Weekend News Brief
Written by WBTA STAFF on January 24, 2025
The Richmond Memorial Library is once again partnering with volunteers from the New York State Department of Tax and Finance to offer income-eligible citizens assistance with filing their taxes online this tax season. Tax Department employees will help by going through your income tax returns, step-by-step, as you complete and then e-file your tax return for free. The first session will be offered on Thursday, February 6th. For more information or to make an appointment, please call 585-343-9550, Extension 3. You can also find the library online at batavialibrary.org.
The State Environmental Facilities Corporation has approved more than $127 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement for Western New York. Over $62 million will go to the Buffalo Sewer Authority for upgrades at the Bird Island Wastewater Treatment Plant. Erie County is receiving $56 million for improvements at the South Towns Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility, and the City of Lockport is receiving over $9 million for improvements to the Gulf Interceptor. A total of $273 million was approved for clean water projects statewide.
With less than four months until the federal REAL ID Act becomes enforceable, the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles is encouraging New Yorkers to make sure they are prepared. Beginning on May 7, 2025, anyone going through airport security to fly domestically or attempting to enter secure federal facilities will be required to have a REAL ID or another form of compliant identification such as an Enhanced ID or Passport. For those who need to upgrade their state-issued ID before May 7, the DMV is strongly encouraging them to act now.
Peace Bridge – January 2025
Landmarks across the city of Buffalo are showing their Bills pride ahead of Sunday’s AFC Championship Game. The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority announced that the Peace Bridge will be lit in Bills colors until Sunday night, and overhead traffic gantry signs will display the Bills logo all through the weekend. In addition, whenever the Bills score, there will be a celebratory special effects light show conducted on the bridge. Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs kicks off at 6:30 p.m.
The Buffalo Bills are just 60 minutes of football away from the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance in decades. The Bills are on the road this weekend to take on the two-time and defending Super Bowl champions the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in the AFC title game. Buffalo and Kansas City battled earlier in the season and the Bills came away with a 30 to 21 victory. Kickoff for Sunday’s game is 6:30; you can catch the game on channel 4.
Crossroads House – photo from their website
Crossroads House on Liberty Street, Batavia is hosting an evening of reflection, cocktails, dinner and dancing for staff, families and friends. The event will be held at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel Saturday afternoon starting at 5:00pm. Your attendance will help support their mission to provide the best end-of-life care possible. For more information, please call 585-343-3892.
