Morning News Brief

The Winter Storm Warning is on through today and into Friday.  Heavy snow up to 12 inches is expected tonight through Friday at 1pm across most of Western NY.  Most of the accumulation is expected to be this afternoon and into the night.  Travel may be affected by snow building up on the roads and slick conditions.  

13 School Superintendents in Genesee and Orleans Counties have signed a letter to Governor Hochul asking for control of health policy in their schools to be returned to them.  They say they want a return to guidance but not mandates as far as COVID mitigation measures are concerned.  The letter reads in part “Our schools successfully provided in-person learning throughout the 2020-21 school year, supplemented by online learning as needed. A number of our schools remained open full-time. Our plans worked.”  When Hochul took office following the resignation of Governor Cuomo she immediately instituted a mask mandate across New York State, changing Cuomo’s policy of sending guidance to the schools but leaving the decision making in their hands.  The superintendents are from the Albion, Alexander, Batavia, Byron-Bergen, Elba, Holley, Kendall, LeRoy, Lyndonville, Medina, Oakfield-Alabama, Pavilion, and Pembroke districts.

The New York State Legislature has approved a new redistricting map for the states 26 congressional districts.  The new map splits up congressional districts and massively changes which district western New Yorkers fall into.  Ahead of the next election.  It has already drawn sharp criticism from Republicans across the country and in NY State.  Analysts at FiveThirtyEight a NY ABC statistics reporting agency, “say that the new map severely tilts the playing field toward democrats.”  Senator Ed Rath said in a press release that “this is the least transparent redistricting the state has ever seen.  Plain and simple, too many communities in Western New York and the state are losing a voice.”  New York City gains 2 new senate seats under the new map and an upstate district currently held by republican Claudia Tenney is erased.

The Water main repair that was supposed to take place on Oak street yesterday has been delayed due to another water main break on Elm street.  The Water Department will now be focusing its attention on a water leak on Elm Street, between East Main Street and Fisher Park.  There is the potential that the water may need to be shut off on Elm Street from East Main Street to Fisher Park.  The water would also have to be shut off on Fisher Park from Elm Street to Vine Street.  The length of time the water will be off is unknown.  Traffic will be shut down on Elm Street between East Main and Fisher Park.  The Oak Street repair will be done at a later date.

After the first annual vendor fair was canceled in 2020, Volunteers for Animals was a bit put out.  But then Batavia Downs employee Mary Bucceri stepped up to host a new fair this year. The Puppy Paws Craft & Vendor Market is set for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Batavia Downs.  Monetary donations and pet supplies and food will be accepted at the door. Admission to the event is free. Anyone that makes a donation to VFA at the door will be entered into a drawing for a Stay & Play gift certificate valued at $225 at Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel. All attendees age 18 and older will receive Free Play for the gaming floor. Lunch will be available for purchase.  All proceeds will go to the Volunteers For Animals direct animal care.