The Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council has awarded the City of Norwich a 10-Million-Dollar grant for the revitalization of downtown Norwich. Commerce Chenango President & CEO Kerri Green commented about the award on WCDO this morning:

(Kerri Green 12-9-21)

Green said that the area that will benefit is about 1 mile long and a quarter-mile wide and is in the existing Business Improvement District in Norwich, the Norwich Proposal can be viewed by going to ny.gov, click on downtown revitalization initiative, go to round 5 winners & scroll to Southern Tier & click on Norwich & then view DRI Application.

—————————————–

Otsego County Sheriff’s department arrested a County inmate Wednesday for assaulting a Corrections Officer and fleeing from custody during a Court appearance in the Town of New Lisbon yesterday afternoon. 27 year old John Clark was charged with Assault on Police Officer, 2nd degree Escape, 3rd degree Assault, Obstruction of Governmental Administration, Resisting Arrest & Harassment. Otsego County corrections officers were transporting Clark to a regularly scheduled court appearance when he fled from the custody of the corrections officers, a foot pursuit was initiated and a corrections officer attempted to take the defendant back in to custody. During a brief struggle, Clark caused the correction officer to sustain a hand fracture. Clark was returned back to the Otsego County Correctional Facility and will be processed at Otsego County Centralized Arraignment at a later time. The corrections officer was treated at Bassett Hospital and a return to work has not been established.

———————————————————————–

SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras will resign January 14th following criticism for his actions while serving as a top aide to former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Malatras was accused of sending disturbing text messages and emails regarding Lindsay Boylan, after she publicly accused Cuomo of sexual harassment, those messages were part of the investigation by Attorney General Letitia James into the former Governor’s actions.

—————————————-

Oxford Fire Fighters responded this morning to a structure fire at 16 Merchant Street at the corner of Greene Street in the village. The Fire was reported at around 7:30 AM, the building housed several apartments & all occupants were able to escape, some pets were not able to be saved, the cause of the fire is under investigation.

————————————————-

Bassett Healthcare Network announced today that in accordance with an executive order enacted by the New York State Department of Health on December 3, 2 of their hospitals; A.O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta & Little Falls Hospital, have been placed on a state-wide list of facilities that currently have occupancies of 90% or more. These facilities will limit non-essential elective procedures for the next 2 weeks.

————————————————-

The Delaware County Board of Supervisors has decided to name the Delaware County Department of Economic Development as the entity to promote tourism. Previously, tourism programs were run by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, through a contract with Blue Spark Creative Services of Delhi, Blue Spark is expected to continue its work through the Department of Economic Development.

A.M. News Thursday 12-9-21

Delaware County Public Health will hold a COVID 19 Vaccination Clinic at 97 Main Street in Delhi today. Johnson & Johnson vaccine-Walk-ins and Moderna 1st or 2nd shot Walk-ins will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, Moderna boosters require Pre-registration, they can get the boosters between 2:00 to 400 PM, register at apps2.health.ny.gov/doh2, for more information, call Delaware County Public Health at 607-832-520

———————————————————–

Cub Scout Pack 1 in Unadilla invites children from kindergarten through 5th grade to check out what Cub Scouting has to offer, today from 6:30 to 7:30 pm at the First Presbyterian Church, 156 Main Street Unadilla. For more information, call Rebecca Strauss at 607-644-3835.

————————————————————–

State Police have arrested 7 people linked to a crime spree across 4 local counties.  In July, State Police arrested Christopher Youngs of the town of Maryland & John Clark of Morris in connection with multiple burglaries in Otsego, Delaware, Chenango and Madison counties.  State Police Investigators have lodged additional charges against Youngs and Clark, & they have also arrested 32 year old Joseph Santiago of Burlington Flats, 32 year old Charles Hall of Edmeston, 23 year old Kayla Van Pelt of Edmeston, 59 year old Henry Schmidt of Garratsville, 56 year old Samuel Madero of Morris, All 7 have been linked to over 40 cases between the State Police, local Sheriff’s departments and local police departments.  More charges are likely as investigators continue to work through the open cases.

—————————————————–

The Spiedie Fest moves to the fall this year, with a full line up of musical acts at Otsiningo Park in Binghamton October 8th through the 10th, Organizer Dave Pessagno told WCDO News who they have lined up:

(Dave Pessagno 9-13-21)

Pessagno said that more acts will be announced in the coming weeks that will open for Country Artist Billy Currington on Saturday October 9th, all the updates will be posted at spiediefest.com.  Tickets are available at the Visions FCU Veterans Memorial Arena Mirabito Box Office, Ticketmaster, or the Johnson City Wegmans.

—————————————————————–

Chenango County Public Health announced their latest COVID 19 numbers today, with 83 Active Cases, 20 of them are vaccinated cases, 175 are Quarantined, there are 3 hospitalized, 2 of those are vaccinated.  Chenango County has had 4046 cases of COVID with over 3800 recoveries & 82 deaths.

———————————————————————–

Hartwick College President Margaret Drugovich announced her Plans to Retire Sometime next summer.  Drugovich has led Hartwick College for 13 years, she received national news coverage for her program for an accelerated 3 Year Degree program; plus the development of 6 new undergraduate majors, a graduate-level program in Translational Biomedical Research Management, and soon, its Master of Science in Nursing Education and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Nursing Education and the development of Hartwick’s Center for Craft Food & Beverage program. The College’s Board of Trustees has initiated a formal search to choose Hartwick’s 11th president.

———————————————————-

Otsego County businesses and residents affected by severe storms and flooding on July 16 to the 19th may apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration; the declaration includes Otsego County and the adjacent counties of Chenango, Delaware, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, Montgomery and Schoharie Counties. The SBA will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center on Tuesday, at 12:00 noon at the Morris Fire Department at 117 East Main Street in Morris, until 6:00 PM.  Additional hours will be Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM & on Saturday, September 18th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.  Representatives will be available through Friday September 24th.  More information is available at 800-659-2955 or by emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

—————————————–

State Police arrested 22 year old Jessica Winans of Unadilla for the felony Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle as well as Driving While Intoxicated, following an accident on September 6th.  Troopers were dispatched to a report of a vehicle that struck a tree on Plankenhorn Road in the town of Sidney.  Winans was the only person in the vehicle, she was transported to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City for the treatment of injuries to the face & ankle, and she was issued appearance tickets to the Sidney Town Court on September 23rd. 

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 9-13-21

On the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed legislation that would allow National Guard members to qualify as veterans under New York State law. Governor Hochul has also issued a Citation honoring members of the New York National Guard for their service during and after the events 9/11.  Over 6,700 New York State National Guard members were called to serve in response to and recovery from the attack on September 11th 2001.

————————————————————–

Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state’s progress combating COVID-19.  Over 179,000 Test Results were Reported Saturday, the positivity rate has stayed steady at about 3% with over 5400 Positives, Patient Hospitalization decreased by 47 to 2,367, ICU patients remained at 519, the number on Ventilators decreased by 9 to 267, there were 29 Deaths reported.

—————————————————————————

The State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that State Route 51 will be closed just north of Walters Road in the Town of New Lisbon, today through October 4th, for a culvert replacement.  Motorists should follow posted detours utilizing County Routes 12, 14 and 16. All properties along State Route 51 will remain accessible to local traffic between the diversions and the closure.  Up-to-date travel information is available by calling 511, visit 511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.

——————————————

Officials with the Delaware County Fair announced that their Secretary’s office and fair store was broken into and vandalized, Fair Spokesman Jason Craig comments:

(Jason Craig 7-13-21)

Craig said that the Fair Board of Directors is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved. The Walton Police Department is investigating and anyone with information can call them at 865-5400 or send us a Facebook message or email to delcofair@gmail.com.

——————————————————-

The Ron Palmer Memorial Scholarship Fund Annual Tribute and Reunion Fundraising Event will be taking place this Saturday at the Hidden Springs Brewhaus on County Road 31 in Norwich from 12:00 noon to 7:00pm.  Organizer & Local musician Bruce Beadle explains:

(Bruce Beadle 7-13-21)

Beadle said that Tickets are on sale for $15 each pre-sale at the Hidden Springs Brewhaus, The Blarney Stone Pub, Taylor’s Country House, Rita’s Tavern, the Norwich VFW and the Artist’s Palette, tickets will also be available at the gate for $20.  Beadle said that Palmer was a well-known local musician who toured & recorded With the Late Harry Chapin in the 70’s, more information about the scholarship or the fundraiser is available at 244-5481.

—————————————————–

Attorney Danielle Fogel of Onondaga County announced that she is running for Supreme Court Judge in New York’s 5th Judicial District as the Republican candidate.  Fogel’s announcement follows former Democratic Congressman Anthony Brindisi’s announcement that he will run for the seat.

————————————–

Vestal Police arrested 31 year old Zeke Wilmarth of Binghamton for Attempted Murder, following a stabbing on Garden Lane Sunday.  Police found the victim with multiple stab wounds & other injuries; she was taken to an area hospital and was in critical condition, the investigation is continuing, Wilmarth faces court action shortly.

——————————————

Governor Cuomo signed a bill today that would overturn an outdated law that was rarely enforced.  The bill will allow New Yorkers to get a haircut at a barbershop or salon on Sundays.

———————————————

Binghamton Mayor Richard David announced his intentions today to run for the 52nd District State Senate seat in 2022.  The State Senate Seat will be available next year after current State Senator Fred Akshar’s announced that he would run for Broome County Sheriff, instead of for re-election to the State Senate.

———————————————————–

Chenango County Public Health announced that a 2nd dose Pfizer clinic will be held today at the former Label Shopper Store in the South Plaza in Norwich.  The Clinic will run from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, more information is available at 337-1660. 

—————————————————–

A.M. NEWS TUESDAY 7-13-21

State Police are investigating multiple burglaries at seasonal residences in Chenango, Delaware and Otsego counties. 23 year old Christopher Youngs of the town of Maryland and 27 year old John Clark of Morris have been charged with 2nd degree Burglary and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property for burglaries in Otsego and Delaware counties.  Youngs was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $50,000 cash bail or $150,000 bond.  Clark was remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond.  The investigation is ongoing; anyone with information should contact State Police at Troop C in Sidney at 561-7400.

—————————————————————————

State Police arrested 33 year old Johnny Rivera of South Glens Falls for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, following an accident on Delaware County Road 4 in the Town of Sidney.  A trooper found an unoccupied Rent-A-Center Van that crashed into the guide rail, which had been reported stolen from Glens Falls, Rivera was walking away from the scene, he was taken to Tri-Town Hospital for the treatment of injuries then he was arraigned in Sidney Town Court & was released on his own recognizance and scheduled to reappear on July 22nd. 

———————————————————————————

Sidney Police Department arrested 66 year old Paul Ferron of  Sidney for Aggravated unlicensed operation in the 1st degree,  Aggravated DWI with a BAC .18 or greater, Driving while intoxicated, and several tickets for traffic infractions following a recent traffic stop.  Ferron was released on appearance tickets to appear in Village of Sidney Court at a later date.

——————————————————-

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded last Thursday to a reported violation of a temporary order of protection in East Branch, 51 year-old Thomas Newman  of Hancock is accused making written contact with the protected party & for allegedly swerving his vehicle towards the protected party, who was walking along State Highway 30.  Newman was charged with 2 counts of criminal contempt & 1 count of harassment, he was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on Cash Bail pending court action.

———————————————————-

——————————————————-

Governor Cuomo signed legislation protecting patients from excessive out-of-network hospital emergency charges. The new law requires health insurance companies to ensure that when enrollees receive care from a non-participating provider, the patient will not incur greater out-of-pocket costs than they would have incurred from a participating provider.  The bill also requires that hospital charges for emergency services are subject to an independent dispute resolution process that was established by New York’s Surprise Medical Bill law.  The law goes into effect immediately.

————————————————

Commerce Chenango will hold their annual Community Job Fair on November 13th at the Morrisville State College Norwich Campus from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.  Commerce Chenango is currently seeking exhibitors for the annual Job Fair. Last year over 20 businesses were on hand to meet community members seeking job opportunities.  Space is limited, registration is available at files.constantcontact.com

——————————————————

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office announced that 2 individuals were ticketed for passing stopped Sidney school buses last month.  30 year old Jasmine Gonzales of Sidney was ticketed for a September 19th incident, and 22 year old Lacey Speidell, of Unadilla, was ticketed for a September 24th incident.  Sheriff Craig DuMond stated that both incidents were reported by the school’s transportation director to the school resource officer, who serves with the sheriff’s office, after cameras on the buses captured images of the passing vehicles and license plates.

—————————————————–

State Police are searching John Clark of Oneonta for failing to appear in Town of Oneonta Court earlier this year.   Clark was taken into custody last May after troopers were dispatched to a domestic dispute at the Lantern Hill Trailer Park, where he is accused of punching a victim in the face.   Anyone who has information on Clark’s whereabouts should call State Police at 432-3211.

The Otsego County District Attorney’s office announced the names of the Juveniles allegedly involved in the murder of 53 year old Kenneth Robinson of Worcester last week.  15 year old Dylan Robinson, the victim’s son, has been charged with 2nd degree Murder & Robbery, along with 16 year old Alexander Borgreen & 15 year old Anais Soto, all of Oneonta.  16 year old Alexis Lotterman of Walton was charged with Robbery.  32 year old Nicolas Meridy was charged with murder & Robbery in connection with the Robinson Murder, he faces action in Worcester town court today.

—————————————————–

NYSEG continues to monitor storms across the state associated with a nor’easter expected to impact their service areas today.  High winds and heavy rain may cause service disruptions for customers. Storm readiness teams are ready for storm duty and have additional contract line and tree crews ready to help restore service in the areas predicted to experience the most significant impact.  Electrical outages can be reported to NYSEG at 800-572-1131.

———————————————————

Governor Cuomo today announced he signed legislation to close New York’s double jeopardy legal loophole that protects individuals who are pardoned by a President from being prosecuted at the state level for the same offense. This reform gives New York prosecutors discretion to pursue prosecution of criminal acts where they have jurisdiction.  The statutory change takes effect immediately.

——————————————————-

The New York State Office for the Aging reminds older New Yorkers that this year’s Medicare open enrollment period runs now through December 7th.  Medicare health and prescription drug plans can make changes each year to costs, coverage, and what providers and pharmacies are in their networks. More information is available at aging.ny.gov.

—————————————————-

The Chenango County Health Department will hold their next free Rabies vaccination clinic today in Oxford.  The clinic will be held at the Oxford Fire Station from 5:30 to 6:30 PM, for dogs, Cats & domesticated Ferrets, more information is available at 337-1673.

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