Morning News Brief
Written by Tom Tharp on August 23, 2023
What will happen to Ellicott Station now? That is the question after Savarino Companies announced that they will be “winding down and ceasing operations.” Savarino said that the company would be laying off 30 employees after being unable to overcome significant financial losses following its dismissal from a state-funded SUNY construction project, the article states. City Manager Rachael Tabelski said that the city had not been contacted by Savarino Companies before the announcement and is, therefore “reviewing and evaluating all information as it comes forward.” In an email sent to our news partner The Batavian, the company stated “The status of several initiatives and development projects that Savarino Companies was affiliated with has yet to be determined.”
Rochester police are investigating a crash involving a mini bike and a vehicle. Officers say around 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday, a mini bike being operated without headlights, struck a vehicle that was making a legal turn onto Conkey Avenue at Norton Street. The operator of the mini bike, a 21-year-old Rochester man, was taken to the hospital with a possible broken leg. His passenger, an 11-year-old boy from Rochester, was also taken to the hospital with what are said to be minor cuts and scrapes. The driver of the vehicle was not injured. At this time, police say it’s expected the operator of the mini bike will be issued traffic citations along with possible additional criminal charges.
A brand-new poll shows that a majority of Empire State residents are concerned about the recent influx of migrants. When asked by Siena College if they believe this influx is a serious problem, 82-percent of respondents said yes, while 54-percent said it was very serious. Also, 46-percent of people surveyed said migrants who have resettled in the state in recent years have been a burden and not a benefit. And, 51-percent disapprove of the job Governor Hochul is doing to address this influx.
After months of anticipation, the 2023 New York State Fair is officially kicking off in Syracuse today. People will have the chance to get on rides, taste great food, check out the popular butter sculpture, and listen to live music during the fair which runs through September 4th. Admission is six dollars for adults but kids 12 and under and people 65 and older get in for free. To check out the full list of events, go to nysfair.ny.gov.
A media tour scheduled for Wednesday morning at the new Batavia Medical Center has been canceled, along with the grand opening of the Batavia-based facility set for Monday, Rochester Regional Health officials said. RRH was waiting for a final letter from New York State signing off on the project, but that letter has not yet arrived. A new opening date has not been determined but will likely be sometime in mid-September, spokesperson Cristina Domingues Umbrino said Tuesday. The health facility hosted a small tour for dignitaries at the new 95,000 square-foot site on Oak Orchard Road last Friday, with the plan to open it up to media this week in anticipation of an opening slated for Aug. 28.
Batavia Downs has announced the dates and times for several Fall events. On Friday, September 22nd, the Ricky Palermo Foundation Comedy Night will be held inside Park Place. Attendees will receive admission to a night of comedy, a free drink, buffet dinner and $25 in Free Play. Tickets can be purchased at rickypalermofoundation.org. Monday, September 25th will be Batavia Downs’ Oktoberfest featuring music from Fritz’s Polka Band. This free event will run noon to 3pm. The Homestretch Grill doors will be open and several polish food specials will be available. On Saturday, September 30th, the 3rd annual Vodka & Gin Fest, presented by Deep Eddy Vodka and Ford’s Gin will take place from 4 to 6:30pm. For $40, attendees will have access to vodka and gin sampling as well as grazing stations and receive $25 in free play as well as a free program and $5 wager on that evening’s races at Batavia Downs. And the famous Family Fun Day & Wiener Dog Races will take place on Sunday, October 15th. Family related activities will also take place including on site entertainers, kettle corn stand, pumpkin decorating for kids 15 and under, carriage rides, and pony rides will take place from 12 till 2pm with the wiener dog races commencing at 2pm.
