State Police arrested 36 year old William Sabines of Preston after he was indicted by a Chenango County Grand Jury Thursday. Sabines was charged with 2nd degree Murder, Concealment of a Human Corpse and Tampering with Physical Evidence. Sabines was arrested following an investigation into the disappearance of Jesse Donlin, formerly of Sidney, Unadilla and Afton locally. Donlin was reported missing in September of 2019 after failing to appear for a court appearance in Utica, the investigation ultimately led to Sabines arrest. Sabines was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $250,000 cash bail or $500,000 bond pending future court action.

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Chenango County Sheriff’s Office received a missing person complaint regarding 32 year old Amanda Lanfair, who was last seen on November 26th, and stated that she was going to Long Island and was to return on November 28th. Lanfair was last seen wearing a black baseball cap, green Carhartt jacket and black Puma sneakers. Any information on her whereabouts please contact the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office at 607-334-2000.

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Former New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett became the State Health Commissioner on Wednesday, replacing Dr. Howard Zucker, who had been the state Health Commissioner since 2015. Bassett takes over as the state’s COVID-19 hospitalizations are increasing across the state. Bassett was credited, along with Dr. Zucker & Dr. Anthony Fauci of the CDC with stopping a potentially deadly Ebola Outbreak after 1 case was found and contained in New York City in 2013.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-3-21

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the first 5 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in New York State. So far, the cases appear unrelated and have been confirmed through sequencing of the SARS-CoVID-2 virus. 1 case is from Suffolk County, 4 others are in New York City, 4 other states have also reported cases of the new COVID variant. On Thursday, Governor Hochul announced that the State has ordered 1 Million Testing Kits to Distribute to Local Health Departments & 40 New Pop-Up Vaccine Sites will be launched this month.

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Oneonta Fire Department responded to a structure fire last night at Monser Brothers Tire & Auto on Chestnut Street in Oneonta. Fire fighters responded to the report of flames through the roof of the building late last night, Multiple fire departments also responded including West Oneonta, Laurens, West Laurens, Mount Vision, Franklin, Sidney, Worcester, Pindars Corners & Otego.

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The Sidney Chamber of Commerce will hold their Jolly Holly days parade tonight, Chamber President Teri Schunk comments:

(Teri Schunk 11-9-21)

Anyone needing more information can call 561-2642.

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The Afton Annual Christmas Parade, will be part of the scheduled activites tomorrow, Greater Afton Area Chamber of Commerce President John Hinman told WCDO News what activites are planned:

(John Hinman 12-3-21)

Hinman said that floats and vehicles will line up at Corporate Park off Route 7, Walking groups, bicycles, and golf carts will gather at the Afton Edge Apartments.

Also on Saturday, Unadilla’s Santa Saturday & Holiday Magic Parade will be held, sponsored by the Unadilla Chamber of Commerce & The Unadilla Historical Society, spokesperson Linda Bickos explains:

(Linda Bickos 12-3-21)

More Information is available at the Unadilla Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

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Destination Oneonta’s Festival of Trees will be held at the Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta today & tomorrow; all trees are decorated by local businesses and community members and can be viewed at Foothills today from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm and on Saturday, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Winners of each tree will be drawn on Saturday at 2:15 pm; more information is available at destinationoneonta.com.

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Bassett Healthcare Network will be holding a COVID-19 vaccination clinic open to community members, including children, on Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Bassett Medical Center’s outpatient clinic building in Cooperstown. The clinic will offer boosters for Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson; first- and second-dose Pfizer shots for children ages 5 to 17; and flu shots. No appointments are needed for this walk-in clinic. Patients should bring their vaccination cards and prescription insurance cards.

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After 18 months into the COVID 19 pandemic, the public is asking questions regarding quarantine rules regarding the vaccinated & the unvaccinated, Isaiah Sutton of Chenango County Public Health explains:

(Isaiah Sutton 9-23-21)

Sutton said that the advice is consistent with the State Health Department & CDC Guidelines & they recommend that people follow the State health department guidance on all COVID-19 protocol.  Chenango County reports 140 active cases with 41% vaccinated, 339 are quarantined & 6 are hospitalized, 2 of those are vaccinated.

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The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for our region through late tonight; local Meteorologist Rich Townsend told WCDO News what he predicts regarding today’s predicted thunderstorms:

(Townsend 9-23-21)

Townsend said that the chance for Flash Flooding in the WCDO listening area is about 10% today & into tonight.

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The Otsego County Department of Health reported that a bat has test positive for Rabies on Wednesday in Oneonta.  Officials said that 1 person has started rabies post exposure treatment; more information about rabies is available by calling 547-4230.

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State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker has tendered his resignation to Governor Kathy Hochul today, and she has accepted the resignation.  Dr. Zucker has presided over the State Department of Health for almost 7 1/2 years; a search for his successor will begin shortly.

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The New York State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment will meet on Tuesday, September 28, at 10:30 A.M., in Albany. On the agenda for that meeting is the application of Bluestone Wind, LLC for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need for the Construction of their proposed Wind Farm Project in the Towns of Windsor and Sanford.  The meeting is available online at dps.ny.gov/Webcasts.

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U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, announced support of the bipartisan Senior Financial Empowerment Act, to protect seniors from fraud and targeted financial scams, and is urging the Federal Trade Commission to strengthen protections for seniors:

(Gillibrand 9-23-21)

Gillibrand said that Millions of seniors have been victims of financial scams and abuse every year, with a noticeable increase in those scams throughout the pandemic, in New York State alone, seniors are estimated to lose as much as $1.5 billion per year to financial fraud and abuse.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-23-21

Governor Kathy Hochul announced Ubiquity Solar will establish its U.S. solar photovoltaic manufacturing operations at the former IBM site in Endicott.  The company expects to repurpose 800,000 square-feet of space at the former campus, representing an approximately $61 million investment, Ubiquity Solar expects to create up to 150 highly skilled jobs, they expect to be fully operational at the Endicott campus by the end of 2022.

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Delaware County Public Health continues to see an increase in COVID 10 cases, with 29 new cases in the last 2 days for an 8.9% positivity rate, they have 196 active cases, 5 hospitalized and 383 quarantined.  50.1% of the total population is vaccinated, 73% of the positive cases are unvaccinated, and 27% of the positive cases are Pre-K-12th students/employees.

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The Sidney Chamber of Commerce announced that tonight’s Annual Recognition Dinner has been moved to Club 55 on Union Street, starting at 5:00 PM.  This year: The Citizen of the Year’s Award goes to Erin Insinga of Delaware Valley Humane Society; Business of the Years is East Main Lanes Organization of the Years goes to the Sidney Memorial Library & the Better Together award goes to Sidney School District Superintendent Eben Bullock.

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State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli identified 19 local governments this year that are in fiscal stress, including 6 counties, 4 cities, and 9 towns. The report is based on financial information of local governments operating on a calendar year basis from January 1st to December 31st, locally, only Broome County was listed as “susceptible to fiscal stress”.

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(Cuomo 5-11-20)

Named to the Southern Tier Control Room is Commerce Chenango CEO Kerri Green, who told WCDO News today  that Manufacturing, Construction, some retail with curb side service & agriculture/forestry & fishing will be part of the Phase 1 group re-opening on Friday:

(Kerri Green 5-11-20)

Green said that Commerce Chenango will hold a Webinar Friday at 2:00 PM regarding the reopening rules; it is open to anyone who signs up at Register@chenangony.org. 

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New York State Health Department reported Sunday that they have 337,055 Coronavirus cases, Hospitalizations continue to decline, with about 7200 people being treated statewide,  161 people died on Sunday,  the state death total is now 21,640.

American Hockey League announced today that the League’s Board of Governors has voted to cancel the remainder of the 2019-20 AHL regular season and the 2020 Calder Cup Playoffs due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis.  The Binghamton Devils announced that ticket questions can be found at binghamtondevils.com/tickets.

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Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 67 year old Benjamin Izard of Norwich for Criminal Contempt and Harassment.   Izard is accused of violating an order of protection by harassing a protected party. Benjamin was arraigned using virtual arraignment and remanded to Chenango County Corrections on $500 cash bail.

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Families in the Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Central School District are invited to pick up FREE dairy products at the school from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM this Wednesday, May 13th.  Free gallons of milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream and eggs will be available while supplies last at GMU on State Highway 51, in Gilbertsville.  A drive-through distribution process has been set up & Residents are asked to stay in their vehicles until they are prompted to receive their products.  The Dairy Farmers of America Cooperative has teamed up with Dean Foods, the American Dairy Association North East, Chobani, Cabot, Hershey’s and Huff to offer these FREE dairy products on Wednesday.

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The Broome County Health Department announced today that they are up to 371 Coronavirus cases since early March; they have 23 deaths, 241 recoveries & 217 patients being monitored by the Health Department.

Governor Cuomo announced that The State Department of Health is partnering with the NY Genome Center and Rockefeller University to conduct a genome and RNA sequencing study to better understand COVID-related illnesses in children and the possible genetic basis of the Kawasaki syndrome, following the deaths of 3 children from the Coronavirus:

(Cuomo children)

State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker comments:

(Zucker 5-11-20)

There have been 85 reported cases in New York where children are experiencing symptoms similar to Kawasaki disease and toxic shock-like syndrome possibly due to COVID-19. The illness has taken the lives of a 5-year old in New York City, a 7-year old in Westchester County and a teenager in Suffolk County.

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New York State Health Department reported Sunday that they have 335,395 Coronavirus cases, Hospitalizations continue to decline, with about 7900 people being treated, however 1100 new patients tested positive for the virus Saturday & Sunday statewide,  207 people died on Saturday  the state death total is now 21,478.

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Chenango County Public Health announced more positive Coronavirus cases Sunday, bringing their total up to 109.  They currently have 42 people quarantined, 5 are hospitalized, 4 have died & 79 have recovered.

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Delaware County reports that they are up to 75 confirmed cases of COVID-19 Sunday, There are an additional 12 people under mandatory quarantine,  13 confirmed cases have been transferred back to the patients home county, 3 are hospitalized, 6 are isolated at home, 4 people are deceased and 49 have fully recovered. 

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State Police responded to a motor vehicle accident between a Pickup Truck & a tractor trailer in the town of Coventry Saturday night at about 9:50 PM, at the intersection of State Routes 206 and 235.  Police said that a passenger in the Pick-up,  46 year old Michelle Lieberman of Smithtown died from injuries sustained in the accident.  62 year old William DeRosa of Islip Terrace was the driver of the pickup, he sustained minor injuries & was transported to Wilson Hospital, along with 2 children who were also in the pick-up truck.  The driver of the tractor trailer 64 year old Robert Anderson of Lisle was not injured.  The investigation revealed that DeRosa was traveling on State Route 235 when he failed to stop at a stop sign and struck the tractor trailer traveling on State Route 206.  The investigation continues, alcohol does not appear to have been a factor in the crash.

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The Afton Village board announced that their next village board meeting will be held tonight at 7:00 PM.  Due to the Coronavirus, the monthly meeting will be held through zoom, & all information will be placed on the Town of Afton website.

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(Dr. Howard Zucker 3-6-20)

Dr. Zucker & Governor Cuomo said that the number of people who have tested positive for the Corona Virus doubled again overnight to 44 cases in New York State, 5 are currently hospitalized.

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State Attorney General Letitia James sent a Cease & Desist order to televangelist Jim Bakker, for selling fake Corona Virus cures on his television show.  James, on advice from the state Health department officials, threatened legal action if he fails to stop selling his “Silver Solution” as a treatment for the virus, there is no cure for the coronavirus according to the CDC. 

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The prosecution rested Thursday in the Manslaughter Trial of Kimberly Steeley in Otsego County Court.  Steeley is accused of the asphyxiation deaths of her 2 infants 11 days apart in East Worcester in June of 2018. 

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As New Yorkers prepare to set their clocks forward one hour this Sunday for Daylight Saving Time, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York is urging everyone to change the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Homeowners with alarms that have sealed, non-removable batteries should test the alarms to see if they are functional.  Batteries should be changed twice a year, because according to the National Fire Protection Association, almost 3 of every 5 home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or without working smoke alarms. Last year New York State led the nation in home fire deaths with 126 fatalities, more information is available at fasny.com.

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Beginning Saturday, the Greater Oneonta Historical Society will present a display of the history of the local chapter of the League of Women Voters.  There will be an opening reception on Saturday from 2:00 to 3:00 PM at the Oneonta History Center, 183 Main Street.  The reception is free and open to the public, more information is available at 432-0960.

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State Police have located the body of a white a female Thursday afternoon near the area of State Route 17 & State Route 434 in Apalachin.   The female has been identified as 37 year old Casie Weese, who was reported missing early Sunday morning, after she left a party with her husband, they had a flat tire near Main Street Apalachin, & she left the scene following a disagreement.   An Autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

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The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will hold their next First Friday Networking Breakfast this morning, from 8:30 to 10:00 am.  The meeting will be held at the Old School House Inn & Restaurant in Downsville,   The featured speaker for this event is Sean Leddy from the Delaware County Planning Department who will be speaking about the county’s outreach efforts and importance of participation in the 2020 Census, which will begin in earnest in Mid-March.

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The DCMO BOCES Spelling bee will be held tomorrow in at the SUNY Oneonta Goodrich Theater Saturday at 10:00 AM, Spokesperson Martha Ryan comments:

(Martha Ryan 3-6-20)

Melodie of course is Melodie Loya of Bainbridge, who made it into the top 50 the last 2 years at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington DC.  Ryan also said that the fundraising effort is continuing to help the families of tomorrow’s winner, to make it to the Scripps competition & stay in Washington for all the days of the event, more information is available at 335-1292.

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Governor Cuomo has proclaimed today “Special Olympics New York Day” as the nonprofit organization marks the 50th anniversary of its founding.   Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 67,000 athletes across New York; more information is available at specialolympicsNY.org.

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State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker declared that influenza is now prevalent in New York State. This announcement means that healthcare workers who are not vaccinated against influenza wear surgical or procedure masks in patient areas.  Laboratory-confirmed cases are in 42 counties and all 5 boroughs of New York City. So far, there are 691 flu-related hospitalizations and 1 flu-associated pediatric death reported.  More information is available at health.ny.gov.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 25 year old Dystinee Rubera of Unadilla  with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Moved from lane unsafely and Operate Motor Vehicle by Unlicensed Driver. The arrest occurred as result of a traffic stop on State Highway 10 in the Town of Delhi, Rubera was issued an appearance ticket to Town of Delhi Court at a later date.

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Another free Christmas Day dinner is being offered by Gene Schmidt & his family at the Sidney Fire Department on River Street, Schmidt is looking for volunteers to help out:

(Gene Schmidt 12-9-19)

The dinner will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 PM Christmas Day, those who would like more information, or to volunteer, can call Schmidt at 607-610-4030.

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Several Dietz Street area businesses owners are teaming up for a lawsuit against the City of Oneonta, they claim that the city did not follow proper procedure when they approved of plans for new housing on Dietz Street.  Plans call for are related apartments & businesses to go into the Lofts project on Dietz Street, some of the parking spots in the Municipal lot would be removed in favor of the new building. 

Investigators from the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested 27-year-old Anthony Masi Friday, for Criminal Contempt.  Masi was being held at the Delaware County Correctional Facility on a Parole violation, he allegedly violated an Order of Protection issued by the City of Norwich Court.  Masi was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court and remanded back to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $1,000 cash bail, or $2,000.00 bond & he will appear in the Town of Delhi Court at a later date for further Court action. 

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Governor Cuomo today announced a new $14 million initiative to support agriculture with a new funding opportunity, to address the threat of the conversion of viable agricultural land to non-farm development and help farms facing financial difficulties because of increased challenges resulting from trade disputes, increasing debt, changing consumer preferences and climate change. The grant program will assist eligible farmers with the acquisition of perpetual conservation easements on agricultural land and ensure the long-term viability of New York’s farming operations.

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The Otsego County Board of Representatives voted last week to approve their 2020 budget plan, and voted to approve of adding the position of County Manager at an annual salary of $150,000, a search will be conducted and a county manager is expected to be hired later next year.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 44-Year-Old Jubar McDaniel of St. Albans, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle, Failure to Comply with a Lawful Order, Speeding as well as several other charges, after he failed to comply with law enforcement on State Highway 17 in Hancock, into the Town of Colchester, and he stopped in Sullivan County.  McDaniel was arraigned in the Colchester Town Court, and subsequently remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $500 cash, or $1,500 bond.  McDaniel is scheduled to return to the Town of Colchester Court at a later date. 

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The American Red Cross will hold a Blood Drive in Sidney Today at the A.O. Fox Hospital Tri-Town Campus from 1:30 to 6:30 PM, appointments are requested at 1-800-red cross or redcrossblood.org.