P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 7-29-21

Norwich Police arrested 41-year-old Gregory Huzinec of Norwich and charged him with attempted robbery, 1st degree assault & criminal possession of a weapon.  Huzinec was recently paroled by New York State for committing an attempted robbery in Norwich in 2016; he was arrested by Norwich Police This morning for allegedly stabbing a pedestrian during an attempted robbery last weekend.  Huzinec is being held pending his appearance in Norwich City Court & additional charges are expected.

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Otsego County Department of Health reported that over the past 6 days they have seen a significant increase in the number of COVID 19 cases reported. 12 new cases have been reported in the last 2 days, only 8 cases were reported over the 1st 3 weeks in July, since July 23rd, 20 new cases have been reported.  The Health Department urges unvaccinated individuals to get vaccinated and continue to wear a mask until they are fully vaccinated, and with the Delta variant, the call for vaccinations is more urgent than ever.   Otsego County has 20 active cases, no one is hospitalized, and Vaccine Clinic sites can be found at otsegocounty.com or covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov. 

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Basset Healthcare Network Announced That COVID 19 vaccines are now available in their locations, Spokesperson Gabby Argo explains:

(Gabby Argo 7-29-21)

Argo said that Bassett offers the Johnson & Johnson 1-shot  Vaccine for those 18 & older and the 2 shot Pfizer vaccine for those 12 & older, more information is available at Bassett.org.

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State police Responded Monday in Summit to the report of a man crashing an ATV into a tree.  28 year old Kenneth Gabrielsen of Jamesport was taken to Albany Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries, the crash remains under investigation.

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Residents in Otego have been told that they will need to boil their water before using it, until August 4th.  Crews have been fixing a broken water main that left some residents without water on Wednesday.

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Hannaford Supermarkets have recalled bakery items that used a McCormack’s Perfect Pitch Italian Seasoning that was sold in late June.  Items being recalled included Classic Garlic Focaccia & Classic Focaccia breads purchased at the bakery in Hannaford store, customers are asked to return the bread to the store of purchase for a full refund.

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Governor Cuomo today announced the launch of New York State’s $35 million Restaurant Return-to-Work Tax Credit program, designed to help expand employment opportunities for workers and provide relief to COVID-impacted restaurants.  Qualifying businesses are eligible for a tax credit of $5,000 per new worker hired, up-to $50,000 per business, to reduce the restaurant industry’s pandemic-induced economic difficulties.  More information is available at esd.ny.gov/restaurant-return-work-tax-credit.

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State Health Department reported that the state Positivity rate for COVID 19 tests on Wednesday was just fewer than 2.5%, out of more than 103,000 tests conducted.  hospitalization are back up to 611 state wide, patients in ICU beds was at 126, and those on Ventilators are up to 57, an increase of 19 since the beginning of the week.  The Delta variant is what is driving the latest increases, state Health Department officials said that almost all of the COVID deaths now are from that variant, and are not vaccinated.   55.3% of all New Yorkers have completed their vaccine series.

A.M. NEWS Thursday 7-29-21

The American Red Cross continues to experience a severe blood shortage and donors of all blood types, especially type O, Donors can schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.  Blood drives are being held today in Sidney from 12:00 Noon until 5:00 PM at the American Legion at 22 Union Street another is being held in Laurens at the Fire Department from 1:30 to 6:30 PM.

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Chenango Arts Council announced the return of live performances with the Mark Sands Dixieland Band on August 14th at the Martin W. Kappel Theater.  Chenango Arts Council Executive Director Alecia O’Neill comments:

(Alecia O’Neill 7-28-21)

O’Neill told WCDO News that other shows will be announced shortly, Tickets can be purchased for the August 14th Show online at chenangoarts.org or by calling 336-2787.

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Chenango County Fair will be again this year at the Fairgrounds in Norwich, Spokesperson Mary Weidman told WCDO News that people Wednesday August 11th is a free day and Thursday will be a big day for Tractor Pull Fans:

(Mary Weidman 7-28-21)

The full line up of activities is available at chenangofair.com.

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Otsego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 36 year old Donald Zoll of Pittsfield following a Domestic Dispute on July 19th in the Town of Pittsfield.  Zoll was charged with Criminal Contempt, Criminal Mischief, and Harassment for allegedly violating 2 active orders of protections & for causing damage to the victim’s vehicle. Zoll was taken into custody and held at the Otsego County Jail pending court action.

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