Morning News Briefing
Written by Michael Baldwin on November 9, 2020
Beginning today and continuing for the next two weeks, Jackson Primary School in Batavia is shifting to 100 percent virtual learning. The District Superintendent made the announcement Sunday after two employees at Jackson tested positive for COVID-19 and were symptomatic while on campus. Jackson is the only school in the City School district moving to virtual learning for the time being. Virtual learning will be in effect until Nov. 30. Staff and students who have been identified as ‘close contact’ will be notified by both school administration and the Genesee County Health Department beginning immediately.
The cause of a house fire in Batavia remains under investigation. Crews were called out last night after flames were seen shooting from the home at 3 Walnut Street. Additional help was brought in from the Town of Batavia, Darien and Alexander. There were no injuries. All residents evacuated before firefighters arrived. The upstairs apartment, where the fire started, was occupied by two adults and an infant. The downstairs apartment was occupied by one adult and a 12-year-old and a 15-year-old. One family will be assisted by the Red Cross.
Solar and wind farms, and some coaches are on the agenda when the Batavia City Board of Education meets tonight. The Board will consider a resolution to opt out of the exemption under the New York State Real Property Tax Law for Solar & Wind Energy Farms or Farm Waste Energy Systems. The school board will also vote on a Memorandum of Agreement regarding stipends for some coaches. The Board meets at 6:30 p.m.
As New York State and the nation continue to grapple with the challenges posed by COVID-19, the State University of New York Chancellor has outlined a sweeping, system-wide plan that will allow campuses to safely return to in-person instruction for the spring semester, subject to any changes in federal or New York State guidance. According to the plan all students must be tested for COVID-19 upon return. The plan also pushes the start date of the spring semester for in-person instruction until February 1 and spring break 2021 will be cancelled. In addition, all returning students must complete a seven-day precautionary quarantine prior to their arrival on campus.
Some additional funding appears headed to the Batavia Police Department. When the City Council meets tonight, it will vote on a resolution to amend the 2020-2021 police department budget to reflect a new STOP-DWI grant of $5,000. The Youth Bureau is also earmarked to receive a Rotary grant. The Council will also shift to a behind closed door session to discuss real estate and employment matters. The meeting begins at 7 p.m.
Court action is pending for an Albion woman who now faces multiple felony counts. State Police say they arrested 42-year-old Alicia Stanton. Troopers charged her with first-degree reckless endangerment, criminal mischief and second-degree arson. The charges stem from an incident in Albion Friday afternoon.
The Buffalo Bills have improved to 7-2…that hasn’t happened since 1993. Buffalo defeated Seattle Sunday 44-34.
County Manager Matt Landers has announced that Assistant County Manager, Tammi Ferringer successfully completed the High Performance Leadership Academy, a partnership of the National Association of Counties. The Academy focuses on five essential skills; leading, organizing, collaborating, communication and delivering.
