Morning News Brief
Written by Michael Baldwin on June 11, 2021
Officials report that New York has had 13 consecutive days of record-low COVID positivity rates statewide. The 7-day average has now dropped to 0.47% and has declines for 66 consecutive days. The rate is the lowest in the country. The statewide COVID vaccination rate is 69.2%.
Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced that applications are now open for the $800 million COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program. The program reimburses New York small businesses with grants of up to $50,000 for COVID-related expenses incurred between March 1, 2020 and April 1, 2021. Grants will be awarded to small and micro businesses and small for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations, with priority being given to socially and economically disadvantaged business owners, including minority- and women-owned business enterprises, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses and veteran-owned businesses, and businesses located in economically distressed communities. Grants will be for a minimum award of $5,000 and a maximum award of $50,000.
An arrest has been made after a NY congressman was targeted…Authorities say Jack Kahabka of Watkins Glen has been arrested and charged with throwing a brick through Congressman Tom Reed’s Corning office and for leaving a dead rat at the Congressman’s home in Steuben County. Kahabka has been charged with making terroristic threats and criminal mischief, both felonies. Corning Police were assisted by the FBI.
An Elba woman was involved in a two-vehicle crash in Allegany County in which three people were reported to be injured. Troopers did not say who was hurt or the extent of injuries. The drivers were listed as 24-year-old Amanda Norway of Elba and 36-year-old Danielle Zinklaskowski of Arcade. The crash happened in the Town of Centerville.
A local law to repeal and replace the Genesee County legislature’s ethics and disclosure law is now primed for a public hearing. That public hearing has been scheduled for June 23rd at 5:30 p.m. It will be held in the legislative chambers as well as via Zoom conference. Written comments will be accepted until the close of business June 23. Contact the Clerk for the ZOOM link. A legal notice says all interested persons will be heard.
The Oakfield-Alabama Central School District announces its participation in the free Summer Food Service Program, offered through the USDA. Meals will be provided to all age 18 and under without charge. No paperwork is necessary — just show up for great meals! The lunches will be available for pick up at Triangle Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. starting July 13 through Aug. 19. The Park is located at 5 N. Pearl Street in Oakfield. Each pick up includes three days of meals.
It looks like there will be a Labor Daze celebration in Oakfield in 2021 after all. Jamie Lindsley said the Oakfield Betterment Committee “jumped at the chance to reevaluate” hosting the event with COVID-19 restrictions lifted. Lindsey said “Everything is planned and ready to go.” Lindsley confirmed that both the town and village are on board with supporting putting together a Labor Daze celebration even on short notice.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley is hailing the passage of a bill through both houses of the Legislature that would give members of gold star families free college tuition. The passage of this bill comes two years after Hawley himself proposed a bill to provide gold star families with free tuition, though that bill was blocked in the Higher Education Committee by the Assembly Majority and never brought to the floor for a vote.
