Midday News Brief
Written by Doug Thompson on January 6, 2022
Many schools and businesses closed today due to the predicted lake effect snow. If you are planning to go out this afternoon, it may be best to call ahead to make sure your destination is open. Stay with WBTA for the latest information on the storm and impact on our area.
Governor Hochul has laid out her agenda for the year to come during her first State of the State address. During her speech in Albany yesterday, the governor addressed several issues such as restoring the public’s trust in the government by using ethics reforms and term limits, combating gun violence, and improving the health care industry. The governor also promised New Yorkers she’ll do her best to make sure their basic needs are met. Governor Hochul is also offering every full-time healthcare worker in the state $3000 if they remain in their positions for one year. Part-time healthcare workers will be eligible for a prorated amount.
After weeks of debate and multiple court hearings, a judge has finally decided the future of the Great Northern grain elevator in Buffalo. The judge said yesterday that the building can be taken down after it was damaged in a severe windstorm last month. Local preservation groups have tried to stop the demolition, saying parts of the structure could still be restored. The grain elevator was built in 1897 and is the last of its kind in North America.
Wyoming County residents are encouraged to pick up KN95 masks weekdays during regular business hours, at the County Health Department on Mungers Hill Road. The masks are also available to residents at public libraries in the county. Local businesses in need of a supply of masks to have on hand should contact the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce. 585-786-0307
Starting today, students in the Rochester City School District are going to be taking their classes remotely. The district says the ongoing coronavirus crisis has caused staff members to call out sick and there aren’t enough substitute teachers available. Online classes are scheduled to continue through at least January 10th with in-person learning set to resume on the 11th. Teachers will still have to report to their buildings even though students won’t be there. // The latest data from the Erie County Department of Health continues to show how bad the COVID-19 crisis is in the area right now. There were 2439 new cases reported yesterday which brings the overall total since the start of the pandemic to 162,480. Nearly 16,000 of those cases were uncovered in just the last 7 days and that number doesn’t include the results of at-home tests. // Today, Niagara County businesses are going to have the chance to get some free masks that’ll help protect both employees and customers from COVID-19. A drive-thru giveaway is happening at the Public Safety Training Facility on Niagara Street Extension Lockport from 11 a-m until six p-m. The masks will be handed out on a first come, first served basis and supplies are limited. Officials say today’s event is part of plan to distribute thousands of masks to people around the county.
The number of Monroe County residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 has seen yet another massive increase. The Department of Public Health announced 4094 new cases yesterday, bringing the total since the pandemic started to 126,364. The county is averaging 2059 cases per day over the past week and the seven-day rolling average positivity rate is 18.5%.
Rochester police say they’ve made an arrest in connection with a stabbing that sent an 18-year-old man to the hospital. A 19-year-old woman is facing an assault charge after attacking the victim on Webster Avenue yesterday. The man was stabbed in the lower body and is expected to make a full recovery. Anyone with information on the incident can contact police.
From last night’s 32nd Annual Batavia Rotary Club Girls’ Basketball Tournament, which you heard on WBTA, the following results. In the consolation game, Pembroke beat Batavia, 46-42; and the Championship Game found Notre Dame victorious over LeRoy, 42-33.
After having the last few days off, the Buffalo Sabres will return to the ice in front of their home crowd. The Sabres are hosting the San Jose Sharks at KeyBank Center. Buffalo hasn’t had a game since January 1st when they fell on the road to the Boston Bruins 4-3 in overtime. The Sabres have earned 26 points this season and are currently in sixth place in the Atlantic Division. Face-off for tonight’s game is set for7:00pm.
