The State Department of Environmental Conservation is asking lawmakers to ban all polystyrene starting in 2022. That includes styrofoam food containers, foam packing peanuts and other similar products designed for one-time use. Comments on the proposed ban are being accepted until Nov. 22. Log on to dec.ny.us to submit a comment. Source: https://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/123704.html
Today is the state-imposed deadline for healthcare employees to have at least the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and Gov. Kathy Hochul says she has a plan to address worker shortages that may result. Hochul says one option is declaring a state of emergency so retirees and out-of-state workers can be brought in. Source: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/preparation-monday-vaccination-deadline-governor-hochul-releases-comprehensive-plan-address
The Schenevus and Worcester school districts clear the first hurdle in their merger plans. A so-called “straw poll” held last week resulted in overwhelming approval. That clears the way for a binding resolution vote to be held Dec. 1 if the state gives its blessing. Should that vote succeed the 2 districts would merge next … Read more
Deleware County Public Health reported a 54th resident died from COVID-19 related complications. It’s not known if that person was vaccinated. There are 185 active cases with 7 people hospitalized. Otsego County had 12 more cases on Sunday with 4 people hospitalized. Chenango County has 140 active cases with 3 people hospitalized.
The Community Foundation of Otsego County announced its Founders Campaign has surpassed the goal of raising $2,000,000. Officials thankedcampaign donors and to the entire community for its support and encouragement. Donations to the campaign are being accepted until the end of the year. The Foundation was formed in 2019. Source: Two Million Thanks to our … Read more
The Susquehanna SPCA received a grant to provide dental services for animals at the shelter. All Otsego reports the Rotary Club grant allowed the shelter to buy charts, dental equipment, dental models and other equipment. This allows the SPCA to perform dental work in-house and not having to use outside providers. Source: https://www.allotsego.com/the-sqspca-are-a-step-closer-to-providing-dental-services-to-rescues/
Pharsalia’s former town supervisor will be in state prison for 1 to 3 years on his plea deal to embezzlement charges dating back to 2019. According to State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s office Dennis Brown pleaded guilty to stealing $240,000 in public funds and must now pay full restitution. Brown was sentenced on Friday. Source: … Read more
The Stamford Rotary Club cancelled its Scarecrow Festival that was scheduled for Oct. 3. Club President Heidi Pickett tells the Reporter their hope was to celebrate the community and the beauty that surrounds it, but decided to cancel because of the increase in COVID-19 cases within Delaware County and surrounding areas. Source: https://www.the-reporter.net/stories/no-scarecrows-for-stamford,80586
New York Health Commissioner Howard Zucker has submitted his resignation. Gov. Kathy Hochul thanked Zucker for his service during COVID-19. He was appointed in 2015 by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Zucker will stay on the job until his sucessor is chosen and a search for his replacement is under way. Source: https://nypost.com/2021/09/23/howard-zucker-who-oversaw-andrew-cuomo-nursing-home-scandal-resigns/
New York obtains $19 million in federal funding to support addiction treatment workers. . Prevention, treatment, and recovery providers certified by the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports will receive funding to support initiatives such as loan repayment, scholarships, and other incentives to recruit, retain and strengthen the addiction support workforce in their eligible … Read more