State Police at Endwell arrested 32 year old James Kvassay of the town of Union on Sunday, for the felony 3rd degree Arson. Troopers were dispatched to assist with a house fire on Foster Street in the town of Union, their investigation revealed that Kvassay allegedly intentionally set the residence on fire, he was arrested & was transported to Broome County Central Arraignment and Processing.

——————————————————–

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced an agreement with the Price Chopper & Tops Friendly Market supermarket chains, where they will divest themselves of 12 stores located around the state, in connection with the companies’ proposed merger, in order to promote competition & keep groceries prices from going up even more than they have been. The agreement resolves an 8-month investigation that the Office of the Attorney General conducted with the Federal Trade Commission, it will continue to keep union jobs in the stores. Price Chopper and Tops have closed on the merger the 2 companies today, The stores will keep their names and management but will be owned by a new parent company called Northeast Grocery. C&S Wholesale Grocers agreed to purchase the divested stores, including the Tops location in Cooperstown.

————————————————-

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce announced the launch of the Great Western Catskills Film Commission. The commission will use of occupancy tax revenue, The Commission was created to develop the motion picture, television, advertising, and entertainment media industry in Delaware County. The primary focus of the commission is to increase local employment opportunities and increase revenue for Delaware County businesses. The project is spearheaded by Delhi resident Lisa Wisely, the website is GreatWesternCatskillsFilmCommission.com, anyone with a potential filming location is encouraged to submit information on the website.

——————————————————————–

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold their Jolly Holly days parade on December 3rd this year, Chamber President Teri Schunk comments:

(Teri Schunk 11-9-21)

Anyone needing more information can email the chamber: office@sidneychamber.org or call 561-2642.

——————————————————————–

Operation Merry Christmas has placed more of their Christmas Trees in Area businesses, where people can take a tag off of the tree and return with the item requested on the tag. Program Spokesperson Dorene Ireland said that last year was one of the busiest years in the program’s history:

(Dorene Ireland 11-9-21)

Ireland said that the give away day will be on Saturday December 11th starting at 9:00 AM at the AO Fox Hospital Tri Town campus on Pearl Street in Sidney, more information is available on the Opreation Merry Christmas Facebook page.

A.M. News TUESDAY 11-9-21

Assemblyman Joseph Angelino, former Assemblyman Cliff Crouch, and others will be unveiling the newly-named “Colchester Veterans Memorial Bridge” today at 1:00 PM. The ceremony will be held at the James S. Moore Post 167, 4466 River Road in Downsville in the parking lot. Legislation was passed last year by Crouch in honor of the fallen veterans who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.

————————————————

The General Clinton Canoe Regatta 2022 Kickoff Meeting will be held tonight in Bainbridge. The meeting will be held at Galaxy Bowl starting at 7:00 PM

————————————————-

Delaware County Public Health reported another death from COVID 19 in their latest report, covering Saturday through Monday, they have had 65 deaths since the start of the pandemic. Delaware County had 76 new cases, for a positivity rate of 6.8.%, they increased to 196 active cases, 12 hospitalized and 220 quarantined.

——————————————————–

State Police responded to a 3-vehicle crash in the town of Guilford Sunday night shortly before 8:00 PM. Troopers and multiple EMS and fire personnel responded to the intersection of County Road 35 and State Highway 8, where a Dodge Pickup traveling eastbound on County Road 35 and a Ford Fusion was traveling north on State Highway 8. The Dodge Ram entered the intersection and struck the Ford Fusion then struck a Subaru Forester which was stopped at the intersection on County Road 35. The operator of the Fusion was a 36-year-old female of New Bedford, Massachusetts, & the passenger was a 30-year-old female of Port Leyden, New York, they were taken to Wilson Hospital with serious injuries. A 5-year-old female, a 7-year-old female and a 3-year old female all of Port Leyden, were transported to Tri-Town Hospital with non life-threatening injuries. The 69 year old man driving the Dodge was evaluated at Tri-Town Hospital and released. His passenger, a 37-year-old male was not injured. The operator & a passenger in the Subaru were taken to Tri-Town Hospital then to Wilson Hospital. The crash remains under investigation.

—————————————————————-

Sidney Police Department received a complaint Friday Morning of a fight in progress in the parking lot of the Smiley’s convenience store on West Main Street. The investigation revealed that it was a home invasion at the residence above the convenience store. 2 males entered 17 West Main Street by force, they took a small safe or lock-box, they got into a physical altercation with a resident, a witness called 911 and also give a description of the vehicle & license plate number. State Police assisted & arrested 22 year old Lucas Tanner of Franklin, Friday, he was charged with 2nd degree Burglary, 2nd degree Robbery, plus Conspiracy & Petty larceny, he was arraigned in Village of Sidney Court & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $25,000 bail. The 2nd suspect is still at large and is expected to be identified & arrested shortly.

——————————————————–

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli released his office’s annual report on the Wall Street Securities Industry. Wall Street’s run of prosperity extended into the first half of 2021 with $31 billion in pre-tax earnings, beating 2020’s outsized first half profits of $27.6 billion, even as job losses accelerated in New York City’s securities industry. DiNapoli said that State revenues in the first half exceeded initial projections by $5.2 billion, because of Wall Street and the increased income taxes on wealthy New Yorkers, however, the report shows that despite the profitability, jobs are being relocated elsewhere, New York will have lost about 9,000 securities jobs, bringing the total down to 175,000.

—————————————————

Operation Merry Christmas is already underway, to serve children from struggling families in the region, to receive presents under the Christmas trees this year. Program coordinator Dorene Ireland stopped by WCDO this morning to discuss the program:

(Dorene Ireland 10-25-21)

Ireland said that a few trees are out in local stores & financial institutions with more to come, people can take the tags off of the trees, purchase the item on the tag & bring the present back to the location the tag came from. Ireland said that the giveaway day will be on Saturday December 11th at the AO Fox Hospital Tri-Town Campus on Pearl Street in Sidney, more information is available at 607-610-4002 or on the Operation Merry Christmas Facebook page.

————————————————————–

Area Attorney Joe Ermeti announced today that he will be seeking the position of Delaware County Judge in the 2022 election, Ermeti told WCDO News of his qualifications:

(Joe Ermeti 10-25-21)

Ermeti said that a kick off to his campaign will be held tonight at Club 55 in Sidney at 6:00 PM, Town of Sidney Republican Candidates are also expected to be participating in tonight’s event.

———————————————————-

George Carnrike III has joined the leadership team at UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital. The Norwich native will serve as the hospital’s security supervisor, he has 10 years of law enforcement experience, including as a City of Norwich police officer until 2016.

A.M. NEWS Monday 10-25-21

Chobani is partnering with Swipe Out Hunger to help local colleges feed students in need. This collaboration will support efforts to stock food pantries or to establish students accounts in order to purchase hot meals. The partnership will also support efforts to provide food for students at SUNY Oneonta, Hartwick College, and several colleges in the Mohawk Valley. Chobani, Swipe Out Hunger and VICE News are also joining together for a virtual summit to raise awareness about food security and its impacts. To register for the summit, click chobanicollegehungersummit.com/event/register

——————————————-

The Village of Sidney Board of Trustees will hold a Public Hearing on the Local Law #3 tonight at 7:00 PM at the Community Cultural Center at 1 Bridge Street. The proposed local law is for the Village to Opt-out of the Dispensaries and places of consumption for the newly passed marijuana legalization by the State, copies of the proposed Law are available at villageofsidney.org.

——————————————-

The State Health Department Test Results Reports the positivity rate continues to trend downward, with 162,737 tested for COVID Saturday, with 2,861 positive tests, which was 1.76% of those tested. Patient Hospitalizations are down to 2,007, Patients in an ICU bed were down to 453, Patients on ventilators was down to 245. New deaths reported by healthcare facilities was 32 on Saturday.

————————————————-

Governor Cuomo held a COVID briefing this morning, as phase 1 of COVID Vaccines are being administered around the state for health care workers, the Governor discussed the prioritizing of the vaccine distribution earlier today:

(Cuomo 12-21-20)

Over the weekend, 38,000 vaccines were administered, there were 350 Bassett Hospital employees received the COVID vaccines, more information about the vaccine program is available at ny.gov/vaccine.

—————————————————

Governor Cuomo announced that over 156,000 New Yorkers were tested for COVID Sunday with over8900 testing positive, or about 5.7%. Hospitalizations went up over 6300, ICU Patients were just under 1100 & 613 were on ventilators, 109 passed away due to the virus Sunday.

—————————————–

Chenango County Public Health announced that they have 104 active cases of COVID-19 in Chenango County, with 11 hospitalized. Chenango County also confirmed there are 429 residents under quarantine, and 972 total cases, with 831 recoveries & 16 deaths.

————————————————————

Delaware County Public Health reported 7 new cases of COVID Sunday; they have 100 active cases with 4 hospitalized & 300 quarantined. Delaware County has had 596 positive cases, with 486 recoveries & 10 deaths.

——————————————————

Otsego County Department of Health reported 35 new COVID cases Friday with 16 hospitalized & 142 Active cases. Otsego County has had 1692 total confirmed cases, with 10 deaths.

————————————————

The Greene Central School District announced that their Primary and Intermediate schools had to go to remote learning today, due to a water main break. Students from Pre-K to 5th grade students were affected. Also, Due to the poor road conditions, all students in the Harpursville Schools will be fully remote Tuesday & Wednesday.

—————————————————

There were many who did not or could not pick up their gifts at the “Operation Merry Christmas” Giveaway day over the weekend at the AO Fox Hospital Tri Town Hospital in Sidney. Those who could not make it to an extended giveaway earlier today are asked to call Dorene Ireland at 643-6334 to make arrangements for pick up prior to Christmas day.

—————————————————–

The Festival of Lights opened up in Neahwa Park in Oneonta this past weekend. Visitors can drive through the park to see the colorful displays created by Oneonta area businesses & Organizations; the display is sponsored by First Night Oneonta & is open daily at Sundown.

——————————————————————–

The Oxford Lions Club & St. Paul’s Church in Oxford are teaming up to offer their annual “Free Will” Christmas Dinner this afternoon at 4:30at the St. Paul’s Parish Hall on Main Street, the Free Christmas Dinner normally serves 200 people.

—————————————————–

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 12-21-20

Governor Cuomo announced Saturday’s COVID 19 statistics, there were over 191,000 tests conducted, with 9919 positive tests, there were 6,208 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide; 1,088 Patients in the ICU; 610 on Ventilators, there were 127 COVID-19 Deaths in Saturday, the total number of Deaths is 28,474.

—————————————————–

Delaware County Public Health reported 23 new cases of COVID 19 Friday & 13 new cases Saturday, with 103 active cases, 3 are hospitalized and 316 are quarantined. Delaware County has had 589 total cases with 476 recoveries and 10 deaths.

——————————————————

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of a Deputy for Driving While Intoxicated and Official Misconduct. 25 year old Anthony Shields of Colchester was arrested on December 17th by Sheriff’s Deputies for reporting to work in an alleged intoxicated condition. Shields recently graduated the Police Academy in November and was previously employed at the Sheriff’s Office as a Corrections Officer since 2017. Shields was processed and released on appearance tickets reportable to the Delhi Town Court on January 26th & has been terminated from his position.

—————————————————-

A Village of Bainbridge resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for 1 count of criminal possession of a controlled substance and 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance. Lance Madsen of Bainbridge was arrested after a traffic stop in the Village of Bainbridge; he is accused of possessing Methamphetamine with intent to sell, as well as 2 other controlled substances which were not prescribed to him. Madsen was released on an appearance ticket for Town of Bainbridge Court on a later date.

————————————————————

Delaware County Sheriff’s office reported that a disabled vehicle blocking the I-88 exit ramp in the Town of Sidney Wednesday evening resulted in a Norwich man being ticketed. 23-year-old Richard Finnegan is accused of operating the vehicle while his driving privileges were suspended for failure to answer a summons in the Town of Norwich Court. Finnegan was ticketed for aggravated unlicensed operation and for unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and will appear in the Town of Sidney Court on a later date.

———————————————————

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 51 year old Joseph Bulwin following an investigation into a domestic dispute. Bulwin is accused of subjecting a victim to unwanted contact and threatened another victim under the age of 17; he was taken into custody with incident, arraigned and released to appear in the Town of New Berlin Court at a later date.

——————————————————————-

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 43 year old Robert Mohammed of Plymouth for DWI and false personation, following a traffic stop on State Highway 12 in the Town of Oxford. Mohammed is accused of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol & providing a false identity to the investigating Deputy. Mohammed was released on an appearance tickets and is to return to the Town of Oxford Court on a later date.

——————————————————————–

Governor Cuomo held a COVID 19 briefing earlier today, he said that he does not foresee shutdowns again in the state, but he said that people have to celebrate smart over the holidays so that the Hospitalizations do NOT spiral up again like they have since the Thanksgiving holidays & subsequent “Living Room” spread of the virus:

(Cuomo 12-18-20)

The state tested a record 249,000 people for COVID 19 on Thursday, with 12,694 positive tests or 5.09% of all tested.  Hospitalizations went down Thursday for the 1st time in a few weeks, to 6,081, the number of patients in an ICU bed was at 1,068, the number of patients on Ventilators was 592, there 120 deaths from COVID Thursday.

————————————————-

Chenango County Public Health reported another 11 Positive COVID 19 cases Friday. They have 126 active cases, 498 quarantined & 8 hospitalized.  Chenango County has had 928 cases of the virus, with 770 recoveries & 16 deaths.

————————————————————————-

NY State of Health announced New Yorkers applying for Qualified Health Plan coverage have until December 31 to sign up for health the coverage starting January 1^st, 2021. Individuals who were unable to enroll by the December 15 deadline should enroll now by visiting the NY State of Health website.   More information is available at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or 1-855-355-5777

—————————————————————

Governor Cuomo today announced that state and local law enforcement agencies throughout New York will be stepping up patrols to crack down on impaired driving during the holiday travel season. The enforcement campaign will run through Friday, January 1. This crackdown is part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” initiative designed to reduce alcohol and drug-related traffic crashes. It is sponsored by STOP-DWI with funding from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

———————————————————–

Chenango Arts Council will have Santa Claus in Norwich Saturday from 1:00 to 3:00 PM on the Martin W. Kappel stage at the Arts Council, at 27 West Main Street, Chenango Arts Council Executive Director Alecia O’Neill explains:

(Alecia O’Neill 12-18-20)

More information can be found at ChenangoArts.org, or the Council’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages, or at 336-2787.

—————————————————–

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce announced that Santa Claus will appear in Downtown Sidney again this Saturday& the Sidney Chamber also will have their annual house decorating contest conclude this weekend, Chamber President Teri Schunk explains:

(Teri Schunk 12-18-20)

Schunk said that Santa Claus’s appearance will include masks & social distancing due to the ongoing pandemic.

A.M. NEWS Friday 12-18-20

Following the Winter Storm, Governor Cuomo Declared a STATE OF EMERGENCY in 18 Counties.  The Disaster Emergency was declared in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, & Otsego Counties locally, there were over 600 accidents on the roads statewide Thursday, with 2 fatalities.

—————————————————————–

Delaware County Public Health had 13 more COVID 19 positive cases Thursday, 79 cases are active & there are 3 people hospitalized & 318 in quarantine.  Delaware County has had 553 total cases with 464 recoveries & 10 deaths.

————————————————————–

Otsego County Department of Health reported 14 new COVID cases reported Thursday, there are 16 hospitalized, 135 active cases & 1657 total cases & there have been 10 deaths & 840 cases associated with the 2 Oneonta colleges.

————————————————————————————-

Commerce Chenango, NBT Bank, The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce, SUNY Morrisville & others have teamed up to distribute complete holiday meals in 2 Chenango County locations today, Commerce Chenango President & CEO Kerri Green comments;

(Kerri Green 12-18-20)

Site #1 will be at SUNY Morrisville, Conkey Avenue in Norwich and pick-up time is 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM, and Site #2 will be manned by the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce at General Clinton Park with a pick-up time of 2:00 to 3:00 PM, for those who pre-registered.

————————————————–

Operation Merry Christmas will have their annual giveaway day this weekend, Spokesperson Dorene Ireland explains:

(Dorene Ireland 12-18-20)

This year’s event will be held at the AO Fox Hospital Tri Town Campus in Sidney.

——————————————————-

The Sidney Central School District has been notified by the Delaware County Public Health of 4 positive COVID-19 cases in the elementary school in grades K, 2, 3 and 5, Contact tracing has begun and the health department or school district officials will be in contact with any student and staff member impacted by the exposure.  The Sidney elementary school grades K-6 will transition to full remote learning for next Monday & Tuesday due to continued contact tracing efforts. Teachers will be in contact to communicate instructional schedules, there will be no change to the 7-12 instructional schedules.

——————————————————-

Governor Cuomo held a COVID 19 briefing today, he outlined how the state will try to keep hospitalizations from COVID at manageable levels, and the state will have to work to get everyone vaccinated against COVID, once the vaccines physically arrive in the state:

(Cuomo 12-2-20)

The Governor said that over 193,000 tests were conducted Tuesday, with over 8900 testing positive, about 4.6% of all tested.  Hospitalizations continue to increase, with 3924 hospitalized, 742 are now in an ICU bed & 373 are on ventilators, there were 69 deaths Tuesday.

———————————————————–

Chenango County Public Health issued a COVID19 Update today, they report 49 active cases with 5 people hospitalized & 256 are quarantined.  Chenango County has had 225 cases since November 1st and 649 cases since March, they have had 578 recoveries.

—————————————————————–

Operation Merry Christmas is still accepting donations to their program, which brings toys & clothing to children is economically struggling families each year, program spokesperson Dorene Ireland explains:

(Dorene Ireland 12-2-20)

Ireland said that this year’s giveaway day is Saturday December 19th at the Fox Hospital Tri Town Campus in Sidney.  The program began in 1940 by the D’Imperio family in Sidney.

————————————————————-

The City of Oneonta Common Council passed their $15.7 million dollar budget at their meeting Tuesday.  The Property tax increase is about 2%, the budget was much less than the previous year’s budget due to lost revenue from the pandemic.

—————————————————————

The tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center will be held virtually tonight. There will be no public viewing of the lighting ceremony, but New Yorkers can watch it on NBC at 8:00 PM.  Starting Thursday, December 3rd, the tree will open to the public with protocols in place to manage crowds.  This Year’s tree came from West Oneonta. 

—————————————————————-

The State Division of Consumer Protection reminds consumers that New York’s gender price equity law protects shoppers this holiday season.  This new law eliminates the “Pink Tax,” otherwise known as the practice of charging different prices for “substantially similar” consumer goods or services that are marketed to different genders, now, similar products must have the same price.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-2-20

The controversy continues in the 22nd Congressional District, which showed that Republican Claudia Tenney had regained a slight lead over incumbent Democrat Anthony Brindisi.  State Supreme Court Justice Scott DelConte ordered each of the 8 counties in the congressional district to submit a final, unofficial count to the court by Monday, however 55 more uncounted absentee ballots were discovered in Chenango County, the next court action is expected next Monday December 7th, when Judge DelConte is expected to rule on 2000 disputed ballots & the new Chenango Ballots.

—————————————————

Broome County Health Department today reported another 376 positive COVID 19 since Wednesday November 25th, they have had a total of 5313 cases, they reported 15 more deaths since last Wednesday, they report a total of 131 deaths, they’ve had 4652 recoveries since March & over 4000 are being monitored.

—————————————————

Otsego County Department of Health reported 11 new COVID 19 cases reported Tuesday, they now have had a total of 1325 cases,  there are 85 active cases with 8 hospitalized, there have been 8 deaths with 765 cases linked to SUNY Oneonta and 71 confirmed cases linked to Hartwick College.  Otsego County has had 292 positive tests in the last month; only 27 of the cases came from the 2 college campuses.

——————————————————-

Delaware County Public Health announced that they had 8 more COVID 19 positive tests Tuesday, with 72 active cases, 4 are hospitalized & 239 are quarantined.  Delaware County Public Health reports a total of 380 cases, 299 recoveries & 9 deaths since March. Delaware County has had 192 new positive tests in the last 30 days.

————————————————————-

State Police & local law enforcement will increase patrols to crack down on impaired driving and underage drinking through Halloween. This special enforcement campaign runs today until 12:00 noon on Sunday.   Motorists can expect to encounter sobriety checkpoints and additional DWI patrols during this period. Law enforcement will also be looking for motorists who are using their phones and other electronic devices while behind the wheel. Drivers should also remember to “move over” for stopped emergency and hazard vehicles stopped on the side of the road.

————————————————————–

Operation Merry Christmas is getting set for another busy year giving away Christmas gifts for children in families that are struggling this year.  Some of the trees are already up in area establishments, Spokesperson Dorene Ireland told WCDO News about the timeline for getting the tags off of the trees & getting the gifts returned back in:

(Dorene Ireland 10-30-20)

The program has been getting gifts to children in the tri town area since 1940.  More information is available by calling 643-6334 or by email to OMCSidney@Gmail.com.

—————————————————–

Hartwick College reported 12 new cases of COVID-19 Friday, there are 27 active cases on campus; the total number of cases detected on campus since August 1, 2020 is 48.  The College announced that all campus dining will be takeout only, Use of Campbell Fitness Center and recreational use of indoor athletic facilities is suspended,  The Hartwick Campus continues to remain closed to all non-approved visitors, they are encouraging students to remain on campus, and Classroom instruction will continue as scheduled.

——————————————————–

Chenango County Public Health announced a few more positive cases of COVID 19 today, they are up to 408 total cases; 54 are Active Cases with 280 Quarantines, 7 Hospitalizations.  There have been 7 deaths, 338 Recoveries & 36,616 Tests have been performed since March.

————————————————–

State Police arrested 3 men last week after they were spotted on I-81 in a stolen vehicle.  A Zone Sergeant observed the vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop in Kirkwood.  The operator of the vehicle failed to comply and sped off and crashed in a wooded area, witnesses reported men running from the vehicle to State Route 11.  The 1st suspect was taken into custody in a wooded area, he was identified as 23 year old Christopher White of Brooklyn, and he was transported to Wilson Hospital for evaluation and later released back to the custody of troopers. Police located the driver of the vehicle, 27 year old Naquan McMaster of Brooklyn in Kirkwood; he was also treated at Wilson Hospital for an injury & was turned over the custody of Police.  Binghamton police located the 3rd male, 18 year old Konnor Scharborough of Elmira.  All 3 were charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property & were processed at Broome County Central Arraignment and Processing.

———————————————-

SUNY Oneonta has assembled a new task force to review campus police practices and strengthen the relationship between officers and the college community.  The group of 8 includes students, professors and a member of law enforcement.  The group plans to conduct a survey, interview stakeholders, review practices and policies, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of the campus police.

—————————————————-

Daylight Savings Time ends this weekend.  When you go to bed Saturday night, turn your clocks back one hour.

————————————————-

Halloween festivities are different in many areas this year due to COVID 19.  WCDO has compiled a list, which can be located easily on the WCDO Facebook page.

——————————————————-

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 10-30-20

Governor Cuomo reported 168,353 Test Results Reported to New York State Yesterday, with 2,499 positive tests; the Statewide Positivity Rate is 1.48%.  Patient Hospitalization is up to 1,085, the Number ICU patients are up to 237, with 114 on ventilators.  There were 19 Deaths Wednesday the state death toll is 25,792.

—————————————————————

Otsego County Department of Health reported 10 new cases of COVID 19 Thursday, they are up to 999 total confirmed cases with 44 active cases,  0 hospitalizations, 8 deaths, 753 cases linked to SUNY Oneonta, and 39 confirmed cases in Hartwick College students.

—————————————————————

Delaware County Public Health reported 3 new cases of COVID 19 Thursday, they now have 22 active cases, 4 are hospitalized, 111 are quarantined, and the county is up to 165 cases.  There have been 9 deaths, 134 recoveries & almost 24000 tests performed.

—————————————————————————-

On Monday, the Sidney Police Department arrested a 17 year old male and charged him Vehicular assault, Reckless endangerment, Reckless driving, DWI, speeding and other infractions.  The arrest is the result of a nearly 4 month investigation of a person being struck by a motor vehicle in the early morning hours of July 11th.  The 17 year old male was arraigned in Delaware County Youth Court and released to a legal guardian.

——————————————————

Effective November 1, the New York State Traffic Law requires that ALL back seat passengers  in a motor vehicle be restrained by a safety belt or an appropriate child restraint system.  The new law amends the former law which only required that back seat passengers under the age of 16 be restrained by a seatbelt or an appropriate child restraint system, more information is available dmv.ny.gov.

——————————————————-

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

CDO Workforce announced that they will hold a JOB FAIR on Thursday February 20th at the Sidney American Legion, 22 Union Street, Sidney, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM.  Businesses attending will include Amphenol, GE Aviation/Unison, Broome Developmental, Springbrook, Mirabito, NBT, K-Tooling, Universal Forest Products, Raymond Corporation, Joshua House,   more information is available at 832-5776.

A fundraiser is being held in Sidney by Binghamton based Half Light Theater Company, to raise funds for Operation Merry Christmas, Dorene Ireland from Operation Merry Christmas explains:

(Dorene Ireland 1-31-20)

The Alice in Wonderland Tea Party event will be held Saturday February 15th at 11:30 am at the Sacred Heart Church, tickets are available at online at TeawithAlice.bpt.me or by phone at 607-201-5850.

—————————————————

A.O. Fox Hospital is partnering with the New York State Dental Association at FoxCare Dental Associates @ 1 FoxCare Drive in Oneonta tomorrow for a free day of dental services to children 18 and under and pregnant mothers.  Appointments can be made at 441-4945; Patients may receive exams and cleanings, plus fillings, sealant treatment, and routine extractions as necessary.

33 year old Gabriel Truitt of Oneonta has been found guilty for 1st-degree arson, 1st-degree and 2nd-degree murder, in Otsego County Court Thursday.   Truitt was accused of setting fire to a house on 5 Walling Avenue in Oneonta in December 2018, former Oneonta firefighter John Heller died trying to get his family out of the burning building.

—————————————–

State and local health departments and healthcare partners are remaining vigilant and have a high state of readiness to protect New Yorkers from novel coronavirus. Officials advise New Yorkers of the ongoing risk for seasonal flu and take recommended precautions to prevent both, the State Department of Health has sent samples from 11 individuals to the CDC for testing for the coronavirus, with 7 found to be negative and 4 more still pending. There are no confirmed cases in New York State.

—————————————-

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 34-Year-Old Jimmy Canfield of Scotia on an Arrest Warrant issued by the Town of Sidney Court for Aggravated Harassment.  It is alleged that Canfield communicated via electronic means a threat to cause physical harm, or unlawful harm to the property of another, he was arraigned in the Town of Sidney Court and released on his own recognizance & is scheduled to re-appear in the Town of Sidney Court at a later date.

—————————————

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a disabled vehicle on NYC Road 9 in the Town of Andes. A license check of the operator 46 year old Adam Gilbert of Flemington, NJ indicated a total of 7 revocations in the State of New York. Gilbert was issued a ticket for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation & is scheduled to appear in the Town of Andes Court at a later date.

——————————————

———————————————–

Congressman Anthony Brindisi announced his Holiday Cards for Heroes program, encouraging families in his 22nd Congressional District to show appreciation for Veterans with homemade holiday cards. The deadline to send in cards is Friday, December 20th. Cards can be dropped off or mailed to Congressman Brindisi’s district office in 49 Court Street in Binghamton.

————————————————–

Chenango County Sheriff’s department arrested 20 year old Benjamin Bivar of Bainbridge as a fugitive from justice warrant out of Pennsylvania.   Deputies responded to a 1 car motor vehicle crash on State Highway 41 in the Town of Smithville Sunday, Bivar was the operator of the vehicle & was found to have an active warrant out of Lackawanna County Pennsylvania for criminal charges; he was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility without bail. 

—————————————————-

Operation Merry Christmas has received many more requests for toys & children’s clothing for underprivileged families this holiday season.  Program Spokesperson Dorene Ireland asks the public to locate their trees in areas stores, take a tag & try to help with this year’s efforts:

(Dorene Ireland 12-3-19)

Some of the Operation Merry Christmas Trees can be found at ACCO, Amphenol, Community Bank in Sidney, NBT in Sidney, SFCU in Bainbridge and Sidney, the Sidney Central School, Sidney Flowers & Gifts, Sidney Memorial Public Library, Trackside Dining, & Village Variety in Unadilla. The giveaway day will be on December 14th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the AO Fox Hospital Tri Town Campus in Sidney.

—————————————————–

A Town of Oxford resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for Assault in the 2nd degree.  46 year old Maria Titchener of Oxford was arrested & was arraigned in the Town of Oxford Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $500 cash and $2,500 bond, pending future court action.

NYSEG continues to restore power after heavy snow and wintry conditions disrupted service to thousands of customers. The company expects to have all customers restored by 10 p.m. on Tuesday evening.  Currently, more than 7,000 customers are without power, including over 1100 in Broome County. The hardest hit areas include the Southern Tier, Capital region & The Catskills, mainly from heavy wet snow that has the brought down trees limbs & power lines.  To report a power interruption, or downed power lines, call NYSEG at 1.800.572.1131.

———————————————————–

Commerce Chenango announced that NBT Bank is hosting the Business After Hours Today with their Annual Holiday Spectacular from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.  The event will be held at NBT’s 52 South Broad Street, Norwich.   Attendees are being asked to support either Toys for Tots by bringing a new, unwrapped toy or a non-perishable food item for the Catholic Charities Food Pantry. 

————————————————————-

The State Department of Health’s AIDS Institute is hosting the 21st Annual World AIDS Day Event today at the Empire State Convention center in Albany, In recognition of World AIDS Day, which was observed on Sunday.   The public is invited to visit community-based service organization booths and view the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt in the Convention Center beginning at 9:00AM.  More information is available at health.ny.gov. 

————————————–

Governor Cuomo signed legislation to help connect veterans who experienced sexual trauma while on active duty or during military training with vital information and resources. The new law requires the Division of Veterans’ Services to maintain a Military Sexual Trauma Portal on its website where veterans can go to find information about where to seek treatment and counseling for military sexual trauma. The law goes into effect in 90 days.

——————————–

(Dorene Ireland 11-27-19)

The giveaway day will be on December 14th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the AO Fox Hospital Tri Town Campus in Sidney.

—————————————————–

The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual Holly Jolly Days on December 6th, with a variety of events, Chamber President Teri Schunk Explains:

(Teri Schunk 11-27-19)

Those who would like to participate in the Sidney Chamber Parade on December 6th should call the Chamber at 561-2642.

————————————————–

The US Marines will still be bringing Toys for Tots to Bainbridge on December 7th this year, but by truck & not by train.  Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce President John Payne explains:

(John Payne 11-27-19)

The Marines & Norfolk Southern were unable to schedule the Annual Toys for Tots train this year, last year they ran an abbreviated trip from Binghamton to Delanson.

—————————————————-

Employees at New York Central Mutual evacuated their Edmeston Facility yesterday afternoon, after a perceived threat.  Police determined that the person who made the threat was not in the Tri-County Area, Employees were allowed to return to the Edmeston Headquarters this morning at 8:00 AM.

—————————————————–

State Police will be in full force this Thanksgiving holiday weekend, with fixed sobriety checkpoints, underage drinking enforcement and the “Operation Hang Up” initiative, which targets distracted drivers by utilizing unmarked patrol vehicles to better locate drivers talking or texting on hand held devices.  Last Year, More than 15,100 tickets issued and 215 people arrested for DWI statewide during last year’s enforcement.  Also, Governor Cuomo today announced that temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on State highways will be suspended through Monday, December 2 at 6:00 AM to accommodate travelers during the busy Thanksgiving Holiday weekend.

—————————————

UHS Chenango Memorial’s capital campaign is closer to its goal thanks to a commitment from New York Central Mutual Insurance in the amount of $100,000 to campaign leaders at the Norwich hospital on Tuesday.  NYCM of Edmeston employs 850 regionally.

———————————————

(Cliff Crouch 11-13-19)

Crouch said that Cuomo’s reforms would allow hundreds of defendants accused of “non-violent” offenses to be released prior to their trial date, some of crimes that are included are criminal sale of a controlled substance, 2nd Degree Manslaughter, failure to register as a sex offender, Domestic violence and aggravated cruelty to animals.

——————————————————-

The Delaware Valley Humane Society is teaming up with Staffworks to raise a lot of money next month to help pay for the Shelter’s everyday expenses, Shelter Director Erin Insinga explains:

(Erin Insinga 11-13-19)

More information on how to get your donation doubled in December is available by calling the Delaware Valley Humane Society at 563-7780.

—————————————————–

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will co-host the “Hiring Our Heroes Veterans Business Resource Fair” will be held Thursday in Sidney.  Chamber President Ray Pucci comments:

(Ray Pucci 11-14-19)

The Job Fair will run from 1:00 to 3:30 pm Thursday at the Sidney American Legion at 22 Union Street in Sidney.  The event is co-sponsored by the State Department of Labor, The Delaware County Veterans Service Agency as well as the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. Also, Community Bank NA announced that they will be on hand donating Green Light Bulbs, while supplies last, in support of all Veterans.

Commerce Chenango’s 5th annual Community Job Fair will be held today at SUNY Morrisville’s Norwich campus from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.    The participating organizations include CDO Workforce, GE Aviation, Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, NBT Bank/NBT Insurance, The State Department of Corrections, The State Veterans’ Home at Oxford, Raymond Corporation, Springbrook & UHS Hospitals.  

——————————————————————————————-

The legal age of sale of tobacco products and e-cigarettes in the State of New York will be raised from 18 to 21 today.  Every day, close to 2,500 youth under 18 try their first cigarette and more than 400 kids become regular daily smokers.  State lawmakers believe that New York’s new law will greatly reduce the number of high school students who have easy access to tobacco products, and the State Police will team up with the State Department of Health to enforce the new law.

————————————————————-

Operation Merry Christmas is continuing to take calls on behalf of under-privileged families in the local area, so that their children have presents under their Christmas Trees this year.  Spokesperson Dorene Ireland told WCDO News that they are accepting names of children beyond the recent deadline, & more trees are up in more locations this year:

(Dorene Ireland 11-13-19)

Ireland said that the giveaway day will be Saturday December 14th in the lobby of the AO Fox Hospital Tri Town Campus in Sidney; more information is available at 643-6334 or 643-6324.

————————————————

Delaware County Sheriff Deputies’ conducted a traffic stop on Warner Hill Road in the Town of Meredith.  30 year old Natasha Reed of Treadwell, she had a revoked Driver’s License for a total of 13 revocations and suspensions. Reed was arrested for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle, Obstructed License Plate, Failure to Notify the DMV of an address change, she was released in her own recognizance pending future court action.

———————————————————–

Governor Cuomo signed legislation conforming laws in estate planning and surrogates court procedures to the Marriage Equality Act.    The new law updates the language in the Estates, Powers and Trusts Law to recognize same sex marriages by removing phrases such as “husband/wife” and replacing it with “spouses, husbands or wives.” In the Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act, the phrase “father and mother” is updated and replaced with “parents”.  The law goes into effect immediately.

—————————————————-

Due to the expected gusty winds & heavy downpours on Thursday Halloween Day, the Village of Sidney has rescheduled trick or treating to Saturday November 2nd from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, to secure the safety of the children.

——————————————————–

Operation Merry Christmas is winding up the first part of their process in the coming days, to gather all of the information on toy requests & children’s clothing sizes, to be given out to children of underprivileged families in December.  Spokesperson Dorene Ireland explains:

(Dorene Ireland 10-30-19)

Calls can be made to 643-6334; the giveaway day will be Saturday December 14th in the lobby of the AO Fox Hospital Tri Town Campus in Sidney.

The Fireman’s Association of the State of New York announced that New York State is leading the nation in civilian fire deaths this year.  So far in 2019, there have been 92 civilians that have died in fires this year that number is expected to increase as the Association statistics show that winter is the busiest time of the year for home fires.  Officials hope that the numbers decrease in coming years as more New Yorkers replace the old style battery powered Smoke Detectors with the new state of the art types with 10 year batteries that do not need to be replaced annually.

A portion of State Route 8 in Sidney will be named the Sidney Veterans’ Memorial Highway under legislation signed into law by Governor Cuomo Tuesday.  The bill was sponsored by State Senator Jim Seward and Assemblyman Cliff Crouch after the Village of Sidney requested the special highway designation.  A formal sign installation will be scheduled with State DOT officials at a later date.

—————————————————-

Delaware County Public Health announced that the Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council will hold their next meeting today from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon in Delhi. The Council is made up of parents and professionals who consider early intervention issues for children.  Today’s meeting is open to the public, it will be held in the Delaware County Public Health Conference Room located at 99 Main Street Delhi.

——————————————-

A Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic for dogs, cats and ferrets will be held today from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Bloomville Fire Department, more information about rabies is available at 832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com

(Dorene Ireland 10-18-19)

Ireland said that the giveaway day will be Saturday December 14th in the lobby of the AO Fox Hospital Tri Town Campus in Sidney.

————————————————

Today is the last day to register for the Delaware County Clean Sweep event.  Registration is required, either by phone at 865-6474, by email cleansweepdelaware@gmail.com or online at cleansweepdelaware.eventbrite.com.   The Delaware County Clean Sweep will be held on October 25th for businesses & farms and on October 26th for households.

————————————————

New York State of Health announced that Open Enrollment for coverage in a 2020 Qualified Health Plan starts November 1st, & will continue through January 31st.  Additional information is available at nystateofhealth.ny.gov.    

————————————————

Schoharie County District Attorney Susan Mallery contends that the questionable business practices of Mavis Discount Tire in Saratoga Springs auto shop had no role in an October 6th 2018 limousine crash that killed 20 people in Schoharie.  Mallery said that the attorneys for the limousine company’s operator, Nauman Hussain, had wrongly cast blame on Mavis, where workers had allegedly Billed Hussain for brake work on the 2001 Ford Excursion that was not performed, several months before the deadly accident.  Hussain has been charged with 20 counts of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide by a Schoharie County Grand Jury

——————————————–

The 4 candidates for the Norwich City Mayor’s Office will meet for a public debate Wednesday at 6:00 PM at the Norwich YMCA at 6:00 PM.  The candidates are incumbent Christine Carnrike, Shawn Sastri, Jill Osterhout-Kraft, and former mayor Joseph Maiurano.  Following the debate, the candidates will participate in a Meet & Greet with voters.

NYSEG is working to restore power to customers impacted by the nor’easter that has brought high winds and heavy rain to much of their service area.  More than 37,000 customers have been impacted as a result of the weather. Currently, less than 5,000 customers are without power, many of those are in Chenango & Broome Counties.

——————————————-

Chenango County Habitat for Humanity is holding a Garage Sale fundraiser Today & Saturday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 2 Fayette Street in Oxford.   Proceeds benefit CCHH’s small works house projects. More information is available at 843-6249.

————————————————–

O’Connor Hospital will host a community flu shot clinic for the public on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 8 a.m. to noon in the specialty clinic building.  The flu shot clinic is open to all ages, no appointment is necessary; more information is available at 746-0334.

——————————————————

The Sidney United Way is hosting the “Reading is Magical” Family Literacy Fair Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, at the Sidney Elks Lodge on River Street.  United Way Spokesperson Lorrie Roach comments:

(Lorrie Roach 10-18-19)

A free Book & Tote Bag will be given to the first 100 children up to age 8 tomorrow; more information is available at 563-2563

——————————————-

The Eastern Broome Senior Center will celebrate its 19th anniversary today, with food & Entertainment.   The event will be held at the Center at 27 Golden Lane in Harpursville, more information is available at 693-2069.

—————————————

(Dorene Ireland 10-29-18)

Those looking to sign up can call 643-6334 or 563-8119 through Wednesday.
————————-
The Delaware Valley Humane Society is looking to gather various items for the Southern New York Pig Rescue of Hornell, that will be picked up by them in Sidney this Wednesday. The humane Society is accepting Hog Pellets, Vegetables, Pumpkins, Pig Milk Replacer, Hay & Straw through Wednesday Morning. More information is available at 563-7780.
———————————————

State Police and local law enforcement have increased patrols to crack down on impaired driving and underage drinking through Halloween. The enforcement campaign runs through Thursday and is funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. During last year’s initiative there were 1,593 accidents, 226 injuries, 1 fatality, Troopers also arrested 248 people for DWI and issued more than 9, 057 tickets for speeding, distracted driving and other traffic violations.
—————————-
State Police arrested 38 year old Annvernette Ellis of Edmeston for Driving While Intoxicated, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation plus several traffic tickets. A trooper on patrol near the intersection of State Highway 20 and State Highway 8 observed Ellis commit several traffic offenses, a traffic stop was initiated and found Ellis was drinking an alcoholic beverage while driving, she also possessed oxycodone. Ellis was arraigned & was remanded to jail pending future court action.
———————————————-
The Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council will hold a meeting today that is open to the public, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. The meeting will be held at the Davenport United Methodist Church, Rachel Rissberger of the Oneonta World of Learning program will be the featured speaker, and more information is available at 832-5200.
—————————————

(Will Drew 8-30-18)

Drew said that the performances will be the weekend of November 16th through the 18th at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater.
——————————————–
Operation Merry Christmas will be getting started a little earlier this year, with the sign-ups beginning September 1st through October 30th. Spokesperson Dorene Ireland explains:

(Dorene Ireland 8-30-18)

Ireland said that the giveaway day for the presents will be on December 15th at 12 Whitney Way in Bainbridge. More information is available at 643-6334 or 563-8119.
——————————————–
3 independent candidates in the 19th Congressional District race have been removed from the ballots, after having insufficient valid signatures on their nominating ballots. Luisa Parker of Callicoon, Dal LaMagna of Clinton & former “Law & Order” TV Actress Dianne Neal of Hurley had their names removed; Neal & LaMagna are expected to appeal the decision by the board of elections.
———————————————————-
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli released an audit today that examined 7 school districts and their compliance with school bus safety requirements, it found that school districts are not confirming all school bus drivers are completing required training and drug testing, and that school bus safety drills and inspections are done. DiNapoli recommended school officials take immediate steps to address the deficiencies, have superintendents annually approve all drivers that transport district students, have all drivers meet the minimum training requirements, & have random drug and alcohol testing, & have all buses have pre-trip inspections conducted. The report can be found at osc.state.ny.us.
—————————————-
State Police arrested 41 year old John Nixon of Sherburne for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, after a trooper responded to the report of a vehicle veered across the center line, into a drainage ditch & then back to the other side of the highway, striking several mailboxes, on State Route 8 in the town of Guilford. Nixon was arrested; he was released to a sober third party and is scheduled to appear in the town of Guilford Court on September 11th.
——————————–

62 year old James Hone of Oneonta was arrested following a high
speed chase & after ramming his vehicle into 2 Oneonta Police cars,
totaling one of them, and injuring an officer. Hone was wanted on a
warrant for criminal contempt after allegedly violating an order of
protection, he was located by Oneonta police on 6th Street, when
Police attempted to make the arrest, Hone drove into the patrol car, a
2nd patrol car arrived & was also plowed into by Hone. Hone was
charged with attempted assault of a police officer, criminal
possession of a weapon, criminal mischief and 2nd degree assault
causing injury to a police officer, plus several other charges.
———————————
Governor Cuomo today announced that 100% of all State public
colleges at SUNY & CUNY will have a food pantry or stigma-free food
access for students in need by the end of the fall semester. New York
will be the 1st state to have a program to combat student hunger.
Currently, nearly 90% of SUNY and CUNY campuses offer these
services.
———————————
State Attorney General Barbara Underwood announced that the
Trump administration has ordered the restoration of $574 million for
three-quarters of the year in federal funding for New York’s Essential
Plan, following the Attorney General’s lawsuit earlier this year. The
Attorney General’s office filed the suit to block the Trump
administration from cutting off health care funding for New York’s
Essential Plan, which covers hundreds of thousands of low-income
New Yorkers health care issues.
———————————–
The Chenango County Department of Health and Area Agency on
Aging will be hosting their annual Senior Flu Vaccination Clinic for
adults age 60 and over on Tuesday, September 25th from 9:30 – 11:30
at the Norwich Family YMCA. Senior citizens can receive a flu shot &
attend a health fair where area partners will be available to talk about
area programs and services, plus the Norwich Police Department will
be doing a drug take back where they will collect any old or unused
prescription medications for proper disposal. More information is
available at the Chenango County Health Department at 337-1660.
————————————–