Midday News Brief
Written by Dan Fischer on February 9, 2021
Two of Upstate New York’s largest supermarket chains have announced plans to merge. Price Chopper and Tops Friendly Markets say their companies will soon be under the same corporate umbrella. The merger is set to be complete later this year, and the new company’s offices will be headquartered in Schenectady. Until the companies combine, they’ll continue operating under their current names. Layoffs are not likely since both chains are currently looking to hire workers. Tops has two locations in Genesee County.
Batavia Police say they have received several calls about unknown people fraudulently filing for unemployment benefits in the name of local people.
If you think you have been a victim, do not contact local police, but rather the New York State Dept. of Labor. Phone: 1-888-598-2077 or online at:
https://www.labor.ny.gov/agencyinfo/uifraud.shtm
The search continues for a new, permanent Batavia City Manager…although few specifics have been offered.
Responding to a question from a citizen last councilman John Canale a member of the search committee refused to offer any details on the search and simply replied, “There will be more to come.”
Starting this weekend, millions of New Yorkers with serious medical issues can start signing up to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations. The registration process will begin Sunday with the first shots scheduled to begin Monday. Among those eligible to be vaccinated include people suffering from severe obesity, cancer and pulmonary diseases. In order to get their immunization, a person must prove they have a qualifying condition by providing a doctor’s note or other certification.
The Buffalo Sabres will be staying off the ice for at least the next few days after two more of their games are postponed. Their upcoming contests on Thursday and Saturday have been pushed back due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19. At least nine members of the Sabres have been placed on the NHL’s COVID-19 Protocol List. Buffalo’s next game is scheduled to be next Monday against the New York Islanders.
