News from the noteworthy Community matters As we transition through fall, I’m reminded of the spirit of community that is such a vibrant part of our lives in Otsego County. This sense of connection and shared values that sustains us through good times and challenging times is why “community matters”.…
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Why Buffalo Matters in Otsego County By TED POTRIKUS • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com After he lost the primary in June to Democratic Socialist India Walton, four-term incumbent Democrat Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown looked like a goner, relegated to the same political “oops” that befell Congressman Joe Crowley when he lost his can’t-lose primary to the completely unknown Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirstin Gillibrand endorsed Ms. Walton right away, as did the city’s state legislators and a bevy…
New cannabis laws leave enforcement a little hazy By KEVIN LIMITI • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com Otsego County Sheriff’s Department confirmed this week it is investigating a local business for “gifting” marijuana but that it also is not certain of enforcement protocol. County Sheriff Sergeant Michael Stalter called the process a “convoluted quagmire.” “It’s a very difficult thing right now,” he said. “We’re trying to catch up on the new (marijuana possession) laws as it is.…
Community Foundation announces it raised more than $2 million STAFF REPORT • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com The Community Foundation of Otsego County announced in a media release Wednesday, Sept. 22, it had raised more than $2,035,246, exceeding its goal of $2 million as part of its Founders Campaign. The money raised will be used for awards for non-profits tackling different issues in Otsego County. CFOC raises money to help “address challenges and increase opportunity in Otsego County” according to its website.…
Fully vaccinated students at SUNY Oneonta at 88% By KEVIN LIMITI • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com ONEONTA — COVID numbers for SUNY Oneonta have steadily improved with more students getting the vaccine. Danielle McMullen, chief of staff at SUNY Oneonta, reported to the Common Council on Tuesday, Sept. 21, that 94% of students had at least one dose of the vaccine while 88% are fully vaccinated. McMullen said SUNY Oneonta was doing “really well, when compared to other SUNY schools,” and…
COVID Update One new death reported in Otsego County STAFF REPORT • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com One new death has been reported in Otsego County, according to the Otsego County Department of Health (DOH). As of Friday, Sept. 17, there are a total of 166 active cases with 13 reported today. The DOH encourages those who haven’t been vaccinated yet to get vaccinated as it is the most effective way to combat the COVID virus. …
Otsego County to receive low interest disaster relief loans for Butternut Valley flooding in July Staff Report • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com As a result of severe flooding that affected the Butternut Valley area in July, the Small Business Administration is offering low-interest loans to businesses and residents affected by the flooding. Businesses may borrow up to $2 million for repairs and $200,000 for homeowners to replace and repair real estate as well as $40,000 for personal property. Interest rates are…
Editorial Friends with benefits It’s no secret there is a significant labor shortage in America at the moment and we are seeing its effects clearly here in Otsego County. Help wanted signs are everywhere. While the problem touches most businesses, local restaurants appear to be particularly affected. Many have been forced to close multiple days per week; some have closed permanently. One local food service has become a food truck because of a lack of employees. At the end of…
Area businesses seek solutions to employee void Plans could include refugee recruitment, resettlement By Kevin Limiti • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com A possible solution to worker shortages in Otsego County could be employing refugees and resettling them in Otsego County communities, some local leaders suggest. Al Rubin, CEO of the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, and Tom Armao of the Country Club Auto Group, said they are having preliminary discussions in finding ways to alleviate the problem of understaffing and the…
Otsego County tops 100 active COVID cases Staff Report • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com As of Tuesday, Aug. 31, active COVID cases in Otsego County have reached 121 with five hospitalizations, according to the Otsego County Department of Health. The county’s DOH reported 22 new cases Tuesday, which brought Otsego County over 100. The DOH continued to encourage people who have not gotten the vaccine yet to do so as it reduces risk of hospitalization and death. …
