Morning News Briefing
Written by Michael Baldwin on November 18, 2021
New York Farm Bureau’s 2021 Market Basket Survey shows the price of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner saw a modest uptick from last year’s meal. The average total price, which includes a 16-pound turkey and other common items found on a holiday dinner table, is $52.59, a 1.7% increase over last year. New York Farm Bureau’s volunteer shoppers sampled prices at 21 different supermarkets throughout the state between October 31 and November 8 trying to get the best prices available, but they did not use promotional coupons or special deals such as “buy one-get one free.”
Batavia businessman Eric Biscaro’s attempt to construct a 30-duplex unit senior housing complex off East Avenue and develop 18 single-family home building lots on that street came to a screeching halt at Le Roy Village Board meeting. Biscaro introduced the project in April to the Genesee County Planning Board following discussions with Village Mayor Greg Rogers about a development that could provide upscale housing for residents age 50 and over and generate much needed tax revenue for the municipality. At the Wednesday session, Rogers clearly was disappointed as he communicated the fate of the project. Three of the five board members said they were going to vote against it. As he was leaving, The Batavian asked Biscaro if he would consider a revised plan or another location in the village. He response was clear…“No, it’s done.”
After deliberating for less than two hours, a Genesee County jury Wednesday convicted Jacob Sponaugle of attempted murder. He was convicted of trying to kill Jason Whitehead of Batavia. He will be sentenced on Dec. 15.
The NY State Dept of Health issued new visitation guidance for nursing homes so that it more closely aligns with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ recommendations. The guidance is intended to ensure that nursing homes are not unnecessarily restricting visitations, meaning there will be no limitations on the frequency and length of visits or the number of visitors. Anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 will still be barred from coming into nursing home facilities until they’re finished with their quarantine period.
NY State of Health, the state’s official health plan marketplace, has announced its enrollment for 2022 Qualified Health Plans is now open. The coverage for these plans begins on Jan. 1st. The marketplace provides low-cost health insurance options, with a choice of Qualified Health Plans in every county. The marketplace also offers expanded tax credits through the American Rescue Plan Act.
The Dept of Motor Vehicles is reminding NYers to register their snowmobiles which must be renewed annually. The DMV allows snowmobilers to renew registrations online on the DMV website, by mail or in person at a DMV office. Members of the NY State Snowmobile Association also receive a $55 discount on snowmobile registrations.
