Morning News Brief
Written by Michael Baldwin on March 31, 2021
After years of attempts, New York’s lawmakers have voted to legalize recreational marijuana for adults. After Gov. Andrew Cuomo signs the bill into law — which he’s expected to do — New York will join more than a dozen other states that have legalized cannabis. The state Senate and Assembly hashed out final details in a Tuesday debate. It passed the Senate with a 40-23 vote and the Assembly with a 100 – 49 vote. Senator Rob Ortt called the legislation “deeply flawed” and he, along with every other senate Republican, voted against the measure. New Yorkers won’t be able to immediately purchase marijuana; it could take 18 months to two years for sales to start.
The investigation continues into a two-alarm fire that heavily damaged a home at 37 Maple Street in Batavia. Everyone made it out of the two-story home safely. Four adults and two children were living in the rental property. Heavy smoke and flames confronted firefighters when they arrived. Fire crews remained at the scene for around two hours. The tenant said the fire started outside but they don’t know how it happened. Three dogs and six cats perished in the fire. The Red Cross assisted.
Two Genesee County residents remain hospitalized from COVID-19 and health officials say nine new positive cases have been confirmed. Another nine cases were also reported in Orleans County – one person is hospitalized. Beginning tomorrow, New York State will no longer require quarantine for domestic travelers. International travelers will still need to quarantine. All travelers will still be required to complete the Traveler Health Form.
Genesee Community College will recognize its students during its 53rd Commencement Ceremony, taking place completely online. Honoring this group of deserving achievers, will be keynote speaker, Dr. Susan Salvador, former Vice President for Student Affairs at Monroe Community College in Rochester. As Genesee Community College continues to develop its virtual commencement, details will be made available on www.genesee.edu/commencement. The event is set to take place May 22nd.
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that collegiate sports can bring fans back to the stands under strict state guidelines, beginning Friday. Intercollegiate sports at large-scale venues that hold more than 1,500 attendees indoors or 2,500 attendees outdoors can host up to 10 percent indoor or 20 percent outdoor capacity. All attendees must present proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test result or completed COVID-19 immunization prior to entry. Small-scale college venues that host intercollegiate, intramural, or club sports can host spectators at either two fans per player, or the social gathering limit of 100 attendees indoors or 200 attendees outdoors.
Tickets were issued stemming from a debris fire Monday night behind a home on Lake Street Road in Le Roy. Multiple fire departments were brought in to extinguish the flames. The DEC also responded and an environmental conservation police officer issued a ticket for unlawful open burning. It carries a minimum $500 fine. The DEC reminds residents there is a statewide ban on open burning that runs through May 14.
Court action is pending for a Pavilion man following his arrest. Genesee County deputies arrested 51-year-old Daniel Knauss of West Park Street. He was charged with menacing after he allegedly chased and threatened another person, causing fear of physical injury. He’ll answer the charge in Pavilion Town Court on April 6th.
