OTSEGO COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE AGING – WCDO Radio News

WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 3-25-20

wcdonews — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 18:51:34 +0000

Governor Cuomo announced today that the number of Coronavirus cases is approaching 30,000, with about 5,000 new cases in the last 24 hours. The biggest pressing need is thousands of ventilators into the hospitals to be up & running in the next 3 weeks:

(Cuomo 3-25-20)

Governor Cuomo said that 40,000 retired or inactive Healthcare professionals have sign up to help and 6,175 Mental Health Care professionals are volunteering their services free of charge to those affected by the virus.

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Broome County Executive Jason Garnar announced that a 2nd person has died from the coronavirus in Broome County. The deceased was a woman in her 90’s; she died Tuesday morning at Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton. Broome County has 9 positive tests for the Coronavirus, county the 2 deceased people.

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The Otsego County Public Health Department announced the 2nd confirmed case of the coronavirus in the county. The individual is hospitalized within the County all close contacts have been identified & contacted; they have been quarantined and are being closely monitored.

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Bassett Healthcare Network reported that many offers from individuals and community groups have come in to sew protective fabric masks for health care staff responding to COVID-19. There is a severe shortage of standard facemasks due to the demand created by the pandemic; the handmade fabric masks will be disinfected and able to be used repeatedly throughout this pandemic, more information is available at 547-3928 or 1-800-BASSETT.

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Otsego County Office for the Aging announced that they are able to offer assistance to seniors who have been isolated do the Coronavirus. The Agency can deliver Meals to their homes; make well check calls do grocery shopping and prescription pick up & delivery. More information is available at 547-4232 or 432-9041.

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Governor Cuomo announced yesterday that the state was working on a way to get 1 ventilator to work on 2 people simultaneously, as they expect to need up to 40,000 ICU Beds with ventilators within the next 2 to 3 weeks.

(Cuomo 3-24-20)

Cuomo said that the state had double the amount of Coronavirus cases in the 3 previous days, they expect to peak in 2 to 3 weeks before starting to see a decline in the number of cases.

Delaware County Public Health announced that there are a total of 4 laboratory confirmed positive COVID-19 cases, which excludes the case that was transferred to New York City. Public Health received 2 positive reports Tuesday, 3 cases are recovering safely while isolating at home in Delaware County, and 1 case is currently isolated and receiving medical care in a hospital. There are 6 people under mandatory quarantine and 1 person under precautionary quarantine. There have been 77 people tested; 19 with tests pending; and 53 negative results.

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Sidney Central School District announced that today from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, they will be distributing educational materials to students in grades 1st, 2nd, and 4-12th. One of the district’s goals is to move towards educational material being accessible online, also today, 5th and 6th graders, that need a device, will be receiving a Chromebook, also from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, in front of the Jr./Sr. High School.

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A.O. Fox Hospital’s Tri Town Campus in Sidney will be the site of another Red Cross Blood Drive today, The Blood Drive will be held from 1:30 to 5:30 PM, Appointments must be made at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-red cross.

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The Delaware County Board of Supervisors meeting scheduled for Today in Delhi has been cancelled.

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WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 2-1-17

wcdonews — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 20:34:29 +0000

Chenango County Sheriff’s office reported that on Tuesday at 10:40 PM, the 911 Center received a report of a snowmobile accident on Quarry Road in the Town of Oxford. The investigation determined that the operator of the snowmobile, 54-year-old Michael Buchanan of Bainbridge lost control of the snowmobile; he struck a guide and was ejected. Buchanan was pronounced dead at the scene.
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Lawmakers will be under additional pressure to get a meaningful ethics reform package passed this year, after more lawmakers found themselves in legal trouble last year. State Senator Fred Akshar comments:

(Fred Akshar 2-1-17)

Currently, lawmakers are holding budget hearings, and are waiting for the Governor’s 30-Day Amendments to his Executive Budget Proposal.
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Delaware County Deputies investigated a 1-car personal injury auto accident on Arbor Hill Road in the Town of Delhi. 79-year-old Nicholas Mastrandera of Delhi lost control of his vehicle on the snow-covered roadway, the vehicle traveled sideways leaving the roadway and slid down an embankment and struck a tree. Mastrandera was unable to free himself from the vehicle; Deputies were assisted by the Delhi Fire Department and EMS with the extrications from the vehicle and transporting Mastrandera to O’Connor Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
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Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today announced a lawsuit against Charter Communications, and its subsidiary Spectrum/Time Warner Cable for allegedly conducting a deliberate scheme to defraud New Yorkers by promising Internet service that they knew they could not deliver. The complaint alleges that since January 2012 Spectrum-TWC’s marketing promised subscribers who signed up for its Internet service that they would get a “fast, reliable connection” to the Internet. The investigation showed that Internet speed measurements delivered to subscribers on Spectrum-TWC’s fastest speed plans only a third to a half of the download speeds than they had paid for.
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Otsego County Office for the Aging is seeking nominations of county residents 60 or older who deserve recognition for the volunteering efforts. Nominations will be accepted through February 13th, more information is available at 547-4232 or 432-9041.
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On Monday Morning at about 11:10 a.m., Chenango County 911 received a report of shots being fired in the area of Algerine Street, in the Town of Afton. Responding Troopers located a male subject suffering from a shotgun wound to his upper leg, he was transported to Wilson Hospital in Johnson City, where he was being treated for his non-life threatening injury. The circumstances of how this subject was injured is currently under investigation. The continuing investigation determined a burglary had occurred in the Town of Afton. After consultation with Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride, State Police arrested 34 year old James Fletcher of Greene, for 2nd degree Burglary. Fletcher was arraigned in Town of Afton Court and was remanded to the Chenango County jail on $50,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond. The investigation into this incident is ongoing, Anyone with information is requested to contact State Police at 561-7400.
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Chenango County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 2 car motor vehicle crash on State Route 12 in the Village of Greene. Deputies & Village of Greene Police reported that one vehicle was driven by 64 year old Danny Frayer of Oxford, when a 2nd vehicle operated by 33 year old Kyle Skidmore of Binghamton crossed the center line and was struck by Frayer’s vehicle. The passenger in Frayer’s vehicle, 54 year old Thomas Whittaker of Greene was pronounced dead at the scene. Frayer was transported to Wilson Hospital with minor injuries. Skidmore was transported to Wilson Hospital for treatment of serious internal injuries. Frayer and Skidmore were both wearing seat belts, Whittaker was not. The Sheriff’s Office has determined that Skidmore was operating at an unsafe speed for road conditions and failed to keep right.
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Governor Cuomo announced a statewide crackdown on impaired and reckless driving during Super Bowl weekend. The New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies will implement the campaign, which includes underage drinking enforcement, increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints to deter, identify, and arrest impaired drivers. The campaign will be promoted on various message boards on highways across the state, including the New York State Thruway, and runs from Saturday, February 4 until 4 a.m. Monday, February 6.
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WCDO NEWS THURSDAY 1-12-17

wcdonews — Thu, 12 Jan 2017 19:55:16 +0000

State Police reported that 14-year-old Gabriella Broad of Kirkwood has been located, and has returned to her family home, in good health. Broad was reported missing after being dropped off at the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City on January 7th.
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Oneonta Police arrested 43-year-old Kristopher Surdis at the Woodburne correctional facility for allegedly sending a suspicious powder to Oneonta Police in March of last year. The investigation began when a Police department employee opened an envelop with white powder, that turned out to be harmless. Surdis faces charges with placing a false bomb or hazardous substance and aggravated harassment.
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The Binghamton Rumble Ponies are getting ready for their inaugural season with the new team name, they will be holding a talent contest later this month for on field activities between innings. Team Spokesman Ed Saunders explains:

(Ed Saunders 1-12-17)

Saunders also said that construction is underway at Nyseg Stadium, for a 2.5 million dollar renovation, which includes a new party deck, as well as underground facilities for the players for training purposes. The season gets underway in April.
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Otsego County Office for the Aging is seeking nominations of county residents 60 or older who deserve recognition for the volunteering efforts. Nominations will be accepted through January 30th, more information is available at 547-4232 or 432-9041.
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Starting next month, appointments can be made by Chenango County Residents to get free tax preparation by the Volunteer Income tax Assistance at Cornell Cooperative extension in Norwich. Residents over 60, or those who meet certain income requirements are eligible. More information is available at 334-5841, extension 1 or 337-1770.
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After delivering his final regional State of the State in Albany, Governor Cuomo was on a state police helicopter traveling to New York City, at around 4:00 PM Wednesday. When the helicopter became filled with fumes & smelled like smoke, the pilot made an emergency landing at Stewart Airport. The Governor, 2 aides, security detail and the pilot were on board, No one was injured and the cause of the problems was being investigated and repaired.
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Governor Cuomo announced a 10-point proposal to advance strong ethics and good government reforms to rebuild the public’s trust and restore confidence in New York’s elected representatives. The reforms include a constitutional amendment limiting outside income and creating a full-time legislature; term limits for elected officials; campaign finance reforms; Subjecting local elected officials to financial disclosure requirements; creating new Inspectors General for the Port Authority and the State Education Department.
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WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 7-12-16

wcdonews — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 19:08:48 +0000

Amanda Hellman of Vestal was sentenced in Broome County Court to 10 years in state prison for her role in the kidnapping of Shaleen and Kylea Fortner in April of 2015, from their foster home. Both girls were found at Hellman’s residence in Vestal, their biological mother Cindy Fortner is accused of assisting Hellman with the kidnapping, she pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges & faces sentencing shortly.
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The Unatego Alumni Association will hold their 1st annual “All Class” alumni reunion this Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Association spokesperson Judy Pitel explains:

(Judy Pitel 7-12-16)

More information is available at 435-3053.
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Governor Cuomo today announced that $13.1 million has been awarded for 42 agricultural water quality conservation projects across the state, benefiting over 120 farms. The funding is provided to 25 County Soil and Water Conservation Districts through the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program, it supports projects that allow farmers to address water quality challenges in priority watersheds. The Southern Tier will see $810,551 for projects
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19th congressional district democratic party candidate Zephyr Teachout reported that in the second quarterly fundraising period that runs from April 1-June 30th, she received 69,704 contributions from 43,037 donors, at an average of $15.91, raising a total of $1,109,121.55 in that quarter. In total, Teachout raised $1,639,854.30 since she kicked off her campaign in January. The full filing will be publicly available on July 15th at www.fec.gov. Teachout faces Republican John Faso to replace Chris Gibson in the 19th Congressional district in the November General Election.
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State Senator Jim Seward is filing nearly 3,800 signatures on nominating petitions for re-election as state senator representing the 51st senatorial district. Seward once again filed for the Republican party nomination, the Independence party nod and the Conservative party designation. Seward also filed for the newly formed Reform party line. Seward was first elected to the state senate in 1986.
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The Otsego County Office for the Aging will be providing information & assistance for seniors, regarding Medicare, at their annual Senior Picnic on July 21st at Glimmerglass State Park. Tickets for the event will be available until Monday July 18th at 547-4232 or 855-547-4390.
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Norwich Police arrested 36 year old Gregory Huzinec of Norwich for 1st degree robbery, 2nd degree kidnapping, 1st degree burglary, & 2nd degree assault, for allegedly breaking into a Norwich residence on July 7th, forcibly stealing property, displaying a weapon, attacking a person, and causing injuries to a person. He was arraigned in the Norwich City Court & was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 Bond pending future court action today. Additional charges are pending.
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The State DOT will hold a public open house meeting today regarding plans to replace the bridge carrying State Route 12 over Bowman Creek and a proposed deck replacement for the bridge carrying State Route 12 over Fly Meadow Creek in the town of Oxford. The open house will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Oxford High School, 50 South Washington Avenue in the village of Oxford.
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Another Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats, and ferrets will be held this afternoon in Delaware County. The clinic will be held from 5:00 to 6:30 PM at the Colchester Highway Garage at 6292 River Road in Downsville.

WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 12-23-15

wcdonews — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 20:08:51 +0000

A Free Christmas Dinner will be served at the Sidney Fire Department Training Center on River Street on Christmas day. Area resident Gene Schmidt is organizing the dinner:

(Gene Schmidt 12-23-15)

The free Dinner is from 1:00 TO 4:00 PM. More Information is available by calling SCHMIDT AT 610-4030. .
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A Free Christmas Dinner is being offered at the River Club in Afton Christmas day, Spokesperson Nora Kelly explains:

(Nora Kelly 12-23-15)

More information is available at 639-3060.
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The Otsego county Sheriff’s department arrested 3 people on drug charges. 33-year-old Jason Foster of New Lisbon is accused of selling marijuana from the Oneonta Wal-Mart parking lot, while also working at the store. Foster was charged along with his wife Alice for felony possession of marijuana after 12 ounces of marijuana and 11 pot plants were seized from their home, along with a scale, rifles and equipment used to grow marijuana indoors and outdoors. 28-year-old Joseph Lukeman of Mount Vision was charged with evidence tampering and criminal possession of marijuana after he allegedly removed a quantity of marijuana from the Fosters’ home after the investigation began.
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According to a new Siena College poll, 67% of New Yorkers predict that Donald Trump will not be elected President. Only 7% thought it was “very likely” that the Republican presidential hopeful would win the White House. Among the Republicans questioned, 51% predicted that Trump’s would fail to get to the White House.
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The Otsego County office for the Aging is seeking nominations of County Residents 60 & older who deserve special recognition for their volunteering efforts. The deadline for the submission of the nomination is January 15th; more information is available at 547-4232 or 432-9041.
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State Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney is now the only candidate for the 22nd following the announcement that incumbent Congressman Richard Hanna would not seek re-election to another term in 2016. Tenney announced her decision to make another attempt at the Congressional seat after losing the republican primary in 2014.

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Governor Cuomo issued an Executive Order directing the Department of Corrections and the Office of Children and Family Services, to implement a plan to remove minors from adult prisons in the state. The plan will transfer all female youths and all medium and minimum security classified male youths from adult facilities to a juvenile facility. The facilities will provide specialized programs of treatment geared for younger offenders while also ensuring the safety of staff, inmates and the surrounding community.
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Delaware county Solid waste facilities will have limited hours during the upcoming Christmas & New Years holidays. Solid Waste Director Sue McIntyre explains:

(Sue McIntyre 12-23-15)

McIntyre said that the county recycling center currently takes plastics 1-7 with a market for each type of plastic.
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The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to donate blood, all blood types are needed, especially those with types AB, O, B negative and A negative. A blood Drive is being held today from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Guernsey Library in Norwich, appointments are requested through the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, at redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
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WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 7-3-15

wcdonews — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 18:33:59 +0000

State Police and local law enforcement will increase patrols to crack down on drivers who violate the law this Fourth of July weekend. Last year, State Police issued more than 10,200 vehicle and traffic tickets during the 4th of July weekend. Troopers arrested more than 180 people for DWI and responded to more than 650 accidents, two of which resulted in fatalities. During the enforcement, drivers can expect a number of sobriety checkpoints and DWI patrols. Law enforcement will also be looking for motorists who are using their phones and other electronic devices while behind the wheel. Drivers should also remember to “move over” for stopped emergency and hazard vehicles stopped on the side of the road when they travel New York roadways.
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“Fireworks Over The Fairgrounds” will be held on July 4th at the Chenango county fairgrounds in Norwich, Terry Potter of Millennia Entertainment comments:

(TERRY POTTER 7-3-15)

Tickets are available at Hummel’s in Norwich, Video Entertainment Plus in Sidney, The Artist’s Palette in Norwich & the New Berlin branch of NBT Bank, or at brownpapertickets.com.
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The First Night Oneonta committee will hold this year’s Oneonta July 4th Celebration. Activities actually begin tonight with “First Friday” activities, followed by a full slate of events Saturday, according to organizer Carol Mandigo:

(Carol Mandigo 7-3-15)

There will be a variety of vendors and activities set up around Neahwa Park Saturday for the July 4th celebration.

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Governor Cuomo directed the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Office of Emergency Management to enhance monitoring of celebrations and events on Saturday, July 4 in light of the recent terror warning issued by the FBI & the Department of Homeland Security. The Governor additionally urged New Yorkers to be alert and aware of any potential suspicious activity during the holiday weekend. Additional staff will operate the Emergency Operations Center and the New York State Watch Center, Reporting suspicious activity can be Performed By Citizens by calling the state Terrorism Tips Line at 1-866-SAFE-NYS.”
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The Otsego county office for the aging is conducting a needs assessment to help identify the needs of the elderly & their caregivers. A mailing is underway to a random sample of resident 50 & older; the information o0btained will be used to tailor the services for the county’s elderly for the next 4 years. The survey is also available on line at survey monkey.com/OFAOtsego. More information is available at 547-4232 or 547 4390.
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The Delaware County Department of Public Works announced that they will begin Oil & Stone operations in the northern towns of the county Monday. Work is scheduled on county routes 18, 5,6,1 & 2 in that order; work will then move south toe county routes 23, 35 & 44. The project is expected to last for 3 weeks motorists should reduce speed right after the completion of each road, and & to expect delays during the project.
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The 5th annual Sidney central school district summer camps will begin on Monday. A variety of interests will be covered through august 14th, and before & after camp care has been arranged with Cullman Day care.
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P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-9-14

wcdonews — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 18:20:38 +0000

The Otsego County Sheriffs department arrested 26-year-old Dale Thompson of Oneonta in connection with dozens of Burglaries. Detectives learned that Thompson traveled to Boston Massachusetts, New Hartford & Albany with stolen property, & that he was also arrested for burglaries in North & South Carolina. Investigators searched Thompson’s apartment, and recovered stolen property from a Hartwick burglary, he Thompson was charged with 2^nd degree burglary, grand larceny & criminal mischief. Investigators also accuse Thompson of forcibly breaking into several residences in Oneonta, Hartwick, Laurens and Pittsfield last month, taking thousands of dollars in coins & jewelry. Thompson was arraigned in Town of Oneonta court and was remanded to the Otsego county jail on $10,000 bail pending future court action.

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State Police arrested 28 year old Derek Johnson of Binghamton for Felony Aggravated DWI with BAC result of .21%, more than three times the legal limit, following a traffic law stop for speeding on State Route 7 in Conklin. The arrest became a felony because he had a prior conviction for DWI within the last 10 years. Johnson was issued tickets for town of Conklin Court September 18

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The AARP reports said many Baby Boomers plan to leave New York State as they retire and take a slice of the state’s economy with them. The survey shows 60% of working New Yorkers over 50 said they are likely to go elsewhere in retirement, taking an estimated $105 billion or more of annual spending. The statewide survey shows 40% worry about paying rent or mortgages, 56% are worried about paying property taxes, 51% worry about utility bills and most are looking for improvements in health care, housing, transportation and jobs for older residents.
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The State Gaming Facility Location Board continues to listen to proposals today before they determine where new casinos will be located in 3 upstate regions. The commission is listening to 16 presentations overall from developers for a second day today in Albany, the Board will soon decide which Developers will open casinos in the Capital Region, the Catskills/Hudson Valley region & the Southern tier, The board is expected to announce a decision by the end of this month.
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The state Health Department is confirming the first human cases of West Nile virus this season. Health officials said the virus was detected in five New York City residents, all over the age of 50. Three of the patients were hospitalized and have since been discharged. The other two cases did not require hospitalization. Most people infected with the mosquito-borne virus either show no symptoms or suffer a flu-like illness. A small number develop a serious illness that can lead to neurological damage. Protective measures against mosquitoes include eliminating standing water, using repellent, wearing long-sleeve shirts and pants and repairing doors and screens
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The Broadway Theater League is holding their annual “Test Drive Your Seat” event at the Forum Theater in Binghamton Wednesday, from 12:00 Noon to 6:00 PM. Tina Niles of NAC Entertainment told WCDO News what shows are coming:

(Tina Niles 9-9-14)

Season tickets are on sale, more information is available at 772-1391 or at BroadwayInBinghamton.com.

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OTSEGO COUNTY OFFICE FOR THE AGING, SAID A LIMITED SUPPLY FARMER’S MARKET COUPON BOOKS, ARE AVAILABLE FOR ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS THRU SEPTEMBER 30TH ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS. A QUALIFYING HOUSEHOLD MAY RECEIVE ONE BOOKLET WITH $20 WORTH OF COUPONS. THE COUPONS MAY BE USED THRU NOVEMBER 30TH AT LOCAL FARMER’S MARKETS TO PURCHASE FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES FROM PARTICIPATING VENDORS. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 432-9041

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