Morning News Brief
Written by Tom Tharp on April 18, 2022
Monroe County has announced the date when they will be dropping their county gas tax. June 1st is the date when the state is suspending its tax on gasoline and Monroe county will be following suit to the tune of 8 cents more off from each gallon at the pump. They aren’t cutting 8 cents, instead they are taxing the gas as if it cost 2 dollars a gallon. Niagara county is talking about doing something similar and capping the total at 3 dollars a gallon. The tax rate there is currently 4 percent. The counties can’t simply drop the gas tax completely, state law in the new budget says it can be capped at 2, 3 or 4 dollars. Chautauqua County Executive Paul Wendel says that they want to do the same, but are worried that it will mean not being able to do road and bridge maintenance. Genesee County Manager Matt Landers said earlier this month that a discussion is likely to occur here but it is not on the radar at the moment.
Senator Charles Schumer was in Buffalo Monday to announce a 3 prong plan to get federal help for the USS The Sullivans World War 2 Navy Fletcher Class Destroyer which is floundering with half its deck below the water line. The plan includes getting the EPA to help with cleanup efforts from the oil leak over the weekend, pushing for major increases in the National Maritime Heritage Grant Program, and asking for funding through 2023 from the relevant committee through a directed spending request.
Batavia Firefighters responded to a fire at a residence at 2 Walnut Place where smoke and flames could be seen “pouring” out of the side of residence at around 3:45 Monday afternoon. Firefighters were able to knock down the flames and were back at the fire house ready for the next call by 5:22. Interim Chief Dan Herberger said the fire was contained to a single room but there is smoke damage throughout the house. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. One firefighter suffered a minor injury.
Northgate Methodist Church, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Genesee Orleans Wyoming Pathway to Hope are teaming up to offer a training for pastors and church leaders to help deal with suicide and those affected by suicide in their congregations. May 24th from 9 to 4 at the Northgate south campus at 350 Bank street the Soul Shop program is for pastors, youth group leaders, Sunday school teachers and any other church leaders. Cost is 10 dollars and includes a light breakfast, lunch and snacks along with take home materials. Follow the link at WBTAi.com to register or call 315 664 0346 for more information.
https://soulshop524.attendease.com
They may be rivals on the gridiron but they are partners on the fairway, at least for the Capital One The Match golf event in Las Vegas. Josh Allen will be teaming up with Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes to compete against Buccaneers QB Tom Brady and Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers June 1st. Allen is no stranger to golfing as he participated in the Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February. The Match has raised $33 million for different organizations and donated 17 million meals to Feeding America since 2018.
