Morning News Brief

Governor Hochul said she stands behind the healthcare worker vaccine mandate even with over 72000 hospital workers and 12000 nursing home staff being forced out of work.  As evidence that the mandate is working Hochul points to an increase in nursing home and adult care facilities vaccination rates from 71 percent to 92 percent over the last 4 weeks.  Hochul said in a press conference Tuesday, “This new information shows that holding firm on the vaccine mandate for health care workers is simply the right thing to do to protect our vulnerable family members and loved ones from COVID-19.”

The mandate that businesses with over 100 employees must have everyone vaccinated or face fines and expensive testing each week is getting bumped up by the US congress.  As part of the 3.5 trillion dollar bill going to the senate the house passed an increase in the fines to businesses which refuse to force their employees to get vaccinated.  How much of an increase? Up to 700000 dollars per infraction. The legislative provision passed the Democratic-controlled Budget Committee, and if enacted would levy drastic penalties that could rapidly shut down companies refusing to comply.

Ellicott Place in Batavia is opening today for the first time for a first look by the public at the new retail space and apartments. The 3.15 million dollar Downtown Revitalization Initiative project will have an open house at 2 today with Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Senator Ed Rath, City Council President Eugene Jankowski, Genesee County Legislature Chair Shelley Stein and others who were part of the building and planning process attending.  The Ellicott Street DRI project is part of the $20 million of capital investment projects taking place in downtown Batavia, including the development of approximately 65 market rate apartments which addresses the critical need for high-quality residential units in downtown Batavia and Genesee County.

For the 38^th year the Jerome Foundation is looking for nominations for its Health and Humanitarian Award of Genesee County.  Award winners for the past four decades have included health care workers, builders, teachers, and many community volunteers.  The award recognizes outstanding men and women whose volunteer efforts have improved the physical, emotional or spiritual well-being of the greater Genesee County area.  Nomination forms due by October 10^th and are available on-line at www.thejeromefoundation.org or by calling 585-356-3419.

The Buffalo Sabres pulled out a win for their season opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets.  After falling behind 4 to 1 a late game rally brought the score up to 5 to 4 in a shootout.  Arttu Ruotsolainen scored the first goal, then Michael Mersch got the next one.  JJ Peterka followed him with his first goal as a Sabre.  Weissbach made it a tied game and then Jack Quinn scored the winning goal after 5 minutes of overtime.