P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-7-26
State Department of Transportation announced that major construction is complete on the $4 million roundabout project at The intersection of James F. Lettis Highway, Main Street & Maple Street in downtown Oneonta. The $4 million project began in the summer of 2025 and was funded through the Department’s Highway Safety Improvement Program. It is the first of two projects in the City and Town of Oneonta, with a second project tentatively scheduled for the 2026 construction season to upgrade sidewalks and enhance the flow of traffic along State Routes 23 and 28 near the southern end of the Lettis Highway. In the coming weeks, some final touches will be added to the roundabout.
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The United Way of Mid-Rural New York’s Annual Campaign exceeded their goal of $562,900, Executive Director Elizabeth Monaco explains:
(Elizabeth Monaco 1-7-26)
The money raised will go to 41 local organizations & 11 initiatives in the 4 counties that the United Way of Mid Rural New York Covers.
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The Delaware County Tourism Advisory Board is now accepting applications for funding under the 2026 Tourism Promotion & Development Grant Program, for projects to attract visitors to Delaware County and enhance the overall tourism industry. The Applications Deadline is February 27, & should be mailed to Delaware County Department of Economic Development, 1 Courthouse Square, Suite 4 in Delhi, 13753. The Grant program is funded through revenues raised through the Delaware County Occupancy Tax, more information is available at dcecodev.com.
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Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled proposals to strengthen New York’s gun laws by cracking down on 3D-printed and illegal firearms. The new legislation would establish criminal penalties for the manufacture of 3D-printed firearms and order minimum safety standards for 3D printer manufacturers to block the production of firearms and firearm components. The legislation would also require gun manufacturers to design their pistols so they cannot be modified into illegal machine guns, and require police departments and sheriffs’ offices to report recoveries of all 3D printed guns to the state.
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The New Berlin Police Department & local firefighters responded to an accident on State Highway 23 near Sheff Road, where the vehicle caught on fire. The New Berlin Police Department reported that the road was closed in both directions following the accident, shortly before noon today, motorists were detoured around the site, more information will be released in the near future.
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A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-7-25
The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating a fatal crash that occurred Tuesday afternoon at approximately 1:45 pm., Troopers were dispatched to a two-vehicle collision on State Route 79 near Still Road in Harpursville. The preliminary investigation reveals that a 17-year-old male from Whitney Point was operating a pick-up truck when he collided with a Town of Colesville dump truck, The 17-year-old was transported to Wilson Hospital and was later pronounced deceased. The 20-year-old operator of the dump truck did not report any injuries. The investigation is on-going. More will be released when it is available.
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A former Broome-Tioga BOCES employee is facing charges after an investigation into inappropriate conduct with a BOCES student. On November 12, the Broome County Sheriff’s Office received a referral from the New York State Child Abuse Hotline regarding inappropriate conduct between a juvenile student and a member of the Broome-Tioga BOCES faculty. 51 year old Evan Thorson of Endicott was charged with Child Endangerment and Official Misconduct, a warrant & an Order of Protection was issued by the Town of Dickinson Court. Thorson turned himself in and was processed on Monday. Thorson was no longer employed by BroomeTioga BOCES.
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The State Department of Health has confirmed that the State’s childhood vaccination policies remain unchanged despite recent federal revisions to immunization recommendations. The Department confirmed that there will be no changes to vaccine access, insurance coverage or the federal Vaccines for Children program, which provides vaccines at no cost to eligible children. Health care providers in New York State are advised to continue their “evidence-based immunization practices.” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “There was no new science, safety data or discovery presented by the federal government.”
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Bassett’s FoxCare Center in Oneonta is hosting a blood drive with the American Red Cross today from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 pm. at the Conference Room 1 at FoxCare Center in Oneonta. Appointments are available by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, visiting www.redcrossblood.org, or using the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, walk-ins are also welcome
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