Friday News Brief
Written by WBTA STAFF on October 25, 2024
Governor Hochul Announces That SUNY Schools Will Automatically Admit Top NY Students
In a Thursday press release, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that beginning in the fall of 2025 SUNY schools will automatically admit New York high school students who were ranked in the top ten percent of their class.
The nine initial SUNY schools that will be participating include the University at Albany, the University at Buffalo, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, SUNY Geneseo, SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Purchase College, and Stony Brook University. Additionally, the Governor announced last week that SUNY, CUNY, and over 50 private colleges and universities throughout New York State have come together to offer free application opportunities for high school seniors starting this week.
This builds on Governor Hochul’s continued efforts to expand access to higher education and make college more affordable.
Two People Arrested Following Burglary at Batavia Wal-Mart
On Wednesday, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department arrested two people following a burglary at the Batavia Wal-Mart.
Following an investigation, it is alleged that Janell Sauer of Pembroke stole $101.71 worth of merchandise. As a Wal-Mart Asset Protection employee approached her, Sauer walked away and dropped the bag of stolen merchandise. After Sauer dropped the bag, it is alleged that Sean Conway of Pembroke picked it up and walked away. Conway had been previously trespassed from Wal-Mart.
Conway was located and arrested by the Batavia Police Department in front of Jerry Arena’s Pizzeria and was released on an appearance ticket. Sauer was located the next day and is being held at Genesee County Jail awaiting arraignment.
Batavia Rotary Club Donates $7,635 For Hurricane Relief.
The Rotary Club of Batavia donated $7,635 in disaster relief to help people impacted by the effects of the recent hurricanes down south.
Initially, the Rotary Club pledged to match all community donations up to $5000. However, Batavia Rotary Club President Michael Hodgins explained, “Given the tight time frame, Batavia Rotarians decided to contribute the full $5,000 to go along with more than $2,600 from the community at large,”.
The local funds were sent to the Rotary International Zone 33/34 Foundation which was established to provide disaster relief in hurricane-prone areas.
