Afternoon News Brief

The controversy continues regarding the ReAwaken Tour that is scheduled to come to Batavia this weekend. There have been protests and now Attorney General Letitia James has issued a notice about the upcoming ReAwaken event, in which she states that racially motivated violence will not be tolerated. She noted that ReAwaken America is nothing more than a traveling carnival of hate speech, wild conspiracy theories and attacks the democratic process. James added wherever this tour goes, it leaves a trail of divided communities and heightened tensions. She summarized by saying that the law will clamp down on any racially motivated violence or unlawful conduct. Paul Doyle from the Cornerstone Church says there are no plans to interfere with anyone’s right to protest the event or express their beliefs and that they are not involved in any racist activities. ReAwaken has featured speakers in the past that include former president Donald Trump’s son Eric and former national security advisor Michael Flynn.

 

The City of Batavia Water Department is shutting down water mains tomorrow in the area of Oak Street and Richmond Avenue (due to the Richmond Avenue Water Line Project). The streets with possible water interruptions will be from, North of Richmond Ave on Oak Street, Richmond Ave from Oak Street to State Street, Verona Ave from Richmond Ave to Hillcrest Street, all of Buxton Ave, Genesee Street, and New York Place. Additionally, new water main valves will be installed on Prospect Ave and State Street. During valve installations, water will be shut down on Prospect Ave from Richmond Ave to Oak Street and on the West side of Oak Street from Prospect Ave to the Ellicott Ave and Main Street intersection, along with an area on State Street from the Richmond Ave intersection to just South of Park Avenue. The length of time the water will be off is unknown. As is typically the case, when water service is restored it may be discolored. Please refrain from doing any laundry until the water runs clear.

 

A 26-year-old Buffalo man has been charged after an unusual incident in which he was found roadside. On Saturday, passersby in Elba discovered Terrance Dandridge II (of Bricsoe Avenue) in the area of Lockport Road and Route 98. Genesee County sheriff’s deputies tell us that Dandridge reported he had been kidnapped from his residence, driven to the location, and left tied up in his vehicle, before escaping and being discovered near the highway. Dandridge suffered no apparent injury but was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation. Investigation revealed the incident did not occur as reported by him. He was charged with third-degree falsely reporting an incident and is to appear August 24 in Elba Town Court.

 

Governor Hochul has announced the issuance of new guidance to support the development of domestic terrorism prevention plans. Following the Buffalo supermarket shooting back in May, the governor issued Executive Order 18 requiring all state counties and New York City to develop plans to confront domestic terrorism, which includes racially and ethnically-motivated violence. The governor says one of the biggest threats New York currently faces is domestic terrorism and specifically white supremacist extremism. She also says the state is providing local governments with the tools they need to address the threat of domestic terror and targeted violence so future tragedies can be avoided.

 

Drivers who travel near Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park may want to plan a little extra time to reach their destinations the next couple of nights. The Erie County Sheriff’s Office says that traffic delays are likely around the facility, because of the Def Leppard, Motley Crue, Poison, and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts concert tonight and the Metallica show tomorrow night. Abbott Road is going to close to traffic at 1:00pm today and 3:00pm tomorrow and remain shut until the concerts are over while the stadium lots will open at 2:00pm today and 4:00pm tomorrow. People are asked not to park on the shoulder of any roadways.

 

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo wants answers after the FBI raided former President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. The Democrat says the Department of Justice risks the search being viewed as a political tactic if they don’t explain, which could undermine any future investigation. Trump is accused of taking documents from the White House. He claims the raid on his Florida residence Monday was unannounced, adding it wasn’t necessary or appropriate.

 

 

 

The 2022 Erie County Fair opens today. The event is being held at the county fairgrounds which are located on McKinley Parkway in Hamburg and it runs through Sunday, August 21st. Organizers say there will be plenty of rides for people to go on as well as great food to taste and live music to listen to. Admission to the fair is free today for anyone who brings four cans or more of food to donate to FeedMore WNY. For a complete list of activities and events, visit ecfair.org.

 

Some brand new data shows that the number of confirmed monkeypox cases in Monroe County has increased to seven. New York has the most infections of any state in the country but most of those cases are in New York City. Monkeypox is commonly spread through exposure to an infected person’s lesions or respiratory droplets. Anyone who develops a sudden rash on any part of their body should call their doctor and avoid being around other people until they can be tested.

 

For the fifth time since July, the Niagara County Department of Health is telling swimmers not to enter the water at Olcott Beach. They say people should stay out of the water there for safety reasons. A high bacteria count has been detected and the beach will only be back open for swimming once it’s safe. Anyone who has questions can contact the principal public health engineer at 716-439-7451.