Midday News Brief
Written by Dan Fischer on August 31, 2021
Batavia’s South Lyon Street bridge over the Tonawanda Creek is now closed to all traffic.
The bridge failed a recent inspection.
The bridge had a posted load of 5-ton for some time but the latest inspection shows it cannot handle the minimum 3-ton load.
The bridge is slated for replacement with a new two lane structure. The new span should be open by September of next year.
It’s official now, all students in public and private schools in New York State will be required to wear masks when in class. Interim Batavia Schools Superintend Scott Bischoping was not surprised by the announcement but held off issuing a local mandate.
Oakfield Alabama was caught a bit surprise. They had been working on a local plan based on CDC guidelines. Oakfield Superintendent John Fisgus calls the situation frustrating.
Genesee County stands to receive more than $400,000 via a settlement between New York State and the pharmaceutical companies comprising the Johnson & Johnson brand for their role in contributing to the nation’s opioid epidemic. The county’s Human Services Committee, on the advice of County Attorney Kevin Earl, recommended adoption of a resolution that would enable Genesee to participate in the New York Opioid Sharing Agreement. The settlement, negotiated by New York Attorney General Letitia James, would provide Genesee County with between $177,000 and $413,000, with half of the money paid initially – possibly as soon as February 2022 – and the remainder paid incrementally over a 10-year period.
The Genesee County Health Department is planning a media briefing on various COVID-19 topics.
The briefing will be issued by county public health director Paul Petit.
WBTA plans to broadcasts Pettit’s remarks live at 2pm this afternoon.
Members of the State Legislature will be coming back to Albany this week to take action on the eviction moratorium that expires today. Lawmakers are set to return tomorrow or Thursday to discuss the next steps they can take to protect both tenants and landlords.
