Morning News Briefing
Written by Dan Fischer on June 26, 2020
Today Batavia and Genesee County enter Phase 4 of New York’s economic reopening.
It means that the number of people allowed at social gatherings will double from 25 to 50. Churches can welcome more worshipers
Professional sports can take place without fans, and low-risk indoor and outdoor arts and entertainment activities will also be allowed.
Movie theaters, gyms and malls are going to remain closed until further notice.
New COVID-19 cases still under control in Genesee County. Only two new cases reported yesterday, one from Batavia one from LeRoy.
Restaurants that have been allowed to serve alcohol to go, will be able to continue serving up the adult beverages for off-site enjoyment.
The state says the take-out alcohol has helped bars and restaurants during the pandemic.
The order allowing booze to go was set to expire tomorrow, the governor is expected to extend the order.
For the first time in more than 20 years the Batavia Police Department has a K-9 officer.
He is K-9 Hank, from Holland.
He’s part Belgium Malinois, part Shepard.
City Council President Gene Jankowski, once a K-9 handler himself when he was on the police department, says Hank is a welcome addition:
PHOTO: K-9 Hank and his handler, Officer Stephen Quider
Hank’s new handler is Officer Stephen Quider. Hank and Officer Quider will be together 24-7.
Hank cost close to $11,000, paid for with drug forfeiture funds.
Election officials say it’ll likely be weeks before Western New York voters know who won Tuesday’s primaries.
That’s because there were a large number of absentee ballots requested for the 27th Congressional District special election and other races.
Since it’s a federal election, ballot counting will start first in the 27th District contest involving Republican State Senator Chris Jacobs and Democrat Nate McMurray.
Jacobs has already declared victory but McMurray is refusing to concede until every vote is counted.
Empire State drivers are now able to get their hands on a brand new license plate for their vehicles.
The blue and white “Excelsior” plate features images of iconic New York landmarks including Niagara Falls and the Statue of Liberty.
They’re currently available at DMV offices in 22 counties and at some auto dealerships.
The “Excelsior” plates will be issued with new vehicle registrations but anyone who wants to replace their old plates with the new design will have to pay $25.
