Morning News Brief
Written by Michael Baldwin on May 27, 2021
A fallen Marine from WNY will be honored this weekend at Nascar’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Driver Kurt Busch will pilot the No. 1 GEARWRENCH Chevy Camaro and will carry the name of fallen U.S. Marine Corporal Jason Dunham. A native of Scio in Allegany County, Dunham was just 22-years-old when he died during the Iraq War. On April 14, 2004, his unit came under attack. Cpl. Dunham threw himself on a grenade, which exploded. He saved the lives of his fellow Marines. Dunham died eight days later. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions. The United States Post Office in Scio was also renamed the Corporal Jason L. Dunham Post Office.
Genesee County Manager Matt Landers said he is ready to do his part to conserve water this summer as all indications point to “another tight water season for us here.” Echoing what County Engineer Tim Hens said in a report on The Batavian last month, Landers is urging residents to take steps to use less water as hot summer days near. Speaking at the Genesee County Legislature, Landers said a water conservation press release is going out on Friday, listing 10 “little things” that people can do to conserve.
The New York Statewide COVID-19 positivity rate has dropped to 0.70%, the lowest since August 30th. The state has also had 51 straight days of decline. The hospitalization rate is now less than 1,300 with only 297 patients in the ICU. The latest report shows 17 COVID-related deaths,
Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced the ‘Get a Shot to Make Your Future’ incentive for 12- to 17-year-olds to get vaccinated for COVID-19. Participants can enter into a random prize drawing and potentially receive a full scholarship to a SUNY or City University college beginning tomorrow. Winners receive a full scholarship to any public college or university, including tuition and room and board. New York State will administer the random drawing and select 10 winners a week over five weeks for a total of 50 winners. Federal COVID-19 relief and outreach funds will be used to cover the cost of this vaccination incentive program. The winners will receive up to four years of full-time undergraduate study or five years in an approved five-year bachelor’s degree program.
The 10th annual free Shred Day hosted by Brighton Securities in Batavia happens tomorrow from 12 to 3 p.m. The location is 212 E. Main St. downtown. Bring your old bank records, credit card statement and any other sensitive documents for secure, eco-friendly destruction and disposal!
New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli has announced that the New York State Common Retirement Fund’s estimated overall investment return was 33.55 percent for the state fiscal year that ended March 31. It reflects the financial markets’ dramatic rebound from lows reached during the COVID-19 pandemic.
