DC later this year.  Martha Ryan of the DCMO BOCES explains:

(Martha Ryan 2-19-20)

Ryan said that anyone wishing to donate to the fund to send
the winner's family to the Scripps Competition can call her at 335-1292 for
more information.

Republican Attorney Kyle Van De
Water of Dutchess County announced today that he is seeking the Republican
Party nomination to run against incumbent Democratic Congressman Antonio
Delgado in November.  Van De Water joins
Green party candidate Steve Greenfield in the race for the congressional seat.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 48-year-old
Steven Burnside of Oneonta on 20 counts of Criminal Contempt & 2 counts of
Harassment, following multiple reports of an ongoing domestic dispute in the
Town of Kortright.  Burnside is accused
of engaging in an on-going course of conduct and repeatedly violating a court
order of protection by contacting a protected party 20 times, he was arraigned
at the Town of Kortright Court and was remanded to the Delaware County
Correctional Facility on $500 cash bail or $1,000 in secure bond.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi visited with business owners in
Norwich Tuesday afternoon at Commerce Chenango; he told WCDO News the
importance of meeting with small business owners:

(Brindisi 2-19-20)

Congressman Brindisi also said that he met with the Deputy
Commissioner of Major league baseball recently, regarding the importance of
keeping the Binghamton Rumble Ponies and the other 40 minor league baseball
teams operating, following a plan from the Commissioner's office to eliminate
about 25% of minor league teams nationwide.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will move into its new
headquarters at 31 Main Street in Oneonta on March 4.  The Chamber’s telephone number will remain
the same as 432-4500. Mail can still be sent to The Otsego County Chamber of
Commerce, P.O. Box 18, Oneonta, NY 13820.