Morning News Briefing
Written by Michael Baldwin on May 12, 2021
With National Prevention Week in full swing and drug overdose deaths in 2020 up 24% from the previous year, the personal-finance website WalletHub has released its report on the States with the Biggest Drug Problems. New York ranked 30th. Pennsylvania…a little better, coming in at a rank of 24th. The worst area…Washington, DC. The best – Hawaii.
Pick a reason…choose a source…but most warn gas price increases show no sign of slowing down. Across the region, prices are at or near $3 per gallon. The current pump prices are nearing levels not experienced in years.
A malfunctioning air conditioner triggered a two-alarm assignment that sent firefighters from Wyoming and Allegany Counties yesterday to Letchworth State Park at the popular and historic Glen Iris Inn. The business was quickly evacuated when the alarm sounded. The cause was traced to an air conditioner unit and damage was limited to a few thousand dollars. No injuries were reported.
The NYS Senate Republican Conference is calling for the enactment of a package of legislation aimed at deterring violence against law enforcement by strengthening penalties for existing crimes and establishing new crimes to deter attacks on police officers. The Senate GOP…advancing the proposals as part of their observance of this week’s National Police Week. According to a recent “State of Safety in America” by Safewise, New York is the “most worried about safety” state in the nation, with 70 percent of New Yorkers reporting that they are “concerned daily” about their safety. Additionally, only 40 percent of New Yorkers feel safe in their everyday lives, while 78 percent think crime is increasing.
A total of 37 pots filled with flowering plants will be placed along Main Street in the Village of Oakfield this spring and summer, paid for by residents and business owners to help bring a little color and vibrance to the community. Spearheaded by Village Clerk Kim Staniszewski and Judy Boyle, they asked people to donate $25 for each pot and then the donor will have a sign in the pot recognizing a local achievement (such as the fine seasons of the basketball teams), memorializing a loved one, or mentioning a business sponsor.
Genesee County is reporting 32 new positive cases of COVID-19 since Friday. Five of the current positive individuals are hospitalized. Orleans County is reporting 37 new positive cases of COVID-19 since Friday.
The City of Batavia Water Department has to do an emergency water shut-off today. The water will be shut off on Ellicott Street from Liberty to Swan, Hutchins from Ellicott to Sumner, Goade, and Hyde Park. The water will be off until 12 noon.
A proposition to transition Hollwedel Memorial Library to a Pavilion Central School District public library will be put to a vote May 18. The library is currently chartered to serve the Town of Pavilion. An online presentation by the Library Board of Trustees with details about the proposition has been available and can be viewed at www.HollwedelLibrary.org/vote. The slides used in this presentation can also be picked up at the library. An informational flier with details about the vote was mailed to Pavilion Central School District residents in early April. Voting will take place from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 18 at Pavilion High School.
Genesee County deputies arrested 25-year-old Aaron Hatt of Alexander. He allegedly entered a home of a person who had a stay away order against him and engaged in physical contact. He was charged with felony second-degree burglary and first-degree criminal contempt. He was arraigned and remanded to jail in lieu of bail.
The Batavia Police Department has recently been investigating numerous larcenies from vehicles in the city. These larcenies have been occurring mainly in the overnight hours, and from unlocked motor vehicles. Police say remove valuables from your vehicle and keep it locked.
