P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 8-18-21
The State Health Department reports that 95% of Recent COVID Positive tests are linked to the Delta Variant. So far, More Than 23 Million Vaccine Shots have been delivered Statewide, with over 52,000 Vaccine Doses Administered Over the most recent 24 Hour period. Over 156,000 people were tested for COVID Tuesday. With over 4700, or just over 3% testing positive. 75 more New Yorkers were hospitalized bring the total close to 1900, over 380 patients are in ICU Beds, 157 are on ventilators. There were 20 COVID deaths reported.
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New York State 1st Responders & Law Enforcement Agencies Are Gearing up For action that may be necessary due to the heavy downpours that may come from Tropical Storm Fred. The State Department of Transportation will be patrolling areas susceptible to flooding. State Police has instructed all Troopers to remain vigilant and closely monitor conditions for any problems. Additional personnel will be deployed to affected areas as needed, including in the Southern Tier, Central New York. All four-wheel drive vehicles and all specialty vehicles, including Utility Terrain Vehicles, are in-service. Utility companies are urged to be ready to respond for issues masticated with flash flooding as well as downed trees & power lines.
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Governor Andrew Cuomo is now being investigated for alleged sexual harassment by the Manhattan & Westchester District Attorney’s offices, in addition to the investigation already underway by the Albany County Sheriff’s Department. The findings of the State Assembly Impeachment investigation are being turned over to all who are investigating Cuomo’s alleged improprieties.
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Following the United States Department of Agriculture’s announcement that up to $500 million in American Rescue Plan emergency rural health care funding will be newly available, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is encouraging all eligible New York entities to apply ahead of the deadline. Applicants may apply for Impact Grants by October 12th, and Recovery Grants on a continual basis until funds are expended. Applications & more information can be found at rd.usda.gov or gillibrand.senate.gov.
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The 2021 Sidney Veteran’s Memorial Park Fundraising Golf Tournament will be held at the Sidney Golf & Country Club on September 11th, organizer Tom Ruff told WCDO News that there is work to be done at the Park this year with the money raised:
(Tom Ruff 8-18-21)
To register for the Golf Tournament, call Tom Ruff at 518-256-7899, the deadline to register is September 9th.
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The Appalachian Regional Commission announced approval of a grant today to the Rural Health Network for $150,000 for their “Get There” transportation to employment program. The program provides for assistance for those who are not able to purchase their own transportation, to get to & from work in the Southern Tier. More information about the program is available at 692-7669.
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The Chenango Blues Festival begins tonight in the East Park in Downtown Norwich with a free show starting at 7:00 PM tonight, with Friday Night’s concert at the Chenango County Fair Grounds in Norwich, the Friday show is Free to all but unvaccinated individuals should wear a mask and social distance. The Main show will be at the Chenango County Fairgrounds, No tickets will be available this year by mail or at the gate, Advance sale tickets will be $40 for adults 18 and over at chenangobluesfest.org/tickets, the headliner will be Jimmy Vaughn of Fabulous Thunderbird’s” fame.