Evening News Brief
Written by Tom Tharp on May 19, 2021
Today is the day the mandate for New Yorkers to wear masks in all businesses has been lifted for those who are vaccinated and many businesses are changing their policies. Tops Home Depot and Walmart now allow those who are vaccinated to choose whether to wear masks or not. Malls in Rochester and Buffalo are letting vaccinated individuals go without masks but warn that some stores may still require masks. Be sure to check if with each store you are patronizing as to how their policies have changed. Also, children 2-11 are still required by state mandate to wear masks.
There is an air quality alert in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties until 11pm tonight. An air quality warning means that ozone levels in the outdoor air are predicted to be higher than 100 in the air quality index. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young and those with pre existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. Those who may be more susceptible should not do strenuous activity outside.
The 15 year old girl, Anyia Doward, who went missing yesterday has been found. The Batavia Police Department thanks the public for their help. No further information ahs been released.
A fire broke out last night at the corner of Liberty and Cherry street in a residence garage. Fire fighters were on the scene at 8:15 and the blaze which started in the garage and spread to the second floor of the residence at 202 Liberty was defeated by 8:39. The 3 residents and one pet were able to escape. The home received significant smoke, heat and water damage. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.
The Genesee Riverwatch organization is looking for nominations for their environmental leadership awards. Awards are given in honor or Elizabeth Thorndike, longtime supporter of Genesee RiverWatch and one of the founders of its predecessor organization, the Center for Environmental Information. The awards are given to those who champion the Riverwatch mission of promoting solutions that improve the water quality of the Genesee river and initiatives that connect people to the River. Nomination forms are available on the Genesee RiverWatch website at www.GeneseeRiverWatch.org and must be returned by June 30.
There is something furry in Bergen and it wants to help you relax. Alpaca Yoga at the Northwoods Alpaca farm is having a 45 minute class in the pasture every Saturday starting on May 22nd. Each class ends with a 15 minute meet and greet with the alpacas. Classes are 20 dollars a person. In order to preregister go to visitgeneseeny.com and click on yoga with alpacas.
