Morning News Brief
Written by Tom Tharp on March 1, 2022
The Superintendent of Batavia City Schools, Jason Smith, has sent out a letter to families addressing the masking changes coming tomorrow. He states that every county will now have control of their own mask requirements in schools and may continue to require them or not. The letter states that “On Wednesday, March 2, families may still choose to send their children to school in masks, and we fully stand behind the Governor’s sentiments that masking is a personal choice, and no bullying of any sort will be tolerated.” Also that masking on the busses is no longer required. Other school districts have issued similar guidance making masks optional. Buffalo City Schools are still requiring them for their children and staff.
Highmark Stadium and Keybank Center are lifting their vaccine requirements for games, concerts and events held at the facilities effective immediately. In addition to lifting the vaccine requirement the press release says “It is recommended that individuals follow current CDC guidelines as it pertains to mask wearing and that of their own comfort level. Please note that individual concerts and live events may implement their own policies above and beyond that of KeyBank Center. Please refer to www.keybankcenter.com for up-to-date information for all event requirements.” When the mandate was put in place in September 2021, all guests 12 and over were required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. In December 2021 the mandate was expanded to include anyone age 5-11 years old.
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo has put out an ad declaring his innocence and attacking State Attorney General Letitia James. The ad features news clips and shots of newspapers describing the accusations against Cuomo as “bogus” and saying that James ignored witness tampering and perjury and was just trying to do a takedown of Cuomo for political reasons. It holds up the lack of prosecution on any of the sexual harassment charges as proof. It ends with text saying “political attacks won and New Yorkers lost a proven leader.” The ad has fueled speculation that Cuomo may be planning another run for public office.
The Chamber of Commerce for Genesee County is releasing the 2022 tourism guide. 80,000 guides have been printed and will be distributed to parts of NY State, Ontario Canada, and neighboring states. The chamber says that this year highlights the live music scene. Additional features include a new water ride at Darien Lake Amusement Park, A feature on Ely S. Parker’s commemoration by the United States Mint to be featured on the 2022 Native American Dollar Coin, and six pages highlighting our top outdoor nature assets, from the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, The Bergen Swamp and more.
Six Flags Darien Lake is rebranding its water park and adding a new ride. The Splashtown waterpark will be rebranded to “Six Flags Hurricane Harbor” and a 60-foot tall water slide named “Wahoo Wave” will be added. Park President Chris Thorpe says that the new slide will be a 4 person tube ride and will feature 3 story drops, hang time and zero g forces. Construction on Wahoo Wave is underway and is expected to be complete when the waterpark opens this May.
