Morning News Brief
Written by Tom Tharp on September 13, 2022
Governor Hochul has announced that she will allow her COVID emergency powers to expire without renewing them again. She has renewed them through executive order every time its come up. The latest time being August 13th. The number of people testing positive across New York State continues to decline. Last week she decided that New York Mass Transit riders no longer had to mask up. The CDC has changed their COVID recommendations to make vaccinated and unvaccinated recommendations the same throughout the US. Republicans such as Gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin say the emergency powers should have been gone “a VERY long time ago.”
Republican Candidate for Governor Lee Zeldin is only a couple points away in the polls from incumbent Kathy Hochul and he wants a debate. Zeldin tweeted Monday, “It’s September 12 and @KathyHochul still has not accepted ANY debate requests. This is not ok. The contempt Hochul has for being challenged should alone disqualify her. Absentee ballots start going out in less than two weeks. These debates need to start now before voting begins.” Kathy Hochul has said she is willing to debate, but hasn’t said anything about where or when. According to a SurveyUSA poll released August 23rd Zeldin is only 4 points behind Hochul but the New York Times cautioned yesterday that democrat poll numbers may be inflated as they have been so many times in the past. If Zeldin wins it will be the first time a republican has been governor since George Pataki.
Mercy EMS drove 1 driver to Strong Memorial after a crash at the intersection of Batavia Stafford Townline Rd and Rt 5 Monday afternoon. State troopers say that a red Hyundai pulled out in front of an eastbound silver Ford and was struck on the side. A broken arm was the only injury reported. Stafford Fire and Mercyflight responded, the helicopter was canceled.
Vice President Kamala Harris is set to visit Buffalo on Wednesday, according to Congressman Brian Higgins. On Monday afternoon Higgins announced a media availability to address the Vice President’s upcoming visit. According to Higgins, the Vice President will be in Buffalo to discuss the Inflation Reduction Act. The act was signed into law by President Biden on August 16.
Oliver’s Candies is 90 years old and they want to celebrate! September 17th, Olivers will be having a party at their store in Batavia with face paintings, kid’s games, bounce house, and wine tasting with Autumn Moon Winery. Also there will be State Troopers, Genesee County Sheriff with K9 Unit, the Batavia Animal Shelter, table raffles and a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds from the table and 50/50 raffles will be donated to the Batavia Animal Shelter. The first 150 customers to make an in store purchase will receive a Oliver’s Candies swag bag.
This Saturday the great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence is starting it’s Annual Fall Festival which will run every weekend through the end of October. Opening weekend at the festival will be an armed forces weekend in collaboration with the Clarence Citizens for Veterans. Admission for any active duty, retired military, veterans, police, or fire department personnel will be admitted for free with proper identification. They are also permitted to bring one guest for free as well. All attractions will be running during the opening weekend, including Vinnie & Teddy the animatronic dinosaurs, the Balloon Experts, and live music. Original attractions such as amusement rides, hayrides, corn maze, and the pumpkin patch will be available this year as well.
