Morning News Brief
Written by Tom Tharp on February 23, 2023
The winter Weather Advisory remains in effect in the GLOW region through 6 pm. The National Weather Service is predicting an additional tenth of an inch of ice and winds gusting up to 40 miles per hour. Ice on the roads will cause slippery travel and dangerous conditions. Blowing snow and ice will cause reduced visibility. Make sure to leave extra room for stopping and go slow around corners. Beware of speeding up and losing traction.
Local schools are closed because of the icy roads and bad conditions. Attica, Alexander, Byron Bergen, Leroy, Oakfield Alabama, Pavilion, St Josephs, Notre Dame schools are all closed for Thursday. St James Episcopal’s Thrift Store is closed today. Creative Arts Camp at GO ART! Is canceled today. Haxton Memorial Library and Independent Living of The Genesee Region are closed today.
The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) announced the adoption of the final farm labor overtime regulations. On January 1, 2024, a phased-in, gradual reduction in the overtime pay threshold will begin with the threshold set at 56 hours. The overtime threshold will then reduce by four hours every other year until it reaches 40 hours in 2032. The farm board released a statement saying that the new hours will ensure “equity” for farm laborers. Farmers across the state protested the boards decision and said that it would drive laborers away from the state. Governor Hochul responded by saying that New York would give farmers more tax credits to help afford labor.
A teenager faces charges for a series of smash-and-grab burglaries in the city. Police said they arrested a 16-year-old boy Saturday for incidents that happened Jan. 31 at Comedy @ the Carlson, Liberty Family Restaurant, Record Archive and East Ave Liquor & Wine, as well as Feb. 9 at Universal Liquor. The teen is charged with burglary and criminal mischief for each of the incidents — in addition to grand larceny for the Comedy @ the Carlson and Universal liquor incidents, and petit larceny for the Record Archive and East Ave Liquor & Wine incidents. Surveillance videos from the businesses appear to show the moments when the suspect and others broke in and stole cash registers, money and merchandise — causing thousands of dollars in damages for business owners. The teen was taken to the Monroe County Children’s Detention Center and will face charges in Monroe County Family Court. Police continue to investigate the incidents and ask anyone with information to call 911.
The Buffalo Museum of Science opened a new virtual reality exhibit with new experiences to discover. With all senses activated during the games, visitors can play a game of Angry Birds, explore underwater and even paint with their hands all while using VR. Amy Biber, Director of Communications and Marketing says with virtual reality becoming an evolving technology it can teach kids and adults a lot about the world around them. The Buffalo Museum of Science will have the exhibit until June 18th.
The Holland Land Office Museum is hosting traditional Irish music and dancing with No Blarney! On Friday March 10th at 7pm. Tickets are 5 dollars a person or 4 for museum members. Also Java with Joe will be returning March 23rd at 9am with Don Burkel who will be presenting on the Upton Family and their contributions to the community. Admission is free and comes with coffee and donuts. Lastly the next edition of the Guest Speaker Series is on Thursday, March 30th at 7 pm. The presenter will be Holly Watson of the Linwood Gardens.
