The State Department of Health updated New Yorkers on its strategic response to the current monkeypox outbreak. In accordance with the CDC guidance, The Department released vaccine eligibility for the initial doses of the vaccine from the federal government, prioritizing communities with the highest level of need & they will continue to communicate with providers and local county health departments, expand access to resources, and encourages increased testing and treatment of suspected monkeypox cases. More information is available at at health.ny.gov/monkeypox.

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The Otsego County Board of Representatives have hired former Schoharie County Administrator Steven Wilson, as the new Otsego County Administrator. Wilson begins serving in his new Position on August 8th.

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Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the availability of $255 million in state grants for critical water infrastructure projects that will protect public health and the environment through the State’s Water Infrastructure Improvement programs. This announcement marks the latest action to upgrade New York’s water and sewer systems, reduce water pollution and safeguard vital drinking water supplies from emerging contaminants and toxic chemicals.

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Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County announced their 2022 home made sale, which will be held later this year. Hospice Spokesperson Sarah Green told WCDO News what kind of home made items they are looking for:

(Sarah Green 7-7-22)

Items must be in to Hospice by September 1st, the sale will be held at the hospice location at 33- 39 Court Street in Norwich on October 15th from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 7-7-22

The Afton Fair will run today through Sunday this year, With Gillette rides all 4 days starting at 4:00 PM today, Spokesperson Rhonda Barriger explains:

(Rhonda Barriger 7-7-22)

This year is the 133rd edition of the Afton fair, at the Fairgrounds, more information is available at 607-639-1525 or theaftonfair.com.

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Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak announced that 28 year old Joseph Santi of Binghamton was sentenced to 3 years in prison, after he pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance. The Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force executed a search warrant in June of 2021 and found Santi to be in possession of pills, methamphetamines, and fentanyl with intent to sell. Santi will also serve 2-years post-release supervision.

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41 year old Bradley Cook of Oneonta was sentenced to 20 years in state prison and 15 years of post-release supervision, Cook was convicted on 2 counts of a first-degree criminal sexual act.

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The application period is now open for New York State’s entry-level law enforcement civil service exam, will be held in the fall. Qualified candidates can apply online until August 3rd. The exam is used to fill jobs for the DEC for Environmental Conservation Police Officer Trainee & Forest Rangers, in the Parks Department for Park Police Officer Trainees & in SUNY for University Police Officers. Approximately 400 entry-level law enforcement positions statewide will be filled over the next year.

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Sidney Village Mayor Andy Matviak announced today a new series of Open House events for village agencies;

(Andy Matviak 4-26-22)

Mayor Matviak said that they are in the process of setting up more open house events in the ensuing months following the Police & Court open house next month.

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36 Year Old Jonas Whaley of the Town of German pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime in US District Court in Syracuse. Whaley was arrested in September of 2021 & As part of his guilty plea, he admitted to possessing 50 grams of an illicit substance containing methamphetamine, plus handguns to protect himself while distributing drugs. Whaley faces sentencing on August 23^rd.

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Otsego County District Attorney’s office announced the conviction of Bradley Cook of Oneonta for 2 counts of 1st degree criminal sexual act, for performing sexual acts with a minor under the age of 11 on 2 occasions. Cook will be sentenced June 24th.

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Hartwick College is sponsoring the “Hawks Town Fever” street fair in Oneonta this Saturday, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM On Main Street between Chestnut Street and Ford Avenue. The event will include carnival games, zip lines, live music, food trucks, The event is free and open to the public.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 4-26-22

Fire investigators continue to search for a cause to an early Sunday Morning Fire on West Street in Oneonta. Firefighters were called to 452 West Street at about 1:00 AM Sunday to find the home fully engulfed, Fire Fighters from West Oneonta, Otego, Laurens, West Laurens, Mt. Vision, Worcester, Schenevus, Franklin and Pindars Corners fire departments assisted at the scene, no one was home when the fire broke out & no injuries were reported.

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The HALos Board of Directors announced that they will have a community Open House at their facility at 146 Main Street in Afton This Saturday, Spokesperson Joyce Humphrey told WCDO news that it took 3 years to renovate the Old Afton Great American store:

(Joyce Humphrey 4-26-22)

Saturday’s Open House will run from 10:30 AM to 12:00 Noon, more information about HALos is available by calling (607) 639-4256.

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Helios Care will hold their annual daffodil Jazz Brunch fundraiser this Saturday in Franklin, Helios care Spokesperson Alicia Fish explains:

(Alicia Fish 4-26-22)

More information is available at helioscare.org/daffodil, or by calling 432-6773.

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The State DMV is reminding Motorcycle owners that all motorcycle registrations expire on April 30th and must be renewed by then. Motorcycles also must be inspected once a year at a licensed station. More information on how to renew a motorcycle registration can be found by visiting dmv.ny.gov.

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Sidney Police Department, with the assistance of the State Police, arrested 29 year old Anthony Masi of Sidney on a number of charges.  Masi is accused of failing to comply with an officer attempting to conduct a traffic stop on July 4th; Sidney Police followed Masi into the Town of Sidney for several miles before ending the pursuit, which eventually ended with Masi crashing his stolen motorcycle into an SUV in Oneonta.  Masi was charged by Sidney Police with criminal possession of stolen property, Unauthorized use of motor vehicle, Unlawfully fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, Reckless driving, Aggravated unlicensed operation, plus a number of other charges, Masi was arraigned in Village of Sidney Court, he was released on his own recognizance & he was turned over to State Police who took him into custody on an arrest warrant issued from another jurisdiction.

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Chenango County Public Health announced their upcoming COVID 19 vaccine schedule.  On Wednesday, 2nd doses for homebound patients will be administered, on July 31st, a 1st dose Pfizer vaccine clinic will be held for 12 years of age and older at the former Label Shopper Store in the South Plaza in Norwich from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.  Chenango County Health Department now has COVID-19 vaccinations in their clinics, appointments are requested at 337-1660, the clinics will be on July 23 & 30th for the J&J Vaccine, August 6th for the Moderna Vaccine & August 13th, 20th & 27th for the Pfizer Vaccine.

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Governor Cuomo today announced that 4 mass vaccination sites will cease operations as part of the ongoing downscaling that will allow the State to focus on localized vaccination efforts. As part of the downscaling, the site at Binghamton University will cease operations following vaccinations on July 26.

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Assemblyman Joe Angelino is urging voters to participate in an upcoming virtual hearing on legislative redistricting for the Southern Tier and Central New York on Monday, August 9 at 2:00 PM.  The input from these meetings will help the Independent Redistricting Commission in the redrawing of legislative and congressional district lines for 2022.  Those who wish to participate are encouraged to register at: nyirc.gov/meetings.

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Starting Monday, August 16th, the Susquehanna SPCA monthly rabies clinics will be first come, first serve, at the new location on State Route 28 Cooperstown.  Pet owners are reminded to bring the pet’s previous rabies certificate, so that the veterinarian can look at it to determine if your pet is eligible for a 3-year vaccine.  Rabies clinics will be held on August 16th, September 13th, October 4th, November 15th & December 13th, more information is available at 547-8111 ext. 111.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 7-20-21

The Otsego County Office of Emergency Services continues to assess damage to area roads from the flooding over the weekend, Acting Emergency Services Coordinator Victor Jones told WCDO News that some roads are open & passable, but still in rough shape, and they are looking to Albany for help:

(Victor Jones 7-20-21)

Jones said that State Route 51 from the Village of Morris, South near the Butternuts/Morris town line is inaccessible; State Route 51 at the bridge in front of the Gilbertsville Fire Department is down to 1 lane but is open to all traffic.  In the Town of Morris, previously closed roads are passable, In the Town of Pittsfield:  Cobb Road up until the section that runs into 42nd & Broad is open, but the extension from that intersection is not passable.  Hawks Road remains closed.   Otsego County Route 4 from State Route 23 in the Town of Morris to State Route 51 in the Village of Gilbertsville remains closed on the northern end, in the Town of Unadilla, damaged roads are passable.

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The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 40-year-old Bradley Cook of Oneonta on a warrant from a sealed indictment, Cook is charged with 2 counts of criminal sexual act for allegedly having sexual contact with the child under the age of 11.  Cook was arraigned and was remanded to the Otsego County jail on $10,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond he returns to court August 13th.

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The American Red Cross continues to experience a severe blood shortage and donors of all blood types, especially type O are urged to make an appointment, Blood drives are being held today from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Sidney Elks Lodge, or from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Foothills Performing Arts & Civic Center, 24 Market Street, in Oneonta.  Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

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Achieve will host 2 job fairs and an open house tomorrow at their Vestal and Norwich facilities from 12:00 noon to 6:00 PM, with the open house at the Vestal location from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM> Achieve currently has 80 job vacancies, more information is available at achieveny.org/employment.

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