State Police are investigating the death of a Walton man who died while snowmobiling Friday.  46 year old Jeffrey Benson’s snowmobile went through ice Friday, at about 6:15 PM, near Chipmunk Hollow Road in the town of Walton; a friend that Benson was snowmobiling with tried to pull him out of the water unsuccessfully, Walton firefighters eventually pulled him out.  The cause of death is suspected to be hypothermia, the investigation is ongoing.

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State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker declared that influenza is now prevalent in New York State. This announcement means that healthcare workers who are not vaccinated against influenza wear surgical or procedure masks in patient areas.  Laboratory-confirmed cases are in 42 counties and all 5 boroughs of New York City. So far, there are 691 flu-related hospitalizations and 1 flu-associated pediatric death reported.  More information is available at health.ny.gov.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 25 year old Dystinee Rubera of Unadilla  with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Moved from lane unsafely and Operate Motor Vehicle by Unlicensed Driver. The arrest occurred as result of a traffic stop on State Highway 10 in the Town of Delhi, Rubera was issued an appearance ticket to Town of Delhi Court at a later date.

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Another free Christmas Day dinner is being offered by Gene Schmidt & his family at the Sidney Fire Department on River Street, Schmidt is looking for volunteers to help out:

(Gene Schmidt 12-9-19)

The dinner will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 PM Christmas Day, those who would like more information, or to volunteer, can call Schmidt at 607-610-4030.

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Several Dietz Street area businesses owners are teaming up for a lawsuit against the City of Oneonta, they claim that the city did not follow proper procedure when they approved of plans for new housing on Dietz Street.  Plans call for are related apartments & businesses to go into the Lofts project on Dietz Street, some of the parking spots in the Municipal lot would be removed in favor of the new building. 

Investigators from the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested 27-year-old Anthony Masi Friday, for Criminal Contempt.  Masi was being held at the Delaware County Correctional Facility on a Parole violation, he allegedly violated an Order of Protection issued by the City of Norwich Court.  Masi was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court and remanded back to the Delaware County Correctional Facility on $1,000 cash bail, or $2,000.00 bond & he will appear in the Town of Delhi Court at a later date for further Court action. 

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Governor Cuomo today announced a new $14 million initiative to support agriculture with a new funding opportunity, to address the threat of the conversion of viable agricultural land to non-farm development and help farms facing financial difficulties because of increased challenges resulting from trade disputes, increasing debt, changing consumer preferences and climate change. The grant program will assist eligible farmers with the acquisition of perpetual conservation easements on agricultural land and ensure the long-term viability of New York’s farming operations.

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The Otsego County Board of Representatives voted last week to approve their 2020 budget plan, and voted to approve of adding the position of County Manager at an annual salary of $150,000, a search will be conducted and a county manager is expected to be hired later next year.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 44-Year-Old Jubar McDaniel of St. Albans, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle, Failure to Comply with a Lawful Order, Speeding as well as several other charges, after he failed to comply with law enforcement on State Highway 17 in Hancock, into the Town of Colchester, and he stopped in Sullivan County.  McDaniel was arraigned in the Colchester Town Court, and subsequently remanded to the Delaware County Jail on $500 cash, or $1,500 bond.  McDaniel is scheduled to return to the Town of Colchester Court at a later date. 

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The American Red Cross will hold a Blood Drive in Sidney Today at the A.O. Fox Hospital Tri-Town Campus from 1:30 to 6:30 PM, appointments are requested at 1-800-red cross or redcrossblood.org.