Weekend News Brief
Written by Dan Fischer on November 29, 2024
Significant snowfall is in the forecast for this weekend. The National Weather Service says a Lake Effect Snow Warning is in place for Genesee County from 7:00am today through 7:00pm tomorrow. Locally, the highest snowfall totals are expected to be in the southwest portion of Genesee County and up to a foot of precipitation could end up on the ground in some spots, with major snowfall amounts predicted for the Southern Tier. Updated forecasts and alerts can be found anytime at noaa.gov.
A bill aimed to improve habitat connectivity for wildlife is being vetoed by Governor Kathy Hochul. The New York Wildlife Crossing Act would have directed the state Department of Transportation and Thruway Authority to identify areas along highways that are often used as animal crossings. Animal crossing infrastructures, like bridges and tunnels, would have then been built to improve safety for drivers and improve animal habitats. The bill passed in both the Senate and State Assembly but was not signed by Hochul.
A Bergen man is facing weapons charges after authorities uncovered over 100 firearms in a months-long, multi-agency investigation. In September of 2024, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police searched several locations and found over 100 3-D printed weapons, including silencers, ghost guns, ammo feeding devices, and unfinished frames. Peter Celentano is being charged for several crimes, including unlawful wearing of body armor, possessing ten or more firearms and more. Before being arrested, the 35-year-old had already been charged for weapon related crimes after machine guns were found at home and other properties associated with him. Celentano currently remains in custody.
The New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council is proposing a new fire sprinkler mandate for new homes built in New York State. It would require all new one- and two-family homes to have a sprinkler system. However, Dominic Cortese, the President of Cortese Construction Service, says it would be counter-productive in trying to make more homes affordable because the average price of adding a fire sprinkler would add about $30 to $40,000 to the cost of a home. A state law currently requires builders to provide buyers with information regarding the installation of fire sprinklers and the estimated cost. Cortese believes the law should stay in place and allow buyers to have the choice. The next state Fire Prevention and Building Code Council meeting is scheduled for December 6th.
Workers in New York are getting higher Paid Family Leave benefits starting January 1st. Eligible employees can receive over 14-thousand-dollars in total benefits. That’s an increase of over 313-dollars from 2024. The States Paid Family Leave gives employees up to twelve-weeks of job protection, paid time off to take care of a new child, sick family member, or to help loved ones during a family member’s overseas military deployment. It keeps the employees on their health insurance plan during their leave and protects them from discrimination or retaliation. Also starting on January 1st, pregnant workers will have more paid time off for parental care under the state’s separate Paid Sick Leave program.
New data shows the spread of the flu virus remains low in the Western New York region. The county with the highest number of cases in the latest update was Monroe County with 34. That was followed by Wayne County with three cases and Ontario County with one infection. People are being urged to get a flu shot before cases likely surge during the winter months. A list of immunization sites can be found at vaccines.gov.
The Alexander Fire Department Christmas Craft and Vendor Show is tomorrow from 10 until 3 at the Recreation Hall on Alexander Road. Admission is free and there will be over 80 tables to check out. For more information, please call 585-356-3301.
The Senior Nutrition Site at Havenwood Congregate Apartments at 240 Richmond Avenue serves lunch Monday through Friday starting at noon. The site is easily accessible and reservations are available by calling 344-1330.
After a week off, the red-hot Buffalo Bills are looking to keep their winning ways going this weekend. The Bills are set to battle the San Francisco 49ers at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. Buffalo last played November 17th when they beat the defending Super Bowl champions the Kansas City Chiefs 30 to 21 and pushed their winning streak to six games. Sunday’s contest begins at 8:20pm and it airs nationally as part of NBC’s Sunday Night Football.
