WCDO Radio News

WCDO NEWS THURSDAY 12-28-23

The United States Attorney’s Office announced that 33 year old Dupray Jordan of Binghamton entered a guilty plea in US District Court for possessing fentanyl and methamphetamine with the intent to sell, possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, in connection with a warrant executed in November of 2021. Jordan faces up to 20 years in prison, a series of fines, when he is sentenced on May 8, 2024 in Syracuse.

Bassett Healthcare Network will enter the new year with Staci Thompson taking over for Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, she told WCDO News that the recruitment efforts will continue in order to meet the goals of the organization:

(Staci Thompson 12-27-23)

The Bassett Healthcare Network board voted to appoint Thompson, who has been the Network’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, as Dr. Ibrahim’s successor, on an interim basis starting on January 1st.

Bassett Healthcare Network’s board of directors announced that President and CEO, Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, has decided to leave the organization at the end of the year. The Bassett Healthcare Network board has voted to appoint Staci Thompson, who is the Bassett Healthcare Network’s current executive vice president and chief operating officer, as Dr. Ibrahim’s successor, on an interim basis starting on January 1st. Over the coming weeks, Ibrahim and Thompson will work together with the Bassett Healthcare Network board of directors and executive leadership team to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.

Long time Sidney resident Les Gregory passed away at the age of 100 on Monday, Calling hours will be on Thursday from 5 to 7 pm., at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St., Sidney. Funeral services will be at 11 am. Friday, at the Sidney United Methodist Church, 12 Liberty Street, Burial, with military honors, will follow in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Sidney.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded May 10th to the Town of Meredith to assist US Homeland Security Units with the apprehension of 48 year old Charles Bodie of Meredith, who was wanted on an active US Federal Court Warrant for the Sexual Exploitation of a Child. Deputies and Homeland Security conducted surveillance of property in Meredith where Bodie had been living, on May 11th, they arrested Bodie on the warrant, he was transported to the Delaware County Correctional Facility, where he was to be held indefinitely. Bodie was scheduled to be transported to the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York at a later date for arraignment on the Sexual Exploitation of a Child charge, if found guilty, Bodie could face 15 to 30 years in prison.

The Chenango County Historical Society opens a new exhibit today from 4:30-6:00 PM. “Hometown Health” explores the healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry in Chenango County throughout the first half of the 20th century. Refreshments will be provided compliments of UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital, and each guest will receive a vintage booklet commemorating NBT Bank’s 150th anniversary, along with a promotional coupon from Sherwin-Williams.

The Boards of Directors for the Chenango United Way and the United Way of Madison County have approved the formal affiliation of their 2 agencies, with the intent to complete an application for merger in the first quarter of 2023. Elizabeth Monaco will be the Executive Director of the new affiliated United Way, she told WCDO News how this will benefit the affected communities:

(Elizabeth Monaco 8-19-22)

The Chenango United Way also affiliated with the United Way of Delaware & Otsego Counties, so the 3 United Ways will now serve more than 224,000 people in the 4 county region, a new name for the 4-county organization will be announced next year.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY8-19-22

State Police arrested 39 year old Adam Bright of East Meredith for Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, Aggravated Vehicular Assault, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, Driving While Impaired by Drugs & Reckless Driving, after an investigation into a head-on crash on May 26th, on State Highway 23 in Davenport. Bright's minivan collided with a tractor trailer driven by 53 year old Michael Lutz of Oneonta. Bright was airlifted to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, his passenger, 43 year old Stacey Stachow of Meredith died at the scene, Lutz suffered minor injuries and was treated and released at a local hospital. Bright was located by Troopers Wednesday, he was arraigned at the Hamden Town Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail.

Delaware County Public Health Services has confirmed its first monkeypox case in Delaware County. The person had traveled outside of Delaware County and contact tracing efforts are underway. Monkeypox spreads through close, physical contact between people. The Delaware County Public Health Services advises those who experience symptoms, such as rashes or lesions, to contact their healthcare provider, this includes anyone who has traveled to countries and areas where monkeypox cases have been reported, for more information, go to health.ny.gov/diseases.

The Sidney United Way finished a successful fundraising campaign, spokesman Ray Baker told WCDO News how they did:

(Ray Baker 3-21-22)

More information about the United way is available at sidneyunitedway.org.

After a 2 year absence, The National Baseball Hall of Fame announces the return of the 2022 Hall of Fame Classic, scheduled for Saturday, May 28th at Doubleday Field. Hall of Fame members Wade Boggs, Fergie Jenkins, Jack Morris, Tim Raines and Ted Simmons will be joined by at least one additional Hall of Famer as well as recently retired players representing all 30 major league teams for a seven-inning legends game at Cooperstown’s historic Doubleday Field. Tickets are available via phone at 1-888-325-0470 or by a link at baseballhall.org. The schedule features a pre-game Home Run Contest at noon, followed by the first pitch at 1:05 p.m.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-21-22

The State Health Department reported that 119,475 were tested for COVID 19 with 2,013 positives on Saturday, for a positivity rate of 1.68%. Patient Hospitalization are down to 900 statewide, with 159 ICU Patients, with 77 on a ventilators. New deaths reported by healthcare facilities was 12

Governor Hochul signed an executive order forbidding New York Businesses from doing business with Russia, including canceling its investments there. The state will not permit its own investment activity to aid Russia as it attacks Ukraine, Governor Hochul also said New York will welcome Ukrainian refugees in response to Russia’s invasion. New York is home to the largest Ukrainian population in the United States.

The Governor's Office & the State Health Department reported that the downward trend in COVID positivity rates declined on Saturday. Over 97,000 people were tested, with 1671 Total Positives, for a positivity rate of 1.71%. Patients hospitalization were down to 1,911, Patients in ICU were down to 342, the number on ventilators was 191, there were 20 new deaths reported by healthcare facilities Saturday.

The Chenango United Way announced that they exceeded its goal of $425,00 by raising $448,981 in Chenango County for 2021, also the United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties also exceeded its goal of $50,000 by raising $53,149 in Delaware and Otsego Counties in 2021. Funds from the campaigns will be allocated to programs that are addressing the issues of financial stability, education and health. Awards will be determined in early February.

The State Health Department & the Governor's Office announced that over 244,000 were tested for COVID 19 Saturday, with 19,186 positives, for a positivity rate of 7.84%, the lowest in weeks. Patient Hospitalization were down by 630 to 9,847, Patients in ICU went down by almost 50 to 1,457 & the number of those on ventilators was down by almost 40 to 845. New deaths reported by healthcare facilities from COVID was 134 on Saturday.

Catholic Charities of Sidney announced another Community partnership Mass Food Distribution to be held January 26th at 11:00 AM at the River Street Fire Station in Sidney, Spokesperson Jordan Fradenburgh explains:

(Jordan Fradenburgh 1-6-22)

Other organizations assisting with the Food Distribution include the Regional Food Bank, United Way, Salvation Army & the Village of Sidney.

Bassett Healthcare Network is holding a COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine clinic at the Edmeston Central School gymnasium on Saturday, January 15th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Vaccinations offered include the Pfizer and Moderna 1st, 2nd, and booster shots; Pediatric Pfizer COVID Vaccines, as well as Flu shots; the event is open to the public. Recipients do not need to be established Bassett patients & no appointments are necessary. More information is available at bassett.org/covid-19.

Rural Health Network of South Central New York’s Getthere Call Center seeks volunteer drivers for a new program in the City of Norwich: Community Rides, starting December 29th. Volunteer drivers will provide local rides to healthcare, food, prescriptions, events, and other community locations on Wednesdays from 9 AM to 3 PM, for seniors and others in need, those who want to sign up as a volunteer driver, should call 1-855-373-4040.

The Chenango United Way announced today that there are only 11 days left in their fundraising campaign, & they are at 95% of their projected goal of $425,000. More information about the current campaign or their services are available at chenangouw.com.

The US Attorney's office announced that 35 year old Matthew Bormann of Sherburne pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography, in federal court this week. Bormann admitted that on March 12th, during a visit at his home from his United States Probation Officer, he possessed at least 3500 images and video files of child pornography on a cellular telephone he was prohibited from possessing under the conditions of his supervised release, following a 2014 federal conviction for possession of child pornography. Bormann will be sentenced for this 2nd conviction & for violating the terms of his probation on March 2nd 2022.

Bassett Healthcare Network will be hosting several flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics in the upcoming weeks. The Delhi Health Center is holding a patient flu shot clinic today from 10 am. - noon. Appointments are required. Call 607-746-0550. Also, Bassett Family Medicine State Route 28 on Southside in Oneonta is holding vaccine clinics for established Bassett patients on Saturday, from 8:15 am. - 11:45 am., as well as on November 6th, & 20th. Patients may make an appointment by calling Oneonta Health Center 607-433-1790 or Bassett Family Medicine 607-431-1015.

P.M. NEWS Thursday 8-12-21

New York Attorney General Letitia James and the U.S. Department of Labor announced landmark agreements with United Healthcare to resolve allegations that United unlawfully denied health care coverage for mental health and substance use disorder treatment for thousands of Americans. United will pay approximately $14.3 million in restitution to consumers affected by the policies, including $9 million to more than 20,000 New Yorkers with behavioral health conditions who received denials or reductions in reimbursement.

Bassett Healthcare Network’s FoxCare Center in Oneonta remains closed today due to a water outage. Officials say all patients with scheduled appointments will continue to be contacted by their provider’s offices. Pharmacy patients are encouraged to call the Cooperstown clinic at 607-547-5127 for medication assistance.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce announced that they are accepting teams for the 2021 Business Links Golf Tournament on June 9 at the Delhi College Golf Course, more information is available at delawarecounty.org.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 5-24-21

Delaware County Public Health nurses will be offering curbside single dose J&J vaccinations in front of the Public Health office at 99 Main St, Delhi, from 12:00 to 2:00 PM every Wednesday beginning May 26, during the Delhi Farmer’s Market.  All individuals 18 years of age and older that reside in the United States are eligible to be vaccinated, more information is available at 832-5200.

Bassett Healthcare Network’s FoxCare Pharmacy in Oneonta is now offering the Johnson & Johnson 1-shot COVID-19 vaccines for people 18 and older every Tuesday through Friday. Appointments are requested through the State Department of Health’s registration page, apps2.health.ny.gov, more information is available at 431-5959.

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

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

Governor Cuomo welcomed the Floating Naval Hospital to New
York City today, giving the city added help for its beleaguered Hospitals at
the epicenter of the Coronavirus outbreak.
Cuomo said that the number of positive cases statewide is 66,497, the
number of deaths jumped to 1,218, the number Hospitalized is now over 9500, the
number of ICU Beds occupied is 2352, & the number discharged from hospitals
is now 4202.  The statistics also showed
that the rate of increase is slowing down:

(Cuomo 3-30-20 doubling the rate)

Governor Cuomo also said that too many people are treating
the "Stay At Home" mandate like it was optional:

(Cuomo 3-30-20 stay home)

Local officials have expressed concern that too many people
are leaving the most affected areas and are coming to Otsego & Delaware
Counties to wait it out, and they could be driving up the local numbers &
threatening the local population and healthcare systems.

The Community Foundation for
South Central New York has released $110,000 in grants to organizations
providing services during the COVID-19 Crisis in the region. The Friends of Recovery
Delaware/Otsego will receive $5,000, the Food Bank of the Southern Tier will
get $7,500 for meal delivery programs, Delaware Opportunities receives $15,000
for meal delivery programs, Chenango United Way gets $15,000 for their
community response, Opportunities for Otsego receives $15,000 for their
community response to COVID-19, & ARC of Delaware County receives $2,500
for the Walton Food Pantry.  More
information about the Foundation can be found at donorswhocare.org.

Governor Cuomo stated yesterday that there were 59,573 cases
of the Corona Virus in the State, with 965 deaths, over 8500 are in Hospitals,
2037 were in ICU Beds, & 3572 have been discharged.   The Governor talked about the heroism of all
the 1st Responders during this crisis:

(Cuomo 3-30-20)

Governor Cuomo announced all New York on Pause functions
will be extended for the next 2 weeks; the state nonessential workforce will
continue to work from home for an additional two weeks through April 15th.
Executive Orders regarding the closing of restaurants and bars, gyms, movie
theaters, casinos; local government workforces, school districts; malls, public
amusement facilities; barber shops & salons are also extended until April
15th.

The
Unadilla Chamber Of Commerce announced their award winners for 2020.  The Business of the Year will be awarded to
Covered Bridge Farm Market, The Good Neighbor Commitment to Community award
goes to Erin Insinga of Unadilla, who is the Director of the Delaware Valley
Humane Society, she commented about the recognition:

(Erin
Insinga 3-12-20)

The
Unadilla Chamber Annual dinner will be held on April 19th at 5:00 PM at the 1st
United Methodist Church in Unadilla.

The
Bassett Healthcare Network is taking several actions to combat a possible
Coronavirus outbreak in their 8 county coverage area.  Bassett is developing a central phone number
to triage individuals who may have symptoms and need further evaluation,  Screening sites are being installed outside
the outpatient clinics,  External
evaluation areas are being established at the network's hospitals,         Telemedicine capabilities are being
expanded to be able to screen more patients remotely, information will be
posted at Bassett.org.

Bassett Healthcare Network invites community
members to attend its third annual Shine a Light on Lung Cancer event, today
from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 pm at FoxCare Center in Oneonta.   Lung cancer is the 2nd most common cancer in
the U.S.  The event is free & open to
the public, more information is available at 547-4778.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, Delaware
Opportunities and United Way of Delaware & Otsego Counties have launched
their 2019 Toys for Tots Campaign.  Toys
for Tots collection boxes can be found through Delaware County where new,
unwrapped toys can be dropped off and will then be distributed to children in
Delaware County.  Toys can be dropped off
until Friday, December 13th; Chamber staff will then collect the toys and
deliver them to Delaware Opportunities in Hamden for distribution the following
week.  To sign a family up to receive
gifts, call 746-1620, more information is available at delawarecounty.org.

Contract Talks are underway for 65 Registered Nurses at
Chenango Memorial Hospital, represented by 1199SEIU, United Healthcare Workers
East.  The current collective bargaining
agreement, negotiated in 2016, is set to expire on October 31st.

The House of Representatives
passed Freshman Congressman Anthony Brindisi’s 1st bill today. Brindisi's
“Support for Suicide Prevention Coordinators Act” to help prevent veteran
suicide, sailed through the House and is on its way to the Senate.  The bipartisan bill requires the Comptroller
General of the United States to conduct an assessment of the responsibilities,
workload, and vacancy rates of the Department of Veterans Affairs Suicide
Prevention Coordinators.

CDO Workforce & the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring a Job Fair at the SOUTHSIDE MALL today.  The JOB FAIR will run from 1:00 to 3:30PM.  Jobs available with all types of businesses: Retail, Healthcare, Human Services, Manufacturing, and Hospitality, Both Year-Round & Summer Jobs available.

AO Fox Hospital CEO Jeff Joyner addressed the Sidney Chamber
of Commerce this morning, to discuss the future of the Tri-Town Campus and
Healthcare in general.  He told WCDO News
what he sees for the future of Health care:

(Jeff Joyner 5-14-19)

Joyner said that they are formulating plans to upgrade
services for the future at Fox Hospital in Oneonta & the Tri-Town Campus in
Sidney, for possible implementation next year.

The Centers for Disease Control
announced that this year, the United States has seen the highest number of
confirmed cases since the disease was declared eliminated 19 years ago.  Currently there are than 760 confirmed cases
nationwide, Queens County ranked 4th nationwide currently in the nation for measles
risk factors, the biggest outbreak occurred in Rockland County earlier in the
year.

A public hearing will be held by the Unadilla Town Board
tonight at 6:30 PM at the Town Hall on State Highway 7 in Unadilla regarding
the adoption of Local Law No. 1, establishing the office of sole appointed
assessor.    The proposed Local Law will
be subject to a permissive referendum.  A
copy of the proposed Local Law is on file and may be examined in the Town
Clerk’s office during regular business hours.

Bassett Healthcare Network announced that William Streck will return to the organization to assume the role of President and CEO, following the decision by current CEO Vance Brown to step down effective April 20th, , to pursue opportunities outside of Bassett. Streck served as Bassett’s President & CEO from 1984 to 2014, he then joined the Healthcare Association of New York State as Chief Medical and Health Systems Innovation Officer. Streck will also be tasked with developing a long-term leadership strategy for Bassett Healthcare Network. Last fall, William LeCates, was appointed acting president of Bassett Medical Center and will be president of Bassett Medical Center when the network CEO transition is completed.

41 year old Louisa Garcia of Oxford pleaded guilty to making a false claim against the United States for assisting in the preparation of a false tax return. Garcia admitted that she prepared 110 false tax returns between 2011 and 2014, resulting in an intended loss to the United States of $848,196. Garcia faces up to 8 years in prison, post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 3 years, and a maximum $250,000 fine, when she is sentenced on July 17th.

Governor Cuomo outlined 4 major federal cuts, totaling more than $21.2 billion annually, that are part of policies targeted to directly hurt state and local governments, hospitals, and the healthcare for more than 3 million New Yorkers. New York sends $48 billion more to Washington each year than is returned. Governor Cuomo comments:

(CUOMO 10-4-17)

Cuomo said that instead of ensuring tax cuts to all New York taxpayers, the federal tax plan will create a scenario in which 3.3 million New Yorkers will be double taxed.

The State Department of Health and State DMV today reminded State residents that today are State Organ Donor Enrollment Day. Events will be held statewide to increase the number of New Yorkers registered to be organ donors with the New York State Donate Life Registry. Only 28% of New York's eligible population is enrolled as an organ donor. On average, 22 people die each day in the United States from causes that could have been treated with a donated organ.

Governor Cuomo today announced that his administration has reached a three-year labor agreement with the New York State Public Employees Federation. PEF is one of the largest unions in the United States and is New York's second-largest state-employee union, representing 54,000 workers. The three-year contract agreement includes a 2 percent increase in 2016-17, 2 percent increase in 2017-18 and a 2 percent increase in 2018-19. Both the state and PEF agree to work together on a plan to reduce out-of-control healthcare costs. Other elements of the contract will be released shortly. The contract must now be approved by its Executive Board and ratified by its membership.

Bassett Healthcare Network is partnering with the Oneonta Elks Club to offer free hands-only CPR classes on Sunday. The course is offered in 2 sessions, it will teach children and adults what to do in an emergency situation. More information is available at the Oneonta Elks Club at 432-1312.

The Tri-County Chapter of New York State Women Incorporated is sponsoring an AMBA scholarship fundraiser on Saturday, from 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM, at the Fellowship Hall of the United Church of Oxford located at 16 Fort Hill. The AMBA Wellness Clinic offers doctor-ordered blood tests for a reasonable price. Scholarship awards are given annually to students in the Sidney Central School District, Unatego Central School District, Bainbridge-Guilford Central School and Norwich High School. Young women attending the NYS Women, Inc.’s annual Youth Leadership Conference have also been sponsored. More information is available at 1-800-234-8888 today from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

The Unadilla Chamber will have their Annual Dinner on Sunday, at the Unadilla United Methodist Church. the Annual Dinner social hour begins at 4:30 pm and dinner at 5:00 PM. The chamber will honor Wakeman Construction as The Business of the Year and Commitment to Community award will go to the Unadilla Food Pantry.

State Senator Jim Seward disclosed that he was diagnosed with bladder cancer earlier this year at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown. Seward successfully underwent surgery on Wednesday at Albany Medical Center, the cancer was found in its earliest stages, is completely curable, and a complete recovery in anticipated. Seward will miss some senate activities, but is expected to be back up to full speed in a matter of weeks; his staff will keep full office hours & assist constituents as needed.

Dr. Chris Kjolhede (Coal Heed) of Bassett Healthcare met with state lawmakers and he asked them to prioritize funding for pediatric primary, preventive, mental and dental health services in the school setting.

(Dr. Chris Kjolhede 2-19-16)

Dr. Kjolhede heads up the School based Healthcare system in the communities served by Bassett Healthcare Network, which is now up to 20 school districts in the four counties region.

After a month long investigation, members of the State Police, Vestal Police Department and the United State Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant on 23 year old Kevin Hill of Binghamton, Police seized cocaine, marihuana, packaging material, a digital scale, weapons and $4,840.00 cash. State Police charged Hill with 2 counts of Criminal Use Drug Paraphernalia, 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon & 1 count each for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance & Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Hill was arraigned in Binghamton City Court and was remanded to the Broome County jail without bail.

Governor Cuomo announced a new free mobile app to help the state's 900,000 veterans and their family members connect with valuable services and programs. The State Veterans App provides users with easily accessible material about federal and state Veterans’ benefits, programs, and services, including: essential materials regarding healthcare, housing, employment, education and filing claims for financial Veterans' benefits with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The state will provide up-to-the-minute updates about state and federal programs that directly impact the lives of Veterans and their family members.

The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce will have its next regular meeting on Tuesday, February 16th at Touch of Elegance, 187 Main Street, Unadilla at 6:00 pm. The Unadilla Chamber has set the date for its Annual Dinner on Sunday, April 17 at the Unadilla United Methodist Church. The Unadilla Chamber will honor a business of the year and present the Good Neighbor Award. Nominations are being accepted by contacting unadillachamber@yahoo.com or by calling Anna Ritchey at 563-1104.

Governor Cuomo today directed the New York State Department of Health to expand the free Zika virus-testing program for all pregnant women who have traveled to areas where the infection is ongoing, regardless of whether they exhibit symptoms. These actions follow Monday’s announcement of free testing for symptomatic individuals and an information line at 1-888-364-4723, for the public and healthcare providers to learn more about the virus.

Unadilla’s ‘The Village Green” Group, in partnership with Unadilla 1st United Methodist Church, has scheduled a Community Workday & Tree Planting Ceremony Saturday, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the United Methodist Church and Parsonage, on Main St in Unadilla. The Workday will wrap up with a Fruit Tree Planting Ceremony to be held at 2:00 pm; Lunch, snacks and hot drinks will be provided.

Bassett Healthcare Network has moved its Edmeston practice, known as the Dr. William Streck Health Center, to Pathfinder Village. An Open House will be held today, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, the new health center is located just east of Pathfinder Village on a new access road, Turner Lane, at State Route 80. The new 3,800 square foot Streck Health Center has 4 exam rooms,

Bassett Healthcare, Delaware County Public Health & Cornell Cooperative Extension's Rural Health Care Alliance will present speaker Mark Fenton tonight at 6:30 PM at SUNY Delhi's Farrell Hall. Bassett spokesperson Amy Beveridge explains:

(Amy Beveridge 10-14-15)

Among the topics Fenton is expected to discuss making comminutes healthier by developing walking & biking trails, how to provide safe routes to schools and the economic, environmental & public health benefits of being active.

The United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties, the Oneonta Lion’s Club and Hannaford of Oneonta, will be holding a food drive at the 2015 Oneonta Halloween Parade on Saturday, October 31st at 7:00 PM. All food and monetary donations will be given directly to Opportunities for Otsego and the Salvation Army Food Pantry to help defray the loss that both agencies will incur this year by the Holiday Train not making its annual visit to Oneonta. Volunteers from United Way will be on hand at the Halloween Parade with shopping carts donated by Hannaford to collect non-perishable food items. More information is available at 434-2458. Those who would like to donate prior to the parade can call the United Way at 432-8006.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum will host a blood drive, sponsored by the American Red Cross & Bassett Healthcare on Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM in Cooper Park adjacent to the Hall of Fame. Blood donors will receive free admission to the Museum on Saturday.

The Public Employees Federation endorsed Democratic candidate Zephyr Teachout over incumbent Andrew Cuomo, after contentious contract negotiations during his first term in office, and changes to the pension system for future state employees with lowered benefits. The New York State United Teachers declined to endorse a candidate in this year's governor's race.

New York regulators said four insurers would pay $2.2 million in restitution to over 3,400 seniors across the state because of overcharges on their policies. The Department of Financial Services said the refunds are for Medicare supplemental insurance and average $624 per policyholder. The department investigation showed the companies failed to comply with New York’s requirement they spend most premiums on medical bills instead of administrative expenses or profits. The insurers are American Progressive Life and Health Insurance Co, Excellus Health Plan, First United American Life Insurance Co and Transamerica Financial Life Insurance Co. Distribution will begin Sept. 30th.

Governor Cuomo signed a bill to restore up to $90 million for programs for the developmentally disabled. Earlier this year, lawmakers had agreed to a plan from Cuomo to cut $90 million in funds for the disabled. The cut was needed to help make up for an unexpected $1.1 billion bill from federal government in healthcare costs, but the agreement drew criticism from the disabled community. The governor charged a work group made up of some of the providers and state officials to address the $90 million; they came up with $40 million in savings through audits. The other $50 million in savings will come from program reductions spread out over time.