Midday News Brief

Rachel Tabelski

At least one city official is proposing a local law restricting the animals and fowl that residents can have within city limits. City Manager Rachael Tabelski Monday night talked about the proposal she came up with, using input from the city attorney’s office, for a local law restricting residents from bringing into the city or keeping a number of wild animals or farm animals. (including cattle, horses, sheep, goats, pigs, swine, llamas, alpacas, ducks, turkeys, geese, feral cats, ponies, donkeys and mules) There could be some exceptions, such as allowing residents to keep chickens as long as they are appropriately kept in a pen and do not create safety or health concerns; as well as providing shelter while transporting animals to special events or veterinary hospitals and clinics, including short-term boarding for medical procedures/conditions. City lawmakers are asking the Planning and Economic Development Committee to review the proposed restrictions.

Batavia Concert Band, 2021

The Batavia Concert Band announced their return for the 96th season of public concerts in Centennial Park this summer. Concerts will be held every Wednesday evening starting at 7:00pm from June 22nd through August 6th. The Band consists of 45-55 brass, woodwind and percussion players ranging from high school students to 60-year veterans. Many have professional experience, others are advanced amateur musicians. The Batavia Concert Band also announced the return of WBTA as the Official Media Sponsor for the 2022 summer concert series. Band members will be appearing on the “Main & Center” program, where they will go into some depth about the band’s makeup and its history. Also, be listening for weekly radio ads promoting the musical selections for the upcoming concerts, and announcing weekly sponsors. Photo courtesy of our news partner, The Batavian. Here is a link to the full story: https://www.thebatavian.com/press-release/batavia-concert-band-returns-june-22-for-96th-season/608360

Todd Baxter

Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter will be spending time in the nation’s capital today as he testifies in front of a Congressional subcommittee. Baxter is going to speak with the House Rules Committee’s Subcommittee on Legislative and Budget Process. The chairperson of the committee is 25th District Congressman Joseph Morelle. According to 13 WHAM, Baxter’s testimony is going to focus on several things including gun ownership.

Jefferson Avenue Tops

The Department of Homeland Security is expressing concern that the recent mass shooting at Tops store in Buffalo could inspire other attacks. A confidential document obtained by a Buffalo television station says calls for copycat attacks are already circulating online and that minorities could be targeted by violence. Officials say that the May 14th shooting at the Tops on Jefferson Avenue was racially-motivated. The man who allegedly carried it out, Payton Gendron, could spend the rest of his life in prison if convicted.

The USS The Sullivans

Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes says an additional $500,000 has been allocated to help cover the cost of repairs to the USS The Sullivans. While making the announcement yesterday, Peoples-Stokes revealed that the money is coming from state discretionary capital funds. The vessel suffered a massive hull breach back in April, which caused the boat to fill up with thousands of gallons of water. The historic World War 2 ship is still closed off to visitors.

Kim Pegula

The co-owner of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres is currently undergoing treatment for what are being called unexpected health issues. In a statement, the family of Kim Pegula said yesterday she has been making progress over the last few days but didn’t reveal what her ailment is. They also asked people to keep her in their prayers and to respect the family’s privacy. Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott said during his press conference yesterday that Kim and Terry Pegula are the best owners in the NFL.

Zachary McCaa

A Livingston County man has been arrested in connection with the brutal assault of an infant. According to officials, 26-year-old Zachary McCaa threw and shook the two-month old child at a residence in Caledonia last week. The young victim suffered a head injury and is currently in guarded condition at a hospital in Rochester. McCaa is charged with reckless assault and is being held behind bars on $25,000 bail.