Afternoon News Brief

Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend as we ‘fall back’ by one hour early Sunday morning. Several states are encouraging the federal government to make daylight saving permanent through a bill called the Sunshine Protection Act. In March, the Senate voted in favor of the Act, which would make Daylight Saving Time permanent, year-round. But the bill has stalled in the House. While some argue that if passed, crime and car accidents would be reduced. However, sleep experts support a permanent switch to standard time (which starts Sunday) because our brain and bodies function best with more sunlight in the morning. They further point out that the sun should reach its highest point at noon, known as solar time. During standard time (starting this weekend) people in the central time zone are perfectly aligned with the sun’s clock; whereas daylight saving pushes the country further from solar time. Most sleep experts favor permanent standard time; however, most would opt for switching back and forth over permanent daylight saving time. Either way, we ‘fall back’ by one hour to standard time this weekend.

A jury has convicted Robert Williams of Batavia of two counts of animal cruelty for pouring some sort of corrosive agent on two dogs. He was arrested during the winter of 2021, following a month-long investigation. The convictions mean a maximum sentence of two years local confinement in the Genesee County Jail. The crimes were not witnessed; however, the evidence supported the prosecution, and included one dog with burned fur and skin and the other had sustained burns to the eyes. Both dogs show no ill effects. The dogs belonged to the girlfriend of a person Williams was living with at the time of the incidents.

COVID-19 negative test result

According to the newest data from the state, the spread of the coronavirus is still declining in our region. Right now, the seven-day average infection rate is 6.15%. At this time one week ago, the infection rate was 6.59%. As a reminder, anyone who wants to get vaccinated against COVID-19 or receive a booster shot can find a clinic in our area by going to vaccines.gov.

The area’s economy is going to be getting a massive boost thanks to an announcement by Edwards Vacuum. The British company is planning to build a new dry pump-manufacturing site in Genesee County. The more than 300-million-dollar facility will be located at the Western New York Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park – STAMP for short. The first phase of building is expected to be completed in two years and once construction is finished in about five years, the facility expects to create about 600 jobs.

Sabres retro blue and gold ‘goathead’ jersey

The Buffalo Sabres debuted their new Reverse-Retro Blue and Gold Goathead jerseys and scored five goals in the third period to extend their current winning streak to three games. Last night, Victor Olofsson scored twice and Tage Thompson, Kyle Okposo, JJ Peterka and Alex Tuch also had a goal each as the Sabres defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3 at KeyBank Center. The Sabres also received solid goaltending from Eric Comrie who stopped 18 of the 21 shots he faced. Up next for Buffalo is a road game with the Carolina Hurricanes tomorrow night; face-off time, 7:00.

The State Department of Motor Vehicles wants you to know that answers to some commonly asked questions are just a few clicks of a keyboard away. The DMV has expanded its live chat service, which means customers can find out information about things like traffic tickets, their license, permit, or registration and get details about REAL ID’s and enhanced licenses. All you need to do is visit dmv.ny.gov and find the live chat feature. The number of topics representatives will respond to will increase in the coming months.

Not only is Tuesday Election Day, if you’re up early enough, you can check out the total lunar eclipse from 5:17-6:42am; peak totality is at 5:59.

From the Notre Dame parking lot, you’ll find the building entrance for voting.

Early voting continues through November 6 at the ARC Community Center, 38 Woodrow Road; here is the schedule of open hours:

Thursday, November 3 9:00 AM—5:00 PM
Friday, November 4 9:00 AM—5:00 PM
Saturday, November 5 9:00 AM—5:00 PM
Sunday, November 6 9:00 AM—5:00 PM
Poll site is accessible.
Call the Genesee County Board of Elections with any questions: 815-7804.