Morning News Brief

It has been one week since a member of the Buffalo Fire Department was killed while battling a blaze, and the investigation into what started that fire is still underway.  Jason Arno passed away at the scene of last Wednesday’s fire on Main Street, and officials said yesterday that searching through the debris to pinpoint the cause has been a slow process.  Heavy equipment will be at the site today to help move more rubble.  Calling hours for Arno are tomorrow and his funeral is Friday.

The plan to spruce up centennial park was unveiled at a press conference held next to the snow covered park.  Cutting down about 60 trees and planting about 400 more over the next 5 years, recreating paths through the park, and changing how the leaves and grass are handled are all part of the new initiative.  County Legislator Marianne Clattenburg noted during her remarks at the press conference that Centennial Park has served in recent years as a hub of community events. At one time, it hosted Picnic in the Park. It continues to host the GLOW Corporate Cup, performances by Batavia Concert Band, a recent Lemonade Stand fundraiser as well as the first pine box derby in the community in decades.  There is also the annual Kiwanis Easter Egg hunt in the park.  If you want to see the 44 page pdf of plans for the park, follow the link at wbtai.com.  

https://bataviaslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centennial-Park-FINAL-DRAFT_04-07-22.pdf

A Judge has decided for those court workers who lost their jobs during the COVID pandemic due to the vaccine mandates.  About 200 people working for the New York Court system were fired for refusing the vaccine and now they will not only be getting their jobs back but also getting back pay with interest.  A judge in the Administrative Law system decided that the vaccine mandate was a violation of their rights and the Fair Employment Act.  The Judge also ordered an end to forced vaccinations and testing and for employees who lost paid leave time and other benefits to create bargaining units to regain their lost time.

It’s National Consumer Protection Week, and one state agency is providing tips to New Yorkers on how they can save money on everyday purchases and subscription services. The State Division of Consumer Protection recommends people compare prices before buying items so they don’t overspend. Also, people should know the return policy on items so they don’t end up getting stuck with something they don’t want to use. And folks should evaluate their subscriptions so that they can cancel ones they use infrequently. For more suggestions, go to facebook.com/nysconsumer.

The Niagara Amusement Park and Splash World will be holding a hiring event later this week to fill positions for the upcoming summer season.  The event is happening on Friday from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. inside the Golden Nugget, which is located at the park in Grand Island.  Among the jobs that are available include lifeguard, ride operator, maintenance and cashier.  Anyone who can’t make the hiring event can still apply online through the park website.

If they are looking for a playoff spot they are going in the wrong direction.  The losing streak of the Buffalo Sabres has now hit two games after the team suffered a tough loss on the road.  Dylan Cozens and Kyle Okposo each scored but the Sabres were still defeated by the New York Islanders last night with a final score of three-to-two.  Buffalo goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 36 shots.  Up next for the Sabres is a game tomorrow night against the Dallas Stars at the Keybank Center at 7pm.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley is hosting a series of blood drives across the district this month in partnership with the American Red Cross. New York state historically has very little blood banked for patients statewide, and this initiative is being held to encourage those who can donate and make all the difference to a patient in need. Hawley has done numerous drives throughout his time in the Assembly and is happy to continue this tradition.  These drives will go from the 10th to the 30th and be everywhere from Batavia to Lyndonville.  For a list of dates and times go to WBTAi.com.

• Fri. 3/10 – Batavia Social Services, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Mon. 3/13 – Batavia Robert Morris School, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Mon. 3/13 – Pavilion Fire Department, 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Tues. 3/14 – Darien Fire Co. with PCD Kiwanis 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Thurs. 3/16 – St. Max Hall, East Pembroke. 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Fri. 3/17 – Lyndonville Presbyterian Church. 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Sat. 3/18 – Stafford Fire Department, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Tues. 3/21 – Albion Elks Lodge, 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Tues. 3/21 – Batavia First UMC, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Thurs. 3/30 – Oakfield-Alabama High School, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.