New York State ends its mask mandate for schools this Wednesday. Governor Kathy Hochul says governments and schools can choose to enforce their own mask mandate if they wish. Parents may also sent their children to school with a mask. Source: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-plan-end-state-mask-requirement-schools-starting-march-2
Governor Kathy Hochul directed all New York State agencies and authorities to review and divest public funds from Russia following that country’s attack on the sovereign nation of Ukraine. New York State is home to the largest Ukrainian population in the United States. Source: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-signs-executive-order-directing-state-agencies-and-authorities-divest-public
The Otsego County Health Department reports another individual died from COVID-19 complications. There’s been 14 deaths so far this year and 109 since the pandemic began. 27 new COVID-19 cases were reported with the 7-day positivity rate at 4.2%. Source: https://www.otsegocounty.com/departments/d-m/health_department/covid19.php
State Police continue to investigate a Richmondvville homicide. According to the Times-Journal troopers responded to a disturbance call last month at a Hite Road address and found an adult man dead in the home. Call State Police Troop G Headquarters if you have info on the homicide. Source: https://cobleskilltimesjournal.com/article.asp?id=105803
The Sidney Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for “Business of the Year” and “Citizen of the Year”. The award recipient will be honored at the Annual Chamber of Commerce Dinner to be held June 2. Go to sidneychamber.org for details and a nomination form. Source: http://www.sidneychamber.org/files/3616/4433/0655/2022_Nomination_Form.pdf
If you’ve missed getting your fill of Church and Scott Jelly Beans they are once again available. According to All Otsego they’re on the shelves at the the pharmacy just south of Cooperstown on Route 28. Sales stopped at the beginning of the pandemic. Source: Jelly beans back at Church and Scott
In anticipation of the winter storm that may impact the Oneonta area parking regulations are lifted in all municipal public parking lots. City residents who do not have access to private off-street parking may utilize the municipal lots during snow emergencies, free of charge. Source: https://local.nixle.com/alert/9276713/
SUNY Oneonta surpasses its goal for its fundraising campaign entitled “Grow. Thrive. Live. The Future of SUNY Oneonta”. The original campaign goal of $25 million was set to be rached by June 2023. President Alberto Cardelle says this generosity makes a positive impact on students as they earn a college degree. Source: Press release
New York makes $10 million available for programs in Otsego, Chenango, Delaware, Schoharie and 4 other counties for substance abuse programs that lead to employment. Applicants for the INSPIRE grant program need to submit initial proposals by March 3 and final applications by March 24. Source: https://wnbf.com/funding-available-in-southern-tier-for-drugs-to-jobs-programs/
22nd District Congresswoman Claudia Tenney urges Governor Kathy Hochul to reject the New York State Farm Laborers Wage Board’s lowering of the overtime wage threshold.She claims the Board ignored a report showing two-thirds of dairy farmers indicated they would be forced to move milk production out of state if the 40-hour workweek is implemented. Source: … Read more