WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 8-21-20

by wcdonews Posted on August 21, 2020

State Police at Oneonta arrested 22 year old Mia Lowry of Pembroke, North Carolina for Criminal possession of Firearm, Reckless Endangerment and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and 26 year old Christy Holden of Lumberton, North Carolina for Reckless Endangerment and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.  A trooper monitoring traffic on I-88 in the town of Otego initiated a traffic stop after observing a traffic infraction; the trooper approached the vehicle & detected an odor of marijuana & also observed a 1 1/2 month infant on the lap of the front seat passenger.  Lowry was driving the vehicle & was in possession of a loaded handgun.  Both were arraigned virtually, with Lowry remanded to the Otsego County Jail on $500 cash bail and Holden was released on her own recognizance.  Both are ordered to appear in the town of Otego court on September 17th.

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Governor Cuomo announced that law enforcement agencies throughout the state issued 21,428 tickets for speeding during Speed Awareness Week, which ran from August 6 through August 12.   During that time, officers also issued 30,273 tickets for other vehicle and traffic law violations, including 995 for impaired driving, 602 for distracted driving & 491 for violating the state’s “Move Over” law

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Governor Cuomo announced that the state administered almost 99,000 COVID tests Thursday with 709 positive tests, or .75% of all tested.  Hospitalizations dropped below 500 to 490 for the first time since Mid-March, ICU patients dropped slightly to 119, and the number of patients on ventilators dropped to 58.  There were 3 deaths attributed to the virus Thursday, the state death toll is 25,278.

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Commerce Chenango announced that Chenango County is in the process of updating its Hazard Mitigation Plan with Consultant Tetra Tech & input is needed.  The County has assembled a team to update the mitigation plan which addresses hazards that impact municipalities. The 15 minute survey is available at surveymonkey.com/r/ChenangoHMPCitizenSurvey.

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Chenango County Public Health added 1 more positive COVID 19 test Thursday, bringing their total number to 219 since March.  They have 98 people quarantined, 1 person is hospitalized, there have been 7 deaths, 200 recoveries & over 20,400 tests have been conducted.

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Broome County Health Department had 15 more positive COVID 19 cases over the last 2 days, bringing their total to 1139 since March.  There have been 75 deaths, 994 recoveries 505 are being monitored by the Health Department; they have conducted over 34,300 tests.

Governor Cuomo signed an executive order extending the state’s moratorium on COVID-related commercial evictions and foreclosures an additional month, until September 20th. This measure extends protections already in place for commercial tenants and mortgagors in recognition of the financial toll the pandemic has taken on business owners, including retail establishments and restaurants. 

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Catholic Charities at the Sidney Civic Center announced that the registration period for their free backpack & school Supplies promotion for Sidney Central School District Students ends today.  More information is available at 604-4071.

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In July 2020, the number of private sector jobs in New York State increased over the month by 244,200, or 3.6%, to 7,116,200, according to preliminary figures released today by the New York State Department of Labor. New York State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 15.6% to 15.9% in July.

 Otsego County Department of Health reported 1 new case of COVID 19 Today giving the County 117 total confirmed cases, 5 active cases with 1 hospitalized, 106 have recovered, and 33 people on quarantine for close contact to a case, 163 people on quarantine for traveling to a high risk state, there have been 6 deaths.

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Delaware County Public Health received 1 new positive test result for COVID-19 Thursday and no additional recoveries are being reported. The known active cases in the County as of today is 4, they are all isolated at home.  To date there have been 101 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Delaware County, with 26 people now under mandatory quarantine,  6 people have died and 91 have fully recovered.

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WCDO NEWS THURSDAY 8-20-20

by wcdonews Posted on August 20, 2020

Governor Cuomo today signed into law sweeping election reforms that will make it easier for New Yorkers to vote and be counted in November. The 3-part package includes new measures allowing absentee ballot applications to be submitted to the Board of Elections immediately, expanding the necessary protections to allow a voter to get an absentee ballot due to risk or fear of illness including COVID-19 and ensuring all absentee ballots postmarked on or before Election Day or received by the Board of Elections without a postmark on the day after the Election will be counted. Ballots with a postmark demonstrating that they were mailed on or before Election Day will be counted if received by November 10.  

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State Police at Oneonta arrested 39 year old Daniel Merwin of Jefferson for the 1st degree Assault, plus Menacing, Criminal Mischief & 2 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, they also arrested 37 year old Jeremy Chase of Harpersfield for Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Reckless Endangerment, Menacing & 2 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.  Troopers and Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a dispute between neighbors with a shot fired.  Merwin is accused of striking Chase with a wooden fence post & using his vehicle to damage a fence, Chase is accused shooting a firearm into the ground, and the altercation allegedly took place in the presence of children.  Merwin and Chase were processed & will appear at the town of Harpersfield court on August 24th.

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U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced $286,263 in federal funding to expand nursing opportunities and combat workforce shortages in the Southern Tier.   The funding will be used to establish clinical education and training programs in the region at UHS, SUNY and Broome County hospitals.  The Appalachian Regional Commission will provide $110,111 of the total $286,263 project fund.

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Representatives from Casinos across the state were rallying in Albany today, as they seek guidance from the Governor’s Office & The State Health Department in order to re-open.   Todd Chandler is the Assistant General Manager & Regional Director of Marketing for Tioga Downs; he told WCDO News that they have taken all the precautions for reopening, and casinos are always under intense scrutiny:

(Todd Chandler 8-6-20)

Chandler said that if Tioga Downs does not reopen by October 1st, the furloughed employees would officially become unemployed.  About 5000 New Yorkers were employed at casinos prior to the beginning of the pandemic & the subsequent shutdown.

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Governor Cuomo and the State Health Department announced the latest statewide COVID 19 numbers on Wednesday.  There were 601 new cases discovered Wednesday, about .78% of all those tested, which brings the state total to over 427,800.  There are 518 people Hospitalized, 120 are in an ICU, 62 are on ventilators, there were 5 deaths from the virus, the state death toll since March is 25,275

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Chenango county Public Health released their latest COVID 19 numbers today.  They are still at 218 total cases & have been for several days, they report that there are 101 Active Quarantines, 1 current Hospitalization, 7 deaths, 199 Recoveries and over 20,270 tests have been administered.

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Broome County Health Department reported a small increase in their COVID 19 positive tests; they are up to 1128 total cases since March, with 75 deaths, 989 recoveries, and 500 being monitored by the Health Department.  The have performed over 34,300 tests.

State Police arrested 21 year old Jordan Pratt of Ithaca for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and 2 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon.  Troopers monitoring traffic on I-88 in Otego observed a vehicle a traffic infraction, troopers detected an odor of marijuana;   Pratt is accused of possessing 2 illegal and loaded handguns and a quantity of drugs.  The driver and 2 other passengers were not charged.  Pratt was arraigned virtually and was remanded to the Otsego County jail on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond.

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The Otsego County Health Department announced another free COVID 19 testing site Today from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, at the Southside Mall Parking Lot in Oneonta.  The testing is for people who are not sick but want to be tested, by a nasal swab.  This is a drive up testing site. Individuals will be required to remain in their vehicle and wear a mask when pulling up to the testing tent.  This testing site is for Otsego County residents only, call 547-4279 to pre-register for the clinic.

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The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will host its 34th Annual Chamber Classic Golf Tournament today at the Oneonta Country Club, with a 1:00 PM shotgun start.  The event will follow all Social Distancing Guidelines and Safety Protocols.   A portion of the event proceeds will be donated to the Community Foundation of Otsego County.  More information is available at 432-4500.

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Delaware County received 1 new positive test result for COVID-19 Wednesday and 1 additional recovery is reported. The number of active cases in the County is 3, they are isolated & recovering at home, there have been 100 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Delaware County, with 23 people now under mandatory quarantine, 6 people have died and 91 have fully recovered.

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WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 8-19-20

by wcdonews Posted on August 19, 2020

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an accident involving a dirt bike and a parked van on Airport Road in the Town of Union Tuesday night.  Patrols were dispatched to Airport Road following reports of people riding minibikes and off-road motorcycles, 1 patrol observed a male riding a dirt bike which struck a full-size van that was parked on the side of the roadway a short time later.  Cameron Fortner was ejected off the dirt bike, a deputy found him unconscious and not breathing & she began CPR.  The investigation revealed that John Hughes saw the dirt bike traveling on the street, he entered the roadway with a shovel to force the dirt bike to the side of the roadway, and Fortner swerved & struck the van. Fortner was transported to Wilson Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead, Hughes was charged with 2nd degree Manslaughter, the investigation is continuing.

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A Broome County Grand Jury has indicted 45 year-old Larry Harris of Johnson City on 2 charges of predatory sexual assault against a child and 2 counts of rape.  Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak said that Harris was already being held in the Broome County Jail facing murder and manslaughter charges for the death of 11 year-old Jerome Smith in February of 2019.  The new charges were filed after a victim came forward accusing Harris of sex crimes between 2013 and 2019, Harris will be tried separately on the new charges.

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The Norwich City School District is setting up their school year reopening plans for the fall, Interim Superintendent Diana Bowers explains:

(Diana Bowers 8-19-20)

Bowers said that the full plans are available on the Norwich City School District website.

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The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will hold a series of small job fairs in Delhi Monday September 14th through Friday September 18th, with different industries available on each day, Chamber President Ray Pucci explains:

(Ray Pucci 8-19-20)

Pucci said that interested businesses looking for new employees can participate & register at delawarecounty.org or by calling 746-2281.

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The State Health Department announced that there were 631 new COVID 19 cases diagnosed Tuesday, out of over 80,000 test administered.  The total number of COVID 19 positive tests is 427,202, currently there are 548 people Hospitalized, there were 6 more deaths attributed to the virus yesterday, bringing the state death toll to 25,270 since March.

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The Broome County Health Department announced that they had a small number of positive COVID 19 cases diagnosed Tuesday, bringing their total to 1124 since March.  They have had 75 deaths, 980 recoveries and 503 are being monitored by the Department.

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The Chenango County Health Department reported that they are still at 218 total cases of COVID 19 since March, with 102 Active Quarantines, 1 Hospitalization, 199 Recoveries, 7 deaths & 20,089 Tests Performed.

Otsego County Health Department reported 2 new COVID 19 positive cases today, bringing their total since March to 115.  There are 3 active cases with no one hospitalized, 106 have recovered, 25 are quarantined due to close contact to ta case, and 196 are quarantined after traveling from a high risk state.  There have been 6 deaths in Otsego County from the virus.

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State Police and local law enforcement agencies statewide will be ramping up enforcement of impaired driving today through Labor Day, Monday, September 7th with their annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is designed to reduce alcohol and other drug-related traffic crashes.  Law enforcement will be stepping up patrols, and the NYS Thruway Authority and State Department of Transportation will have Variable Message Signs alerting motorists to the consequences of impaired driving to help deter that behavior. During the 2019 enforcement campaign, law enforcement throughout the state issued 4,995 tickets for impaired driving and 170,378 tickets for other vehicle and traffic law violations.

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State Police and a Delaware County deputy were dispatched to a reported burglary in the town of Kortright where the homeowner told troopers a man & woman left the scene & that their residence in the town of Meredith had also been burglarized & a vehicle had been stolen.  The stolen vehicle was found at the Quality Inn of Oneonta, police arrested 34 year old Amber Weaver of Bloomville and 33 year old Christiaan Stewart of Bloomville for Burglary, Grand Larceny & Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, and Weaver was additionally charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.  Both were arraigned and were remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $30,000 cash bail or $60,000 bond.

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Governor Cuomo announced that the Special Enrollment Period for uninsured New Yorkers will be extended for another 30 days, through September 15, 2020, as the State continues to provide supportive services during the COVID-19 public health crisis. New Yorkers can apply for coverage through nystateofhealth.ny.gov, by phone at 1-855-355-5777, and by connecting with a free enrollment assistor.

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Delaware County Public Health received 1 new positive test result for COVID-19 Tuesday and no additional recoveries have been reported. The known active cases in the County as of today is now 3. To date there have been 99 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, with 20 people now under mandatory quarantine.  The 3 people are isolated and receiving care at home, 6 people have died and 90 have fully recovered.

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Hartwick College will welcome students to the campus between this Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 30, with Classes beginning August 31.  All students and employees will be required to adhere to numerous protocols.  Coursework will be delivered both in-person and virtually for students in the fall semester. Changes to the academic calendar for the fall semester eliminated breaks until in-person instruction ends on Friday, November 20, and then all students will leave campus by November 21 and then complete the semester’s instruction and exams remotely. Final exams conclude on December 10. More information is available on the Reopening Campus webpage at Hartwick.edu.

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WCDO NEWS TUESDAY 8-18-20

by wcdonews Posted on August 18, 2020

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 2 motorcycle, 1 car accident Saturday night on State Route 206 in the town of Walton.   Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies and Walton Fire Department and Emergency Squads were dispatched to a motorcycle – deer accident on State Highway 206 near the intersection of Davis Road. 64-year-old Bruce Gerken, and his wife, 58-year-old Deborah Gerken of Bainbridge were traveling on a motorcycle when they collided with a deer that ran into the roadway, Bruce Gerken lost control & he and his wife were ejected from the motorcycle, which then struck a vehicle driven by 56-year-old Debra Higley of Trout Creek.  Bruce & Deborah Gerken were taken to Wilson Hospital, Debra Higley & her passenger 62 year-old Luther Higley were uninjured.  Another motorcyclist traveling with the Gerkens, 74-year-old Richard King from Bainbridge lost control of his motorcycle while attempting to avoid the Gerken’s collision; he struck the guide wires, his Motorcycle overturned, fatally injuring King.  The accident remains under investigation

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The State Health Department reported 655 additional cases of COVID 19, after testing almost 67,000 people Monday, bringing the statewide total to 426,571 since March.  537 people are hospitalized, 126 are in Intensive Care, with 60 on ventilators, and there were 8 deaths from the virus Monday, bringing the state death toll to 25,264. 

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Chenango County Public Health reported that they have had 218 total confirmed cases of COVID 19 since March, they have 96 Active Quarantines, 1 Hospitalization, 199 Total Recoveries, 7 deaths they have conducted 19916 tests.

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Governor Cuomo announced that 2 additional states have been added to the travel advisory requiring individuals who have traveled to New York from those states to quarantine for 14 days. The newly-added states are Alaska and Delaware. No areas have been removed.  The full list of restricted states can be found at coronavirus.health.ny.gov.

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Mirabito Energy Products announced that the employee at the center of the controversy that occurred in Bainbridge last weekend is no longer employed by Mirabito.  Racially motivated and all discriminatory hate speech is not consistent with the values of the Mirabito organization and they do not condone such activities & they will not tolerate activities that create a harmful environment for customers, employees and the communities in which they operate.

Colorscape Chenango announced that they do a “Virtual” Arts Festival on September 12 & 13, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on YouTube. Spokesperson Roz DeRensis explains:

(Roz DeRensis 8-18-20)

DeRensis said that Music performances will be prerecorded from The Slambovian Circus of Dreams and Adam Erza.  Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival was recently ranked #97 by Sunshine Artist Magazine in their annual list of the 200 Best Arts and Crafts Festivals. 

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The next Bainbridge Chamber Of Commerce General Membership Meeting is Today @ 7:30 am.  The Meeting will be held at the back of Bob’s Diner.

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The Norwich City School District will have their parent informational meeting regarding their reopening plans today & tomorrow.   The Meetings will be both virtual & in person with limited seating in the Auditorium, at 6:00 PM tonight, & Wednesday at 10:00 AM & 5:00 PM.

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The Unatego Central School District will have their final Parent informational meeting on reopening today.  The meeting will be virtual only & will begin at 3:00 PM, with the links available at the Unatego school website.

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The City of Oneonta has established a dedicated hotline for citizens to report concerns over gatherings that are seen as jeopardizing public health doing this time of COVID-19 pandemic. New York State Law currently prohibits gatherings at which individuals cannot remain a minimum of 6 feet distance from others. Under no circumstances are gatherings of more than 50 persons permitted. Concerns may be reported by either phone call or text message to (607) 376-7453.

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US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced that she & many other members of Congress are calling on Postmaster Louis Dejoy to respond regarding the apparent dismantling of the US Postal Service:

(Gillibrand 8-18-20)

Gillibrand said that she is also calling for the Postal Bank to be brought back, which could generate up to 9 Billion dollars a year in revenue for the under-funded postal service.

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State Police arrested 24 year old Alexander Hartman of Binghamton for 2nd degree Burglary and 3rd degree Arson.  On August 9, Troopers and the Nanticoke Fire Department were dispatched to a garage fire, an investigation revealed that Hartman broke into a residence to steal items then started a fire in the garage.  Hartman was arrested and processed at the Binghamton barracks & he was later transported to Broome County Central Arraignment and Processing.

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Delaware County received no new positive test result for COVID-19 today or over the weekend and no additional recoveries have been reported. The known active cases in the County as of today remains at 2. To date there have been 98 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, with 18 people now under mandatory quarantine.  2 people are isolated at home, 6 people have died and 90 have fully recovered.

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WCDO NEWS MONDAY 8-17-20

by wcdonews Posted on August 17, 2020

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 8-17-20

A Black Lives Matter gathering in Bainbridge was met by dozens of counter protestors supporting Police agencies Saturday afternoon.  Gilda Ward of the Tri-County Tea Party Patriots said that she was there to Support the police of the area:

(Gilda Ward 8-17-20)

Ward said that some members of other groups with confederate flags were asked to take those down, & they did not, she reported that there were a couple of fights that broke out, but no arrests have been reported by Bainbridge Police.

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Governor Cuomo announced that gyms could open again in New York State shortly:

(Cuomo 8-17-20)

The Governor Said that Gyms could operate at 33% capacity upon re-opening.

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The Bainbridge Guilford Central School District will hold informational meeting with district parents Tuesday & Wednesday, regarding their re-opening plans for the fall.  BG Superintendent Tim Ryan explains:

(Tim Ryan 8-17-20)

Ryan said that virtual meetings will be held Tuesday at 6:00 PM, Wednesday at 10:00 AM and a meeting will be held Wednesday evening at 6:00 PM at the High School Auditorium, with a limit of 50 people due to CDC guidelines.

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The State Health Department reported 408 new positive COVID 19 cases Sunday, out of just fewer than 57,000 tests.  There were 534 hospitalizations, with 133 in ICU beds & 64 on ventilators; there were 6 deaths Sunday, bringing the state death toll to 25,256.  425,900 New Yorkers have tested positive for the virus since March.

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Chenango County Public Health announced that they were at 218 total positive cases of COVID 19 since March.  91 people are quarantined, 1 is hospitalized, 197 have recovered, there have been 7 deaths, and they have conducted over 19,600 tests.

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The Broome County Health Department announced that they are up to 1110 positive COVID 19 cases since March, with 74 deaths, 965 recoveries & 440 people are being monitored by the Health Department, they have conducted over 33,400 tests.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 8-17-20

A Black Lives Matter gathering in Bainbridge was met by dozens of counter protestors favoring Police & some had confederate symbols, Saturday afternoon.  Unadilla native & standup comedian Taury Seward aimed some of his comments at the counter protestors:

(Taury Seward 8-17-20)

Brief altercations were reported, but no arrests have been reported by Bainbridge Police yet.

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The Otsego County Health Department announced another free COVID 19 testing site on Thursday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, at the Southside Mall Parking Lot in Oneonta.  The testing is for people who are not sick but want to be tested, by a nasal swab.  This is a drive up testing site. Individuals will be required to remain in their vehicle and wear a mask when pulling up to the testing tent.  This testing site is for Otsego County residents only, call 547-4279 to pre-register for the clinic.

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U.S. Senator Charles Schumer will meet with business owners for an economic summit today in Sidney today.  Schumer’s meeting will begin at 4:00 PM at the Sidney Civic Center.

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1 of the Sidney Central School District’s parent informational meeting has been posted to the school website & social media and parents need to access the fall attendance registration form, also available on social media and the district’s website, Superintendent Eben Bullock explains:

(Eben Bullock 8-17-20)

More information or registration is available at 561-7703 today and Tuesday; all parents need to complete the official registration form for attending school in September and it will only be available through Tomorrow.

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WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 8-14-20

by wcdonews Posted on August 14, 2020

Governor Cuomo announced that there were 727 new COVID 19 cases discovered Thursday or .85% of all those tested.  The State total is now 424,167; there were 3 virus related deaths Thursday, bringing the state death toll to 25,232.  Patient Hospitalization were down to 554, there were 127 ICU patients, with 59 on ventilators

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Governor Cuomo announced today that Bowling alleys, gyms, museums and other low-risk indoor cultural venues will be allowed to open shortly with strict COVID-19 guidelines.  Cuomo said that Bowling alleys will be allowed to open Monday, with 50% occupancy capacity, face masks & social distancing must be followed & every other lane will be closed, thorough cleaning and disinfection of shared or rented equipment between each use will be required; and all food service must follow all state-issued guidance.  The opening date and rules for gyms will be revealed on Monday.

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Chenango County Department of Public Works will be holding their household Hazardous waste collection Tomorrow in Norwich, DPW Spokesman Dustin Hendricks explains:

(Dustin Hendricks 8-14-20)

More information is available by calling Hendricks at 337-1792, or email him at dhendricks@co.chenango.ny.us.

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The State Department of Motor Vehicles is expanding New Yorkers’ ability to complete certain transactions through secure drop boxes. The drop boxes can be used for license plate surrenders, address changes, and license and registration renewals. Customers using drop boxes must wear face coverings and maintain social distancing. Drop boxes are located at all state-run DMV offices and are available during regular office hours.  More information is available at dmv.ny.gov.

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A Black Lives Matter peaceful protest & discussion will be held at the Bainbridge Village Green Park Saturday afternoon at 1:00 PM.  Those who would like to speak are requested to send an email to BLMBAINBRIDGE@GMAIL.COM.  Mask wearing & social distancing requirements will be mandatory at the event.

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The Broome County Health Department announced that Friday that they were up to 1102 COVID 19 cases, with 74 deaths, 926 recoveries & 496 are being monitored by the Health Department they have conducted over 32,600 tests since March.

Chenango County Public Health announced that they had no new COVID 19 positive tests Thursday, they have had 218 total cases since March, there are 96 people under quarantine, 1 person is hospitalized, there have been 197 recoveries, and they have performed just under 19,000 tests.

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The Oneonta City School District has posted their extensive District Re-opening plan on their website.  With the expected influx of college students coming from all over the country to Oneonta, the district announced that they will remain in the remote learning environment to start the 2020-2021 school year; they will reevaluate that model when they approach the Interim Progress Report period of October 9th. 

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Congressman Anthony Brindisi announced over $290,000 in grant funding for fire departments across New York’s 22nd District.   The grant money is awarded through the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, will help local fire departments prioritize operations and safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic.  Locally the New Berlin Fire Department will get over $29,000; the South Otselic Volunteer Fire Department will get over $74,000.

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The State DOT is advising motorists that State Route 28 is closed between Margaretville and Andes just north of the intersection of NYS Route 28 and NYS Route 30 to allow construction work required in response to recent storm. Detours will be posted.  During the closure, southbound motorists will be directed to County Route 1 to Tremperskill Road, to State Route 30, back onto NYS Route 28. Northbound motorist will follow the same path in reverse. Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Up-to-date travel information is available by calling 511, visiting 511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.

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 The Unatego Central School District will hold 3 meetings next week to get parents up to date about the district’s re-opening proposal, Superintendent Dr. Dave Richards explains:

(Dave Richards 8-13-20)

The Virtual meetings with parents will be on Monday at 2:00 & 6:00 PM & Tuesday at 3:00 PM, more information is available on the Unatego District website.

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The Afton Central School district announced that there will be a remote Special Community Meeting today at 2:00 PM; the link to the virtual meeting is available on the district website.  Afton Superintendent Tim McNamara told WCDO News what their plans are for students for the fall:

(Tim McNamara 8-14-20)

McNamara said that on August 21 at 9:00 A.M. there will be a special live presentation in the Margery Secrest Memorial Auditorium and available remotely by clicking Special Community Meeting on the school website. The district’s reopening plan is also available on the district website.

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The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance announced more than $100 million in additional emergency food assistance for New Yorkers adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, is available.   About 700,000 low-income individuals and families enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or “SNAP” will receive a supplemental payment to bring them up to the maximum allowable benefit for August to help them avoid food insecurity.   More information is available at otda.ny.gov/SNAP-COVID-19.

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Sales tax revenue for local governments in July fell 8.2% compared to the same period last year, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Collections for counties and cities in July totaled $1.3 billion or $116 million less than in July 2019. Although revenue is still down compared to July 2019, the decline is less steep than any month since March, when the COVID-19 pandemic began to affect sales tax collections.

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Delaware County Public Health received 1 new positive test result for COVID-19 Thursday and no additional recoveries have been reported, the known active cases is 2. To date there have been 98 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, with 23 people now under mandatory quarantine.  The 2 people are receiving care at home, since March, 6 people have died and 90 have fully recovered.

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WCDO NEWS THURSDAY 8-13-20

by wcdonews Posted on August 13, 2020

Governor Cuomo updated New Yorkers on the state’s progress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. On Wednesday 87,900 tests were reported with 737 new positive tests diagnosed, giving the state a total of over 423,000 cases since March.  555 patients are hospitalized from COVID 19, with 124 patients in an ICU, & 56 on ventilators, there were 10 deaths Wednesday, bringing the death toll to 25,228.

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Chenango County Public Health announced that they were up to 218 total cases of COVID 19, they have 103 active quarantines, 1 person is hospitalized, 196 have recovered, there have been 7 deaths and over 18,800 tests have been performed.

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The Broome County Health Department announced that they 1094 positive tests since March, but they had 4 more deaths Wednesday, bringing their total to 74.  There have been 919 recoveries & 549 are being monitored by the Health Department.

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17 fire Companies responded to a fire at the Zone Girls Camp in Gilboa yesterday.  Fire companies from 3 counties responded, no injuries have been reported, the fire is believed to have started in a kitchen, the investigation is ongoing.

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The National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum announced that the Inductees Exhibit for Class of 2020 is now on Display.  Career stories, artifacts photos & documents regarding inductees Derek Jeter, Marvin Miller, Ted Simmons and Larry Walker is now open and will remain on display through 2021 on the Museum’s third floor.  The Class of 2020 will be inducted along with any elected members of the Class of 2021, on July 25 2021 in Cooperstown.  More information is available at baseballhall.org/reopening.

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The State Department of Labor announced that it has prevented more than $1 billion from falling into criminal hands during the coronavirus pandemic, by identifying and stopping more than 42,000 fraudulent unemployment benefit claims since mid-March.   The Department has referred more unemployment fraud cases to federal prosecutors since March, than it did in the last 10 years combined.  New Yorkers’ identities have been stolen during data breaches involving banks, insurance companies, and major employers, the criminals have filed fraudulent claims and illegally collect benefits in the name of individuals who are not unemployed; to report a fraud relating to the Labor Department, go to on.ny.gov/uifraud.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies and the Delaware County Probation Department investigated allegations of Domestic violence from an Arkville woman and her Safe Against Violence advocate. 48-year-old Israel Rivera of Arkville was arrested for 3rd degree Assault, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing, Endangering the Welfare of a child, Aggravated Harassment and Criminal Contempt.  Following Rivera’s arrest, he was retaken by the Delaware County Probation Department on a County Court Warrant for violating probation; he was remanded to the Delaware County Jail pending an appearance in Delaware County Court.

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a “Drive Thru Job Fair!” this Today from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon in the parking lot of Damaschke Field.  25 local area employers will participate; Job Seekers will just drive in, follow the signs and traffic flow and remain in the car with your face mask on as you drive to each employer.  There is no fee to job seekers.

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Governor Cuomo announced $15.1 million in federal funding is being made available to the State and county emergency management agencies to support planning and operational readiness for any type of disaster New York may experience. This funding is in addition to a $4.3 million supplemental grant already awarded to the state for similar efforts focused on the COVID-19 pandemic.  Locally Broome County receives $78,847, Chenango County gets $23,582, Delaware County receives $22,663 & Otsego County gets $27,920

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The Sidney Town Board Meeting will be held on August 13th at 7:00 in person at 44 Grand Street. There will be limit seating for social distance.  Is will also be on Zoom and information will be posted on the Town Webpage and on the Town Facebook page in the near future.

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Otsego County Department of Health reported 1 new case of COVID 19 Wednesday, bringing their total to 112.  there are 2 active cases, no one is hospitalized, 103 have recovered, and 21 people on quarantine for close contact to a case, 218 people on quarantine for traveling to a high risk state, there have been 6 deaths.

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Delaware County Public Health received no new positive test result for COVID-19 and no additional recoveries have been reported the known active cases in the County as of today remains at 1. To date there have been 97 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Delaware County, with 15 people now under mandatory quarantine, 1 person is isolated at home,  6 people have died and 90 have fully recovered.

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WCDO NEWS WEDNESDAY 8-12-20

by wcdonews Posted on August 12, 2020

State Police arrested 26 year old Matthew Haigis of Deposit, Friday for 2nd degree Burglary, Criminal Contempt, Criminal Mischief and Criminal Obstruction of Breathing. Troopers responded to a report of a physical dispute at a residence on North Sanford Road in the town of Deposit, Haigis left the scene, the victim reported that Haigis broke into the residence, obstructed the victim’s breathing and broke a cellphone during an altercation, Haigis also violated an order of protection.   A trooper located Haigis operating a vehicle in Deposit, he was taken in custody, & he was transported to Broome County Central Arraignment and Processing.

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State Police have charged 26 year old Shane Santiago of Otego for 2 counts of 2nd degree Manslaughter, in connection with a July 15th early morning accident that killed 2 area women.   The investigation revealed that Santiago was driving an SUV, when the vehicle went off of Otsego County Highway 13 in Pittsfield, causing the death of Cheyenn Aubry of Treadwell & Tehya Gonzalez of Bainbridge, Santiago suffered minor injuries, he was arrested Tuesday, he was arraigned virtually and remanded on $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 bond, the investigation into the crash continues.

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Governor Cuomo announced that 87,776 COVID-19 tests were reported to New York State Tuesday, a new 1-day record high for tests in a single day. There were 700 new cases confirmed Tuesday, .88% of all those tested.  Currently there are 558 patients hospitalized for COVID 19, the number of ICU patients has dropped to 123, the number of Patients on Ventilators is at 62.  There were 7 deaths reported, bringing the state death toll to 25,218

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Chenango County Public Health announced that they have had 218 total cases of COVID 19 since March, with 126 Active Quarantines, 1 Active Hospitalization, 196 Total Recoveries & 7 deaths, they have performed over 18,700 tests.

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Oneonta City Officials announced that crews will install a new curb along the north side of Center Street from Yager Avenue to West Street, excluding the sections between Maple Street to Elm Street and Ivy Court to Central Avenue.  The work began today & is expected to be completed August 27th, depending on the weather.  More information is available by calling the Department of Public Service at 432-2100 or by email to dpsinfo@oneonta.ny.us.

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State Police arrested 45 year old Jeremy Squires of Norwich Saturday for2nd degree Burglary, Criminal Contempt, 3rd degree Assault, Criminal Mischief & Endangering the Welfare of a Child.   Troopers were dispatched to a report of a physical domestic on County Highway 35 in the town of Guilford, Squires had already left the scene, and the victim reported that Squires broke into the home, struck the victim & prevented the victim from calling for help.  The victim was transported to Chenango County Memorial Hospital for treatment.  Troopers located Squires in the city of Norwich, and he was arrested, he was arraigned & was remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond.

The Sidney Central School District will hold 3 informational meetings for parents in regard to the district’s reopening plan tomorrow at 9:00 AM, 12:00 Noon & 6:00 PM on  in the high school auditorium, Sidney Superintendent Eben Bullock comments:

(Eben Bullock 8-12-20)

The sessions will run no more than 45 minutes; a recording of the parent information session will also be posted on the school website & social media.  Reservations for the in person meetings are available at 561-7703, a face cover is required Social distancing guidelines will also be in place.  A survey available on the school website & social media starting Thursday as well, it will be the official survey for attending school in September and will be available through Tuesday, August 18.

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Broome County Health Department announced their COVID 19 numbers Tuesday.  They are up to 1,086 positive test results, with 70 deaths, 909 recoveries & 579 people are being monitored by the Health Department.

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Delaware County received 1 new positive test result for COVID-19 Tuesday however; no additional recoveries have been reported. There is 1 active case, who is recovering at home. To date there have been 97 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, with 11 people now under mandatory quarantine, 6 people have died and 90 have fully recovered.

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