P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 8-29-24

The Chenango County Weekly Wastewater Surveillance Data Report shows an increase in COVID levels over the past 3 weeks, and compared to levels found across New York State’s average, levels of COVID are elevated and described as higher than average in Chenango County. Chenango County Health Department Director Isaiah Sutton told WCDO News what they have found:

(Isaiah Sutton 8-29-24)

Sutton said that there hasn’t been hospitalizations reported to the Health Department, people should just remember to follow the best practices outlined during the pandemic such as Stay Home if You Are Sick, Get tested and isolate until you begin to feel better, keep up on vaccinations, & boosters, & everyone should wash hands often. Sutton said that the federal government will be providing free COVID test kits this fall, additional information is available at the Chenango County Health Department at (607) 337-1660.

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The Otsego County Department of Health reports that a skunk from the town of Middlefield has tested positive for rabies. The skunk was found acting abnormally. Several farm animals were exposed to the skunk. All animals were up to date with their rabies vaccine. There was human exposure, and the individual is being treated with post exposure prophylaxis, more information about rabies is available by calling the health department at 607-547-4230 or visit otsegocountyny.gov for up to date rabies information.

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The State Dec Environmental Conservation Police Officers responded in May about a full-body leopard mount listed for sale on social media for $2,500. Officers identified the seller and determined they did not possess the permits required in New York State to sell the leopard for sale for $2500 in Delaware County. EnCon Officer Osborne responded to the seller’s location, seized the leopard and charged the individual with commercialization of endangered wildlife, As part of the legal resolution, the seller agreed to pay a $2,500 fine and forfeit the mount. ?DEC Officials stated that it is illegal to sell endangered or protected species in New York without the proper permits, more information on requirements to legally sell mounts or items containing parts of endangered species, is available at the DEC’s Special Licenses page.

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47 year old Grady Hunter of Johnson City was found guilty of Criminal Possession of a Weapon by a Broome County Jury Tuesday after deliberating for less than 2 hours. On May 31, 2023, Hunter, was arrested by the Broome County Special Investigations Unit after he was found to be in possession of a loaded and operable .380 caliber handgun, after a search warrant was executed on his vehicle in the City of Binghamton. Sentencing is scheduled for November 27, 2024, where Grady will be sentenced to State Prison.

A.M. NEWS THURSDAY 8-29-24

State Police in Troop “C” was alerted to a widely shared Facebook post regarding an alleged attempted abduction of a child on Dingman Hill in Bainbridge on August 26, The investigation concluded that no attempted abduction occurred. Troopers and Investigators canvassed the area and interviewed the two individuals in the reported pick-up truck. Both the driver and passenger were cooperative and explained their lawful reason for being in the area, no crime was committed.

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56 year old Claude Manon of Margaretville, pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in Delaware County Court Monday, for stealing over $3,000 in cash from a home he was doing work in on February 1, in the Town of Middletown. Manon appeared in Delaware County Court for a conference on the charges, after that, he pleaded guilty to the charge, he will be sentenced to 6 months in the Delaware County Correctional Facility, to be followed by 5 years of felony probation supervision, he was ordered to pay restitution, he was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility pending sentencing.

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The State Department of Transportation is advising motorists of the following overnight lane closures along Interstate 81 in the Town of Dickinson, Broome County, to facilitate pavement repairs. Tonight at 8:00 PM Thursday, I-81 southbound will be reduced to two lanes of traffic between Exit 5 and I-88 interchange, the lanes will re-open Friday Morning.

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Otsego County announces an open-competitive examination for Deputy Sheriff, with the Examination Date on September 28, today is the last day to file. Applicants must have a high school diploma or a New York State Equivalency diploma, application are available at otsego-portal.mycivilservice.com/exams.