WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-9-26

Delaware County Public Health reported that a raccoon tested positive for rabies in the town of Colchester, it's the 1st positive case of rabies in Delaware County in 2026. The rabid raccoon exposed 2 dogs, There were no human exposures. Both dogs are up to date on their rabies vaccinations and received a booster. To report a suspected rabid animal call Delaware County Public Health Services at 607-832-5200, for more information visit delawarecountypublichealth.com

Hartwick College in Oneonta announced that Kerry Tatlock, will be the guest speaker on April 9th at 7 pm. Tatlock is the executive vice president of global marketing partnerships and media at the National Basketball Association, she will headline the Meredith Sport Management Speaker Series in the Anderson Theatre at Hartwick College. The event is free and open to the public. Tatlock joined the NBA in 2005. More information is available at hartwick.meritpages.com

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-9-26

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York State Police and local law enforcement patrols will be increased through St. Patrick’s Day to combat drunk, impaired and reckless driving. This annual traffic safety enforcement period will begin on Monday, March 9, and run through Tuesday, March 17.? During last year's St. Patrick's Day impaired driving enforcement operation, officers statewide arrested 1,224 people for DWI, issued 10,314 tickets for speeding and issued 55,661 tickets in total.?

Progress is continuing with the Stewart's shops project in Sidney, Mayor Ray Baker told WCDO News when the previous Great American store should be torn down:

(RAY BAKER 2-18-26)

Mayor Baker also said that they are waiting on the state department of health to give approval for the water for the Clover Lane Development project, and they may get that approval at Thursday's Village Planning Board meeting.

UHS Chenango Memorial’s Her Health Matters Series continues today with a discussion of Heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for women, by Dr. Joseph Petro, a cardiologist at UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital. Dr Petro's presentation on Heart Health will be held at the Canasawacta Country Club, at 6:00 PM, For more information on UHS Chenango Memorial’s Her Health Matters Series, call (607) 337-4510.

UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital is collaborating with Canasawacta Country Club to launch a new series designed to educate, empower, and engage women in Chenango County, the series, called Her Health Matters, will kick off tonight at 6:00 PM, at the Country Club, spokesperson Melissa Stagnaro explains:

(Melissa Stagnaro 10-29-25)

The series will feature various health professionals from Chenango Memorial Hospital, for more information or to register, contact (607) 337-4510 or email cmh.foundation@nyuhs.org.

New York State Department of Health’s computer system improperly paid $16.2 million in Medicaid claims during a 6-month period that started in October 2023, according to an audit released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Overall, the audit found 370 million claims were processed between October 2023 through March 2024, totaling nearly $49.6 billion.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will continue with their "EmpowHER" series on Friday, March 7, starting at 10:00 am at the Stonewall at the Meredith Inn. Chamber President Ray Pucci explains:

(Ray Pucci 2-6-25)

Pucci said that the session, will be led by John Mancuso of Authentic Communication Matters, The cost is only $25 per person and includes all program material and brunch. The Chamber’s EmpowHER series is sponsored by The Women Fund of the Community Foundation of South Central New York. Registration is requested by March 1st under the Events and Programs tab at DelawareCounty.org.

Dave Johnson of Unadilla has organized a meeting in Unadilla tonight called “Introduction to Preparing for the Inevitable”, with a series of experts on what to do before your final days, Johnson told WCDO who the speakers will be:

(Dave Johnson 4-17-24)

The meeting will be held at the Unatego Elementary School Cafeteria from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

Commerce Chenango announced that the next Business After Hours event will be held at the UHS Chenango Memorial Women's Health Center at 32 Conkey Avenue on today from 4:30 to 6:00 PM.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 3-18-22

New York will distribute more than 20 million over-the-counter COVID-19 tests statewide through the spring. The state will also continue providing test kits to nursing homes, adult care facilities and schools, including one million tests to upstate schools through the end of the school year. Currently, the state has the COVID positivity rate down to about 1.5%, health officials are keeping an eye on the BA-2 strain, which has been reported in small number so far in several states.

The Out of The Woodwork Players will be presenting the comedy “Always A Bridesmaid” at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater March 18th, 19th & 20th, Players Spokesperson Denise Marshal explains:

(Denise Marshall 3-4-22)

The Show will be at 7:30 Friday & Saturday Nights & 2:00 Pm Sunday, tickets will be available at the door, they can also be reserved by calling 563-2582.

COMMUNITY CULTURAL CENTER at 1 BRIDGE Street in Sidney presents SPRING CONCERT SERIES featuring Will & Friends featuring special guest Jami Novak saturday Night at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $8.00 presale, $10.00 at the door, More information is available at 607-604-4584.

Monday's full approval of the Pfizer COVID vaccine, led to a mandate for students within the SUNY system to get vaccinated. The mandate includes a 35-day period for students to compete their vaccine series, if students fail to complete the series, they will be de-registered from their courses. SUNY Officials are also urging all staff to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

The Otsego County Department of Health reported that 1 person died from COVID 19 on Saturday, they reported 83 active cases with 14 hospitalizations and 14 new cases as of yesterday. The Otsego County Department of Health encourages those who have not yet been vaccinated to get vaccinated as it is able to prevent hospitalization and death.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 8-24-21

Delaware County Sheriff's Office announced that a Latham woman was arrested after striking and injuring Walton Police Officer Morgan Seamons while he was engaged in directing traffic on Friday night. Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond explains:

(Dumond 1)

Deputies charged 54 year-old Gwyn Trask of Latham with DWI, Driving a vehicle with a BAC of .08% or higher, Failure to comply with a Police Officer & operating a vehicle with an open container, Officer Seamons was transported to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City with non-life-threatening injuries. Sheriff Dumond added that, due to the Bail Reform laws, deputies had to release Trask:

(Dumond 2)

Sheriff DuMond said that the investigation is on-going and more charges are anticipated.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies announced the inductees for the Binghamton Baseball Shrine Induction Ceremony that will take place the evening of Saturday, September 4th at Mirabito Stadium ahead of the Rumble Ponies game against Richmond. This year’s inductees are former Binghamton players David Wright, Jay Payton & Preston Wilson, who went on to Major League Careers and former Binghamton Mets General Manager Bill Terlecky.

A DELHI WOMAN IS FACING A NUMBER OF CHARGES STEMMING FROM A SERIES OF INCIDENTS TUESDAY MORNING . 50 YEAR OLD ROBIN REESE IS ACCUSED OF CALLING 911 TO REPORT AN INDIVIDUAL BANGING ON AN APARTMENT DOOR AND ACTIVATING A FIRE ALARM AT PHOEBE LANE APARTMENTS IN DELHI. SHE THEN LEFT THAT LOCATION IN A VEHICLE BEFORE BEING STOPPED BY SUNY DELHI POLICE. UPON THE CONCLUSION OF THEIR INVESTIGATION, SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES DETERMINED THAT REESE'S DRIVERS LICENSE WAS REVOKED IN 2018 AS A RESULT OF A DWI CONVICTION. SHE WAS CHARGED WITH FELONY FALSELY REPORTING AN INCIDENT, AGGRAVATED UNLICENSED OPERATION OF A MOTOR VEHICLE, OPERATING AN UNREGISTERED VEHICLE, IMPROPER LICENSE PLATES AND FAILURE TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN, AMONG OTHER CHARGES. REESE WAS RELEASED ON AN APPEARANCE TICKET FOR TOWN OF DELHI COURT.

Broome County Department of Health released their latest COVID 19 numbers today, with 12 new cases bringing their number of positives to 975.  They have had 66 deaths since March, with 770 recoveries & 713 are being monitored by the Department.

Otsego County Department of Health announced today that a bat has tested positive for rabies in the city of Oneonta Wednesday, 4 people were exposed & are undergoing post-rabies exposure treatments.  Anyone seeking more information about rabies can call the health department at 547-4230 or visit the County health department website.

Otsego County Health Department reported 3 new cases of COVID 19 today, giving them a total of 102 since March.  There are 10 active cases, with 3 hospitalized, 205 are under quarantine since March, 5 have died & 87 have recovered.

Chenango County Public Health announced that they are now up to 205 COVID 19 cases since March, with 7 deaths, 186 recoveries, there are 147 Active Quarantines, 1 Active Hospitalizations, and they have performed over 16,100 tests.

The State Health Department announced that 777 people tested positive for COVID 19 yesterday, giving the state a total of 414,370 cases since March.  There were 13 deaths attributed to the virus Wednesday, bringing the death toll to 25,145.

Delaware County received 1 new positive test result for COVID-19 Wednesday & 4 additional recoveries. The known active cases is 5, To date there have been 94 positive cases of COVID-19 in Delaware County, with 38 people under mandatory quarantine and 6 people under precautionary quarantine. 4 people are isolated at home and 1 is in a hospital, 6 people have died and 83 have fully recovered.

Nurse Practitioner Kathy Anderson of the UHS Primary Care of Oxford, spent 9 days in Honduras in 2018 on a medical mission, she will share her experiences with a special virtual presentation being offered as part of UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital’s 2020 Women’s Health Series.  The Zoom event will be this afternoon at 12:30 PM, to register call 337-4239 or email makenzie.ballard@nyuhs.org.

The State Health Department announced 769 new Positive Coronavirus tests Wednesday, bringing the state total to 404,775 since March.  there were 11 deaths from the Virus Wednesday, bringing the state death toll to 25,014.  about 1% of those tested Wednesday tested positive.

Delaware County Public Health reported 1 new case of COVID-19 and no additional recoveries Thursday. The known active cases is 3, there have been 85 positive cases since March, with 32 people quarantined, 3 people are isolated at home, none are hospitalized, 6 have died & 76 have recovered.

Chenango County Public Health continues to see an uptick in Coronavirus cases, they are now up to 175 total cases, with 132 active Quarantines, no one is Hospitalized 149 have recovered, they have reported 6 deaths, & they have conducted over 13,700 tests.

The Unadilla Summer Concert series will begin tonight at the Community House Lawn starting at 6:30 PM.  The concert is free & will feature Country Express, face Masks and social distancing is required.

Governor Cuomo announced that the Special Enrollment Period for uninsured New Yorkers will be extended for another 30 days, through August 15th, as the State continues to provide supportive services during the COVID-19 public health crisis. New Yorkers can apply for coverage through NY State of Health online at nystateofhealth.ny.gov, by phone at 1-855-355-5777, and by connecting with a free enrollment assistor.

Broome County Health Department reported that they are up to 815 Coronavirus cases, with 58 deaths, 632 recoveries and 465 people are being monitored by the Health Department.  They have conducted over 23,700 tests.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is calling for existing rural broadband funding to be spent as millions of families continue to adjust to a new normal of online learning, work, and health care due to the COVID-19 crisis.

(Gillibrand 6-23-20)

Gillibrand is calling on the Trump administration to spend the allocated money now as thousands of Rural New Yorkers still have poor broadband internet service or no service at all.

Chenango County Public Health announced that they have 140 total confirmed cases, with 23 people quarantined, no one is hospitalized, 131 have recovered, there have been 6 deaths, and over 9300 tests have been conducted.

Bassett Healthcare Network will partially lift visitation restrictions at their hospital locations this week.  Bassett’s hospital locations will begin permitting 1 visitor at a time per admitted patient between the hours of 12:00 noon and 8:00 PM daily, starting tomorrow except for O’Connor Hospital, which has already started allowing visitors. All people who enter buildings must wear a mask and participate in screening procedures, including temperature checks and a brief questionnaire. More information is available at bassett.org/safe-care.

Commerce Chenango will present their next webinar regarding the potential Phase 4 Reopening this Thursday at 3:30 p.m.   Presenters include Commerce Chenango President & CEO Kerri Green, members of the Chenango County Health Department, and Chenango County Emergency Services Manager Matt Beckwith & Jessica Moquin of the Chenango County Historical Society.  Preregistration is required by emailing register@chenangony.org.

Primary voting is being held today across New York State.  All Chenango County Voters will vote Today at the Chenango County Sheriff's Office in the town of Norwich, while Otsego, Delaware & Broome counties have cut back on the number of 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: 832-5321 or the Otsego County Board of Elections: 547-4247

Otsego County Department of Health announced 1 New case of the Coronavirus Monday, they now have 74 total confirmed cases, no one is hospitalized, 65 have recovered, there have been 5 deaths, 26 people are quarantined, 314 people released from quarantine, they have conducted 4,754 tests.

The Chenango Memorial Hospital Women’s Health Series goes virtual with a talk on Virtual Visits.  Dr. Kurt Harding, the Primary Care Medical Director at CMH will be presenting at 6:00 PM Today by Zoom, for more information or to register, call 337-4239.

Today’s UHS Chenango Women’s Health talk will focus on Healthy
Habits, to be held at Bohemian Moon, 103 East Main Street in Norwich.  Physical Therapist Allison O’Neill of UHS
Therapies Norwich and Registered Dietician Nicole Wake from UHS Chenango
Memorial will present during the event, the evening will begin at 6:00 PM, with
the presentation and discussion to follow at 7:00 PM.  More information is available at 337-4283.

Commerce Chenango has teamed up with SFCU to host a series
of Roundtable Workshops, with the 1st one scheduled for this morning in
Norwich, Commerce Chenango CEO Kerri Green explains:

(Kerri Green 1-28-20)

The workshop will be held in the Commerce Chenango Community
Room at 15 South Broad Street in Norwich, starting at 7:30 AM through 9:00 AM,
more information is available at 334-1400.

Tonight UHS Women’s Health talk will focus on Varicose Veins,
with a discussion by Dr. Mark Brennan, a specialist at UHS General Surgery in
Norwich.  The talk will be held at Bohemian
Moon, at 103 East Main Street in Norwich, beginning at 6:00 p.m. with Dr. Brennan’s
presentation at 7:00 PM,  more
information on the series or to reserve a seat, call 337-4283

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.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation requiring pharmacies to
inform patients of Class I drug recalls made by the FDA within 7 days. Class 1
Drugs have a high probability of causing serious adverse health consequences or
death, the severity of health risks is higher for elderly patients and those
taking long-term medications. This law takes effect immediately.

The State Department of Health announced new services for
e-cigarette users seeking help to stop vaping, through the State’s Smokers’
Quitline.   The Department added the
service to address the growing need to help users of e-cigarettes break their
dependence on vaping, the Quitline is available at 1-866-NY-QUITS

Breast cancer survivors will share their stories at the
next Women’s Health talk this evening at Bohemian Moon in Norwich as part of
the UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital’s 2019 Women’s Health Series.  The discussion will begin at 6:00 PM, with
the presentation and discussion to start at 7:00 PM, featuring local survivors
& Physician Assistant Alyssa MacIntosh of UHS Women’s Health Center in
Norwich.   More information or
reservations are available at 337-4239.

The 5th Annual Sidney Health Fair will be held at Keith
Clark Park on Saturday September 14th this year.  AO Fox Hospital tri Town Campus Spokesperson
Gabby Argo explains:

(Gabby Argo 8-20-19)

More information about the event is available at 431-5009.

This month’s installment of UHS Chenango Memorial’s 2019
Women’s Health Series will be about Pain Management tonight at Bohemian Moon,
103 east Main Street in Norwich. The event will begin at 6:00 PM; more
information is available at 337-4239.

The Next Women’s Health talk tonight will focus on
Plant-Based Eating, with dietitian Nicole Wake of UHS Chenango Memorial
Hospital.  The discussion will be held
tonight at Bohemian Moon, 103 W. Main Street in Norwich, beginning at 6:00 PM.    Events in the series are free and open to
the public, more information is available at 337-4239.

Dr. James O'Brien of UHS Cardiology Norwich will be the
guest speaker for the UHS Chenango Memorial's 2019 Women's Health Series this
evening at Bohemian Moon, 103 West Main Street in Norwich. The program will
begin at 6:00 PM   more information is
available at 337-4239.

Dr. Nick Putrino of UHS Podiatry Norwich will discuss Foot
Health in a presentation Today at Bohemian Moon at 103 West Main Street in
Norwich.  The program is part of UHS
Chenango Memorial’s 2019 Women’s Health Series, the event will begin at 6:00
PM, The presentation and discussion will follow at 7:00 PM.  More information is available at 337-4183.

8 out of 10 people experience back pain & the UHS
Chenango Memorial 2019 Women's Health series will focus on that topic tonight
with Kristen Menard of UHS Orthopedics at Bohemian Moon, 103 W. Main Street in
Norwich.   The event will begin at 6:00
PM, it is free and open to the public, more information is available at 337-4183.

Animal Adventure in Harpursville
is conducting another "Name The Giraffe" Contest, which is now into
the 2nd round.  April & Oliver
welcomed a healthy male calf on Saturday, March 16th, he was 139 lbs and stands
5' 11".  Those wishing to
participate can go to namethegiraffe.com.

Broome County DA Steven Cornwell announced that a Broome
County Grand Jury handed up a 5-count indictment against 45 year old Wilfredo
Pica-Torres of Binghamton, for 2nd-degree murder, attempted Murder & 1st
& 2nd degree arson in connection with incident on Walnut Street in
Binghamton in February.  Pica-Torres is
accused of intentionally setting a fire to a building at 109 Walnut Street in
Binghamton on February 9th, which led to the death of Victor Banayan.

Osteoporosis will be the next topic that will be discussed
by Melissa Tworkowsky of UHS Orthopedics of Norwich, at Bohemian Moon at 103 W.
Main Street in Norwich this evening.  The
program is part of UHS Chenango Memorial's 2019 Women's Health Series, held
monthly at the Norwich restaurant.  The
event will begin at 6:00 PM, more information on the series or to reserve a
seat is available at 337-4183.

A benefit "Sock Hop"
will be held this Saturday, at the Sidney Elks Lodge at 5:30 PM. All proceeds
will benefit the Delaware Valley Humane Society.

Governor Cuomo
directed an investigation into Facebook's collection of personal information
after a Wall Street Journal report on Friday said the company was obtaining
"intimate secrets" from smartphone apps.   11 widely used smartphone apps, including
programs that collect health information, were relaying information to
Facebook, even when users are not Facebook members or logged into their
accounts.  The Department of State, the
Department of Financial Services and other state agencies will conduct an
investigation.

Current statistics show that the leading cause of death
among women is heart disease.  Sue Button
of UHS Cardiology Norwich will discuss the topic Today at Bohemian Moon, 103
West Main Street in Norwich, as part of the UHS Women’s Health Series, The
event will begin at 6:00 PM, the presentation and discussion will follow at
7:00 PM.  More information on the series
is available at 337-4183.

Governor Cuomo today announced $204 million to support 95
projects that will protect and transform New York State's health care system.
This funding from the Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program
will improve patient care through the development of high-quality medical
facilities and programs serving the inpatient, primary care, mental health,
substance use disorder and long-term care needs of communities throughout the
State.  In the Southern Tier, providers
will receive $11.3 million.

UHS Chenango Memorial will launch their 2019 Women’s Health
Series tonight in Norwich.  Janice
Minutti is a dietitian at UHS Chenango Memorial, She will give a presentation
on Healthy Habits on Tuesday, January 29 at Bohemian Moon, 103 East Main Street
in Norwich, doors will open at 6:00 PM, and the presentation will start at 7:00
PM.

UHS Chenango Memorial will launch their 2019 Women’s Health
Series next week in Norwich.  Janice
Minutti is a dietitian at UHS Chenango Memorial, She will give a presentation
on Healthy Habits on Tuesday, January 29 at Bohemian Moon, 103 East Main Street
in Norwich, doors will open at 6:00 PM, and the presentation will start at 7:00
PM.

The 2018 Women’s Health Series continues today in Norwich. RN Judith Samsel will discuss Diabetes at the Bohemian Moon at 103 East Main Street in Norwich starting at 7:00 PM; more information is available at 337-4183.

State & Local leaders & Binghamton Rumble Ponies President John Hughes announced today a $5.1 million dollar upgrade to NYSEG Stadium. The upgrades include new seats, a series of structural upgrades to the stadium infrastructure, new sod & drainage system for the ball field & 2 new video boards, in left & right field, a sound new system & upgrades to the clubhouse & dugouts and new netting to protect fans in the stands.

Physician Assistant Alyssa MacIntosh of UHS Women’s Health Center in Norwich will hold a discussion about Breast Cancer & earl y detection in a free presentation today at Bohemian Moon, 103 W. Main Street in Norwich. An optional buffet and cash bar will be available at 6 p.m., with the presentation and discussion to start at 7 p.m. The event is part of UHS Chenango Memorial’s 2018 Women’s Health Series, which will conclude on Monday, November 12 with a discussion on pre-diabetes and diabetes risk factors. More information is available at 337-4183.

Delaware County Public Health will hold a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinics For dogs, cats and ferrets today in Franklin. The clinic will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Franklin Fire Hall, 351 Main Street, more information is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com.

The last concert at the Don Clayton Memorial Trailside Concert Series in Sidney will feature the Sidney Community Band Tonight. The concert will begin at 6:30 under the pavilion at Keith Clark Park on River Street; the concert is free and open to the public,

The UHS Chenango Memorial’s Women’s Health Series will hold their next session this evening, where UHS Family Nurse Practitioner MaryLou Stanton will discuss Sleep
issues. The presentation will be held at Bohemian Moon, 103 West Main Street in Norwich at 7:00 PM, Stanton will be joined by her colleague Becky Yacano, who is a
Respiratory Therapy Supervisor at UHS Chenango Memorial, who works with patients who suffer from sleep apnea.

The Otsego County health Department reported that a raccoon in the town of Mt. Vision, tested positive for rabies last week. The raccoon attacked a dog on Wednesday, 1 person came in contact with the raccoon while attempted the save the dog. The dog was up to date on its rabies vaccinations, and required a booster that evening. The next rabies clinic in Otsego County will be Tuesday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Neahwa Park in Oneonta.

Dr. James O’Brien of UHS Cardiology Norwich will discuss Women & Heart disease tonight at Bohemian Moon, 103 W. Main Street in Norwich, as part of their Women's Health Series, The event will begin at 6:00 PM. more information on the series is available at 337-4183.

Governor Cuomo today announced that $3 million is available to help New Yorkers suffering from serious health issues that are aggravated by extreme heat in order to purchase an air conditioner. Individuals can apply through HEAP at their local department of social services. To qualify, applicants must meet existing HEAP eligibility criteria and income guidelines, which vary by household size, and have at least one member of the household that suffers from a documented medical condition exacerbated by extreme heat. Applications will be accepted through August 31, or until funding runs out, the applications are available at otda.ny.gov.

UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital will launch a new education series for women; it will begin Monday at the Bohemian Moon at 103 East Main Street in Norwich. The event will begin at 6:00 PM, the presentation and discussion led by Dr. Phyllis Sheriff-White will follow at 7:00 PM.

Governor Cuomo announced a series of actions to firmly secure access to reproductive rights in New York State. The State will ensure that contraceptive drugs and devices are covered by commercial health insurance policies without co-pays, coinsurance, or deductibles regardless of the future of the Affordable Care Act; contraceptives are available in amounts exceeding one month’s supply at a time; and all medically necessary abortion services are covered by commercial health insurance policies without co-pays, coinsurance, or deductibles. The announcement coincides with this weekend's Women’s Marches in Washington D.C., across New York State and across the country, as well as the 44th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court Roe vs. Wade decision.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced a settlement with Cigna, requiring the health insurer to eliminate a ban on coverage for claims for neuropsychological testing of psychiatric conditions and autism spectrum disorder. An investigation was launched following a complaint last year about Cigna’s policy. Under the terms of the settlement, the company agrees to comply with Timothy's Law, which is named for a 13-year-old Schenectady boy who committed suicide after an insurance denial. The settlement requires Cigna to revise its policies, pay autism claims previously rejected, and pay a penalty of $50,000.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 11th annual women's Trailblazer Award, presented by the Oneonta City Commission on Community relations & Human Rights. The award honors an Oneonta Area woman who has demonstrated outstanding achievements in her field or in the community that has enhanced the visibility & Stature of women. Nominations are due by February 21st, the award will be presented at a March Oneonta Common Council Meeting. More information is available at 432-8751 or 432-6450.