Weekend News Brief

The Erie County District Attorney’s Office announced that 63-year-old former Erie County Democratic Chairman Gerald Steven Pigeon of Niagara Falls, was sentenced in State Supreme Court to 364 days in jail and will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release.  According to the district attorney’s office, on a date between November 2016 and December 2016, Pigeon subjected a child, who was younger than 11 years old to sexual contact at a location in Erie County.  A final order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim and the victim’s mother and remains in effect until December 2031.

Friday, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation ending wildlife killing contests for coyotes, foxes, bobcats, squirrels, raccoons, crows and other species in New York. The new law prohibits competitive events during which contestants compete to kill the most, the heaviest and the smallest animals for cash and prizes.  The new law makes it unlawful for an individual to organize, sponsor, conduct, promote or participate in any contest, competition, tournament or derby with the objective of taking or hunting wildlife for prizes, inducement or entertainment. Any wildlife killed during these activities become the property of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.  The legislation excludes contests for hunting white-tailed deer, turkeys and bears, as well as fishing contests, which are carefully regulated by the state.  Those in favor of the bill said that it was in the interests of living cooperatively with nature.

There’s new support on the way for nursing homes in New York state struggling with staffing shortages.  Friday, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation to address the workforce challenges in nursing homes and other residential health care facilities, incentivizing a reduction in the use of temporary staff and an increase in the use of full-time employees.  Officials say the pandemic has driven an increase in the use of workers employed by external businesses.  The legislative package also expands access to breast cancer testing in NYS.

The LED light replacement project in Batavia is adding some brighter lights to the Christmas lights and decorations around town.  On Streets such as Redfield Parkway, residents can see the whiter and brighter street lights.  The City Council approved the purchase of 948 street lights for phase 1 at a cost of just over $226,000, and future replacement of all National Grid street lights in the city. The nearly $1.7 million plan for the whole city has an estimated savings of more than $161,000 annually.

GO Health would like anyone who has been diagnosed as prediabetic or who has someone with type 2 diabetes in their family to help plan upcoming Lifestyle Change education programs in both Genesee and Orleans Counties.  They encourage residents to consider taking charge of their life and lowering their risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Getting feedback from residents will help them design a program that meets their needs. The survey is quick and can be accessed by following the link at wbtai.com

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DiabetesPrev2024