After 18 months into the COVID 19 pandemic, the public is asking questions regarding quarantine rules regarding the vaccinated & the unvaccinated, Isaiah Sutton of Chenango County Public Health explains:

(Isaiah Sutton 9-23-21)

Sutton said that the advice is consistent with the State Health Department & CDC Guidelines & they recommend that people follow the State health department guidance on all COVID-19 protocol.  Chenango County reports 140 active cases with 41% vaccinated, 339 are quarantined & 6 are hospitalized, 2 of those are vaccinated.

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The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for our region through late tonight; local Meteorologist Rich Townsend told WCDO News what he predicts regarding today’s predicted thunderstorms:

(Townsend 9-23-21)

Townsend said that the chance for Flash Flooding in the WCDO listening area is about 10% today & into tonight.

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The Otsego County Department of Health reported that a bat has test positive for Rabies on Wednesday in Oneonta.  Officials said that 1 person has started rabies post exposure treatment; more information about rabies is available by calling 547-4230.

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State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker has tendered his resignation to Governor Kathy Hochul today, and she has accepted the resignation.  Dr. Zucker has presided over the State Department of Health for almost 7 1/2 years; a search for his successor will begin shortly.

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The New York State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment will meet on Tuesday, September 28, at 10:30 A.M., in Albany. On the agenda for that meeting is the application of Bluestone Wind, LLC for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need for the Construction of their proposed Wind Farm Project in the Towns of Windsor and Sanford.  The meeting is available online at dps.ny.gov/Webcasts.

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U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, announced support of the bipartisan Senior Financial Empowerment Act, to protect seniors from fraud and targeted financial scams, and is urging the Federal Trade Commission to strengthen protections for seniors:

(Gillibrand 9-23-21)

Gillibrand said that Millions of seniors have been victims of financial scams and abuse every year, with a noticeable increase in those scams throughout the pandemic, in New York State alone, seniors are estimated to lose as much as $1.5 billion per year to financial fraud and abuse.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-23-21

Governor Kathy Hochul announced Ubiquity Solar will establish its U.S. solar photovoltaic manufacturing operations at the former IBM site in Endicott.  The company expects to repurpose 800,000 square-feet of space at the former campus, representing an approximately $61 million investment, Ubiquity Solar expects to create up to 150 highly skilled jobs, they expect to be fully operational at the Endicott campus by the end of 2022.

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Delaware County Public Health continues to see an increase in COVID 10 cases, with 29 new cases in the last 2 days for an 8.9% positivity rate, they have 196 active cases, 5 hospitalized and 383 quarantined.  50.1% of the total population is vaccinated, 73% of the positive cases are unvaccinated, and 27% of the positive cases are Pre-K-12th students/employees.

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The Sidney Chamber of Commerce announced that tonight’s Annual Recognition Dinner has been moved to Club 55 on Union Street, starting at 5:00 PM.  This year: The Citizen of the Year’s Award goes to Erin Insinga of Delaware Valley Humane Society; Business of the Years is East Main Lanes Organization of the Years goes to the Sidney Memorial Library & the Better Together award goes to Sidney School District Superintendent Eben Bullock.

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State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli identified 19 local governments this year that are in fiscal stress, including 6 counties, 4 cities, and 9 towns. The report is based on financial information of local governments operating on a calendar year basis from January 1st to December 31st, locally, only Broome County was listed as “susceptible to fiscal stress”.

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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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The New York State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment held a hearing this morning in Albany, regarding the Application of High Bridge Wind, LLC to Construct a Wind Powered Electric Generating Facility in the Town of Guilford, and the opposition to the project by  the Guilford Coalition of Non-Participating Residents.  The Board denied the Guilford Coalition’s petition for rehearing and request for a stay, and the proceedings will be continuing.

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Bassett Healthcare Network announced that COVID-19 vaccines are now available in Primary Care and Pediatric clinics across their health system, including at all regional health centers and School-Based Health Centers, by appointment.  Patients aged 12 and older in New York State are currently eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine. Those 18 and above are eligible to receive either Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccines. More information is available at bassett.org/locations.

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A new Siena Poll released on New Yorkers opinion of Governor Cuomo, shows that 23% said he should resign immediately, 39% say he should serve out his term but not seek re-election, and 33% say he should continue to serve and run for re-election.  35% said they would vote to re-elect Cuomo for another term, 56% would prefer someone else.  Voters approve of Cuomo’s handling of the pandemic, 51-32%, on managing vaccines 66-20%, keeping New Yorkers informed (60-27%), and reopening the state 54 to 33%.

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The State Assembly announced that a Committee will soon be issuing Subpoenas’ to come testify, whether Governor Cuomo sexually harassed women, or his response regarding nursing homes deaths during the COVID 19 pandemic response.

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The Broome County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a rollover crash This Morning on State Route 17 in Windsor.  The accident occurred around 3:00 this morning, Deputies found the vehicle, but not the driver, the investigation is continuing.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies assisted State Parole Officers recently with locating and arresting 40 year-old William McLean of Hobart on a Parole warrant issued by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.  McLean was found in possession of 6 different controlled substances at the time of his arrest and was charged with 6 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, he was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility to be held as a parole violator pending a future parole revocation hearing.   McLean was issued an appearance ticket to Town of Stamford Court on a later date to answer the drug possession charges.

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Delaware County will be presenting the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department Reform plans to the state before the April 1st deadline; Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond said he was pleased with the plan & some of the changes that will be made:

(DuMond 3-12-21)

Governor Cuomo ordered all law enforcement agencies to meet with the communities they serve & submit reform plans, following last year’s George Floyd incident in Minnesota that sparked nationwide outrage over Police tactics.

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The State DEC announced that the annual open burning ban will go into effect March 16th & run through May 14th this year.  The DEC reported that Open burning of household trash releases dangerous compounds including arsenic, carbon monoxide, benzene, formaldehyde, lead, & others into the air,  Open burning is also the single greatest cause of wildfires in New York.  More information is available at dec.ny.gov/chemical.

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The annual Norwich St. Baldrick’s head shaving fundraiser to fight childhood cancers will be a virtual event tomorrow live on Facebook.  Last year’s St. Baldrick’s event in Norwich was held last March just before the COVID statewide shutdown; they still raised $31,771 for childhood cancer research. More information is available at Stbaldricks.org/events/Norwich.

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Chenango County Public Health added 4 more COVID 19 cases today, bringing them up to 2531 since the pandemic started.  They report 11 hospitalized, 72 active cases with 212 quarantined, they have had 2303 recoveries & 63 deaths.

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Bob Brozozowski, who ran the Greater Oneonta Historical Society for almost 2 decades, has been chosen to lead the Friends of Oneonta Theatre group.  The group is looking to purchase, & renovate the theater at 47 Chestnut Street in Oneonta; more information is available at their Facebook page.

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Several Fire Companies responded to a fire at about 1:20 this morning for structure fire at the Hansman Mill on Water Street in Smithville Flats.  The Genegantslett, Greene, Brisben, McDonough,  fire Departments plus the Chenango County Bureau of Fire, NYSEG & the state DEC responded, the Building was a complete loss. The fire Is still under investigation by the Chenango County Bureau of Fire.

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The Otsego County Department of Health will be holding a vaccination clinic at the Meadows Office Complex in Cooperstown on Tuesday March 16th, the registration link is on the Otsego County Department of Health Website.  Registration is mandatory & the vaccine is available to anyone currently listed as eligible according to State Guidelines.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 3-12-21

Sidney Village Police responded to a domestic disturbance Thursday,  officers arrested 43 year old Anthony Fiorillo of Sidney for Criminal contempt, Menacing & Harassment.   Fiorillo was arraigned in the Village of Sidney Court & was remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $1000 cash bail or $2000 bond.

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Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 32 year old Aaron Wickham of Norwich Thursday afternoon for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, failing to comply, and several vehicle and traffic law violations. Detectives and Deputies attempted to stop Wickham’s motorcycle in Norwich, a chase took place from Norwich into the Village of Bainbridge, where Wickham lost control & was involved in a motor vehicle accident. Wickham was found to be in possession of 2 ounces of methamphetamine and more than a gram of fentanyl, he was scheduled to be processed last night.

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The State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment granted approval to High Bridge Wind to build and operate a 100 megawatt wind farm in the Town of Guilford. The facility will be located on 3,900 acres, The turbines will have a total tip height of between 655 to 671 feet and be connected to the bulk electric transmission system owned by NYSEG.  A 17-mile long electrical collection system corridor will also be set up.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a Town of Walton residence after a vehicle sustained extensive damage, a garage was forcefully entered and a fire had been set the night of January 23rd.  The victim’s vehicle was intentionally damaged by a 17-year-old female, the doors of a garage on the property were then kicked in by a second 17-year-old female, they entered the building and started a “bon fire”.  Deputies charged both teens with arson and criminal mischief,  both were issued appearance tickets for Delaware County Youth Court at a later date.

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Otsego Express announced that their Bus Route #1 will not be running again today.

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Delaware County Public Health reported 22 new COVID cases out of 287 tested Thursday, they reported 14 hospitalized, 185 quarantined & 133 active cases.  Delaware County Public Health has vaccinated 1,563 people.

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Chenango County Public Health announced their latest statistics regarding the Coronavirus pandemic.  They have had a total of 146 cases, with 134 recoveries, there are Currently 26 people Quarantined, there are no Active Hospitalizations, 6 deaths, they have conducted 10,803 tests.

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The Broome County Department of Health announced today that they are up to 680 cases of the Coronavirus, they report 51 deaths, 572 recoveries, 265 are being monitored by the Heath Department, they have conducted over 19,500 tests.

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The Board of Directors for the Delaware County Fair announced today, that the Annual County Fair in Walton is cancelled this year, spokesman Jason Craig explains:

(Jason Craig 6-30-20)

Craig said that they are going forward to plan for the 2021 Delaware County Fair in Walton in August of 2021.

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The New York State Department of Health announced that they have led a study on multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children associated with COVID-19.  The study describes 99 cases of the syndrome and concludes the emergence of the condition in the State followed widespread COVID-19 transmission and often is associated with cardiac dysfunction in children up to the age of 21.   Of the 99 patients 36 had a pre-existing condition, the most common being obesity, Of the 99, there were two fatalities, the syndrome is compared to Kawasaki disease, and more studies will be conducted.

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Former Delaware County Social Services Commissioner Dana Scuderi-Hunter has filed a lawsuit against the Delaware County Board of Supervisors, and Chairperson Tina Mole for wrongful dismissal.  Scuderi-Hunter was suspended in early 2019, & was fired at the end of the suspension.

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The Sidney Central School District will receive over $52,000 in grant money from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, for a farm to school program.  The district will expand their efforts to procure locally sourced produce & food products from area farms, for school lunches & breakfast programs.

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Delaware County DPW announced that the New York City owned road around the Cannonsville Reservoir will be closed from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM on July 7th & 8th for paving.  Motorists are asked to use alternate routes during the paving project.  The DPW also announced that oil & stone projects will begin on County roads in the northern part of the county starting on July 6th.

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Syracuse native & former area businessman Robert Raide died on June 18th in Canandaigua, he owned Raide Canvas Company in Syracuse & was the founder & Principal Owner of WCDO, which went on the air on May 8th 1982, until he sold it to the current ownership group that includes Craig Stevens, in 1986.  Raide was 76.

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The Village of Unadilla announced that the Village playground will be open from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM and 1:00 PM-5:00 PM. The playground equipment will be sanitized every day between 8-9 AM and 12:00-1:00 PM. This playground equipment will be closed during this time to allow the cleaner to dry.  Also, the Tennis Court is opened on 1 side at this time; they are working to open up both sides shortly. 

3 people have been arrested after the discovery of illegal fireworks in their vehicle.  On June 27th, State Police arrested 29 year old Leon Tryon and 25 year old Garett Lavalley, both of Wolcott, NY.  They were each charged with Unlawfully Dealing with Fireworks and Dangerous Fireworks.  A third person was charged with a violation level offense for Possessing a Firework or Dangerous Firework.   A trooper monitoring traffic on I-81 in Kirkwood observed Tyron make a vehicle and traffic infraction. A stop was initiated and an investigation led to the discovery of $900 worth of illegal fireworks.  All 3 were processed and issued appearance tickets to the town of Kirkwood court on July 15th.

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State Police arrested 35 year old Holly Cornell of Berkshire for Unlawfully Dealing with Fireworks and Dangerous Fireworks, after a trooper monitoring traffic on I-81 in the town of Kirkwood initiated a traffic stop after a traffic violation, troopers located over $2,000 worth of illegal fireworks in Cornell’s possession, she was released on appearance tickets to the town of Kirkwood court on July 7th.

The New York State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment will meet by a Webcast at 10:30 AM Today, which can be heard at dps.ny.gov/Webcasts.  The Siting Board agenda includes the Application of High Bridge Wind, LLC for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need Pursuant to Article 10 to construct a Wind Powered Electric Generating Facility in the Town of Guilford.

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Delaware County is reporting no new cases of COVID-19 and 1 additional recovery. The known active cases is now 0. To date there have been 82 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, 17 people are quarantined, 6 people have died and 76 have fully recovered.

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The Otsego County Department of Health has 1 New case of the Coronavirus, giving them 76 total confirmed cases, no one is hospitalized,  69 have recovered, there have been 5 deaths, 11 people are quarantined, 5,589 tests have been performed.

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State Senator Jen Metzger announced that her staff will hold a Mobile Office event on Tuesday, June 30th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in Delhi.  Appointments are required, they can be scheduled by emailing cordella@nysenate.gov More information is available by calling (845) 344-3311.

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A Red Cross Blood Drive is being held in Sidney today from 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM at the Sidney Fire Hall Training Center on River Street.  All Blood types are needed; appointments can be made by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

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The State Department of Transportation will host a virtual public hearing by videoconference with a phone-in option for the upcoming bridge replacement project in the Towns of Fenton and Barker in Broome County; and the Town of Greene in Chenango County.  The Hearing will be held today, at 5:00 pm at dot.ny.gov/NY79ChenangoRiverBridge 

(Cuomo Vent)

Governor Cuomo also stated again today, that Manufacturing businesses that would like to transition to the manufacture of much needed Health Care Supplies can do so with the help of New York State, they should call Empire State Development as soon as possible at 212-803-3100

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Governor Cuomo announced that State leaders managed to get a budget passed early this morning:

(Cuomo Budget)

The State Budget was wrapped up at around 3:00 this morning, local Assemblyman Cliff Crouch told WCDO News about this difficult budget in difficult times:

(Crouch 4-3-20)

State Budget Director Robert Mujica stated Thursday that they will have to go back & re-visit the budget parameters many times in the coming months depending on the length of the impact of the Coronavirus crisis on the economy.

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The Otsego County Department of Health announced that they now have 21 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus.  2 of those patients are hospitalized, 2 have fully recovered and are off isolation & there has been 1 death.  103 people on mandatory quarantine,  6 people on precautionary quarantine & 26 people have been released from quarantine.

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The Chenango County Health Department announced that they have 33 positive cases of the Corona Virus.  101 people are in Precautionary Quarantine, 218 are in Mandatory Quarantine.

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SUNY Broome officials announced today that they have donated personal protective equipment to help shortages at local healthcare facilities.   The campus has Nursing & Dental programs, and during the shutdown from tehe Coronavirus, they donated 8,000 gloves, 750 surgical masks, 100 N95 masks and 150 gowns.  Local residents who have similar items to donate can drop them off at the old Macy’s building in the Oakdale Mall Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

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The Binghamton Devils, Rochester Americans, Syracuse Crunch, and Utica Comets hockey teams announced today that they have joined forces for the New York Hockey Gives Blood initiative, which will take place on Friday, April 17 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  The teams have partnered with the American Red Cross and will convert a location in each team’s area into blood drives.  Appointments are requested at 1-800-Red-Cross or redcrossblood.org , or with the Blood Donor app, the Binghamton Devils Blood drive will be at the Christ Episcopal Church at 10 Henry Street in Binghamton,

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Broome County Executive Jason Garnar updated their Coronavirus numbers Friday afternoon.  They now have 52 confirmed cases, 9 are hospitalized, 32 are recovering at home, 7 have recovered, there are 4 deaths, 459 have been tested.

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The State budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year is wrapped up, State Budget Director Robert Mujica said that the state will lose 10 billion dollars in revenue between now & July 15th, due to the virtual shutdown of the state, and the push back of filing state taxes until July 15th, all due to the Coronavirus.  The budget shortfall is expected to be about 15 billion dollars in the new budget, the state does have some money in reserve to deal with it, the final budget will be revisited in the months ahead after the number of Coronavirus cases decreases to manageable levels & non-essential workers can go back to work & state tax revenues can be collected again.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Office has been investigating complaints of vandalism to an agricultural field in the Town of Hamden.   A vehicle was identified as a result of surveillance camera images, Deputies arrested 18 year-old Austin Moxham of Delhi with driving while ability impaired by drugs, failure to display a front license plate,  unlawful possession of marihuana & criminal mischief.   Moxham was issued appearance tickets for Town of Hamden Court on a later date. 

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The New York State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment will meet on April 9 at 10:30 AM to consider petitions for rehearing of the Siting Board’s December 2019 approval of Bluestone Wind, LLC’s application for Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need to build and operate a 124-megawatt wind facility with 27 wind turbines in the Towns of Windsor and Sanford.  The Siting Board determined that the facility met the statutory requirements for certification; the parties seeking rehearing are Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society, Broome County Concerned Residents and a resident of the Village of Johnson City.  The meeting will be conducted by teleconference at dps.ny.gov/Webcasts.

Delaware County has had its first death from the coronavirus; the deceased had been hospitalized with the disease and died Wednesday.  Delaware County has 20 positive cases so far, excluding 3 positive tests that were returned to their county of residence.  2 people have recovered, 10 are recovering at Home, 6 are hospitalized, 43 are in Mandatory Quarantine & 9 are in Precautionary Quarantine, 182 people have been tested.

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