Afternoon News Brief

It took 50 years of discussion until finally, construction of the new Genesee County Jail has officially begun. Ground was ceremoniously broken yesterday on the new 184-bed county jail on West Main Street Road next to Genesee County Building Two; the existing jail was built in 1902. An addition was built onto the back of the jail in 1985. Officials say the existing jail lacks space, is overcrowded and no longer meets state standards for health and safely. The new jail will incorporate a pod system allowing guards to watch more inmates with less staff. The new jail will also allow the housing of female inmates. The estimated completion date of the facility and complex is March 2024. Detailed information about the groundbreaking is available on our news partner’s website https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-b-owens/at-groundbreaking-officials-state-new-jail-fulfills-countys-obligation-to-operate-a

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James has issued warnings to more than 30 online and brick-and-mortar retailers across the state to stop overcharging for baby formula after consumers reported unreasonably high prices. Due to recalls and supply chain disruptions, there has been a nationwide shortage of baby formula. New York’s price gouging statute prohibits merchants from charging excessive prices for essential goods or services during abnormal market disruptions. State residents are encouraged to report potential concerns about price gouging to James’s office by  calling: 800-771-7755 or filing a complaint online.  https://ag.ny.gov/complaint-forms

 

Western New York residents who are planning to drive to their Memorial Day weekend events are going to be paying a lot of money when it comes time to fill up their vehicles. According to Triple A, the average cost for a gallon of regular fuel is now $4.89. That’s up 5 cents from last week, is 61 cents higher than last month. The state average is $4.93; nationally, it’s $4.60. In Batavia, the average price per gallon is $4.85, up 6 cents from last Friday. And some good news for travelers by car…Governor Hochul is suspending construction-related lane closures through Memorial Day Weekend. The goal is to help minimize traffic congestion and travel delays. She urges motorists to follow all rules of the road, including moving over for maintenance vehicles as well as vehicles experiencing roadside emergency.

 

With a lot of people hitting the road for the holiday, police across New York State are going to be keeping a very close eye out for drunk drivers. It’s part of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee’s STOP-DWI campaign that runs from today through May 31st. Folks who are planning to drink are urged to make sure they have a safe ride home. Anyone who sees suspicious or dangerous activity while they’re traveling should dial 911 immediately.

 

An investigation is reportedly underway into whether a retired federal agent may have known about the plot to carry out a mass shooting at the supermarket in Buffalo. Law enforcement sources report that the former agent was one of several people who regularly communicated online with the alleged shooter, Payton Gendron. Those individuals were reportedly invited by Gendron to read about his plan before he opened fire inside the store on Jefferson Avenue May 14th and murdered 10 people. There has not been confirmation that the former agent accepted the invitation. Neither the FBI nor U.S. Attorney’s Office have commented.

 

The Department of Environmental Conservation reminds boaters and anglers to clean, drain and dry boats and trailers, and also disinfect fishing gear before enjoying the water; this will help to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Watercraft inspection stewards, also known as boat stewards, will be stationed at more than 225 boat launches statewide this weekend to educate and help the public in cleaning their equipment. They can be identified by their blue vests and are there to provide a refresher on how to inspect boats and gear. https://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/48221.html

 

It’s been a while since the Mega Millions and Powerball lottery games were won and that means both jackpots are still growing. The prize up for grabs tonight for Mega Millions is at least $157,000,000. And $150,000,000 will go to whoever picks the winning numbers in tomorrow night’s Powerball drawing. The cost of a ticket for both games is just $2. Both the Mega Millions and Powerball drawings will be streamed live online. Please play responsibly.

 

Rochester Police, State Police and the Monroe County Sheriff’s office will be working together this weekend to make sure people who visit Ontario Beach Park stay safe. The agencies are going to be increasing patrols in the area due to the large crowds that are expected to gather. Police are also planning to shut down the parking lot and streets if there are too many people at the park. In 2020, a large fight broke out at the park on Memorial Day that left one person hurt but there were no major incidents reported last year.

 

The Buffalo Marathon is taking place this weekend and the event is going to be honoring the victims who lost their lives in the Tops supermarket shooting. Organizers say a banner at the start line will have the names everyone who was killed. There will also be 7500 ribbons given to runners and volunteers in memory of those who died. More information on the marathon can be found online at buffalomarathon.org.

 

For the first time in several weeks, visitors will once again be allowed at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park. The park is scheduled to reopen at 10:00am tomorrow after being closed due an emergency involving the USS The Sullivans. The vessel suffered a massive breach and was in danger of sinking but crews were able to prevent that from happening. There will be no onboard tours of the ship, which is named for the five Sullivan brothers who served our country during World War Two.

 

Former President Donald Trump must give testimony in New York State’s civil probe into his financial dealings. A state appeals court upheld a New York City judge’s original ruling to subpoena Trump and two of his children to answer questions under oath in Attorney General Letitia James’ investigation. In a statement, James said that the appellate court rejected all of Trump’s arguments. She also vowed to continue following the facts of the case to ensure no one can evade the law.

 

Memorial Day events, May 29 and May 30:

PARADE in Batavia starts at 9:45am at Eastown Plaza, travel west on Main Street and end at Alva Place, Monday, May 30.

SUNDAY, May 29: Western New York National Cemetery (WNYNC) 1254 Indian Falls Road, Corfu, NY
· The ceremony begins at 1400hrs.(2 p.m.) at the Main Flag Ceremonies site.
MONDAY, May 30
All ceremonies will include full military honors: Wreath Laying, Rifle Salute & Taps.
· 7:00 a.m. – Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Genesee County Park, sponsored by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 193.
· 8:00 a.m. – Williams Park (Batavia) W.W.I Memorial. This memorial honors the 35 Batavians who gave their lives in WORLD WAR I.
· 8:30 a.m. – Batavia VAMC, at the main flagpole, sponsored by the VAMC.
· 8:45 a.m. (approx.) – NYS Veterans Home, at the main flagpole, sponsored by the NYS Veterans Home.
· 9:30 a.m. – Veterans Plot on Harvester Ave. This memorial honors all war dead of all wars in Elmwood and St. Joseph’s Cemeteries.
· 10:00 a.m. – Upton Monument. This monument honors the dead of the Civil War, and all wars since.
· 10:30 a.m. – UMMC Jerome Center. This is the site of the Genesee County War Memorial, honoring all war dead from Genesee County. The names of county veterans who have died since the previous Memorial Day will be read and a flag placed to honor each of them in front of the memorial.
Memorial services will be carried out by Veness-Strollo Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1602, Glenn S. Loomis American Legion Post #332, and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #193.