P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 5-6-21

State Police and another law enforcement agency issued 444 tickets during last week’s Operation Hardhat, where members of law enforcement patrol Department of Transportation and Thruway Authority work zones to enforce work zone speed limits and ensure that motorists are obeying flagging personnel.   The enforcement and educational efforts come as New York State continues to experience a rising number of work zone intrusions, including 3 recent crashes that injured 6 highway workers just last week.  81 tickets were for speeding, 41 for seat belt violations, 135 for cell phone use while driving, & 47 violated the “Move Over” law.  44 Tickets were issued in the Southern Tier Operation Hardhat Zones.

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Chenango County Public Health reported 9 new COVID cases today brining their total to 3331 since the beginning of the pandemic.  They have 81 active cases, 422 Active Quarantines & 6 Hospitalizations.  Statewide, the positivity rate dropped to 1.27% Wednesday, the lowest since October 22nd after over 203,000 were tested.  Patient Hospitalization went down to 2,335, patients in ICU beds & on ventilators went down slightly and there were 23 COVID deaths statewide.

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The ARC of Delaware County has a membership drive currently, to help support their programs & increase their clout, spokesperson Mitzi Sackett explains:

(Mitzi Sackett 5-6-21)

Sackett said that ARC of Delaware County currently serves over 200 people with intellectual or developmental disabilities; you can become a member by going to delarc.org & click on “Become a Member”, the Membership drive runs until July 30th.

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U.S. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand will re-introduce legislation to increase the safety of stretch limousines with the Safety, Accountability, and Federal Enforcement of Limos Act, the Take Unsafe Limos Off the Road Act, and the End the Limo Loophole Act. The legislations answers concerns raised following the October 2018 Schoharie county limo crash that killed 20 people.

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Catholic Charities will be assisting The Delaware County Department of Social Services soon, to help county renters or landlords with past due rent because of the COVID pandemic.  Penny McKnight of Catholic Charities explains:

(Penny McKnight 5-6-21)

McKnight said that when the program begins, people can contact Catholic Charities at 604-4071 or Delaware County Social Services at 832-5300 and ask to speak to an Emergency Eligibility Worker.

A.m. News Thursday 5-6-21

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced The Home Lead Safety Tax Credit Act of 2021 to create flexible tax credits worth up to $4,000 to cover the cost of abating lead hazards in paint, pipes, or soil.  the legislation would supplement other federal, state and local lead control programs to ensure clean drinking water for New Yorkers by replacing miles of lead pipes.   The bill is expected to be included in the President’s “American Jobs” plan.

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Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond announced that Delaware County Corrections Officer Paul Moore was named New York State Corrections Officer of the Year by the State Sheriff’s Association.  On June 11th, 2020 Officer Moore was on duty in the staff dining room at the Delaware County Corrections Facility when he observed a fellow officer choking & in distress, he administered the Heimlich maneuver and after several thrusts, was able to dislodge the object, allowing the officer to breath and talk again.  Officer Moore received his award at a ceremony on April 28th.

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Delaware County Public Health will be conducting a first dose Moderna COVID-19 vaccination clinic today from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at 97 Main Street in Delhi.  This vaccination clinic is open to all New York state residents or people who work in New York State over the age of 18.  Registration is mandatory at apps2.health.ny.gov, more information or assistance getting registered is available by calling Delaware County Public Health at 832-5200. Public Health reported 8 new COVID cases Wednesday out of 299 tested, active cases are down to 44, hospitalizations are down to 4 and quarantines are down to 90.

Sidney Village residents can drop off electronic items  at the Village Garage on Sherman Avenue Friday & Saturday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, accepted items include Computer monitors, TV’s, Copiers, Fax Machines, Cell Phones, Microwaves, Gaming Devices, Metal & non-Freon appliances.  More information is available on the village of Sidney website.

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