It will be a cold & breezy Holiday weekend throughout the Upstate region, local meteorologist Rich Townsend explains:

(Townsend 12-23-22)

Those who must be outside for any length of time should bundle up in layers, keep hands & faces covered up, in order to avoid the risk of frostbite or hypothermia.

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State Police arrested 51-year-old Lauren Brooks, of West Edmeston, following an investigation and subsequent indictment by the Steuben County Grand Jury, for contact he had with a minor child. The incidents of contact occurred while Brooks resided in the town of Corning from 2012-2016, he was arraigned for Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and 298 counts of Criminal Sexual Act, 90 counts of 2nd degree Rape and 28 counts of 3rd degree Rape. Brooks was remanded to the Steuben County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash bail $20,000 property bond. The investigation is continuing, and anyone who may have been a victim of Brooks and has not come forward, can contact the State Police at 607-962-3282.

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State lawmakers voted to give themselves a $32,000 pay raise in a special session Thursday, Local State Assemblyman Joe Angelino told WCDO News that this was not the way to go about getting a pay-raise for lawmakers:

(Angelino 12-23-22)

The plan if approved would make them the highest-paid state legislators in the nation at $140,000 annually. The plan still has to be approved by Governor Hochul.

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Broome County District Attorney’s office announced that 23-year-old Muhammad Aziz was sentenced to five years in New York State prison and five years post release supervision after pleading guilty to criminal possession of a weapon, back on June 15th, State Police executed a search warrant at Aziz’s residence in Johnson City, they seized cocaine and methamphetamine, along with an illegal and loaded .9 mm pistol. The DA’s Office also announced that 34-year-old Michael Perez was sentenced to two to four years in New York State prison after pleading guilty to attempted criminal possession of a weapon, back on November 5th, 2021, Perez assaulted and threatened a United Health Services Security Officer with a knife outside of a UHS medical facility in Binghamton.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 12-23-22

Governor Kathy Hochul today declared a State of Emergency for the entire State in advance of a significant winter weather. State Police advise motorists to drive only for emergency purposes Today & Tomorrow. The State DOT will be deploying heavy equipment to where it is needed, Emergency crews & Utility Company Crews are preparing for possible Power Outages.

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The Bandera Family & Community Alliance announced Free Christmas Dinners again this year for Binghamton & Norwich residents, and this year they are adding a free Christmas Dinner for the Oneonta Community, Bill Bandera told WCDO News about their plans this Christmas:

(Bill Bandera 12-6-22)

Bandera the meals will be served at the American Legion Halls in each community, in Norwich from 12:00 to 2:00 PM & in oneonta from 12:00 Noon until 3:00 PM, More information can be found at banderachristmas.

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Gene Schmidt & his family announced that they will again host a free Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day at the Sidney Fire Station on River Street:

(Gene Schmidt 12-14-22)

Schmidt said that this is the 10th year that he & his family have hosted this event, with the contributions from many area businesses & organizations.

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The Sidney Town Clerk’s office will be Closed Friday December 23rd and Monday December 26th for Christmas. The Office will reopen on Tuesday December 27th.

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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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Governor Cuomo announced 221 new cases of COVID-19 in New York, bringing the statewide total to 950, 1 New York City Department of Corrections officer has died from the Coronavirus, bring the state death count to 4.  The governor also announced a tri-state effort to curb the spread of the virus.  Cuomo, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont today announced that they will limit crowd capacity for social and recreational gatherings to 50 people, also restaurants and bars will close for on premise service and will have take-out and delivery services only, they also will be provided a waiver for carry-out alcohol.   The 3 governors will temporarily close movie theaters, gyms and casinos, all of these restrictions go into effect at 8:00 PM tonight.

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Bassett Healthcare announced that their network is gearing up to take on the Coronavirus issue, which is something that is larger than anything they have dealt with before according to Dr. William Streck:

(Dr. William Streck 3-16-20

Bassett Hospital has launched a hotline for people who have questions or concerns about Coronavirus.  The number is 547-5555; it will provide patients with up-to-date information 24/7 on the Coronavirus and tell patients what to do if they are concerned they are showing symptoms.

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State lawmakers are still in Albany this week, trying to wrap up the State budget early, Assemblyman Cliff Crouch Comments:

(Crouch 3-16-20)

2 members of the State Assembly, Helene Weinstein & Charles Barron, both of Brooklyn, have tested positive for the Coronavirus.  The state Capital will be closed to visitors & all legislative buildings will be vigorously cleaned.

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19th District Congressman Antonio Delgado announced today that he will have to close his offices in Washington DC and in his home district.  Public meeting & Town Halls will also be postponed.  More information is available at Delgado.house.gov.

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State Senator Fred Akshar announced that he is postponing his March 18th Town Hall Meeting in Vestal. Decisions will be made regarding other public meetings at a later date.

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The Town of Unadilla announced that they are closing the Town Hall until further notice due to the Coronavirus situation.  All court session are cancelled, any court payments can be made online, can be mailed or put in the drop box outside, Dog License & Handicapped applications can be mailed, the date for Dog Enumeration will be extended until the end of Aprils, and Tax payments may be mailed or put in the drop box. More information is available at 369-4922 or by email: unadillaclerk@stny.rr.com

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The Sidney Town Clerk’s office announced that they will be closed to the public for 2 weeks due to the ongoing COVID-19 concerns.  Town Clerk Sheila Paul announced that she will continue to work, 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.  More information is available at 561-2334, 237-6394 or by Email: Clerk@townofsidney.com

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The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum announced that they are closed to the public, in accordance with recommendations by the CDC to limit opportunities for large gatherings and the further spread of the COVID-19 virus. The Hall of Fame will provide updated information regarding this closure on each subsequent Sunday, at baseballhall.org and by social media channels.  As a precautionary measure due to the COVID-19 virus, our 2020 Hall of Fame Classic Weekend events have been canceled.

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The State DEC announced that the statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning begins today and runs through May 14th, as conditions for wildfires are heightened in springtime.  When temperatures are warmer and the past fall’s debris and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily and be further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation.  More information is available at dec.ny.gov.

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Governor Cuomo announced that the statewide total of coronavirus cases has increased to 729, and 3 deaths have been confirmed.  The deaths were an 88 year old woman in Brooklyn with emphysema, and a 65 year old man with many health problems & a 79 year old female with many serious illnesses.  Governor Cuomo said that they are working on a plan regarding schools; he said that closing all schools brings up other issues:

(Cuomo 3-16-20)

Cuomo said that they are working to increase testing for the Corona Virus rapidly, they are trying to convince more businesses to have employees work from home, and they are trying to increase hospital capabilities rapidly.

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Delaware County Officials have declared a State of Emergency effective through Monday April 13, 2020.  The order calls for the suspension of all classroom and extracurricular functions at all public schools, except for administrative and staff functions, the Order shall take effect Wednesday, March 18th & will remain in effect until April 14th.  Also, the Delaware County Office for the Aging Senior Meal sites and Senior Transit have stopped operations until April 14th.

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Chenango County Officials announced Sunday afternoon that they have issued a State of Emergency.   Chenango County Schools will be closed Monday, but staff must report. The state of Emergency will require all county schools to close from Wednesday, through April 14th.  Unadilla Valley & Oxford Academy announced that they will close Monday & will remain closed Tuesday & then through April 14th.

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The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office announced that due to the increased cases of the Coronavirus, all visitation and programs at the Delaware County Correctional Facility will be suspended until further notice. More information is available at 832-5607.

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All Otsego, Schoharie, Broome & Tioga County Schools will be closed starting today.  Many Delaware & Chenango County Schools will be closed today for students, but staff members must report, decisions on Tuesday for some of those schools have not been made, more information will be posted on each school’s website.

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Several Area Officials met Friday to decide how to handle the Coronavirus issue locally, Bainbridge Mayor Phil Wade comments:

(Phil Wade 3-16-20)

Wade said that those who would like to sign up for the Bainbridge, Sidney or Unadilla Email blasts known as Small Town Connects, should contact the village offices to sign up.

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