New York State has started mailing out homeowner tax rebate checks earlier than originally anticipated, to almost 3 million eligible homeowners. About $2.2 billion in one-time property tax rebates for low and middle-income homeowners are being sent, New Yorkers that are eligible will automatically receive a check by early July, more information is available at tax.ny.gov.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested 45-year-old Henry Stellato of Hamden, after Deputies were dispatched to a domestic dispute. Stellato is accused barricading himself inside & not allowing family members to leave the Hamden residence June 2nd, he was armed with a shotgun and made threats to law enforcement. Stellato put down the shotgun and exited the residence, he physically resisted being taken into custody, 1 Special Response Team member was cut by a razor blade Stellato had taped between his fingers. Stellato was charged with Menacing a Police Officer, Assault, 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon & 1 count of Obstructing Governmental Administration, he was arraigned & was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail.

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A Delaware County Health Survey is available for County Residents to fill out & submit, Heather Warner of Delaware County Public Health Explains:

(Heather Warner 5-23-22)

The Deadline to fill out the survey is this Friday, the link to the survey can be found at delawarecountypublichealth.com or the Delaware County Public Health Facebook Page.

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The SUNY Oneonta Alumni Association will host the annual Alumni Weekend This Friday through Sunday. This is the first in-person weekend since 2019, due to the pandemic, 500 alumni and friends have already registered. Activities include the Cans ‘n Clams Picnic, a nature hike, a Brooks’ Barbecue lunch, and a cornhole tournament, there will be awards ceremonies for the Athletic Hall of Fame, Alumni of Distinction, and the Alumni Association Annual Award winners. For more information email britney.liddell@oneonta.edu.

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State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced a follow up to an audit of the Village of Delhi. Auditors issued a report in January 2020 identifying areas of improvement related to disbursements, including payroll. In a follow-up review, auditors found the village has made progress in implementing a corrective action, with 2 out of the 3 recommendations fully implemented and the 3rd partially implemented.

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Governor Kathy Hochul issued a proclamation on Saturday, June 4 to schedule special elections to fill vacancies in the U.S. House of Representatives in the 19th & 23rd Districts. The special elections will be held Tuesday, August 23, on the same day as the New York Congressional Primaries. The 19th District was vacated when Antonio Delgado accepted the position of Lieutenant Governor, replacing Brian Benjamin who was arrested on federal corruption charges, the 23rd was vacated by the resignation of Tom Reed, who was accused of sexual harassment.

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A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-7-22

Broome County District Attorney’s office announced that 21 year old Brandon Carlson of Endwell pleaded guilty to vehicular assault, operating a motor vehicle while impaired causing injury, attempted criminal possession of stolen property, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle & driving while ability impaired by drugs. Carlson was arrested after he stole a pickup truck and led state police on a high-speed chase, Carlson struck another vehicle that resulted in serious physical injury to the other driver. Carlson was under the influence of methamphetamine at the time of the crash. Carlson is expected to be sentenced to 2 1.3 to 7 years on prison when sentenced in September.

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More than 80 people were displaced last weekend at a Norwich, after money from the Family Enrichment that paid for them to stay in a Super 8 motel, ran out. Many of the people have mental health issues, drug addictions or are registered sex offenders, The City of Norwich & Chenango County have a short-term housing plans for those displaced, a meeting of City officials was called over the weekend to finding other temporary options for those displaced.

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Governor Kathy Hochul today announced new measures for mandatory weekly COVID-19 testing for unvaccinated public and charter school employees, and to establish a vaccination requirement for all staff at state-regulated facilities and congregate settings. The state Health department reported over 95,000 COVID tests were conducted on Monday, with a positivity rate of just under 4%, patient hospitalizations were up to 2234, the number of ICU patients went up to 484, & the number of ventilators increased to 247, 22 new COVID deaths were reported.

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The Delaware County Landfill has been approved for a variance by the State DEC to expand & improve its viability for many decades; County Public works Commissioner Sue McIntyre told WCDO News how the plan will work:

(Sue McIntyre 8-31-21)

McIntyre said that the plan was about 8 years in the making, makes sure that the landfill has the latest double lined protection to prevent environmental issues, and should add 40 to 60 years of life at the existing landfills Walton site  

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Chenango County Public Health reported their 82nd death from the COVID 19 virus.  Officials reported 92 active cases, 24 of those are vaccinated.  They have 189 active quarantines, 5 are hospitalized, and 3622 have recovered out of 3872 total cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

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Delaware County Public Health announced that the State Health Department has authorized a 3rd COVID 19 Vaccine, but it will only be for people with specific issues, according to DCPH Spokesperson Heather Warner:

(Heather Warner 8-31-21)

Warner said that the people with those issues should take the Moderna 3rd shot if they have had the 2 previous Moderna vaccines, or the 3rd Pfizer shot if they have had the first 2 Pfizer shots.

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Counseling services have been set up at the Worcester Central School district, following the death of 7 year old Hunter Hornbeck Saturday.  Hornbeck was injured while riding an ATV Saturday in Decatur; he succumbed to his injuries after being airlifted to Albany Medical Center.

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A full day of events is scheduled today at the Friends of Recovery of Delaware & Otsego Counties, to coincide with International Overdose Awareness Day. Spokesman Kyle LaFever told WCDO News why it is important to have this commemoration:

(Kyle LaFever 8-31-21)

The Friends of Recovery of Delaware & Otsego Counties locations are 22 Elm Street in Oneonta or 84 Main Street in Delhi, more information is available at 267-4435 or friendsofrecoverydo.org

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Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that applications are now open for the next New York State Police Trooper Entrance Exam. The exam will be administered from January through April of 2022, & will be given online at authorized testing centers for the first time in State Police history, part of an effort to make the exam more accessible to the general public. More information is available at joinstatepolice.ny.gov.

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Tonight’s series opener with The Binghamton Rumble Ponies & Richmond at Mirabito Stadium has been postponed to allow for additional testing and contract tracing of members of the Binghamton Rumble Ponies Organization. The Rumble Ponies are adhering to Minor League Baseball’s health and safety protocols and will continue to practice caution and follow the guidance of medical experts. Further updates will be provided as soon as they are available.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 8-31-21

The New York State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment will meet today at 10:30 A.M., in Albany and New York City; the meeting will be online at dps.ny.gov.  The Siting Board agenda includes Application of Bluestone Wind, LLC for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need for the Construction of the Bluestone Wind Farm Project in the Towns of Windsor and Sanford.

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State Supreme Court Judge Scott DelConte ruled today that the Board of Elections for all 8 counties in the 22nd Congressional District must fix their errors in the ballot counting process.  Justice DelConte said that the Board of Elections must ensure there are no more misplaced ballots, that all challenged ballots noted as challenged and all previously uncounted ballots must be counted, if those 3 items are not finished, a recount may be ordered.  Vote counts had both Anthony Brinidisi & Claudia Tenney leading by about a dozen votes at various times, after more than 28,000 ballots were counted.  

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Chenango County Public Health continues to see an increase in COVID 19 cases locally, with 15 more positives reported Monday.  Chenango County is up to 89 Active Cases, 6 are hospitalized & 430 are quarantined.  Chenango County had had 739 Total Cases with 632 recoveries 13 deaths and over 47,800 tests have been conducted.

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All of the local Counties have seen an increase in COVID 19 cases since the beginning of November, with more increases expected due to continuing Holliday gatherings, Heather Warner of Delaware County Public Health told WCDO news that we could see New York on Pause again if people continue to ignore guidance:

(Heather Warner 12-8-20)

Governor Cuomo has Hospitals will be Mandated to Expand Capacity by 25%, Regions to Be Designated as Red Zones if Hospital Capacity Is Projected to Become Critical, New York State is Asking Retired Doctors and Nurses to Return to Service & Indoor Dining could be Reduced to 25% in the upstate counties if a Region’s Hospitalizations Do Not Stabilize in Next few Days.

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Joe Angelino is getting ready to begin his 1st term as an Assemblyman, replacing Cliff Crouch, who is retiring after 25 years in the Assembly; Angelino told WCDO News that he has been to Albany recently to start the orientation:

(Angelino 12-8-20)

Angelino said that he also met with a dozen other new Assembly representatives at the Orientation, no decision have been firmed up with regards to starting a legislative session without have over 150 people meeting in 1 place, which contradicts CDC & State guidelines for COVID 19.

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Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond said that he continues to receive phone calls regarding a grandparent scam, where someone calls an unsuspecting grandparent pretending to be a grandchild in trouble, or a law enforcement official who has arrested a grandchild.  Sheriff DuMond told WCDO News that unfortunately, the caller sounds realistic:

(DuMond 12-8-20)

Sheriff DuMond said that people can report any fraud targeting older people to the Federal Trade Commission online or at 877-382-4357.

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Speculation continues to swirl regarding the future of Acco Brands in Sidney, as employment has continues to decrease over the last several years, Julie McEwan is in Media Relations in Acco’s Illinois headquarters, and she told WCDO News that nothing has been decided yet:

(Julie McEwan 12-8-20)

McEwan said that the company typically employs up to 500 people at their Sidney facility.

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State Police arrested 27 year old Brittany Cochran of Binghamton for felony Possession of a Forged Instrument; she is accused of trying to purchase a vehicle from a private seller using counterfeit money.  State Police also arrested 36 year old Hahseem McQueen of Binghamton for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, in connection with the case, both were transported to Broome County Central Arraignment and Processing after their arrests.

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Raymond Corporation’s Sales and Service Centers raised a total of $11,700 for breast cancer awareness during the 7th annual Pink Pallet Jack Project online auction.  3 Raymond powered pallet jacks were auctioned off on eBay between October 19th & the 29th, with all the proceeds split evenly between the 3 organizations,  Winning bids were accepted from 3 transportation companies, with their donations going to assist patients recovering from breast cancer treatments, both physically and financially.

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 12-8-20

Otsego County Department of Health reported 22 new cases of COVID 19 Monday; there has been a cluster of 12 cases associated with the Cooperstown American Legion.  Otsego County reports 1440 total confirmed cases, 127 active cases, 14 hospitalized, there have been 8 deaths since March.

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Delaware County Public Health announced that they had 8 news COVID cases Monday, with 87 active cases 5 hospitalized & 254 are quarantined, they are up to 446 total cases with 350 recoveries & 9 deaths.

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Governor Cuomo announced that New York State will receive an initial delivery of COVID-19 vaccine doses for 170,000 New Yorkers; they should start arriving on December 15. Governor Cuomo said that it could be difficult to get enough vaccines, and over time it could be difficult to get people to want to get the vaccine, which is why they will have their own state panel check out the FDA approvals:

(Cuomo 12-3-30)

Governor Cuomo said that the State expects additional allocations of vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna later this month.

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State & Local Health Departments are seeing a rapid increase in COVID 19 cases in the last month, with a state wide increase in Hospitalizations of about 350% since November 1st.  Heather Warner of Delaware County Public Health told WCDO news of the latest trends that they are finding with COVID 19 positive cases:

(Heather Warner 12-3-20)

Warner said that people need to remember to wash their hands, wear their facemasks correctly, socially distance by 6 feet and avoid large gatherings or event get together with a small number of people in one residence or location.

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Chenango County Public Health announced their 11th death from the COVID 19 virus today.  They report 51 active cases, 4 hospitalizations, 268 are quarantined & they are up to 652 cases since the Spring with 588 recoveries.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched Wednesday morning to a tractor trailer rollover on County Highway 16 in the Town of Delhi.  Deputies located a pick-up truck and flatbed trailer  carrying a farm tractor that had overturned while navigating a sharp curve, the driver 76 year old Donald Hebbard of Franklin, was not injured,  diesel fuel was spilled from the farm tractor & the DEC Spill Team responded to the scene for evaluation and clean-up.  Hebbard was issued a ticket for speed not reasonable and prudent.

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The 24th Annual Delaware County Clean Sweep days begin tomorrow & continue on Saturday.  Farms, businesses & local governments will bring their hazardous materials for collection Friday at their designated times, households that have registered will bring their hazardous items Saturday.

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the Chenango county historical Society will hold their “Parade of Trees” event differently this year due to the pandemic, Executive Director Jessica Moquin explains:

(Jessica Moquin 12-3-20)

Charitable organizations can still participate by contacting the Chenango Historical Association tomorrow at 334-9227 or by email to Operations@ChenangoHistorical.org.

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Hospice Chenango is holding their annual “Light Up A Life” event virtually this year, organizer Inda Gillette explains:

(Inda Gillette 12-3-20)

Gillette said that the sale of ornaments can be purchased through tomorrow; more information is available at 334-3556.

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Bidding ends tomorrow on the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce Holiday Wreaths fundraiser, Chamber spokesperson June White explains:

(June White 12-3-20)

The highest bidders on each of the 22 wreaths will be notified, and the wreaths will be distributed at Bob’s Diner in Bainbridge.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-3-20

Otsego County Department of Health reported 16 new COVID cases reported Wednesday, they report 91 active cases, 11 are hospitalized, they’ve had 1340 total confirmed cases with 8 deaths, and 766 cases are linked to SUNY Oneonta & 71 confirmed cases linked to Hartwick College.

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Delaware County Public Health announced that they had 8 more new cases of COVID Wednesday, they have 76 active cases, 4 are hospitalized, & 255 are quarantined.  Delaware County has had 389 total cases, with 304 recoveries and 9 deaths.

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The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce & Delaware Opportunities have teamed up for the annual Toys for Tots campaign, Area drop off points include Delhi Telephone Company, Arc of Delaware County, Beaver Mountain Log Homes in Deposit, Mirabito Energy Products on Steiner Road in Sidney & the Sidney Airport.  The campaign runs through tomorrow when Chamber staff will pick up the toys from member businesses, more information is available at 746-1600.

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Broome County Health Department reported 3 more deaths from COVID 19 Wednesday, they have had 134 deaths since March; they’ve had 5395 cases so far, with 4693 recoveries and over 4000 are being monitored by the department.

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Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 64 year old John Brussell of Oxford for aggravated unlicensed operation. After conducting a traffic stop on State Highway 12 in the Town of Oxford, Brussell is accused of operating a motor vehicle without a valid New York State driver’s license. Brussell was released on an appearance ticket and is to return to the Town of Oxford Court on a later date.

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(Cuomo 3-26-20)

Cuomo said that the added problem is that the normal usage for ventilators by patients is 3 days, but for Corona Virus patients it has been 11 to 13 days.  The current amount of Coronavirus cases in New York State is 37,258, with 385 deaths, over 5300 are hospitalized, just under 1300 are in an ICU bed, & 1517 patients have been discharged.

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The State Budget is due in a few days, with the numbers expected to be drastically lowered following the blow to the economy from the coronavirus.  Governor Cuomo said that the state started out with a 7 billion dollar deficit in the next budget, the coronavirus added between 10 to 15 billion dollars to that total, the federal stimulus money gives the state only 5 billion dollars.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies and Delhi Fire Department and Emergency Squad responded Monday Evening to a reported tractor-trailer accident at the intersection of County Highway 2 and East Terry Clove Road in the Town of Delhi. 35 year-old David Stanton of Oneonta was the operator of the tractor trailer loaded with logs; it jack-knifed on the slush covered roadway and partially rolled onto its side as Stanton attempted a left turn.  Stanton was not injured in the accident, but the highway remained closed for several hours for the cleanup.  

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Governor Cuomo announced that a mental health hotline is available to New Yorkers who need it. We can’t underestimate the impact this pandemic is having on mental health. I’m proud that over 6,000 mental health professionals have volunteered their time to help with New York’s Coronavirus response. For free emotional support, consultation and referral to a provider, call 1-844-863-9314.

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Binghamton Police arrested 34 year old Lucas Pruitt of Binghamton in connection with 2 recent armed robberies.  Pruitt was charged with 2 counts of 2nd degree robbery for the march 9th robbery at the Kwik Fill at 263 Main Street, and the March 15th robbery at the Speedway at 63 Main Street.  Pruitt is being held in the city lockup pending arraignment.

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The State Division of Consumer Protection is alerting consumers about scammers taking advantage of the novel coronavirus. Scammers are using techniques such as falsely claiming to be online sellers of popular goods; setting up fake charities; sending fake emails and texts that contain harmful links designed to steal your personal information and using robocalls to pitch coronavirus treatments and work at home schemes.  More information is available at 800-697-1220, or dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection.

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Delaware County Public Health announced that the current total of laboratory confirmed positive COVID-19 cases received in Delaware County is 5, excluding the 3 cases transferred to the county where the individuals are actually residing. Public Health SpokespersonHeather Warner told WCDO News that while these numbers may seem low, there is still a threat to all who do not practice handwashing, social distancing and the other suggestions by health officials:

(Heather Warner 3-26-20)

Warner said that there are 2 cases that are recovering at home here in Delaware County, 3 cases are isolated and receiving medical care in a hospital.  There are 8 people under mandatory quarantine and 5 people under precautionary quarantine. 

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The Otsego County Department of Health is investigating two more lab confirmed cases of COVID 19. One case is a close contact to a confirmed case and one was tested out of county. The investigations are ongoing and all contacts are being notified and quarantined. The number of lab confirmed cases is 4.

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A list of Delaware County food pantries is available online, that are served by Delaware Opportunities. The list is available at delawareopportunities.org/homeless-assistance

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State Police and the Otsego County Sheriff’s Department were dispatched to a report of a pedestrian struck by a tractor trailer with a dump trailer Wednesday at approximately 1:44 p.m., on County Road 22 in Schuyler Lake.    An initial investigation reveals that the tractor trailer with the dump trailer was traveling on County Road 22 when 47 year old Clarence Travis of Exeter stepped into the path & was struck.  Travis was taken to a Utica Hospital & succumbed to his injuries, the driver of the tractor trailer was not injured, and the incident remains under investigation.  

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The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to New York small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus.   Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela or call (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov

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Congressman Anthony Brindisi will host his 2nd Coronavirus Telephone Town Hall this afternoon, where he will be joined by Local Health Care Experts & Officials to Field Questions Regarding Global Pandemic.  Brindisi’s Telephone town hall will begin at 3:30 this afternoon, constituents are advised to RSVP at Brindisi.House.gov/live to receive a call, or they can call 855-614-0159, the call will be streamed at Brindisi.house.gov/live.

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The Chenango County Department of Public Works announced that their Brisben and North Norwich Facilities are both closed until further notice.  The Landfill in the Town of Pharsalia is Open Monday through Friday from 8AM to 4PM to Residents and haulers.  Saturday the landfill will be open from 8AM to 4PM for residential bagged garbage only, more information is available at 337-1792

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The Sidney Town Clerk’s office announced that they will be closed to the public next week due to the ongoing COVID-19 concerns.  Town Clerk Sheila Paul announced that all payments, dog licenses, handicap placard applications, and any other services needed from the Town Clerk’s Office may be sent by mail or left in the drop box at the Town Office at 44 Grand Street.  More information is available at 561-2334, 237-6394 or by Email: Clerk@townofsidney.com

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Delaware County Public Health confirmed 1 case of the Coronavirus or COVID-19 in the County, Public Health Spokesperson Heather Warner explains:

(Heather Warner 3-13-20)

Warner said that they are not at liberty to disclose the location of the patient at this time, more information about the Coronavirus is available at Delaware county public health.com.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an on-line computer repair scam that led to significant financial loss to an elderly local resident.  Investigators were contacted by The Delaware National Bank of Delhi, the customer had fallen victim twice to an on-line Pop-Up scam and lost thousands of dollars, the victim was stopped from further issues by an alert UPS employee. The investigation is on-going by Delaware County Sheriff’s Investigators and San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.  Sheriff DuMond reminds the public that they should contact the Sheriff’s Office or local law enforcement if they may be the target of a scam or identity theft.  On-line complaint forms are available through the State Attorney General, ag.ny.gov; the Federal Trade Commission, consumer.ftc.gov; and the FBI at ic3.gov. 

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Officials with Quest Diagnostics announced that the AMBA Blood Clinic will continue as planned tomorrow morning at the Sidney Elks Lodge.  The event will run from 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM, officials said that just over 80 people have made appointments, spread out over the 3 1/2 hours, which falls within the parameters set by the State Health Department Thursday.

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State Police will increase patrols to combat drunk, impaired and reckless driving as St. Patrick’s Day celebrations get underway this weekend. This enforcement detail begins today and runs through next Wednesday.  Drivers can expect to encounter additional DWI patrols and a number of sobriety checkpoints during the enforcement period. State Police will also be ticketing districted drivers who are using handheld electronic devices, and will also conduct underage drinking and unlawful sales to minor’s details during the campaign.  The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee & the State STOP-DWI Foundation suggest that people download the “Have a Plan” mobile app, to locate and call a taxi service and program a designated driver list.

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The Community Foundation for South Central New York has released a survey to assess the COVID-19-related needs of local non-profits and the individuals and communities they serve.   The survey will provide information on critical operating and programming issues that are anticipated as the COVID-19 situation progresses locally, it is located at donorswhocare.org.

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The Chenango County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution to implement a 4% occupancy “Bed” tax in Chenango County. The new Law will provide a dedicated funding stream to promote and develop the tourism industry in Chenango County and to reduce pressure on the property tax levy.  Chenango County has been one of just a few counties in New York State that had not previously collected a bed tax.   Tourism is New York’s 3rd largest industry, hosting 253 million visitors annually who spend 71.8 billion at NYS businesses creating 114.8 billion in economic impact.

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association announced that regional & state championships will be postponed indefinitely.  The impacted events include Ice Hockey, Bowling & the Boys & Girls Basketball regional & State Championships.  Officials announced the postponements were due to the reports of the Corona Virus outbreaks across the state, to insure the safety & health of the student athletes.

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The St. Baldrick’s Foundation will host head-shaving events tomorrow at the American Legion in Norwich, where over 30 volunteers will shave their heads to raise money for childhood cancer research.   The Norwich St. Baldrick’s event routinely raises over $30,000 a year, their event starts at 6:00 PM, it is free and open to the public, more information is available at stbaldricks.org/events/Norwich

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The Sidney Chamber of Commerce has decided to cancel the 3rd Annual Sidney- Irish for a Day Parade Saturday, due to health concerns related to the coronavirus.

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The Sidney Rotary Club announced that they are cancelling their Pancake Breakfast Saturday.  The event is being cancelled due to the Coronavirus concerns.

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The American Hockey League announced the suspension of play until further notice due to the COVID-19 health and safety concerns of players, officials, staff and fans.  The Binghamton Devils will post pertinent ticketing information to social media, as well as send email updates directly to season ticket members, sponsors and group buyers. More information is available at the Binghamton Devils Front Office at 722-7367.

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