Morning News Brief

It’s hot out!  The national weather service has issued a heat advisory for Genesee, Livingston and Orleans Counties in addition to many western ny and upstate counties.  Temperatures will reach between 91 and 93 degrees with high humidity.  Heat based illnesses can occur.  They recommend staying in air conditioned buildings, avoiding working in the sun outdoors.  Young children and older adults are most susceptible to heat issues.  

You didn’t notice it but Batavia almost ran out of water on Sunday.  A sensor malfunctioned at the water plant and stopped the pump that sends water out to the community.  The water storage tanks started sending out their water instead of using the water in the clean wells and for 2 and a half hours the city was draining the reserve supply.  The North Road pumping station started upping their capacity to 3.5 million gallons, the most it’s ever put out, and the City asked Erie County to open their valve to send water from there.  About that time the malfunctioning sensor was discovered and reset manually.  By 5pm the water was restored.  Batavia residents were about 2 hours away from being affected by the lack of water.

Batavia Downs harness racing season is getting underway.  6 O clock today is the start of the 56 days of live racing and the facilities and staff have undergone major changes.  Several staff members have joined the team including a new voice of the racetrack Wayne Teaven and Wendy Lowery as track photographer.  The track itself has been regraded and resurfaced.  The Clubhouse, Rail Bar and Homestretch Grill have been remodeled.  Also check the casino schedule for special events days and a new menu at the restaurants.

Starting Friday the Genesee County Fair will be taking over the fairgrounds.  The official opening is Saturday but there will be horse shows and entertainment running Friday as well.  The fair opens at 9am and rides and buildings close at 10pm but special ticketed entertainment will run later at night.  Each day is themed.  Saturday is drive your tractor to the fair day and kids day.  Sunday is Senior Citizens day.  Monday is Veterans day.  Tuesday is 4-H Day and Chapin manufacturing day.  Wednesday is Emergency Responders Day and the second Kids Day.  Thursday is HP Hood day and Friday is Chamber of Commerce Day.  Kids day returns for the last day of the fair.  Admission is 10 dollars and an unlimited wristband for the midway can be had for 25 dollars or 15 on kids days.  For more information visit the fair website at gcfair.com

Genesee County Youth Bureau is looking for teens who want to develop leadership skills in their Youth Lead Program.  Applicants should be a Genesee County high school student entering their freshman through senior year.  The eight-month program is focused on developing leadership skills within an individual through each specific session and through hands-on experience. Each session will have a different focus on our community and leadership.  The deadline to apply is Sept. 2.