Delaware County Public Health reports a 60th person died from COVID-19 related complications. It’s not known that individual was vaccinated. This is the 5th COVID-19-related death in the past week. As of Friday the countty has 161 active COVID-19 cases with 311 people in mandatory quarantine and 11 hospitalized.
Cooperstown’s Arbor Day observance which normally takes place in June was held on Friday. All Otsego reports a tree was planted on Brooklyn Avenue in memory of Dennis Tillman who according to Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh volunteered his time and service to the village. The observance was delayed due to COVID-19. Source: Mayor Tillapaugh dedicates memorial … Read more
A former Chenango County corrections officer is found not guilty on 2 counts of rape. The Evening Sun reports it took the jury about an hour-and-a-half to reach a verdict in the trial of Donald Reese who was accused in the 2019 sexual assault. Source: https://www.evesun.com/news/stories/2021-10-15/35463/In-90-minutes-jury-finds-combat-veteran-not-guilty-of-all-charges-in-rape-case
Chenango Memorial Hospital is changing visitation policy as of today and with it comes a new visitor management system. All visitors are now required to show a driver license or other government-issued ID to enter the facility. Those without ID will have their photo and information taken so a vistor pass can be issued. Source: … Read more
New York Attorney General Leticia James is appealing a federal court ruling allowing healthcare workers to seek religious exemptions from the coronavirus-vaccine mandate. A judge ruled that the plaintiffs in a lawsuit showed the mandate conflicts with federal protections for religious beliefs. The appeal was filed last week. Source: https://nypost.com/2021/10/15/ny-files-appeal-over-vaccine-mandate-ruling-on-religious-exemptions/
New York establishes the Empire Technology Prize program which is a corporate challenge aimed at advancing building decarbonization across the Empire State. The goal is to seek climate solutions to achieve carbon-neutrality in existing multifamily buildings at least eight stories high or commercial buildings at least 15 stories high. Source: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-95-million-establish-empire-technology-prize-program-and-advance
A domestic disoute in Middlefield on Friday results in a man arrested on a felony charge. Police say an investigation resulted in the 26-year-old from Middflefield being taken into custody for first-degree criminal contempt. The man was also charged with crinimal obstruction of breathing and harrassment. Source: https://www.facebook.com/OtsegoSheriff/posts/4482279815187637
The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office will be accepting expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs at its semi-annual drug take back event on Oct. 23. Medications will be accepted between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at no charge with no questions asked. Prohibited items include sharps, needles, liquids, aerosols, and ointments. Source: https://www.facebook.com/OtsegoSheriff/photos/a.1220707958011522/4481313625284256/
The City of Norwich makes it into the finals round for New York’s 2021 Downtown Revitalization Initiative Grant competition. This is the same $10 million grant Oneonta won 5 years ago. Commerce Chenango officials say they gave a presentation this week and are now awaiting the winner’s announcement. Source: https://wbng.com/2021/10/14/norwich-receives-funding-for-revitalization/
Several Village of Oxford residents want lawmakers to opt out of allowing recreational and medical marijuana sales. A group called “Promote Oxford Now” tells WBNG they are creating a petition asking the Board of Trustees to reverse their vote permitting sales. Town of Oxford officials haven’t net decided on opting in or out. Source: https://wbng.com/2021/10/14/new-law-in-village-of-oxford-sparks-petition-among-residents/