Afternoon News Brief
Written by Doug Thompson on June 28, 2022
Erik Fix
Batavia City Manager Rachel Tabelski announced that the President of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, Erik Fix has been appointed the new City of Batavia Assistant Manager. Some of his responsibilities will include creating and implementing a new Neighborhood and Housing Transformation initiative, community development, public relations and information technology. In a letter Fix submitted to Chamber members, he noted his last day as president of the Chamber would be July 22.
Vidalia Onions
Wegmans has issued a recall involving vidalia onions that were sold at its stores in our region. The supermarket chain says there are concerns the onions may be contaminated with listeria, which is a bacteria that has been known to cause serious illness. The affected onions were sold by the pound from June 23rd through June 24th and may have PLU stickers with the numbers 4159 or 4166 on them. Anyone who purchased the onions can return them for a full refund.
New Yorkers are heading to the polls today to decide who will be the nominees in the race for governor. For the Democrats, Governor Hochul, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Long Island Congressman Tom Suozzi are hoping they’ve earned enough support to win. For the Republicans, Long Island Congressman Lee Zeldin, Andrew Giuliani, businessman Harry Wilson, and former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino are looking to be the GOP nominee. Primaries are also being held today for seats in the state Assembly and for lieutenant governor. Polls are open until 9:00pm.
37-year-old Marvin Barber, Jr. of Lackawanna, is charged with harassment, criminal possession of a weapon, menacing and grand larceny….stemming from a reported disturbance on Lewis Place; Barber had left the scene but eventually turned himself in to police custody. He was arrested and arraigned in City Court and ordered held in the Genesee County Jail. Also, 52-year-old Daniel Yates of Batavia is charged with criminal tampering and criminal mischief. He is accused of damaging property inside Tops Market and was issued an appearance ticket.
Jackson Square
There is plenty to do over the long holiday weekend in Batavia: On Friday, the Jackson Square concert series continues with the “Old Hippies;” the Muckdogs play at Dwyer Stadium. Also on Friday is “Rockin’ the Downs” with the Led Zeppelin tribute band “Get the Led Out.” Saturday the Batavia Ramble Explore Arts & Music Festival will be held at Jackson Square. Live bands, cultural dances, hands-on arts and crafts, and more will run from 10:00am to 9:00pm. And then on Sunday, there is another Muckdogs game at 7:05. And on Monday, the 4th, the Kiwanis Club 5k starts at 9:00am in Centennial Park. By the way, there will be no fireworks at the Downs this year due to the construction on Park Road.
Toronto skyline
For the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Amtrak service from New York State to Toronto has resumed. The Maple Leaf line connects several locations to Toronto, including Niagara Falls. Passengers who are traveling to Toronto by train will need to use the ArriveCAN app and also must wear a mask while on-board and inside train stations. For a full list of schedules and fares, visit amtrak.com.
A Rochester couple is in trouble with the law after being arrested in connection with recent catalytic converter thefts in Onondaga County. According to State Police, 25-year-old Brittany Hollaert and 31-year-old Vasiliy Maksimchuk took 17 of those devices from vehicles at the Drivers Village Auto Mall, which is located in Cicero. Troopers also claim the pair were involved in similar thefts in the Rochester area. Both suspects are facing multiple charges including grand larceny and criminal mischief.
Luz Pena
A poll worker has admitted that she pre-stamped the name of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown on several ballots last year. Yesterday, 59-year-old Luz Pena pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge in Buffalo City Court. Prosecutors say Luz pre-stamped the ballots back in November 2021 while she was working at a polling place inside the Belle Center on Maryland Avenue in Buffalo. Brown was a write-in candidate in the mayoral race and ended up beating India Walton to remain in office. As part of her plea agreement, Luz was given an unconditional discharge and ordered to pay a fine.
