The Otsego County Health Department reports the COVID-19 Transmission Community Level is increased to high from medium. This means according to CDC officials masks should be worn regardless of vaccine or booster status. Close to 50 new cases were reported last Friday and the 7-day positivity rate is 11%. Source: https://www.otsegocounty.com/departments/d-m/health_department/covid19.php
A child pornography investigation results in a Cobleskill man charged with promoting a sexual performance by a child and possessing a sexual performance by a child. State Police say they received a tip from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The man ij jailed on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond. Source: https://www.nyspnews.com/cobleskill-man-arrested-for-promoting-sexual-performance-by-child.htm
A Walton man is charged with evading over $75,000 in state tax payments after an investigation by the Attorney General and Department of Taxation and Finance. The same man had been previously charged with operating a Ponzi scheme and investigators say the new charges are related to that. Source: https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2022/attorney-general-james-and-acting-tax-commissioner-hiller-announce-arrest-alleged
2 members of the Fly Creek fire department receive an awatrd from the American Red Cross Southern Tier. 1st Assistant Chief Jess Lanza and 2nd Assistant Chief Henry Hight were given the Workplace Safety Award. They were nominated by Fire Chief Christopher Voulo. Source: https://www.wicz.com/story/46532282/17-southern-tier-real-heroes-honored
Delaware County Public Health is seeking input from residents on health issues. It’s in the form of an online survey and all responses are completely anonymous. Responses wiell help identify the most important areas for health improvements that can be addressed through community actions. A link at the department’s Facebook page. Source: https://www.facebook.com/dcphns/posts/498253808642779
The Otsego County Department of Health is distributing its remaking supply of COVID-19 home test kits through local businesses. The distribution begins next Monday until supplies run out. A list of locations is posted at the Department’s Facebook page. Kits are only available for in-person pickup. Source: https://www.facebook.com/OtsegoCountyDepartmentofHealth/posts/373818478111734
Governor Kathy Hochul proclaims May as Older Americans Month.The proclamation recognies the volunteerism of New York’s older adults who commit more than 495 million hours of community service each year at an economic value of $13.8 billion. The fiscal year 2023 budget contains several investments in aging services. Source: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-issues-proclamation-designating-may-older-americans-month-new-york-state
Starting Monday the Oneonta Department of Public Service is flushing water mains in the low service area weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. During flushing, water users may experience a change in water color, pressure and/or loss of water. Run cold water faucets to clear up any discoloring. Source: https://local.nixle.com/alert/9430755/
Chenango County’s Office of Emergency Services kicked off its EMS program last Monday by providing two Basic Life Support teams in South Otselic who will be stafing an ambulance. Fire Coordinator Matthew Beckwith tells the Evening Sun this is the culmination of 4 years of discussions and planning. Source: https://www.evesun.com/news/stories/2022-05-16/36455/Office-of-Emergency-Services-begins-EMS-program
The Friends of Rogers in Sherburne receives an $80,000 state grant to create an environmental educator position, The individual will develop, lead, and organize educational programming for students, youth, families, and special interest groups with an emphasis on adults and seniors. 27 projects statewide received funding. Source: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-900000-grants-awarded-state-parks-trails-historic-sites-and-public