P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 2-2-22

A Winter Storm Watch will be effect starting later tonight, local Meteorologist Rich Townsend told WCDO News what he sees happening locally:

(Rich Townsend 2-2-22)

The Winter Storm Watch will be in effect starting at 1:00 AM Thursday through Friday Afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

———————————————–

At the meeting Tuesday night in Bainbridge, the General Clinton Canoe Regatta Committee approved of a big change in the schedule of the annual event, Chairman John Harmon explains:

(John Harmon 2-2-22)

Harmon said that the idea to shorten the Regatta had come up several times in the past, but it was never able to come to fruition until this year. This Year’s General Clinton Canoe regatta will be May 27th to the 29th.

——————————————–

The Oneonta Common Council unanimously approved a motion Tuesday, to submit an application for a SAFER grant to help with additional staffing for the Oneonta fire department, Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek comments:

(Mark Drnek 2-2-22)

Mayor Drnek said that if the grant is approved, the money would be used to hire up to 8 full-time firefighters, then the city would hold a civil service exam on March 19 for prospective firefighters, the application deadline is February 16.

—————————————————–

Republicans in both the state Senate & State Assembly are looking to repeal or dramatically change the Bail Reform legislation that passed during the Cuomo Administration 2 years ago. Assembly Republican Minority Leader Will Barclay said that the state’s own numbers show that the outcome has been opposite the desired effect:

(Assemblyman Will Barclay 2-2-22)

Locally Assemblyman Joe Angelino & State Senator Fred Akshar are among the few former law enforcement officers in the legislature, both have expresses a desire to be at the table when drafting a change in the Bail Reform laws during this session.

—————————————————

Tuesday’s COVID 19 testing numbers continue to show a decrease in the percentage of positive cases, according to the Governor’s office & The State Health Department. Over 177,000 New Yorkers were tested, with over 9300 positive cases, for a positivity rate of 5.25%. Patient Hospitalizations dropped sharply to 6628, ICU Patient numbers declined by 46 to 1094, Patients on ventilators decreased by 26 to 641, 136 deaths were reported in Hospitals & Nursing homes Tuesday.

——————————–

Otsego County Health Department reported 46 new COVID 19 cases Tuesday, with 4 hospitalized and 1 new death reported. The County’s 7 day positivity rate was just under 12%, there have been 9 deaths already this year & 104 since pandemic hit in Otsego County 2 years ago.

———————————————

The Sidney Police Department is now accepting applications for a full-time Police Officer position. This position is not currently open. We are looking for a qualified lateral transfer to fill an anticipated opening this spring. Anyone who meets the specified qualification is encouraged to apply. Applicants can contact Chief Eric Oliver for more information at 607 561-2301.

—————————————————

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 2-2-22

Oneonta Police have been investigating the contents of Tyler Lopresti-Castro’s Cell Phone as they try to recreate his final steps Thursday morning when he was found by City Employees at the Silas Avenue Bus garage. Oneonta Police are seeking assistance owners of surveillance cameras covering the center-city streets west of East Street, the Chestnut Street or River Street corridors, Winney Hill Road, Oneida Street, Route 205, State Highway 28 to County Highway 48, between midnight to 2:15 am. on January 27th. The public is encouraged to contact the Oneonta Police Department at (607) 432-1111.

————————————————

Stacie Haynes, Executive Director of the Susquehanna SPCA for Otsego County, has become Board President for The New York State Animal Protection Federation. The purpose of the Federation is to safeguard the well-being of all animals through legislative and policy initiatives in New York State. This organization also speaks on behalf of animal-related organizations while acting as a resource of information.

————————————————-

State Lawmakers released their proposed redistricting maps this week, the state will lose one seat in the House of Representatives based on population shifts in the 2020 census. Redistricting wound up back in the hands of the legislature, after the Independent Redistricting Commission failed to come up with a plan, which they were required to do based on the 2014 public referendum that took redistricting away from lawmakers. 22nd District Congresswoman Claudia Tenney announced that she will seek to win the new 23rd District.

————————————————-

The next meeting of the Sidney Chamber of Commerce will be held this Morning. The meeting will be held at Trackside Diner beginning at 8:00 AM, chamber members & Directors are urged to attend.

————————————————-