Morning News Brief

If you hoped to get a gun permit before new regulations went into effect in New York, you are out of time.  The new requirements for a permit including a 16 hour training course, increased background checks, and needing to renew every 3 years go into effect today and Governor Hochul says, if you don’t have your permit in hand already, it may take years to get one now.  Also included in the changes to the State’s gun laws is the addition of exclusion zones around Schools, Day Cares, Libraries, and restaurants that serve alcohol along with several public areas including Times Square.  Bringing a gun onto the property of any of these will result in a felony charge.

A recreational paddle at Dewitt Pond became a fight for survival when high winds overturned a woman’s Kayak Wednesday.  Ron Bebak of Depew was going fishing at the pond when he noticed a woman had overturned in her kayak and couldn’t get back in or make progress swimming to shore.  The wind was strong enough to capsize her and also was keeping her and her boat from reaching the shore.  Bebak got his life preserver and went out and paddled her to the island in the middle of the pond.  Soon, City Fire and members of the Water Rescue Team arrived on scene and helped her back to the west side of the pond, where she was evaluated by medics.  She had no injuries, according to Batavia PD Assistant Chief Christopher Camp.

6.3 million dollars.  That’s how much Genesee county is looking at for needed upgrade work to be done on the County’s pump station and electrical construction work.  And it’s money they don’t have.  The county received a $1.23 million grant, which isn’t nearly enough for that $6.35 million total, and other options considered were to apply for another grant, or rescind the one received and go for a larger amount, plus obtaining a loan.  Genesee County Highway Superintendent and Engineer Tim Hens says that it is twice what the cost would have been before COVID.  If the work doesn’t get done then the county could realistically run out of water next summer.  The County legislature approved the spending with 2 companies, CP Ward and Concord Electric Corporation.  The work is set to be completed sometime into 2024.

Park Road between Veterans Memorial Drive and Oak Street will be getting worked on for milling and paving.  The work will be today and Friday.  Motorists can expect one lane alternating traffic and significantly slowed down traffic conditions.  Batavia Downs traffic is asked to enter and exit the facility parking area from the north end of Park Road near Richmond Avenue. Signage will direct Batavia Downs customers and staff to the parking areas.  For traffic needing to access Park Road approaching from Lewiston Road/ NYS Route 63, you are asked  to follow the Park Rd Detour utilizing Veterans Memorial Drive.  All through traffic is asked to avoid Park Road if possible and seek alternate routes.

Six Flags Darien Lake announced their lineup of events for the rest of this season and next season Wednesday.  Finishing out this year at the park is Fright Fest running from September 17th through October 15th.  Next season there is a kids Fest Saturdays and Sundays through June.  Starting on June 23rd the laser light show is coming back along with LED light and tunnel displays.  Independence Day and Canada Day will be celebrated with flags, fireworks and patriotic tributes July 1st through the 4th.  July 21st through the 23rd there will be Luaus in Hurricane Harbor with live island music, water park contests, a pig roast and more food and drink options.  And closing out the regular season will be the International Festival from September 1st through the 16th next year.  This will feature seasonal craft beer, international foods, live music and dancing and locally made crafts.

The Buffalo Bills have found a new punter after releasing Matt Araiza from the team.  Sam Martin comes to the Bills from the Denver Broncos who he played with for 2 years.  The 2013 fifth-round draft pick was previously in Detroit for seven years.  Last season Martin ranked third in the NFL in net punting average at 42.8 yards per punt.  It’s only 8 days out from the season opener where the Bills go up against the Rams at Sofi Stadium in Inglewood CA.