P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 12-16-21

The State Department of Labor announced today that the number of private sector jobs increased by 24,200, from October to November to over 7.6 Million, the highest numbers since before the pandemic began to affect the state 22 months ago. The State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 6.9% to 6.6% in November 2021.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of an Inmate of the Delaware County Correction Facility, on a warrant issued by the Chenango County Family Court. 42-Year-Old Timothy Byrne had just completed his sentence on unrelated charges, & he was turned over to Chenango County for a violation of the New York State Family Court Act & faces court action shortly.

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The American Red Cross continues to need eligible donors to give blood this holiday season, as they are seeing increased demand at a time with the lowest Holiday donation rates in the last 10 years, Meg Rossman of the American Red Cross comments:

(Meg Rossman 12-16-21)

Residents in Otsego County are encouraged to donate at a blood drive in Cooperstown Friday from 12:00 Noon until 5:00 PM at the Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, at 31 Elm Street, appointments can be made with the Red Cross Blood donor App, at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-Red Cross.

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State Police at Troop C in Sidney announced today that during the month of November, 55 impaired drivers were taken off the roadways of Troop C. State Police & other law enforcement agencies throughout the state will increase patrols targeting impaired driving during the holiday travel season, as the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” initiative begins tomorrow & runs through January 1st, to reduce impaired driving over the holidays.

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The State Minimum Wage will increase for some workers on December 31st. Workers in the upstate Counties will be paid a minimum wage rate of $13.20 per hour, up from $12.50 an hour. Earlier this year, the minimum wage for individuals working at fast food establishments anywhere in the Statewas established at $15.00 per hour, there will be no further increase for them on December 31st.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies stopped a vehicle Sunday for speeding, and made contact with the driver, 62-year-old Edmund McNamara of Norwich. McNamara’s driver’s license was suspended, he was arrested for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Unlicensed Operator and Speeding, McNamara is scheduled to appear before the Town of Masonville Court at a later date to answer the charges.

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Delaware County Department of Public Works reported today that the Corbett Road Bridge over the East Branch of the Delaware River and the Covered Bridge in Downsville have been re-opened to traffic this afternoon.

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U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced over $136 Million Dollars in federal funding for 59 airports across New York State. The funding was allocated through the recently enacted Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and can be used for a variety of infrastructure improvements. Locally, the Albert S. Nader Regional Airport in Oneonta & the Sidney Municipal airport will receive $159,000.

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A.M. NEWS Thursday 12-16-21

Delaware County Public Health reported 71 new cases of COVID 19 on Tuesday & Wednesday, 9.1% of those tested being positive. There are 296 active cases, 14 hospitalized and 482 quarantined. Delaware County Public Health will be conducting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for people 18 and older today at 97 Main Street, Delhi. Moderna 1st or 2nd doses will only be available from 2:00 to 4:00 PM for walk-ins only, while Moderna boosters will be available from 2:00 to 4:00 PM with pre-registration required at apps2.health.ny.gov. Individuals receiving boosters, need to bring a copy of previous shot records to prove eligibility, for more information, call Delaware County Public Health at 607-832-5200.

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Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the award of $216.2 million in enhanced assistance for 88 local governments to rehabilitate and replace bridges and culverts in every region of the State. This funding, provided through the State’s BRIDGE NY initiative, supports projects that reduce the risk of flooding, improve resiliency of structures, facilitate regional economic competitiveness and prioritize projects that benefit environmental justice communities. The Southern Tier region will be funded for 9 bridges & 3 culverts in this latest round of funding.

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The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will host an informational ZOOM seminar this morning at 8:30 AM on Leadership Otsego 2022, which is a 6 month program that begins in February 2022. More information or registration is available at otsegoccny.chambermaster.com.