The State Department of Health announced that more than 1600 people in 1 week have been hospitalized with flu symptoms, the highest number registered since 2004, with the biggest increases reported in Central New York & in the Capital Region. The state Health Department stated that Adults aged 65 years and older, people with certain chronic medical conditions, young children and pregnant women are among those at highest risk for serious influenza complications, which may require hospitalization and could result in death. Officials strongly suggest that New Yorkers get their flu shots as soon as possible.
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A ceremony will be held later today for the Unatego Hall of Distinction Induction Ceremony. Unatego Superintendent Dave Richards explains:

(Dave Richards 1-19-18)

The recipients met with students throughout the day today, a reception will begin in the High School Cafeteria at 5:30, Dr. Prendergast, & Karen Moore Barbour will be inducted in the High School gym between the JV and Varsity Basketball games at about 7:00 PM. The public is welcome to attend.
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State Police arrested 37-year-old Alexander Rogers of Otego, for Criminal Mischief. A State Parole Officer advised troopers that Rogers had intentionally damage his GPS monitoring ankle bracelet while attempting to remove it. Rogers was issued a ticket returnable to the town of Otego Court on January 25, he was turned over to the custody of the parole officers.
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55-year-old David Schaffer of Pharsalia was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Department for Sexual Abuse, Forcible Touching & Endangering the welfare of a child. Shaffer is accused of performing sexual acts with a child under the age of 13 in Pharsalia; Shaffer was arraigned in Village of Smyrna Court and will reappear in court at a later date.
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State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced the results of the audit of the State Commission of Corrections, which is the state agency in charge of the oversight and inspection of 561 state and local correctional facilities and jails across the state. The audit said that the commission is not tracking or analyzing incidents and inmate complaints that may indicate problematic trends at those facilities, Auditors also found the Commission is not routinely inspecting the state’s 54 prisons. The full report is available at osc.state.ny.us
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The New York Mets announced today that former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback Tim Tebow will be invited to Spring training with the New York Mets in February. The 30-year-old athlete is preparing for his 2nd professional baseball season, he hit .226 with 8 homers & 52 Runs Batted In in 126 games last year at Class A Columbia and Port St. Lucie.
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The Unadilla Town Board will hold a special meeting today at 4:00 PM at the Unadilla Town Hall on State Route 7. The board will consider adopting a resolution adopting the Community Choice Aggregation program, Education & Outreach Plan, & the Customer Opt Out letter, for a lower cost Electrical plan. A copy of the resolution is available at the Town Office prior to the meeting, which is open to the public.
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The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce is holding a Labor Law Seminar on today at the chamber’s offices on Main Street beginning at 8:00 AM. The presentation focuses on Labor and Employment Law for small employers, including the newly enacted paid family leave policy.
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