Morning News Brief

The number of people in the hospital with COVID-related illnesses is now 330…that’s down a dozen from the last report. Patients in Intensive Care has also dropped to 80. The governor said “We’re working to beat back COVID-19 on all fronts, and with more New Yorkers getting vaccinated every day, our future looks bright.” The seven-day average positivity rate currently stands at 0.56%. As of Sunday, no new COVID cases were reported.

Two Elmira residents were killed in a weekend crash on I-390 northbound in the Steuben County Town of Wayland. The crash involved a pick-up truck and tractor trailer. The investigation found that the tractor-trailer was in the driving lane when it was rear-ended by the pick-up truck near the Livingston County border. State Police said the driver of the pick-up truck, 58-year-old Harold Novitsky and his daughter, 19-year-old Miranda were killed in the collision. The operator of the tractor-trailer, Randolph Notice, from Mississauga, Ontario was also taken to a hospital. In a press release, State Police said the speed of the pickup truck was a factor in the accident and the investigation is continuing. Miranda was an aspiring young athlete and soccer player about to enter her sophomore year at SUNY Geneseo. A GoFundMe page for funeral expenses has already raised over $30,000.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer will visit Livingston County this afternoon to announce an $11.3 million grant to bring new high speed internet broadband access to thousands of homes, businesses, schools, and farms across Livingston County. Schumer has repeatedly pushed USDA for the funding and will personally travel to Livingston to deliver the news.

A Churchville woman was killed in a crash on the Thruway over the weekend. New York State Police say it happened in the town of Manchester. 59-year-old Jane Grein of Churchville died when the car she was driving struck a concrete support for the exit 43 bridge. State Police believe she may have suffered a medical event. The investigation is ongoing.

The Little Free Pantry in Batavia is looking to spread its reach further into the community to assist more in need, and they say they need your help to do so. By the end of summer, they are hoping to erect six mini pantries in Batavia to help more neighbors in need. Fresh veggies are in season, and they are looking for people to help reduce food waste and promote food security by sharing with neighbors. Visit lfpbatavia.org for full details, and to sign up.

Former Erie County Executive Dennis Gorski has died. The 76-year-old from Parkinson’s Disease. Gorski, who was also a New York State assemblyman, ran Erie County government from 1988 through 1999.

***A woman from Sheldon faces a felony count after she allegedly caused nearly $17,000 in damage to an emergency room and equipment at the Wyoming County hospital in Warsaw. Deputies said 32-year-old Mary Coyne then barricaded herself in a room. She was eventually taken into custody and transferred to ECMC in Buffalo…where she promptly escaped. The woman eventually turned herself in. She was charged with felony criminal mischief, arraigned and released. Coyne in due in village of Warsaw court on Monday.