P.M. NEWS MONDAY 7-11-22

The State Health Department reports elevated levels of COVID 19’s latest strains, in all regions of the state in their testing on Friday. There were 11 deaths reported for Friday with 222 patients in ICU and 79 patients on Ventilators, The statewide positivity rate for the day is 9.20%, the Southern tier had among the lowest positivity rates at 6.12% Friday.

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Firefighters from Norwich, North Norwich, Plymouth & Sherburne responded to a structure fire at 145 Morgan Acres north of the City of Norwich Monday morning. Norwich Fire Chief Jan Papelino told WCDO News that a neighbor removed a dog, firefighters kept the fire from spreading further into the structure, which sustained sufficient damage, the investigation is continuing.

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The Sidney Memorial Public Library announced that they will be permanently closing the Sidney Center Branch Library shortly, Sidney Library Director Beth Paine explains:

(Beth Paine 7-11-22)

The final date for the Sidney Center Library will be August 31st, materials will be moved to the Masonville branch.

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Catholic Charities in Sidney is offering their free backpack & school supplies giveaway this year, Spokesperson Penny McKnight explains:

(Penny McKnight 7-11-22)

Registration starts today through August 12th by stopping at the Catholic Charities Sidney Office at the Civic Center or by calling 607-604-4071.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Office have arrested 29 year old Victor Grandel of Brooklyn. Deputies responded July 2nd to an accident scene on County Route 21 in Franklin, where the vehicle had been reported stolen out of New York City in June, a search of the vehicle revealed a quantity of drugs, drug paraphernalia, a loaded firearm, and cash. 3 individuals occupying the vehicle were transported to the hospital for treatment of injuries, Grandel was taken into custody by Deputies and charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property & Criminal Possession of a Weapon, he was arraigned & was remanded to the custody of the Delaware County Correctional Facility pending a future court appearance. Arrest warrants were issued for the other 2 occupants of the vehicle.

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State Police reported that 6-year-old Onnex Thompson-Hall was found dead at around 6:40 Sunday evening. Police said that the boy was autistic, and his body was in a pond not far from his home in Washington County. Investigators believe the death to be an accidental drowning, the boy was reported missing late Sunday morning, the investigation is continuing.

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The State Comptroller’s office audited the West Colesville Volunteer Fire Company, the audit found that the board did not have sufficient controls or information to ensure all disbursements were appropriate and necessary. As a result, the company made unnecessary disbursements totaling $4,107, the board also could not determine whether all collections were properly recorded or deposited.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 7-11-22

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is warning people of a phishing scam claiming the state is offering $1,500 rebates because of high gas prices, where the scammers send text messages instructing people to click the link to see if they qualify, the link leads to a website designed to look like the actual DMV site. It asks for personal information, State officials report that this is an attempt at identity theft or to install malicious software on computers or cell phones. If you suspect you may have been contacted through a phishing scam, you can email the DMV at: dmv.sm.phishingattacks@dmv.ny.gov.

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The Broome County District Attorney Michael Korchak announced that 45-year-old Donnell Bailey of Binghamton will serve 1 to 3 years in prison after pleading guilty to failure to comply with the New York State Sex Offender Registration Act. Bailey failed to provide an address to local law enforcement in 2021 while living in Broome County, he was convicted in 20 years ago for criminal sexual act.

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Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 58-year-old Dale Beach of Franklin for criminal mischief for an incident last month. Beach is accused of damaging a vehicle by throwing rocks at it in the town of Otego, he was arrested and faces court action shortly.

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The Broome County Health Department reported an increase in overdoses this year. This year there have been 44 fatal overdoses and 258 suspected non-fatal overdoses already reported, more information about treatment programs can be found at gobroomecounty.com/boac.