WCDO Radio News

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced significant progress with the Emergency Rental Assistance Program and the Excluded Workers Program. The amount of pandemic-related emergency rental assistance paid out has nearly doubled in the past 3 weeks, up to $399 million, enabling tenants at risk for eviction to stay in their homes and helping struggling landlords to receive unpaid rent. Starting tomorrow, middle-income renters previously ineligible for assistance can begin applying for funding through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, also Governor Hochul announced that over $1 billion in Excluded Workers Program funds have been approved for distribution to date.   More information is available at otda.ny.gov.

A Ribbon Cutting will be held tomorrow morning at the Leilani Way Community Center in Norwich at 105 Leilani Lane, for the Roots & Wings new location.  Robin Cotter of the Roots & Wings Program told WCDO News about the event tomorrow:

(Robin Cotter 9-14-21)

Cotter said that the event is open to the public, more information about their programs can be found at the Facebook page.

The State Department of Health today announced that New York State's youth smoking rate has reached an all-time low. As of 2020, less than 3% of high school students smoke cigarettes, down from 27.1% in 2000.  The Youth Tobacco Survey found that youth tobacco use was down across all tobacco product categories, including a drop in e-cigarette use for the first time.  New Yorkers of all ages can contact the New York State Smokers’ Quitline at 1-866-NYQUITS or visit nysmokefree.com.

After a year and a half hiatus, due to the Covid-19 Virus, the Mid York Concert Band is looking forward to beginning rehearsals today for the 40 plus piece ensemble made up of professionals, educators, students and dedicated amateurs from Chenango and surrounding counties.   Spokesman Mark Sands told WCDO News about the musicians they are recruiting:

(Mark Sands 9-14-21)

Sands said that the rehearsals are every other Tuesday evening, with the 1st rehearsal tonight from 7:00 to 9:30 in the Norwich Middle School band room. There are 2 scheduled concerts, December 14, 2021 and May 22, 2022.More information is available at 334-4307 or by email: midyorkcb@gmail.com

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 9-3-21

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the Public Health and Health Planning Council passed an emergency regulation and the Health Commissioner issued a determination requiring all teachers, administrators and other school employees to submit to weekly COVID-19 testing unless they show proof of vaccination, with either a CDC vaccine card or the Excelsior Pass.   The Governor also announced that the State Department of Health has finalized and released official guidance for classroom instruction regarding Facemasks, which closely echoes the CDC guidance which districts were advised to follow. More information is available at coronavirus.health.ny.gov.

Bassett Healthcare Network will be showcasing its school-based health center at Gilbertsville-Mount Upton Central School with a ribbon-cutting on Tuesday, September 7, at 5:00 pm.  The event is being held in conjunction with the school’s annual open house, Bassett Healthcare Network President & CEO Dr. Tommy Ibrahim will offer remarks.   Available Care will include Annual physical exams, Immunizations, Diagnosis and treatment of both short-and long-term illnesses,   mental health services & Preventive dental care

The Mid York Concert band is looking for area musicians to join, with rehearsals starting this month in Norwich, Band conductor Mark Sands explains:

(Mark Sands 9-3-21)

Anyone interested in joining the band can call sands at 334-4307, or email him: Midyorkcb@gmail.com, rehearsals will start Tuesday September 14th from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the Norwich Middle School band room.

Chenango Arts Council is seeking memorabilia, yearbooks and other items from the years its 27 West Main Street location served as the Norwich City Middle and High Schools. Submitted items will be displayed in the gallery exhibit “Back to School”, and items will be returned once the show closes. Those interested in sharing their memorabilia will be please deliver it to the Council at 27 West Main Street, Norwich by September 10th, the exhibit will open with a public reception on Friday, September 17th at 5:30pm. The exhibit will run until October 1st. More information is available at 336-2787 or info@chenangoarts.org.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 8-27-21

The Chenango River Theater will be back with live performances today at the facility in Greene, Spokesman Bill Lelbach commented about the controversial topic of "Ben Butler":

(Bill Lelbach 8-27-21)

"Ben Butler" starts tonight & runs through September 19th at their facility in Greene, tickets for “Ben Butler” or the following show: “The Craftsman” are available at chenangorivertheatre.org.

An American Red Cross Blood drive will be held at the Sidney Fire department Training center on River Street today from 11:00 to 4:00 PM. A Blood drive is also being held today at the Elm Park Methodist Church on Chestnut Street in Oneonta from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and a blood drive is also being held in Norwich today at the Broad Street Methodist Church from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Registration is available at redcrossblood.org.

NYSEG announced that their crews have successfully restore power to over 9000 Delaware County Customers who lost power this morning.   About 1/3rd of Delaware County customers were without power in the middle & eastern townships, several school districts had to delay scheduled activities this morning due to the outage.  NYSEG Officials told WCDO News that the issue was a failed insulator at the Delhi Substation, power was out from about 5:30 this morning until about 12:00 Noon.

Otsego County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 26 year old David Johnson of Norwich following the investigation of a motor vehicle accident in the Town of Pittsfield on June 16TH.  Johnson was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, DWI, Driving while Ability Impaired by Drugs & Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a motor vehicle, among several other charges, Johnson is accused of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of methamphetamine, he was taken to Bassett Medical Center for injuries sustained during the accident, he was processed & issued an appearance ticket for Pittsfield Court at a later date.