The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce Toys for Tots collection sites will be up for a little while longer & the donated items will be collected shortly, according to Chamber President Ray Pucci:
(Ray Pucci 12-5-23)
Pucci said that about 3000 were distributed to Delaware County Families in need last year.
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3 fire departments responded to a structure fire at 936 Houghtaling Hollow in the town of Meredith Tuesday afternoon. A family of 5 was displaced by the trailer fire. Meridale Firefighters were assisted by the Franklin & Delhi Fire Department, no injuries were reported.
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A special election to pick a successor to George Santos, will be held on February 13th, according to the Governor’s office. Santos was the 6th person expelled from the US House of Representatives in the country’s history Former area Congressman Tom Suozzi may be the Democratic Party choice, he had served that district for 6 years before making a run from Governor. Several Republicans are vying to keep the seat Republican after Santos’s ouster, he was expelled last week following a scandal-plagued tenure in Congress and a looming criminal trial.
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The State Health Department reported that flu cases rose by over 25% in the last week and hospitalizations have surged by 30%. Most of the cases have been reported in Western New York, especially in Erie, Niagara, and Chautauqua Counties. In the last recorded week, there were more than 4,000 cases reported in New York State, there has also been a surge in the respiratory virus known as RSV.
The West Kortright Center announced today a grant award totaling $30,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts to support the nonprofit arts and culture sector. In addition they received a $10,000 Artist Support Grant for Adrianna Newell. The State Council has awarded over $80 million since Spring 2023 to over 1,500 artists and organizations across the state.
A.M. NEWS Wednesday 12-6-23
35 year-old Bradley Law of Harpursville was sentenced in Broome County Court to 2 concurrent sentences of 1 1/3rd to 4 years in prison Tuesday. Law hit 13 year old Brennan Loveless with a pickup truck on January 1st 2023 while the boy was riding his bike on the shoulder of Route 7 near his home in Sanitaria Springs. Law fled the scene while Loveless, who was thrown 180 feet down the shoulder, suffering serious injuries. Law then told police he hit a deer with his truck instead. Law pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a firearm and attempted leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident.
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State Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 42 year old Gabrielle Becker, who is missing from Roxbury, since November 24th. She is described as a white female, 5’7″, 130 pounds with light brown shoulder length curly hair. Becker does not have a vehicle & maybe utilizing public transportation, anyone with information is asked to contact State Police at 561-7400.
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State Police & other state agencies responded to a commercial vehicle crash at I-88 in Duanesburg, Tuesday morning. The investigation has determined a tractor-trailer traveling exited the road and traveled down a steep ravine, carrying multiple large cylinders containing compressed natural gas. The driver was removed and transported to Albany Medical Center with serious injuries and is currently listed in critical condition. I-88 was closed between exit 24 and exit 25 for the investigation & clean up, there were no home or business evacuations & there was no fire or explosion as a result of this crash. The name of the driver will not be released at this time. The investigation into the cause of this crash is ongoing.
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Area Resident Gene Schmidt announced that he & his family & volunteers will be serving Christmas dinner again this year, he told WCDO News that it will be at a different location:
(Gene Schmidt 12-6-23)
Schmidt said that people interested in volunteering can also visit his Facebook page & send an instant message this year.
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The American Red Cross Blood Drive is holding 2 blood drives in Oneonta Today, 1 drive will be held at the A.O. Fox Hospital Levene Center from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, another is being held at the Hunt College Union at SUNY Oneonta from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Appointments can be made with the Blood Donor App, at redcrossblood.org or at 1-800 Red Cross.
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]]>26 year old Simon Wysong of Delhi was indicted Thursday in Delaware County Court, he is accused of Driving While Impaired by Amphetamines, Methamphetamines, and Fentanyl in the Town of Davenport on July 26, 2022. Wysong was driving at a high rate of speed on County Highway 10 when he failed to stop at a stop sign, crossed onto State Highway 23 & collided with another vehicle. Wysong’s passenger was killed, the driver of the other vehicle suffered serious physical injuries. The Grand Jury indicted Wysong for Vehicular Manslaughter, Assault, 2nd degree Manslaughter & Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, he faces up to 8 1/3rd to 25 years in state prison if he is convicted of the most serious charge. Wysong will be arraigned on the indictment in Delaware County Court on October 23rd.
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2 people were arrested following a traffic stop in Norwich regarding a stolen motorcycle, that led to a chase that ended in Unadilla. Norwich Police had attempted a traffic stop, the driver, Cody McCrady of Chenango Forks & passenger, Nichole Wiggins of Greene, fled. The pair were taken into custody in Unadilla. The investigation revealed that the Motorcycle was stolen from Manlius and the license plates were reported stolen from Johnson City. McCrady was charged with Reckless Endangerment, Criminal possession of stolen property, & criminal possess of a controlled substance, Wiggins was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Wiggins was released on an appearance ticket, McCrady was being for arraignment.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies received a complaint regarding a group of students from Walton High School who received a message via a social media app, which contained threats to bomb the Walton School and cause harm to other students. Deputies responded to Walton and interviewed multiple students and it was determined that the threat was made after school hours and that an 18 year-old student of Walton High School did make threats to “bomb” the Walton High School. The juvenile was charged with Making a Terroristic Threat and was held at the Delaware County Correctional Facility for arraignment.
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Commerce Chenango announced that 3 local museums are participating in the “MUSEUMS & MORE” event tomorrow. A variety of activities are scheduled tomorrow at the Bullthistle Model Railroad Museum, The Northeast Classic Car Museum & the Chenango County Historical Society, all in Norwich. More information is available at commercechenango.com.
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The Jericho Arts Council will have another concert at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater Saturday evening, coupled with another show in the Gallery, according to spokesman Phil Wade:
(PHIL WADE 10-6-23)
Wade said that Reservation for tickets can be obtained by calling 607-288-3882, or just prior to the show at 7:00 PM Saturday night.
A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-6-23
The Broome County District Attorney’s Office announced that a plea deal was given to 35-year-old Bradley Law of Harpursville. Law admitted to operating the vehicle in a hit & run Crash that killed 13 year old Brennan Loveless as he was riding hid Bicycle along Route 7 near his home in Sanitaria Springs back on New Year’s Day. Law was sentenced to 1 1/3rd to 4 years in prison for leaving the scene of a fatal accident and a weapons charge.
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State Police reported that 16 year old Emily Clapper was located in good health in the city of Oneonta by Oneonta Police. Clapper was reported missing on October 2nd.
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The Chenango Arts Council will present the Norwich Theater Company this weekend, with a Neil Simon Classic, according to spokesperson Mary Beth Miller:
(Mary Beth Miller 10-6-23)
Tickets can be purchased for any of the performances at chenangoartscouncil.thundertix.com.
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The Matthews Auto Group announced their 5th Annual Matthews Walk-A-Thon to benefit 10 children’s charities in Binghamton, Syracuse, Norwich, & other locations this Saturday, October 7th from 7:30AM to 6:30PM, Spokesperson Kathy Breno told WCDO about the Norwich walk a thon:
(Kathy Breno 10-3-23)
The Norwich & Vestal Walk-a-thon will be the only in-person events, the rest will be virtual, the Chenango County Child Advocacy Center in Norwich is one of the charities that will benefit from this effort. Walkers should register in advance with estimated miles to be walked at MatthewsWalkathon.Com or at Weiler Park on the day of the event. Matthews will distribute up to $150,000 to the charities based on the miles walked and the percentage of votes each charity receives during registration.
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The Chenango County Department of Health is hosting a drive through Flu Shot Clinic Saturday from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, at the Chenango County Fairgrounds in Norwich. Pre-registration is required at apps2.health.ny.gov or by calling 607-337-1660.
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An American Red Cross will hold a Blood Drive at the Otego Fire house today from 12:30 to 5:30 P.M. Appointments can be made at downloading the the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by calling 1-800 RED CROSS or at redcrossblood.org.
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]]>Nauman Hussain was sentenced to 5 to 15 years in prison following victim impact statements at the Schoharie County Court today, he was convicted on 20 counts of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide, Hussain operated Prestige Limo, which owned the uninspected stretch limo that crashed in Schoharie where 20 people were killed in October 2018. Hussain’s Attorney is expected to appeal.
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The State DEC is warning New Yorkers of an increased Fire danger today, as much of the state has had little to no rain over the last 10 days & there will be higher temperatures over the next few days. There are currently 11 active wildfires in the state, all were started by human activity.
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The Broome County Sheriff’s Office was called to the scene of a pedestrian-train accident near the Crocker Hill Rd area in the Town of Fenton Tuesday. The Sheriff’s Office stated that 17-year-old Jakob McCloe of Port Crane was walking westbound on the Norfolk Southern Railroad Tracks near Crocker Hill Road, he was wearing noise-canceling headphones and was unable to hear the train approaching, the engineer attempted to signal multiple times to get McCloe’s attention, he was unable to stop the train, and at 8:53 am, McCloe was struck and killed and pronounced at the scene. McCloe was a student at the Chenango Valley School District.
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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office reported that Shawn McMahon of Binghamton was the pilot & only occupant of a plane that crashed Sunday in Norwich. The National Transportation Safety Board said that the Cessna 182D plane crashed just before 3:00 PM Sunday about 1 mile west of the Eaton Airport, he had taken off from the airport and was attempting to return to the airport at the time of the crash. The investigation has been opened by the NTSB and the FAA.
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The Norwich Fire Department responded Monday to a fire at Peacock Manor Apartments on Brown Street. Firefighters arrived at about 2:10 PM, where they encountered heavy smoke on the first floor. Firefighters located the fire, which was extinguished and under control within minutes. EMS crews evaluated 4 residents at the scene, with 2 taken to UHS Chenango Memorial ER for smoke inhalation, they were treated & released, No firefighters were injured.
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The Chenango County Historical Society will host the museum’s annual Summer Barn Party from 6-8:30 p.m. on June 29 at 41 Rexford St., Norwich. This year’s theme is inspired by the newest Community Gallery exhibit, “Sixpence in Your Shoe: A Glimpse at Chenango County Wedding Traditions.” Proceeds support a significant portion of the organization’s annual operating budget. Early bird registration is available by visiting www.chenangohistorical.org now through June 23.
A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 5-31-23
Bradley Law of Harpursville was arraigned Tuesday in Broome County Court for Leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident and criminal possession of a firearm. Law is accused of running over 13 year old Brennan Loveless as he was riding a bicycle on January 1st on State Route 7 near his home on Belden Manor Road in Sanitaria Springs. Law allegedly fled the scene, Loveless was eventually taken to Syracuse Children’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Law was apprehended the following day after he reported that his pickup truck had driven into a ditch along Bevier Street in an attempt to avoid striking a deer, investigators determined that Law’s truck was the one that had struck and killed Loveless.
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Delaware County District Attorney’s Office announced that 41 year old Jason Dufton of Hancock, was sentenced to 7 years in state prison, and 15 years of post-release supervision for his conviction of Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in Delaware County Court Tuesday. Dufton engaged in at least 2 sexual acts with a 10-year-old female child, in the Town of Hancock, he was also ordered to submit a DNA sample to the State DNA databank, he must register as a sex offender after he is released from prison.
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33 year old Ammar Ali of Albany was sentenced to 2 to 4 years in State prison after pleading guilty to felony Criminal Mischief in Broome County Court. Ali admitted that on July 19, 2022, in the Town of Union, he cut off an electronic monitoring ankle bracelet while on probation, he was previously convicted for Bail Jumping in 2015,
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]]>The Appalachian Regional Commission announced approval of an INSPIRE grant in the amount of $378,704 to the Leatherstocking Education on Alcoholism/Addictions Foundation, also known as LEAF, to support individuals in recovery with education & workforce training, to improve their chances for successful employment and sustained recovery. LEAF Project Coordinator Kyleen Joslyn told WCDO news that the stigma of hiring those in recovery is lessening, in the face of the current workforce shortage in area counties:
(Kyleen Joslin 1-13-23)
People can get more information about LEAF’s programs and services by calling 607-371-4700.
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The funeral for 13-year-old Brennan Loveless was held this afternoon at Osterhoudt-Madden Funeral Home in Harpursville. Loveless was struck by a hit-and-run driver while riding his bicycle on January 2nd, 34 year-old Bradley Law of Harpursville was charged with criminally negligent homicide and leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident, Law was released from the Broome County Jail after recently posting Bail.
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The Department of Labor will be holding the Southern Tier Regional Virtual Job Fair on Thursday, January 19th, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Preview day is on Wednesday, January 18th. Registration for job-seekers is available at nysdolvirtual3.easyvirtualfair.com. There are currently 46 businesses registered with over 2,400 job openings.
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The Broome County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a man who stole a motorcycle from a Town of Fenton business. The investigation revealed that the Motorcycle was stolen in the overnight hours of New Year’s Eve into New Year’s day, & the man was caught on video searching the exterior of a local business before returning and stealing the motorcycle. Anyone with information is asked to call 607-778-2334.
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New York State has collected more than $709.2 million in taxes on legalized sports betting on the 1st anniversary of the wagering law going into effect. An additional $200 million in licensing fees has also been collected, revenues from mobile sports wagering are distributed as follows: $5 million to fund sports programs for under-served youths, $6 million to fund problem gambling education and treatment, the remaining funds education aid.
A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 1-13-23
Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 38 year old Shawn Fowlston of Norwich for 2nd degree sexual abuse, forcible touching, unlawful imprisonment and endangering the welfare of a child, following reported attacks on 2 teen-aged girls. Fowlston was on parole and wearing an ankle bracket with a GPS monitor, he is a level 3 sex offender, with previous rape & sexual abuse convictions. Fowlston was remanded to the Chenango County Jail without bail for violating his New York State Parole, more charges are expected.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a one car motor vehicle accident with injuries on State Highway 10, near Bobs Brook Road in the Town of Walton. Deputies found a vehicle had left the roadway, struck an earth embankment and a tree, causing the vehicle to rollover, then coming to rest in the lane of travel. The driver was 44-year-old Timothy Bennett of Walton, he was charged with DWI, aggravated driving while intoxicated with a BAC greater than 0.18%, Aggravated Unlicensed Operator among other similar charges, Bennett was released on tickets returnable to the Town of Walton Court at a later date.
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Property tax levy growth for school districts and the state’s biggest cities will be capped at 2%, the same as last year, according to data released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The tax cap limits annual tax levy increases to the lesser of the rate of inflation or 2% with certain exceptions, including a provision that allows school districts to override the cap with 60% voter approval of their budget. The 2% allowable levy growth affects the tax cap calculations for 676 school districts and 10 cities with fiscal years starting July 1st.
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]]>A community vigil will be held tonight in remembrance of 13-year-old Brennan Loveless, who was killed while riding his bicycle near his home Sunday afternoon. The vigil will be held at 7:00 pm. on the track of Harpursville High School and all are welcome to attend. A memorial service for Loveless will be held at the Osterhoudt-Madden Funeral Home on Maple Street in Harpursville on Friday, January 13th at 1, with calling hours from 11 to 1. 34 year old Bradley Law is being held in the Broome County Jail for striking Loveless with his pick up truck & fleeing the scene, he’s been charged with criminally negligent homicide and leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident.
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Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of the $30 million Pre-Seed and Seed Matching Fund Program, which will offer early-stage start-up companies $50,000 to $250,000 in growth assistance which they will match with funds from private sector co-investors. Funding for the program comes from the State Small Business Credit Initiative, part of the federal American Rescue Plan, For more information on the program and instructions on how to apply, visit, esd.ny.gov.
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The City of Norwich was recently approved for the $10 Million Dollar Downtown Revitalization Award, Commerce Chenango President & CEO Sal Testani told WCDO news about the process going forward:
(Sal Testani 1-5-23)
Testani said that they believe that the projects funded through the DRI award can lead to further development & business growth in the future.
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The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce announced their annual State of The State Networking Breakfast will be held Friday January 20 at SUNY Oneonta’s Morris Hall, from 8:00 to 11:00 AM. Legislators scheduled to participate are Assemblymen Brian Miller & Chris Tague, Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek, among others. Reservations form Otsego County Chamber members are due by January 16th by calling 607-432-4500, extension 2.
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The Chenango United Way and the United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties announced that, the two organizations have officially combined as of January 1st, as the United Way of Mid Rural New York, Incorporated. Campaign dollars that are raised in each county will stay in that county, the Executive Director will be Elizabeth Monaco, who has been the Executive Director of the Chenango United Way. The Chenango United Way also affiliated with the United Way of Madison County last year, that merger process will finalize in April 2023, the Madison United Way will combine under the United Way of Mid Rural New York name. More information is available at 607-334-8815
A.M. NEWS Thursday 1-5-23
Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested of 41 year-old Travis Kinch of Downsville, for driving with a suspended Driver’s license. On Monday Deputies observed a vehicle traveling on State Highway 30 in the Town of Colchester with an expired inspection. Upon conducting a traffic stop, A check of Kinch’s driver’s license revealed that his driving privileges were suspended in the State of New York. Kinch was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Unlicensed Operator, Uninspected Motor Vehicle and Failure to notify DMV of an address change, Kinch was released and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Colchester Court at a later date.
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31-year-old Kimberly Olsen of Edmeston has been arrested following an animal cruelty investigation by the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office. Olsen allegedly mistreated several animals and was charged with 3 counts of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals; failure to provide proper sustenance & 3 counts of abandonment of animal, Olsen was released on appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Edmeston Court at a later date.
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State Senator Peter Oberacker took the oath of office for his second New York State Senate term. Senator Oberacker also received his committee assignments, he will serve as ranking Republican of the Senate Committee on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse and the Senate Committee on Transportation. Additionally, Senator Oberacker will serve on the senate standing committees on education, finance, higher education, and labor.
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The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 45 year old Matthew Brady of Delhi following an investigation of abuse in the Town of Milford. Brady was charged with Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent or Physically Disabled Person, Endangering the Welfare of a Child & Harassment, following an investigation into an incident that occurred on November 2nd 2022 at Springbrook in the Town of Milford. Brady was unable to be located and a warrant for arrest was issued through the Town of Milford Court, he turned himself in and was released on an appearance ticket for the Town of Milford Court at a later date.
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]]>State Police announced today that a Davenport man who was reported missing since December 26th, has been found safe. Troopers searched for 78 year old Theodore Sikora of Davenport daily after receiving a report to check on his welfare. Troopers searched his home and the area surrounding it, local stores, hospitals and with relatives and friends, they thanked to public for the tips they received during the investigation.
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The Broome County Sheriff’s Office arrested 34 year old Bradley Law of Harpursville in connection with a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident involving a pickup truck fatally striking Brennan Loveless on a bicycle on State Route 7 in the Town of Colesville on Sunday at 5:30pm. Law was charged with Criminally Negligent homicide & leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident, he was taken to Broome County Central Processing last night & was remanded to the Broome County Jail Without Bail. Loveless was a student at the Harpursville Central School District, where their Crisis Response Team will be available for grieving students.
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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 37 year old Nicholas Visser of Port Crane for 3rd degree Burglary, 3rd degree Grand Larceny & Conspiracy, following an investigation of a reported Burglary in the Town of Greene. Visser & 2 unknown male suspects allegedly entered a building on private property & stole nearly $40,000 in property, most of the stolen property was recovered at Visser’s property in the Town of Port Crane. Visser was processed and released on an appearance ticket. Visser is to appear in the Town of Greene Court at a later date. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted with the incident by the Broome County Sheriff’s Office.
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The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 29 year old Ryan Chesebro of Edmeston following a traffic stop on December 26th in the Town of Burlington. Chesebro was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle for allegedly operating a motor vehicle on a public highway with a suspended license, he was issued appearance tickets for Burlington Town Court at a later date.
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The Norwich Firefighters Association announced a record breaking year for Norwich Firefighters. In 2022 the Norwich Fire Department had the highest number of calls, with 3,383, breaking the record set the year before when they answered 3,283 calls.
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New York State of Health reminds New Yorkers that Open Enrollment for a health care plan is available. New Yorkers can go online to nystateofhelath.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777 for assistance.
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Governor Kathy Hochul Signed a bill Saturday that legalized natural organic reduction, also known as human composting. New York becomes the 6th state to give New Yorkers access to an alternative, green method of burial deemed environmentally friendly. The bill states that the remains must be delivered to a cemetery corporation certified as an organic reduction facility, suitably contained and ventilated, the deceased is placed into a reusable, semi-open vessel containing suitable bedding such as wood chips, alfalfa or straw, which is deemed ideal for microbes to work. At the end of the process, a heaped cubic yard of soil, equivalent to 36 bags of soil is produced, which can be used as fertilizer.
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