Broome County Executive Jason Garnar declared a state of emergency Thursday after reports that New York City may try to relocate large groups of people to Upstate counties. The state of emergency was enacted due to the extremely limited amount of housing currently available in the County. Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar announced that they will promptly deal with any busses that may head to Broome County

(Sheriff Akshar 5-12-23)

Similar States of Emergency were issued in Rockland & Orange County, with more to follow, 1 bus of migrants was sent to a hotel in Newburgh from New York City, The Broome County State of Emergency and associated emergency orders can be viewed at gobroomecounty.com.

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School district Budget Votes will be held on Tuesday across the state, Unatego District Superintendent Dr. Dave Richards told WCDO News about their budget proposal:

(Dave Richards 5-12-23)

Richards said that there are also 2 propositions regarding transportation for district students based on their distance from school, another regarding an Energy Performance Contract. Voting will be from 12:00 noon until 8:00 PM Tuesday at the Unatego District Office.

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The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 2 people following a complaint from the Family Dollar in Unadilla. 22 year old Brian Mahar of Worcester was charged with criminal possession of methamphetamines & criminal possession of a Controlled Substance, for allegedly possessing Methamphetamine and fentanyl. The Sheriff’s Office also arrested 46 year old Mandy Keator of Otego for Criminal Possession Methamphetamine & Petty Larceny, Keator allegedly possessed Methamphetamine, both are being held at the Otsego County Correctional Facility pending court action.

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State Lawmakers wrapped up passing the state budget several weeks late this year, area Assemblyman Joe Angelino told WCDO what he thought of the budget and how bail reform was changed:

(Angelino 5-12-23)

Sticking points throughout the lengthy & late budget negotiations were the Governor’s housing agenda & the bail reform issue.

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Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 73 year old Robert Orlando of Hartwick for Criminal Sexual Act, Dissemination of indecent material or a minor, Obscenity & Endangering the Welfare of a Minor. Orlando is accused of having sexual contact with a minor, that he met online. Orlando allegedly sent inappropriate messages and photographs to the minor and received the same content from the minor. Orlando traveled to Utica where he picked up the minor and returned to his residence in the Town of Hartwick where sexual activity occurred. Investigators from the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office and Oneida County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant of the defendant’s residence where evidence was secured and he was taken in to custody, he was processed at the Sheriff’s Office and lodged in the Otsego County Correctional Facility to await Arraignment.

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A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-12-23

Delaware County District Attorney’s Office announced that 44 year old Dana Britton of Delhi, was re-sentenced to jail after violating his probation supervision. Britton admitted to using illegal drugs while on probation, The Probation Department recommended that he be sent to an inpatient rehabilitation facility, Britton refused to engage in treatment, his probation was revoked & he was sentenced him to 22 months in jail at the Delaware County Correctional Facility.

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The Greater Oneonta Historical Society will hold a walking tour of the site of the Former Roundhouse on Saturday, at 4:00 pm, Society Executive Director Marcela Micucci explains:

(Marcela Micucci 5-12-23)

The tour will be down Roundhouse Road, parallel to the railroad tracks and nearby the former location of the D&H Roundhouse, one of the world’s largest, the tour leaves at 4:00 pm from the D&H Roundhouse Historic Marker at the corner of Fonda Avenue and Roundhouse Road.

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The Village of Sidney will provide containers at the Village Garage on Sherman Avenue Today or Saturday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM for items such as computers monitors or keyboards, TV’s, Fax Machines, Cell Phones, Radios, Microwaves, Gaming Devices, Console Televisions as well as Metal and non-Freon appliances plus Tires without rims & Freon containing appliances like refrigerators, freezers & air conditioners, more information is available at 561-2329.

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The Chenango Arts Council will feature an exhibit from a local man, starting today in Norwich, Council spokesperson Mary Beth Miller explains:

(Mary Beth Miller 5-12-23)

The Gallery is located at 27 West Main Street in Norwich, more information about this & other events is available at (607) 336-2787 or chenangoarts.org.

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Police in Virginia reported that 34 year old Tatiana David of Ithaca, who was abducted from Ithaca yesterday morning, has died following a shootout with Police on I-95 in Springfield Virginia. Virginia State Police said that a trooper spotted the Jeep Cherokee that was the suspected kidnapper’s vehicle Wednesday Night, Police pulled the Jeep over & the trooper made contact with the driver and returned to his patrol car, the Jeep sped off and police pursued for about 20 miles, state police positioned vehicles around the Jeep to force it to stop. Virginia State Police said that the driver 35 year old Michael Davis began firing shots as troopers approached the Jeep, Troopers returned fire, Davis was shot and suffered life-threatening injuries, Tatiana David was shot and killed during the incident.

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The Greater Oneonta Historical Society will open its next special exhibition April 22nd, the exhibition will commemorate the bicentennial of the D&H Railroad’s History in the town and city of Oneonta, according to Society Curator Marcela Micucci:

(Marcela Micucci 4-5-23)

Micucci said that a variety of free programs will coincide with the D&H exhibition, including a tour of the historic D&H Red Caboose in Neahwa Park; a Walking Tour at the D&H Roundhouse remains; The exhibits opens on April 22nd at the Society’s location on Main Street in Oneonta, an opening reception will begin at 6:00 PM & will be open to the public.

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The Sidney Chamber of Commerce Announced their annual award winners at their meeting Wednesday Morning, Dr. Rohan Jayasena was chosen as the winner of the “Citizen Of The Years” award, he told WCDO News of his reaction:

(Dr. Jayasena 4-6-23)

The Chamber also chose Waste Recovery Enterprises as the “Business of the Years” award winner, and Kyle Westcott, who formerly owned the Sidney Great American Food Store, was named as the winner of the Commitment to Community Award.

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Delaware County District Attorney’s office announced that 33 year old Andelis Santiago of Hartford Connecticut, was convicted on 1 count of Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs and Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle in the Town of Hancock Court. Santiago was alleged to have been speeding on State Route 17 in the Town of Hancock, State Police initiated a traffic stop, & he failed to stop his vehicle for approximately 8 miles, until he drove off the road. Santiago was fined $1,400, plus a $50 DNA fee for submitting a sample for the State DNA databank, he was also ordered to attend a Victim’s Impact Panel and successfully complete an Impaired Driver Program & he must undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation, he could face a year in jail if he fails to comply.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 4-6-23

Broome County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic dispute Monday, 30 year old Stephen Pudiak of Port Crane is accused of placing a gun at his girlfriend & also allegedly choking the women, in front of her 3-year-old daughter, she snuck away from their residence to file charges with the Broome County Sheriff’s Office when Pudiak fell asleep. Deputies made contact with Pudiak and took him into custody without issue, they seized weapons that he was not allowed to possess, he was taken to the Broome County Sheriff’s Office Central Arraignment and charged with 5 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing & menacing.

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26 Year old Brandin VanTassel of Walton, was sentenced Monday in Delaware County Court for Criminal Contempt. VanTassel previously pleaded guilty to Criminal Contempt in February, with a 6 month sentence & 5 years’ probation supervision, he contacted the protected party again in violation of the order of protection, Delaware County Court Judge Gary Rosa ruled that as a result of the new conduct, the Court was not bound by the original plea agreement, VanTassel was re-sentenced to 1 and 1/3 to 4 years in state prison.

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Governor Kathy Hochul announced over $70 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects across New York State. The Village of Sidney received $565,312 short-term interest free financing and $887,469 in grants for the planning, design, and construction of wastewater treatment facility upgrades.

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Bassett Healthcare & Helios Care are teaming up to bring Author Sallie Tisdale for a town hall event Today at 6:00 PM at the Bassett Medical Center’s Clark Auditorium, to talk about Advance Directives, Bassett Spokesman Tim Schaffer explains:

(Tim Schaffer 4-6-23)

Schaffer said that the event will also be available through ZOOM, the links can be found at Bassett.org or through the Bassett Facebook page.

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Federal prosecutors have filed hate crime charges against 18-year-old Payton Gendron of Conklin, he is accused of killing 10 people & injuring 3 others in a Buffalo Tops Supermarket in a predominantly black neighborhood on May 14th. Gendron faces 26 counts of hate crimes and firearms offenses, he charges include 10 counts of hate crimes resulting in death, three counts of hate crimes involving bodily injury and attempt to kill, 10 counts of using a firearm to commit murder during and in retaliation to a crime of violence and three counts of using and discharging of a firearm during and in retaliation to a crime of violence.

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Local sales tax collections in New York state increased by 16.7% in May compared to the same month in 2021, according to an analysis released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Overall, local collections totaled $1.7 billion, up $242 million from May of last year. Every county also experienced double-digit growth in collections, at least partially due to recent high inflation, including soaring gas prices. Yates County saw the largest increase at 34.8% in May. Among cities that impose their own general sales tax, the City of Oneida came in at the highest at 30.9%.

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The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 41 year old Dezarae Yother of Morris after an investigation into a disabled vehicle in Pittsfield. Yother allegedly forged and attempted to use a stolen check to pay for services in Morris. Yother faces charges of forgery, Possession of a Forged Instrument, Possession of Stolen Property in Morris, and Inadequate Exhaust, Unsafe Tire, Improper Plates, Unregistered Motor Vehicle, Uninspected Motor Vehicle, and Operating without Insurance in Pittsfield.

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The State Health Department reports that the decline in COVID 19 cases is continuing. Statewide 7-Day Average positivity rate is Lowest Since mid -April at 5.4%, Statewide Hospitalizations were below 2000 to 1,938, down from a recent peak of 2724 in Mid May. there were 38 deaths reported over the weekend in Hospitals & nursing homes.

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The Greater Oneonta Historical Society Walking Tour Series kicks off tonight, as Oneonta natives Liz Rowley Morley and Art Torrey lead their tour of Main Street in the late 1960s. This tour coincides with the opening of Remembering Oneonta in the 1960s this weekend, Society Executive Director Dr. Marcela Micucci explains:

(Marcela Micucci 6-15-22)

The tour will meet at 7pm at the History Center at 183 Main Street in Oneonta, more details are available at oneontahistory.org or their Facebook events page. 

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A.M. NEWS Wednesday 6-15-22

35 year old Tadd Sherwood of Oneonta has been arrested after he allegedly pointed a gun at a victim during a dispute and fired a shot in the victim’s direction. Sherwood was charged with criminal possession of a loaded firearm, menacing, and criminal possession of a weapon, Sherwood is a convicted felon & is not legally allowed to possess weapons, he is being held in the Otsego County Jail pending future court action.

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State Police arrested 6 people, for allegedly possessing guns and illegal magazines that are not compliant with the New York SAFE Act. Troopers initiated a traffic stop on Upper Front Street in the town of Chenango, they arrested 39 year old Jeffrey Everetts of Sayre, Pennsylvania & 32 year old Nephrem Holt of Albany for Criminal Possession of a Weapon, another traffic stop on Upper Front Street in the town of Chenango resulted in the arrest of 4 men from Pennsylvania, 56 year old Robert Applegate II, 31 year old Robert Applegate III, 28 year old Glen Applegate, & 29 year old Trevor Sweigart, All 6 were arraigned and were remanded to the Broome County Jail without bail.

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4 people were injured & 2 pets were killed in a house fire at 127 Walnut Street in Binghamton early this morning. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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Delaware County Public Health will hold a Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats and ferrets today from 4:45 to 6:45 PM, at the Franklin Fire Hall. More information is available at 607-832-5200 or delawarecountypublichealth.com.

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The CDO Workforce Development Board, BOCES, SUNY Delhi, & the State Department of Labor, among other organizations, will hold 2 free apprenticeship round-table events, one today & another tomorrow. Today’s round table will take place at the ONC BOCES in Milford, tomorrow’s round table will take place at SUNY Delhi.  Both events will take place from 9:00am to 11:00am.

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An American Red Cross Blood Drive is being held today in Downsville from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Downsville Fire Department on State Highway 30. To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-Red CROSS.

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State Police have arrested a woman who allegedly stabbed a man inside Stewart’s in Sherburne last night. State Police said that an Investigator walked into the Stewart’s when he saw a man and a woman physically fighting. He attempted to separate the two when the woman stabbed the man. The Investigator restrained the woman and store employees called 911. The victim, identified as 56 year old Daniel Purdy of Sherburne was transported to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse with serious but non-life threatening injuries. 25 year old Jessica Collins of Sherburne was charged with 1st Degree Assault, She was processed and transported to Chenango County Jail. State Police were assisted on scene by Chenango County Deputies, the investigation is continuing.

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The State DEC reminds area residents that in spite of the fact that the Burn Ban ends Saturday, weather conditions are still favorable for the spread of brush fires. A Brush Fire spreads when conditions remain dry, with brisk winds & difficult terrain are prevalent.

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The Raymond Corporation was recently honored by New York State Skills USA with a Distinguished Service Award for their support and contributions to career and technical education. Raymond received the award during the NYS Skills USA Championships showcase in Syracuse, last month, more information is available at raymondcorp.com.

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New York State honored 49 police officers who recently sacrificed their lives in service to New York State. The 49 officers honored Tuesday in Albany represented 6 Police Agencies, the Police Officers Memorial in Albany now includes the names of 1,717 men and women from 150 police departments across New York State.

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SUNY Delhi named Dr. Mary Bonderoff as the Officer in Charge, following the resignation of President Michael Laliberte, who took a similar position in Maine. The College is searching for a new President currently, SUNY Delhi Commencement exercises will be held tomorrow at 10:00 AM at the Track Field.

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The Chenango County Health Department announced that Marcas Flindt has retired after 25 years as Public Health Director. Isaiah Sutton has been appointed the new Public Health Director by the Chenango County Board of Supervisors, Sutton has served in Chenango County since 2005, he was Environmental Health Director since 2011.

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School District will ask for voter approval of their budgets next Tuesday State Wide, with many also adding propositions for building projects or vehicle purchases, and also for Board of Education seats. Locally Bainbridge Guilford Superintendent Tim Ryan told WCDO News that they were able to keep the tax levy increase under the state cap:

(Tim Ryan 5-13-22)

Ryan said that the BG Budget totals $21.4 million dollars, voting will be from 12:00 Noon until 9:00 PM at Greenlawn Elementary & Guilford Elementary Schools on Tuesday.

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A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-13-22

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a 1 car property damage automobile accident on County Highway 14 in the Town of Franklin on May 5th. Deputies determined that the vehicle crossed over the dividing lines, entered into the oncoming lane of travel, struck guardrails, causing it to become disabled. 53-year-old Dorian Stewart of Unadilla was operating the vehicle with a suspended license and in an intoxicated state, she was charged with failure to keep right, aggravated unlicensed operation and operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs. Stewart was released on tickets returnable to the Town of Franklin Court at a later date

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The Greater Oneonta Historical Society will reopen the doors soon to the History Center at 183 Main Street in downtown Oneonta, after a 4 month closure for renovations, Director Marcela Micucci explains:

(Marcela Micucci 5-2-22)

The Grand Re-opening will be Tonight from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, they will unveil the Small Community, Big Ideas: Greater Oneonta exhibit, with interactive and digital features and a variety of previously unseen objects from Society’s archives, to register for the free event, go to eventbrite.com..

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Governor Kathy Hochul announced that she is appointing local Congressman Antonio Delgado as Lieutenant Governor of New York. Delgado would replace Brian Benjamin, who resigned following an arrest on federal fraud charges, Delgado is expected to be on the ballot with Hochul in the June Primary & on the November General Election ballot if she wins the Democratic Primary.

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Historic federal aid and better-than-expected revenues allowed for a steep increase in spending in the $220.5 billion enacted state budget, according to an analysis by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. While some of the new spending will be temporary, much of the year-over-year growth will be for new initiatives and more funding for existing programs. DiNapoli expressed concerns about the growth in capital spending and debt. He also cautioned that many provisions weaken essential oversight and protections, leaving public resources more vulnerable to misuse. The Full report can be found at osc.state.ny.us.

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Transportation Security Administration officers at Hancock Airport in Syracuse stopped an unidentified Chenango County man from Sherburne with a loaded handgun at the Airport security checkpoint Monday morning. The a 9mm caliber handgun was loaded with 6 bullets, A TSA officer spotted it on the X-ray machine as the man’s belongings were being screened, Syracuse Police responded and confiscated the weapon. The man told officials that he had placed the gun in his bag when he went hiking and forgot that he had his loaded gun with him, he was not charged.

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Village of Sidney Police Department concluded an investigation involving an adult sending inappropriate messages and/or indecent material to a minor under the age of 18. Police arrested 20 year old Jazmine Brown of Sidney for Disseminate indecent material to minors & Endangering the welfare of a child, Brown was arraigned in Village of Sidney Court where she was released on her own recognizance to appear back in court at a later date.

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The Unadilla Drive In will re-open for the season this Friday night under new ownership, Julie Miller and her family will be operating the Drive-in, she told WCDO News what their first features will be:

(Julie Miller 5-3-22)

Miller said that the Drive-In will be open on weekends through the end of the school year & may expand to more nights during the week in the summer months, they are also open to other groups looking to rent the facility, more details are available on their Facebook Page or by calling 369-2000.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 5-3-22

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of Round 12 of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative, which includes core capital grant and tax-credit funding to be combined with a wide range of programs from 10 state agencies that will provide funding for prospective projects. $150 million in grant funds from Empire State Development will be available to projects on a continuous basis, Applications are available at apps.cio.ny.gov & are due by July 29th.

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The Cullman Child Development Center in Sidney is holding a free event this Saturday to test area children’s hearing, Cullman Director Amy Williams explains:

(Amy Williams 5-3-22)

The screenings will be held this Saturday At the Cullman Center in Sidney from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM for those who register at cullmancenter.org, or at 563-7529.

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The Greater Oneonta Historical Society will reopen the doors soon to the History Center at 183 Main Street in downtown Oneonta, after a 4 month closure for renovations, Director Marcela Micucci explains:

(Marcela Micucci 5-2-22)

The Grand Re-opening will be on Friday Evening May 13th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, where the Society will unveil the Small Community, Big Ideas: Greater Oneonta exhibit, exploring the history of the town and city of Oneonta, with interactive and digital features and a variety of different, formerly unseen objects from Society’s archives, to register for the free event, go to eventbrite.com..

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A Flood Watch & a Wind Advisory has been issued by the National Weather service, local Meteorologist Rich Townsend told WCDO news what he sees in the forecast through tomorrow morning:

(Rich Townsend 2-17-22)

Local residents can check river & stream levels on the WCDO Website at wcdoonline.com/river.htm

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State Police, the Schenevus & Worcester Fire Department and Otsego County Emergency Services all responded to State Route 7 across from the Schenevus Central Schools on Wednesday afternoon, following the report of a car striking a tree. The driver, 30 year old Stephanie Robinson of Schenevus was airlifted by LifeNet to Albany Medical Center for serious injuries. She was the only person in the car, the crash remains under investigation.

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State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation responded to the scene of a fatal fire in Gilbertsville Monday Morning at 22 Maple Street. Members of the fire department located the resident of the home deceased inside, she has been identified as 64-year-old Lucinda Dubben, The investigation into the fire continues, State Police investigators said that foul play is not suspected.

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The State Cannabis Control Board today approved the filing of proposed Medical Cannabis Program regulations for public comment that will implement certain provisions of the state’s new Cannabis Law, today’s decision will shift the program from the State Health Department to the Office of Cannabis Management. The regulations allows for flexibility for pharmacists to provide their services remotely, Replaces a requirement that Registered Organizations maintain continuous video surveillance for 24 hours a day and Allows the Office of Cannabis Management to modify product testing requirements as necessary.

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The Greater Oneonta Historical Society received 2 grants recently, which are being used to renovate the museum in Downtown Oneonta, Executive Director Marcela Micucci told WCDO News how the grants are being used:

(Marcela Micucci 2-17-22)

Micucci said that they received a 2021 New York “SHARP” Action Grant and the Community Foundation of Otsego County Grant to help fund the fabrication of of the permanent exhibition, “Small Community, Big Ideas: Greater Oneonta”, more information about the Greater Oneonta Historical Society is available at oneontahistory.org. or on the Society’s Facebook and Instagram pages

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 2-17-22

During the Superbowl Weekend STOP – DWI campaign Troopers in Troop “C” removed 9 impaired drivers off the roadways. The enforcement initiative ran from Friday, February 11 through Monday, February 14. The STOP – DWI campaign is funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and utilizes increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints to deter, identify and arrest impaired drivers.

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Delaware County Public Health will be conducting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for people 12 and older today at 97 Main Street in Delhi. Pfizer 1st & 2nd doses will be available from 2:00 to 3:00 PM for walk-ins only. Pfizer boosters will be available from 2:00 to 3:00 PM for those who pre-registered at apps2.health.ny.gov; more information is available at Delaware County Public Health at 607-832-5200.

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