NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING - Windham Fire District

Please note the change of venue for the Windham Fire District of the town of Windham, County of Greene, New York. Regular meeting for Tuesday November 14, 2023, at 6 o’clock p.m. will be held at the Windham Fire Station 5462 Main Street Windham, NY. All meetings of the Windham Fire District are open to the public.

This notice is being posted in accordance with the provisions of Section 94 of the Public Officers Law of the State of New York.

By order of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Windham Fire District.

_Sandra Allen_________

                                                      Secretary

                                                                              Windham Fire District

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GUILTY PLEA IN CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE CASE

DELHI, NY - Delaware County Acting District Attorney Shawn J. Smith announced that John J. Jaromack Jr., 48, formerly of Franklin, New York appeared in Delaware County Court on October 23, 2023, and was sentenced to a total of 10 years in State Prison to be followed by ten 10 years of post-release supervision. 

The defendant had previously pled guilty to two counts of Criminal Sexual Act in the Second Degree, Class D Violent Felonies on August 25, 2023. The Honorable Judge Gary Rosa ordered a Pre-sentence Investigation to be undertaken by the Delaware County Department of Probation.

As part of his guilty plea, Jaromack admitted to sexually abusing a minor child in full satisfaction of a multi-count indictment that alleged sexual abuse against two separate children. Due to the nature of the case, the details of the case and identities of the victims are not being disclosed.

On October 23, 2023, the defendant appeared for sentencing. Several members of the victims’ families either made statements to the Court or submitted written Victim Impact Statements. Mr. Jaromack also made a statement. 

After hearing Mr. Jaromack’s statement, Judge Rosa sentenced him to a total of ten (10) years of incarceration to be followed by ten (10) years of post-release supervision. The court also issued orders of protection in favor of the two children for the next 13 years. The defendant will be mandated to register as a sex offender upon being released from prison. 

Acting District Attorney Shawn Smith thanked the victims in this case for coming forward.

“I want to thank the two children who came forward and exposed Mr. Jaromack’s horrible crimes. I know that this conviction cannot begin to repair the damage that they have suffered, but I hope that they gain a little peace knowing this monster is where he belongs; in state prison.”

Mr. Smith continued, “Sex abuse is an all-too-common crime that often sees victims feeling alone and utterly traumatized. Many victims of such abuse go unnoticed or unheard. To those victims, if you can, tell someone. And to the members of our community who see something odd in a child or witness inappropriate behavior by an adult towards a child, say something.”     Smith thanked Investigator Brian Dengler of the New York State Police who led the investigation into John J. Jaromack, Jr., assisting officers of the NYSP, and victim advocate Kimberly Bryden for her work with the children and family during the court process. 

Shawn J. Smith

Acting District Attorney

Delaware County

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TWELVE COUNT INDICTMENT UNSEALED FOUR COUNTS OF PREDATORY SEXUAL ASSAULT AGAINST A CHILD

 DELHI – Delaware County Acting District Attorney Shawn J. Smith announced that Mark Archer, 38, of Oneonta, New York, was indicted for 12 felonies and arraigned in Delaware County Court on October 11, 2023.  

The 12 Count Indictment unsealed in Delaware County Court accuses the defendant of three counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree and alleges that the defendant subjected three separate children- each under the age of 11 years old- to sexual abuse.  These are Class D felonies. 

The defendant was also indicted for two counts of Rape in the First Degree, Class B Violent Felonies, based upon allegations that the defendant engaged in sexual intercourse, on two separate occasions, with a child under 11 years                        old. 

Counts Seven and Eight of the Indictment accuse the defendant of Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree, Class B Violent Felonies, and alleges that the defendant subjected a child under the age of 11 years old to anal sexual contact on two separate occasions. 

The defendant is also facing four separate counts of Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child for the alleged sexual abuse of a child under 13 years old.  Each of those Counts are Class A-II Felonies and carry a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.  As such, the defendant faces over 100 years to life in prison if he is found guilty of the charges alleged in the indictment. 

The Honorable Gary A. Rosa, Acting Delaware County Court Judge, remanded the defendant to the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of $75,000 cash bail, or $750,000 bond. The case is scheduled for a conference on October 30, 2023, at 9:00 A.M. 

Acting District Attorney Shawn Smith stated, “This indictment is the result of a lengthy and comprehensive investigation conducted by the Sidney Police Department and Assistant District Attorney Denise Kerrigan.  My office is grateful for the assistance provided by the Delaware County Department of Social Services and the staff at Safe Against Violence. Both departments provided a great deal of support which enabled us to work with the child victims in this case.”  

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Shawn J. Smith

Delaware County Acting District Attorney

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K-9 RIGGS INSTRUMENTAL IN NEW DRUG INDICTMENT $7,000.00 IN FENTANYL AND METHAMPHETAMINE SEIZED

DELHI - Delaware County Acting District Attorney Shawn J. Smith announced that Zachary A. Rowe, 24, of Harpursville, New York appeared for arraignment on a two-count indictment in Delaware County Court. 

On October 1, 2023, Sidney Police Officer Royce Terry arrested the defendant on a bench warrant.  After being taken into custody, Sidney K9 Officer Royce Terry and K9 Officer Riggs conducted a search of the defendant’s personal property.  K9 Officer Riggs is a 2-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer that officially began working with the Sidney Police in August of this year after he became state certified in the detection of narcotics.

After becoming involved in the search, Riggs quickly discovered and indicated the presence of narcotics.  Officer Terry then used Rigg’s indication to obtain a search warrant. A subsequent police search revealed approximately $7,000.00 in illegal methamphetamine and fentanyl. 

Count One of the Indictment accuses the defendant of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree, a Class D Felony for possessing methamphetamine, with intent to sell it, in the Village of Sidney.

Count Two of the Indictment accuses the defendant of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B Felony of possessing fentanyl, with intent to sell it, in the Village of Sidney.

John L. Hubbard, Delaware County Court Judge, remanded the defendant to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail. 

Acting District Attorney Shawn Smith stated, “I commend Sidney Police K9 Handler Terry and K9 Officer Riggs for their thorough investigation of this case.  K9 Officer Riggs is a handsome and intelligent dog. He is proving to be an effective weapon in our battle to remove dangerous drugs from our communities.” 

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Shawn J. Smith

Acting District Attorney

Delaware County

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Three Count Indictment Unsealed in Delaware County Court

DELHI – Acting District Attorney Shawn Smith announced today that Devon Ireland, 28, of Unadilla, New York, appeared in Delaware County Court on October 20, 2023, and was arraigned on a sealed indictment.    

Ireland appeared before the Honorable John L. Hubbard, Delaware County Court Judge, and a Three Count Indictment was unsealed.  Count One of the Indictment alleged that the defendant attempted to endanger the welfare of a child. Count Two accused the defendant of Attempted Disseminating Indecent Material to Minors in the Second Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor, and Count Three accused the defendant of Attempted Disseminating Indecent Material to Minors in the First Degree, a Class E Felony.  

The defendant, a registered sex offender, is alleged to have engaged in a sexually explicit online conversation with a person that he believed to be a 14-year-old child.  During the conversation, the defendant induced the purported child to engage in sexual conduct.  Later that night, the defendant met the purported child in Masonville, and discovered that the supposed child was actually an adult male using a “decoy” account.    

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the Judge remanded the defendant to the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000.00 cash bail.  

The case is scheduled for a conference on October 23, 2023, at 1:00 P.M. 

Acting District Attorney Shawn Smith commended Delaware County Sheriff Deputies Elderkin and Finch for their thorough investigation into this case.  

First Assistant District Attorney Schuyler Kinneman presented the case to the Delaware County Grand Jury. 

As are all defendants, this defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. 

Shawn J. Smith 

Acting District Attorney 

Delaware County

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Drunk Driving with Child in Vehicle Plea

DELHI, NY – Acting District Attorney Shawn Smith announced today that Shelly A. Genung, 52, of Sidney, New York, appeared in Delaware County Court on October 24, 2023, and pleaded guilty to one count of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a child in the vehicle.   

Genung appeared before the Honorable John L. Hubbard, Delaware County Court Judge, and pleaded guilty to Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a child in the vehicle, a Class E Felony.  Prior to entering her guilty plea, the defendant admitted that she was operating the motor vehicle on a public highway in the Village of Sidney, while she was intoxicated by alcohol.  The defendant further admitted that she had been drinking vodka, and that she was driving with a 6-year-old child in the vehicle. 

The guilty plea was entered as part of a negotiated disposition, whereby the defendant will be sentenced to 5 years of felony probation supervision and required to comply with any substance abuse treatment recommendations.  The defendant will also be required to successfully complete the Impaired Driving Program and attend a Victim Impact Panel.  The defendant’s license will be revoked, and she will be required to install an ignition interlock device in any vehicle she owns or operates.  

Acting District Attorney Shawn Smith commended Officer Brendan McDevitt of the Village of Sidney Police Department for his thorough investigation of this case. Smith stated, " There is no excuse for anyone to drive drunk, especially with children in the vehicle. Impaired drivers put the lives of pedestrians and other motorists at risk any time they get behind the wheel.” 

Shawn J. Smith 

Acting District Attorney 

Delaware County

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Yager Museum to Host "Horror in the Museum"

ONEONTA, NY (10/25/2023) The Yager Museum of Art & Culture at Hartwick College will once again host its annual Halloween storytelling event, "The Horror in the Museum," on Thursday, October 26, from 5-7 p.m. Hear faculty, staff, and students read and perform their favorite Halloween stories! The event is free and open to the public and refreshments will be served. Due to the content of the performed material, the suggested age of attendance is 10 and up.

The Yager Museum's galleries will also be open during the readings. Visitors can explore the museum's current exhibits including A Deep Dive into a Large Ocean: Tourism, Tradition and Transformation in Micronesian Culture; Margaret Huntington Boehner; Of Time and the River: 12,000 Years in the Upper Susquehanna Region; Velocity and Position: The Human Figure in Motion and at Rest; Sculptures in Silver: America's Standing Liberty Quarters, 1916-1931; and Masterpieces of European and American Art: the Hartwick College Art Treasure Room.

The museum's regular hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. when the College is in session. The museum is closed on Sundays, Mondays, College holidays, and when the College is not in session. Admission is free.

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Emergency Fund: What Is It and Why It Matters

Major car repairs, surprise medical bills, and loss of income are events we don’t tend to give much consideration to until they happen to us. While it may not be as fun as saving for vacation or a home remodel, having an emergency fund in place can make the difference between managing a short-term setback and experiencing long-term financial repercussions. What constitutes an emergency fund and why is it so important to have one, particularly in times like this? Here’s a primer.

Financial solvency matters. Financial experts generally encourage you to set aside three to six months’ worth of living expenses in an emergency fund. Without it, you are at risk of losing what you’ve worked hard to achieve if life throws a curve ball. A stash of funds can help you meet your monthly obligations, keep your credit report clean and preserve your way of life. 

Put your priorities in order. An emergency fund deserves to be at the top of your list of financial priorities. Emergency reserves are designed to provide a safety net to prevent financial disaster. Saving for your retirement comes next, to help protect your financial future. It’s even better if you can save for both priorities at the same time. If you're currently saving for your future, consider allocating a portion of monthly contributions to go toward an emergency fund. Once your emergency account is funded at a satisfactory level and you regularly contribute to a retirement account, you can start setting money aside for discretionary items such as new furniture, a vacation or a vehicle upgrade.

Set a goal. Determine how much you would need to stay afloat for an extended period of income disruption. At a minimum, how much would you need on hand to pay your bills and buy groceries each month if your paychecks stopped coming? Then multiply this amount by six. 

Start where you can. If you don’t have a large chunk of money available to establish your emergency fund right now, don’t let it prevent you from starting an account and working toward your target. Any amount is a step in the right direction – even if that’s $50 or $500. Your next tax refund, bonus, or raise are other potential sources of cash to grow an emergency fund. Revisit your current budget to see where you can trim expenses and put more into savings.

Create and stick to your guidelines. Your emergency fund should be reserved for times of financial crisis. It’s not an account to pay for life’s extras, however tempting that may be. With guidelines in place, you can avoid dipping into these funds unless necessary. 

Keep emergency funds within safe reach. When uncertainty strikes, you may need money in a hurry. For this reason, emergency savings should be held in cash or easy-to-access investments like a money market fund. You also may want to open a dedicated interest-bearing savings account, potentially in a bank separate from your other accounts, to keep your emergency funds at a safe distance if you’re one who may be tempted to spend it. 

Working with a knowledgeable financial advisor who understands your savings goals can help you prepare for unforeseen circumstances that can change your life and your family’s life in an instant. 

 

###

 

Michael D. Lanuto, CRPC®, AWMA® is a Financial Advisor with S.M. Miller & Associates, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. in Albany, NY.  He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 8 years. To contact him: 518-949-2039; 4 Atrium Drive, Ste 200, Albany, NY, 12205; Michael.Lanuto@ampf.com; https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/michael.lanuto/lp/request-contact/3/. 

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Bassett Healthcare Network Recognized as a Leading Age-Friendly Health System

Cooperstown, NY – Bassett Healthcare Network announced today that all five of its hospitals have been recognized as part of an Age-Friendly Health System Committed to Care Excellence.

 

Age-Friendly Health Systems is an initiative of the John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement in partnership with the American Hospital Association and the Catholic Health Association of the United States. Hospitals and health systems designated as age-friendly follow rigorous standards and evidence-based interventions specifically designed to improve care for older adults.

“Caring for the older adults in our region is a privilege, and we are proud to be a leader in providing age-friendly healthcare across our entire network,” said Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, President and CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network. “As of 2021, one in six New York State residents were aged 65 or older. This demographic is expected to continue growing over the next few years and decades. Providing not only reliable – but exceptional – healthcare to this patient population is imperative to rural health.”

 

“I am extremely impressed with my Bassett colleagues who have shown such dedication and rapid progress in their age-friendly health system journey,” said Terry Fulmer, PhD, RN, FAAN, President of The John A. Hartford Foundation. “The demographics of rural America underscore the critical nature of this work and I am especially proud, as a Bassett Medical Center trustee, to celebrate this milestone!”

 

All older adults deserve safe, high-quality healthcare that is based on what matters most to them as individuals and delivered reliably in every setting. Bassett Healthcare Network is leading the way in making sure that every day, every older adult receives age-friendly healthcare. As part of the Age-Friendly Health Systems movement, Bassett is among the first health systems in the country implementing age-friendly healthcare.

 

The following Bassett Healthcare Network sites have been designated as Age-Friendly Health Systems committed to care excellence.

• Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, NY

• A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta, NY

• Little Falls Hospital in Little Falls, NY

• Cobleskill Regional Hospital in Cobleskill, NY

• O’Connor Hospital in Delhi, NY

 

Age-Friendly Health Systems aim to follow an essential set of evidence-based practices, cause no harm, and align with what matters to older adults and their caregivers. The four essential elements of an Age-Friendly Health System are known as the 4Ms:

• What Matters: Know and align care with each older adult's specific health outcome goals and care preferences including, but not limited to, end-of-life care, and across settings of care.

• Medication: If medication is necessary, use age-friendly medications that do not interfere with what matters to the older adult, mobility, or mentation across settings of care.

• Mentation: Prevent, identify, treat, and manage dementia, depression, and delirium across settings of care.

• Mobility: Ensure that older adults move safely every day to maintain function and do what matters.

Learn more about Age-Friendly Health Systems here.

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SUNY COBLESKILL NAMES MEN’S GOLFER JOSHUA HOUSE FIGHTING TIGER ATHLETE-OF-THE-WEEK

Cobleskill, N.Y.: The SUNY Cobleskill Athletic Department announced today that sophomore Joshua House, Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Saratoga Springs High School, a member of the men’s golf team has been named the Fighting Tiger Athlete-of-the-Week for the week ending Sunday October 8, 2023.

The Fighting Tiger sophomore posted a two-day total of 15-over par 159 posting rounds of 75 and 84 to place 10^th overall in a 55-player field to earn Second Team All-North Atlantic Conference (NAC) honors at the 2023 NAC Championship tournament hosted by SUNY Canton at the par-72/6569-yard Partridge Ridge Golf & Country Club over the weekend. This marks the second consecutive year that the Saratoga Springs, N.Y. native has earned second team all-conference honors.

Led by House the Fighting Tigers fired a two-day total of +100-over par 676 to place fifth overall in an 11-team field at the event.

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Bassett Healthcare Network Enhances Sign-On Bonuses for New Employees - Up to $35,000

Cooperstown, N.Y. – Bassett Healthcare Network announced today it has significantly enhanced sign-on bonuses for a variety of open job positions for the next 90 days. Bonus increases took effect on October 1, including up to $35,000 for registered nurses.

 

“Attracting new talent to Bassett Healthcare Network continues to be a top priority,” says Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, President and CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network. “We have made excellent hiring progress over the last year, with nearly 2,000 new employees joining our network. More than 180 of these caregivers are nurses. Still, Bassett has many open positions in a variety of disciplines. Adding more caregivers to our team is critically needed for the many thousands of patients who depend on us for care every day.”

 

Key open job positions with increased sign-on bonuses include those in nursing, radiology, laboratory, physical and occupational therapy, operating rooms, and emergency departments, among other areas. Sign-on bonus amounts include:

 

• Up to $35,000 for registered nurses (RNs)
  
  
• Up to $20,000 for licensed practical nurses (LPNs), clinical laboratory technicians, ultrasound technologists, radiology technologists, MRI technologists, CT technologists, cardiovascular technicians, physical therapists, and occupational therapists
  
  
• Up to $15,000 for nursing assistants, emergency department technicians, operating room scrub technicians, physical therapy assistants, and certified occupational therapy assistants

 

Bassett’s boosted sign-on bonuses are arriving on the heels of the healthcare system’s recent announcement with Hartwick College and SUNY Oneonta that the institutions are collaborating on a groundbreaking workforce development partnership. Annually, up to 50 recent graduates of Hartwick College and SUNY Oneonta who attain a bachelor’s degree or higher and work in a full-time role at any Bassett Healthcare Network facility will qualify for a loan repayment stipend.

 

“The future of healthcare – and of our rural communities – is rooted in strategic partnerships, creativity, grassroots connections, and our ability to bolster resources to stimulate economic development in our region,” added Dr. Ibrahim. “As the provider of healthcare and a top employer in Central New York, Bassett is a key player in community growth.”

 

Bassett also recently announced four percent salary increases for all non-practitioner employees across its eight-county service region. The organization is continually assessing market data to remain competitive with compensation and benefits, including continuing education, certification opportunities, and tuition reimbursement for employees in many areas – whether at the bedside or in non-clinical and administrative roles.

 

“We’re passionately invested in the health of our communities, and this includes providing a meaningful, rewarding, and unique place for our citizens to grow their careers,” says Dr. Ibrahim.

 

Visit bassett.org/careers to learn more and explore career opportunities across Bassett Healthcare Network.

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