Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Investigators arrested 41 year old Dennis Fickeria and 34 year old Deirdre Vincent, Vincent is accused of selling narcotics at her place of employment, they are both accused of selling narcotics at their residence. On Janury 3rd, a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle operated by Fickeria for speeding, Canine Dexter located 12 bags of Fentanyl, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at 1542 Jones Hollow Road, 2 people were removed, officers then located 19 long guns, 4 assault rifles, 8 illegal handguns, 2 were GHOST GUNS, plus they seized Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, plus drug paraphernalia, scales, packaging materials & $3,900 dollars of suspected drug proceeds. Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond held a press conference today, he remarked at the alarming amount of ghost gun that have been seized recently:

(Dumond 1-12-24)

Vincent & Fickeria were each charged with multiple counts of criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a controlled substance, crimanlly using drug paraphenalia, Vincent was arraigned and was released on her own recognizance. Fickeria was arraigned and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility, without bail.

====================================

Gusty winds could be a problem locally as a storm system moves close to the area, Meteorologist Rich Townsend explains:

(Rich Townsend 1-12-24)

We’ll have our tri county forecast, which includes another Wind Advisory overnight, at the end of this newscast.

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The Delaware County Tourism Advisory Board is now accepting applications for funding from the 2024 Local Community Tourism Grant Program, Sean Penchoff of Delaware County Economic Development explains;

(Sean Penchoff 1-12-24)

Penchoff said that the Website is dcecodev.com, the deadline to apply is February 28th.

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Broome County’s Special Investigation Unit Task Force raided 435 Chenango Street, in Binghamton, Police arrested 44-year-old Luis Ruiz and 42-year-old Rasheda Crowder. Police seized 2 loaded handguns, an AK47 style handgun, thousands of rounds of ammunition, three high-capacity magazines, as well as heroin & fentanyl. Ruiz and Crowder were charged with multiple counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminal possession of a weapon & face court action shortly.

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Governor Hochul has directed State Agencies to prepare for severe weather conditions across the state over the next 48 hours. Wind Advisories are in effect through much of the state, blizzard conditions are expected through the North Country & Western New York.

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Property tax levy growth for school districts and 10 of the state’s cities will be capped at 2%, according to 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. The law also includes provisions that allow school districts and municipalities to override the cap. DiNapoli’s office calculated the inflation factor at 4.12% for those with a June 30, 2025 fiscal year end. 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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The Broome County Martin Luther King Junior Commission will be holding their annual March on Monday evening, starting at the MLK Promenade behind Boscov’s in downtown Binghamton. The commission announced that they have resumed their scholarship program, they will give out 2 scholarships for $1,000 each for high school graduates this year..

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Broadway in Binghamton announced that tickets are still available for “Hairspray” at the Forum Theater on January 23rd & 24th at 7:30 PM, tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or nacentertainment.com.

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Governor Kathy Hochul was picked Thursday in New York City as the Democratic party’s choice for the 2022 race for Governor. Hochul has more than $21 million in her campaign warchest, she earned 85.6% of the weighted vote at the Democratic Party convention Thursday, she will likely still face primary challenges from Congressman Tom Suozzi and New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.

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The 1st public meeting regarding the Norwich Downtown Revitalization Initiative was held virtually Wednesday evening. There is an Open Call for New Proposals for project within the DRI boundary to submit for consideration by the Local Planning Committee, Commerce Chenango President & CEO Kerri Green told WCDO News the timeline for projects:

(Kerri Green 2-18-22)

Green said that a Project Proposal Form can be found on the website: norwichdri.com. The Open Call for Proposals Informational Session will be held virtually on February 24th at 6:00 PM.

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Sidney Police arrested 44 year old Andrew Besuglow of Afton Tuesday on a drug charge, following a vehicle and traffic complaint received on December 3rd, where Besuglow was arrested for allegedly Driving while ability impaired by drugs, the substance was sent to the State Police crime lab for processing, where it was confirmed to be Fentanyl. Besuglow was charged with Criminal possession of a controlled substance, he was arraigned in the Village of Sidney Court where he was released on his own recognizance at appear back in court at a later date.

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The State’s 1st Free Fishing Weekend of 2022, on February 19 and 20, when freshwater anglers are permitted to fish for free without a license. Additional free fishing days include June 25 and 26, September 24 (National Hunting and Fishing Day), and November 11 (Veterans Day). During free fishing days, residents and visitors can fish for free on any of the state’s 7,500 lakes and ponds or 70,000 miles of rivers and streams. All other freshwater fishing regulations still apply.

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The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce has returned to in-person networking meetings when they host a Recruit & Retain Staff Networking Breakfast March 18th. The featured speakers for this event include: Glenn Nealis, director of Delaware County Economic Development; also a representative of DCMO BOCES & a business-services representative from the State Department of Labor, to register, visit delawarecounty.org or call 607-746-2281.

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The Binghamton Rumble Ponies announced the 4th annual Meet the Rumble Ponies Dinner will return on Wednesday, April 6 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Binghamton. Tickets for this year’s dinner will go on sale Monday at 9:00 AM; Fans can also start purchasing game tickets at 9:00 AM on February 21st online at www.BINGRP.com. More information is available at 607-722-3866.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 2-18-22

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that the State Supreme Court ruled that Donald Trump, Donald Trump, Jr., and Ivanka Trump must all appear for sworn testimony, and Donald Trump must produce additional documents in compliance with subpoenas from the Office of the Attorney General. The judge ordered the Trumps to appear for testimony within 21 days, and ordered Donald Trump to produce additional documentation within 14 days.

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The State Supreme Court, Appellate Division has ruled Delaware County was justified in terminating former Department of Social Services Commissioner, Dana Scuderi-Hunter and her petition to be reinstated and receive back pay was denied. In 2019, Delaware County filed charges against Scuderi-Hunter for misconduct, insubordination, and child endangerment. Under Civil Service Law, an independent Administrative Hearing Officer was brought in to review evidence, hear testimony, and make a recommendation to the Delaware County Board of Supervisors regarding the case, the Officer found significant evidence to support the charges and recommended immediate termination with no back pay.

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A Female State Trooper has filed a lawsuit asking a federal court to declare that former Governor Andrew Cuomo, top aide Melissa DeRosa and state police violated her civil rights. The trooper’s name was not disclosed in the lawsuit, which was filed Thursday filed in New York City, the trooper seeks attorney fees, damages for “severe mental anguish and emotional distress,” and a declaratory judgment that Cuomo, DeRosa and state police violated civil laws on the federal, state and city level prohibiting sexual harassment.

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NYSEG reports over 3000 customers are without power this morning, crews are working to restore power as quickly as possible.

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The Governor’s Office & the State Health Department announced that Wednesday’s COVID 19 Statewide Positivity was 2.19%, the Lowest Since October 30th, there were 3,065 COVID-19 Hospitalizations Wednesday, the Lowest Since November 30th, there were 46 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide in Nursing Homes & Hospitals.

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Delaware Valley Humane Society announced that they raised over $126,000 through their annual Staffworks Save a Life Campaign, Director Erin Insinga told WCDO news what the shelter will use the money for this year:

(Erin Insinga 1-12-22)

The Staffworks campaign ran in December where they match donations given by the public to the Humane Society, the previous 2 years of the campaign, they raised over $93,000 & $71,000 for upgrades & operational expenses.

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The Binghamton Black Bears Hockey Team returns home this weekend, spokesman Rob Lippolis told WCDO about this weekend’s activities:

(Rob Lippolis 1-12-22)

Home games will be this Friday & Sunday, more information about tickets at the Visions Veteran’s Memorial Arena, or the Friday Night Lupo’s Hockey Jersey Auction is available at binghamtonblackbears.com

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched Tuesday to a report of a hit and run motor vehicle accident on State Highway 10 in the Town of Delhi. 30-year old Michael Laureanti of Delhi, rear ended another vehicle and fled from the crash scene, he was located & further investigation revealed that Laureanti was operating the vehicle at the time of the accident while his driver’s license was suspended due to a failure to pay child support. Laureanti was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and leaving the scene of a property damage motor vehicle accident, he was released on traffic tickets returnable to the Town of Delhi Court at a later date.

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The Robert Mason Recreation Center Ice Skating Rink in Norwich will be opening, hours will be from 4:00 to 9:00 PM Monday through Friday, and 12:00 Noon to 9:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Ice skating and skate rentals are free of charge.

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For the first time since 2019, property tax levy growth for school districts will be capped at 2%, up from 1.23% last year, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The tax cap limits annual tax levy increases to the lesser of the rate of inflation or 2%. School districts may override the cap with 60% voter approval of their budget. The 2% levy limit affects the tax cap calculations for 676 school districts and 10 cities with fiscal years starting July 1, 2022,

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As the rise of the Omicron variant continues to threaten the safety of our nation’s health care workforce, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is calling on the Biden administration to continue and make permanent the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) emergency COVID-19 protections for health care workers, after OSHA let the temporary requirements to lapse:

(Gillibrand 1-12-22)

Gillibrand said that the safety measures must be re-instated as soon as possible, as more than 120,000 people are hospitalized with COVID-19 nationwide, further straining overworked health care workers and hospitals facing severe staffing shortages.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-12-22

The Chenango County District Attorney’s Office reported that Cody Coleman of Smithville Flats, appeared in Chenango County Court on December 20th to accept that plea bargain, for the murder of his 16 year old Girlfriend Amelia Wakefield in May of 2019. The case was scheduled to go to trial in May of 2020, but was delayed by the COVID 19 pandemic. Chenango County District Attorney’s office offered a plea deal, the charge was lessened from murder to manslaughter, Coleman is scheduled to be sentenced on February 28th in Chenango County Court.

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Delaware County Public Health is migrating away from individual case investigation and contact tracing, following a decision by the state Health Department yesterday to stop contact tracing. Delaware County Public Health stated that they are asking county residents to Initiate self-Quarantine or self-Isolation management, Information may be accessed at delcony.us & delawarecountypublichealth.com. more information is available at 607-832-5200.

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CDO Workforce is partnering with Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, Commerce Chenango, and Delaware County Economic Development to host a ZOOM webinar: “Workforce Services for Businesses”. The ZOOM meeting is this morning at 11:00 for those who pre-registered.

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On Monday, the State Legislature rejected the 2 two sets of district maps submitted by the state’s Independent Redistricting Commission, so more work is ahead to solidify final voting-district lines, The Commission has 1 more chance to draw new voting-district maps for congressional and state legislative races.

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COVID-19 booster vaccine clinics at the Fox Hospital’s Tri-Town Campus in Sidney will be held this afternoon & tomorrow. Clinic Times will be today, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM & Tomorrow from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the Vaccinations offered will be the Moderna COVID-19 booster doses, for Patients 18 or older. Appointments are required at 607-563-7080, More information is available at bassett.org/covid-19.

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Local Lawmakers responded to Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of The State Address delivered Wednesday in Albany, Local Assemblyman Joe Angelino commented about his top 3 priorities for the 2022 session:

(Joe Angelino 1-6-22)

Governor Hochul did not specifically mention the Bail reform Law, but did discuss term limits for the state’s top officials & installing a new Ethics panel to replace the failed J-Cope panel.

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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.

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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.

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In the last two days Delaware County has had a surge of positive covid-19 cases with 98 new positive cases on Tuesday & 121 Positives on Wednesday, there was 1 more COVID 19 death attributed to the virus. Delaware County Public Health announced that a limited number of COVID test kits for the public, have arrived from the State, the Office of Emergency Services is distributing the allotments to town offices. Residents are asked to Contact their town clerk’s office for distribution information. Positive home tests are now able to be reported to the Delaware County Public Health Services, to delcony.us/coronavirus/#ReportTest and delawarecountypublichealth.com. More information is available at 607-832-5200.

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Firefighters from Oneonta, Franklin & other surrounding communities responded this afternoon to a fire at the Motel 88 at 340 Chestnut Street in Oneonta. The fire was under control in a little more than an hour, the cause of the fire is under investigation.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 1-6-22

State Police took 29 year old Anthony Masi into custody Wednesday afternoon on an arrest warrant for 1st Degree Assault. The warrant stems from a serious assault that occurred in Oneonta after Masi allegedly attacked a victim with a machete-type knife at the Budget Inn on State Route 23 on December 30th, the investigation is continuing.

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Delaware County Public Health will be conducting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for people 18 and older on Today at 97 Main Street, Delhi. Moderna 1st or 2nd doses will only be available from 2:00 to 4:00 PM for walk-ins only. Moderna boosters will be available from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, registration is required at apps2.health.ny.gov, and more information is available at 607-832-5200.

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CDO Workforce is partnering with Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, Commerce Chenango, and Delaware County Economic Development to host a ZOOM webinar: “Workforce Services for Businesses” on January 12th at 11:00AM, CDO Workforce Spokesperson Alice Savino explains:

(Alice Savino 1-6-22)

Businesses get more information through CDO Workforce, the Otsego County Chamber, Commerce Chenango or the Delaware County Economic development to get the ZOOM link.

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The Village of Sidney is seeking applications for the our Animal Control Officer position, Applications can be picked up at the Village of Sidney Clerk’s Office, Monday – Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, more information is available at 607-561-2323.

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Federal Government distribution of the COVID vaccine has been cut to fewer than 240,000 a week for the 2nd straight week for New York State, but the Federal Government has stated that 7.1 Million Residents are now eligible to get it.  Governor Cuomo said that he doesn’t know why the Federal Government would ramp up expectations but cut the supply:

(Cuomo 1-18-21)

Governor Cuomo has sent a message directly to Pfizer officials based in New York, to see of the state can buy the vaccines directly from the company, than wait for the federal shipments.

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Governor Cuomo gave an update regarding the COVID 19 pandemic on Sunday.  The state conducted over 186,000 tests with 12,177 positive tests state wide.  Hospitalizations went up to 8868, with 1523 in an ICU Bed & 997 on a ventilator; there were 153 deaths Sunday attributed to COVID.

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The State Labor Department will boost partial unemployment benefits, which will ensure that Unemployed new Yorkers, who accepted a part time position, are not penalized.  The Partial Unemployment Benefits Will Now Be Based on Actual Hours Worked, Rather Than Days Worked, it goes into effect today for those who will certify on Sunday January 24th.  Since last spring when the pandemic hit, the State distributed over $62 Billion in Unemployment Benefits to 4 Million New Yorkers, which was typically about 29 years’ worth.

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The Delaware County Tourism Advisory Board is now accepting applications for funding under the 2021 Tourism Promotion & Development Grant program.  Applications must be received by the Delaware County Department of Economic Development or postmarked by 5 pm on Friday, February 19, 2021.  More information is available through the Delaware County Economic Development website or by calling (607) 832-5123.

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Former Norwich Business owner & long time County Republic Party Committee Chairman Tom Morrone Died on Friday.  Morrone owned Christman motors in Norwich for many years & was chairman of the County Republican Committee for 40 year, he was 78.

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Rural Health Network of South Central New York’s mobility management program, Get there is providing rides to vaccinations.  Get there can be reached at 855-373-4040 Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 1-18-21

Governor Cuomo reported that more cases of the UK Variant has been reported, bringing the Total number of cases to 18.  On Saturday,  Governor Cuomo reported that  hospitalizations were 8,771,  The number is ICU Beds went down to 1550, the number on Ventilators went up to 1004,  there were 246,507 tests, 13,842 were positive there were 172 fatalities Saturday.

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Governor Cuomo announced his proposal to prevent individuals with active warrants from purchasing guns, to close a federal loophole that only warranted individuals who have fled from 1 state to another to evade prosecution would be prevented from purchasing a firearm, The Governor’s Proposal states that someone who has not crossed state lines to evade arrest, would once again be flagged in the National Instant Background Check System and be prevented from purchasing a gun.

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The next Delaware County Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative committee virtual meeting is this morning at 11:00 AM.  The meeting will be livestreamed on the Delaware County YouTube channel & a recording will be available on Facebook. 

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Delaware County Public Health reported 15 new cases of COVID on Friday, 10 on Saturday, & 10 More Sunday, with 154 active cases, 16 hospitalized and 242 are quarantined, 2 more deaths were reported, bring the county up to 20.

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Otsego County Department of Health announced a potential COVID 19 exposure at the Richfield Veterans Club & the Genesee Tap Room, in Richfield Springs.  The Vet’s Club exposure period was January 8th through January 10th; the Genesee Tap Room was January 8th or 13th.  More information is available at 547-4231.

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Today is day one of the Phase 1 of re-opening of many types of businesses following the shutdown during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic in March.  Kerri Green of Commerce Chenango said that many businesses will have to change the way they operate on many levels from this point on:

(Kerri Green 5-15-20)

Glen Nealis of Delaware County Economic Development said that one of the reasons this part of the state is part of the Phase 1 Re-Opening is that people & businesses took the warnings seriously:

(Glen Nealis 5-15-20)

Nealis said that the hardest part of the reopening of the state is the 4th phase, which would be the opening of businesses that rely on a large gathering of people, where social distancing is difficult.  Business can find out where they fit in, and how the 1st phase is going by logging onto forward.ny.gov.

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State officials are hoping that the New York Congressional Delegation convinces the US Senate & President Trump to finally send state aid to the struggling states that have lost revenue from the shutdown after the arrival of the Coronavirus Pandemic, State budget Director Robert Mujica comments:

(Mujica 5-15-20)

This year’s State Budget started out with a 7 Billion Dollar deficit, which has more than doubled in the current fiscal year from the shutdown and the payment of state taxes out to July 15th.

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Governor Cuomo, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, and Delaware Governor John Carney today announced a multi-state agreement to reopen public and private beaches with certain restrictions soon; Governor Cuomo discussed those restrictions earlier today:

(Cuomo Beaches)

The Beaches will open Friday, May 22 in time for the Memorial Day Weekend, statistics gathered will determine the further opening of beaches later this summer.

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Strong storms are predicted today & tonight in the region, Local Meteorologist Rich Townsend explains:

(Townsend 5-15-20)

The National Weather service forecast warns of possible hail, damaging winds & heavy rain associated with this system, we’ll have the complete forecast after this news cast.

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Chenango County Public Health announced today that they had no new cases of the Coronavirus Thursday, they have 112 total cases so far, with 4 deaths, 81 recoveries, 4 people are hospitalized, 41 are quarantined, and they have performed over 1700 tests.

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Broome County Health Department announced today that they are up to 395 positive Coronavirus tests; they have 282 recoveries, 28 deaths, & 282 patients being monitored by the Health Department.

The State Health Department reported over 2300 new Coronavirus cases state wide Thursday, bringing the state total to 343,051.  Another 157 people died Wednesday from the virus; about 7000 people are still hospitalized.

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The State Health department continues to monitor 105 cases in children ranging from 1 year old to 21 years old, who test positive for the Coronavirus, but presented with a different set of symptoms from adults, featuring inflamed blood vessels & inflammation of the heart, but without lung issues.  3 children have died, the state Health department is sharing their findings, 6 countries & 16 other states are no looking into similar issues among children & the virus.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in the Town of Delhi. While conducting interviews of the individuals involved, Deputies noted an odor of marijuana in the residence, they discovered & seized marihuana plants and about an ounce of processed marihuana, they arrested 45-year old Colby Loveless of Delhi for unlawfully cultivating marijuana and unlawful possession of marijuana, Loveless was later released on appearance tickets for Delhi Town Court at a later date.

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State Police arrested 26 year old Eugene Buzie of Oneonta for Menacing, after Troopers were dispatched to a domestic dispute at a residence on County Highway 48 in the town of Otego. Buzie allegedly threatened a victim with a knife during an argument; he was located near Lantern Hill Trailer Park and arrested.  He was arraigned virtually and released on his own recognizance.  An order of protection was issued by the judge to the victim.  Buzie is scheduled to appear in the town of Otego court on June 18, 2020.

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Delaware County Public Health received no positive lab reports for COVID-19 Thursday, they still have 63 Positive Results,  51 have recovered, 5 are Isolating at Home, 3 are Hospitalized, 4 have Died from the virus, 12 are in Mandatory Quarantine.

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State Police arrested 62 year old Ronald Bronson of West Winfield for the Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals and Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance.   Bronson told troopers that his cows were running from the dog in the pasture, he fired a shot, missing the dog, it ran off, he located the dog and allegedly shot it a 2nd time, killing it.  Bronson was issued appearance tickets to the town of Plainfield court on September 2nd. 

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(Senator Schumer 8-31-17)

Acco Sidney General Manager Jeff Almasian told WCDO News that it was important to have Senator Schumer tour the plant today:

(Jeff Almasian 8-31-17)

Glenn Nealis of the Delaware County IDA & Delaware County Economic Development told WCDO news that it’s important to keep leaders like Senator Schumer up to date on expansion plans locally, in order to get his assistance:

(Glenn Nealis 8-31-17)

Acco in Sidney currently has about 650 full time staff, which is augmented by 100 to 150 temporary workers for peak production times.
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The village of Sidney may have found their answer to getting an upgraded water supply to meet the village’s demand for clean water, Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak explains:

(Andy Matviak 8-31-17)

Sidney has previously had issues with low water pressure and Manganese issues with the water supply, they hope to correct both issues long term with the site.
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Hartwick College is held an open house for the new space at the Hartwick College Center for Craft Food & Beverage today. College Officials also officially opened their newest student residence, which is a 72-bed apartment complex.
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Local Assemblyman Cliff Crouch announced his annual fundraising Pig Roast, to be held at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge. The event will be held on Sunday September 17th from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM.
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State Police arrested 57 year old Rusty McConnell from Conklin, for Falsifying Business Records, and his girlfriend 41 year old April Westbrook from Conklin for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property. The arrests occurred after troopers were advised of a theft of 37 brake drums from the property of Sandbox Logistics of Kirkwood, their investigation determined that McConnell and Westbrook had dropped off the stolen brake drums as scrap metal for cash in the city of Binghamton, while at the recycling locations McConnell had signed several business records saying that the scrap brake drums were his. Both were issued tickets returnable to the city of Binghamton court on September 9th.
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The State Office of General Services announced that a surplus vehicle, highway equipment, and miscellaneous property auction has been scheduled in Unadilla on Thursday, September 7th. Information on specific items and terms of sale is available at ogs.ny.gov, or at (518) 457-6335. The auction will be held on September 7th at 9:30 AM, at the State Police Troop C Headquarters on State Route 7.
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The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will hold its “1st Friday Eat & Meet” tomorrow at 8:30 AM at the Sidney Elks Club, on River Street in Sidney. The featured speaker for the event is Bill Wagner, Director of Mobility Management of South Central New York. More information or registration is available at 746-2281 or delawarecounty.org.
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(Glen Nealis 2-19-16)

The project will result in the creation of 10 jobs within a newly created call center facility at ACCO Brands’ administrative building, as well as 15 new production-related jobs generated through manufacturing and distribution operations. The IDA responded with a $20,000 loan to offset the investment of over $60,000 by ACCO Brands, with the potential for loan forgiveness contingent upon ACCO Brands meeting certain job creation benchmarks.
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Governor Cuomo announced Thursday that water quality issues will be backed up with extra funding in the state budget this year, on top of the $300 Million dollars for the Environmental Protection Fund, following water issues in Flint Michigan, and on Long Island:

(Cuomo 2-19-16)

Cuomo said that the 2 biggest challenges to New York State currently are terrorism and environmental issues, both which can be unpredictable and have no immediate solution at the time those problems surface,
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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.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested and charged 2 area men following an investigation of a Town of Hamden seasonal home burglary that was reported in July, 2015. Deputies charged 38-year-old Henry Stellato of Hamden and 31 year old David Thompson for 2nd & 3rd degree Burglary; 2 counts of 3rd degree Grand Larceny; 4th degree Grand Larceny; and Criminal Mischief. Stellato and Thompson were arrested at the Delaware County Correctional Facility where they were being held on unrelated charges, they are scheduled to be arraigned in the Town of Hamden Court on later date.
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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.
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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.
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The 21st Annual Polar Bear Jump will be held Saturday at Goodyear Lake. This event and organization raises money by jumping into frigid water, All proceeds are used to support local children and families experiencing medical disabilities. Last year the event had over 300 jumpers and raised $127,000. More information is available at 337-4019.
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The n. Oneonta City Commission on Community Relations and Human Rights is now seeking nominations for the 10th Annual Woman Trailblazer Award, during Women’s History month. The Deadline for submitting nominations is February 19th & the award will be presented at a March Oneonta Common Council Meeting. A complete nomination form is available at City Hall or on the City Web site at oneonta.ny.us and click on City Government, then Commissions, then Community Relations & Human Rights. . More information is available at 432-8751 or 432-6450.

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New Yorkers may get 2 tax-rebate checks. Last year, the state Legislature and Governor Cuomo agreed to provide a $350 rebate check to middle-class families this fall, for families who have children under 18. Cuomo’s new proposal for a property-tax freeze would include another rebate check to homeowners in communities where local governments stay within the property tax cap, for households with incomes less than $500,000 a year.  Both rebates would come in this mail this fall.

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The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today kicked off the income tax season, new this year is that 85% of taxpayers can e-file their state returns for free. The Department is accepting e-filed income tax returns for the 2013 tax year through its Web site at tax.ny.gov starting today.  The filing deadline is April 15th again this year.

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Sidney fire fighters responded to a fire at the Bishop residence on Back River road between Sidney & Tryons Corners yesterday afternoon.  Occupants escaped without injury, damage was minimal and the house is reparable.  No injuries among firefighters were reported.

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New York State received mixed grades in a national review of tobacco control measures. The American Lung Association gave New York two “A” ratings for smoke-free air and having a cigarette tax, but said the state failed in tobacco prevention and cessation coverage, and the legislature fails to sufficiently fund the state’s tobacco control program.  New York cut funding for the program by $2 million in 2013, Tobacco use is the #1 cause of death in the state.

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Delaware County Economic Development and Friends of the Upper Delaware River are conducting a study of the economic impact of the cold-water fishery on the Delaware River’s East and West Branches. The study has been underway since late last year, and an on-line survey is being conducted to gather further information that could quantify the economic impacts, which could be more than $200 million. The survey may be accessed at www.surveymonkey.com; it’s also available from Delaware County Economic Development, or at 746-8595.

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U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand introduced federal legislation to establish a program, to be run by the Social Security Administration that would give workers about 2/3rds of their salaries for up to 12 weeks in a family crisis. The proposal would supplement the 1993 Family and Medical Leave Act that protects workers who take unpaid leave for family emergencies. Gillibrand said the program would be self-sufficient and not add to the federal budget. There are no Republican co-sponsors to the legislation, but Gillibrand said she would work in to get bi-partisan support.

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The Bainbridge Chamber Of Commerce & Bainbridge Rotary will co-sponsor the 1st Annual Bruce Haak Memorial Rally at General Clinton Park.  Event Organizer Phil Canonaco explains:

(Phil Canonaco 1-24-14)

Canonaco said that the event is free on Sunday at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

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62-year-old Barry Renert faces an Otsego county grand jury today, for the alleged attack on Cooperstown shopkeeper Vincent Carfagno, at the “7th Inning Stretch” on December 23rd.  Renert was charged with 2nd degree burglary after he was returned to New York, following his capture in Richmond Virginia.  Renert is being held in the Otsego county jail on $500,00 cash bail or $1 Million dollars bond.

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Governor Cuomo said New York hopes to pick the developers and sites for 4 upstate casinos, and he hopes to get the process going shortly:

(Cuomo 1-14-14)

Cuomo said that the state Gaming Commission will pick the five-member siting board that will put out requests for proposals on the upstate casinos, the 4 casinos would be placed in the Southern Tier, the Albany area and in the Catskills.

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Governor Cuomo has signed a bill to establish a new state license for providers of applied behavior analysis services to individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The new law will help individuals and families find quality providers that have met stringent academic and training requirements, while also ensuring State regulation and continuing oversight of these providers, who work closely with a vulnerable population.

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Delaware County Economic Development announced that several successful Delaware County projects; will receive funding through the state’s  Consolidated Funding Applications. Greene Lumber’s electric capacity enhancements, the redevelopment of the former Wissahickon facility, and the Village of Walton’s Main Street Revitalization Program are all receiving funding, through the program, which allows for applicants to seek funding from several agencies by completing one application.  More information is available at the County’s Economic Development website at www.dcecodev.com or by calling 746-8595.

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Governor Cuomo today announced nearly $21 million would be available for New York’s dairy farmers by helping them to produce renewable energy and improve their business operations. The funding will help dairy farmers convert farm waste to energy and develop individualized business and environmental plans to reduce operating costs and increase profitability. The funding for these efforts stem from recommendations made at the Yogurt Summit in 2012.  Funding for the Dairy Acceleration Program will be increased by $850,000, in addition to the $1 million announced by the Governor this past August. More information is available at  ansci.cornell.edu.