Morning News Briefing
Written by Dan Fischer on September 24, 2021
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker will be stepping down from his position after nearly seven-and-a-half years on the job. Governor Kathy Hochul says she agrees with his decision and went on to thank him for his service on behalf of the state. Hochul noted Dr. Zucker’s hard work throughout the pandemic and says he now has other opportunities he plans to pursue. The governor reports that Dr. Zucker will remain in his position until his replacement can be found.
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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced Thursday that bowhunting seasons for deer and bear will begin in the Southern Zone, where our area is located, on Oct. 1.
There are some changes to big game seasons this year. Bowhunters may only use crossbows during the last 14 days of the Southern Zone bow season, which is Nov. 6-19. To hunt with a crossbow during this time, you must possess a muzzleloader privilege and a crossbow qualifications certificate.
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The Genesee County STOP-DWI Board is inviting all sixth- through 12th-grade students to submit a poster design that reflects the dangers of drinking and driving. Designs should focus on the effects drinking and driving have on an individual, their family and the community.
The theme for the 2021 poster contest is, “If you drink it’s your business, if you drink and drive it’s ours.”
Complete details are located here.
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Rochester police say one of their officers involved in the handcuffing of Daniel Prude in March of last year will face departmental charges in the incident. Prude died when he was taken off life support a week after Rochester police restrained and handcuffed him while he was in a mental health crisis and was resisting officers. The police department says Officer Mark Vaughn was served with departmental charges last night, though the statement did not specify the nature of those charges. Vaughn is one of seven officers who have been suspended in the incident but he’s the only officer the department has charged.
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New York’s three NFL teams are partnering with the state in an effort to boost COVID-19 vaccination numbers. Gov. Kathy Hochul says this is rooted in her belief that people need to hear from trusted voices in order to overcome vaccine hesitancy. The campaign includes weekly drawings for five-straight weeks in which entrants can win game tickets, signed memorabilia, and even FaceTime calls with alumni players. In order to be eligible, you must have received your first dose of the coronavirus vaccine between Aug. 9 and Oct. 25.
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“He’s listening.” For the past two days, some lucky shoppers in the Buffalo area had the chance to get up close and personal with Seattle’s most famous fictional radio psychiatrist. Actor Kelsey Grammer, who played the character of Dr. Frasier Crane on both “Cheers” and the popular spinoff “Frasier,” was on hand at a couple of local grocery stores to promote his new Faith American beer line. He chatted with customers at Dash’s Market on Wednesday, and then on Thursday at Tops on Elmwood Avenue. The Rochester-area gets its chance today, as Grammer will be at the Tops in Penfield today.
