Weekend News Brief

Although He lost the primary to India Walton, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown worked to get his name on the ballot with a petition and a lawsuit and a federal judge has ordered that his name be placed on the ballot for the November election as an independent.  Brown filed a lawsuit against the Erie County Board of Elections last Monday alleging that the changing of the primary election date from September to June stripped voters of the necessary time to consider who to vote for.  Several voters also filed lawsuits.  The judge ruled on the case saying that the change constituted an undue burden on the voters.

Part of Seneca Park Zoo was evacuated Friday morning as a Lion escaped from her den.  During routine care duties with the African lions, one of the lions wandered into a hallway in the holding building, according to the zoo.  The zoo superintendent released a statement, saying the public was not in danger. Still, visitors were asked to leave a section of the zoo during the incident in accordance with Zoo protocols.  Staff were able to get the lion back out into her den and seal off the hallway.

Oakfield hosts Labor Daze this weekend and into Monday with a full schedule of events.  A parade boasting marching bands and newcomer Buffalo Ghostbusters will line up at the fire hall and begin at Seneca and Main streets 10 am Monday. Spectators should plan to be there about 30 minutes early before road closures prevent them from getting a good spot on the parade route between Seneca and Drake streets/Route 262.  There will also be a craft fest from 10-6.  For a full schedule of events check out our news partner the Batavian.

The Town of Alexander Republican Committee is looking for interested registered republicans who want to fill open positions.  Open slots are Town Republican Committee Member for districts 1 and 2 and town justice.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley is saddened to announce that his annual Patriot Trip in which he brings veterans to landmarks and historical sites throughout the Washington, D.C. area will be canceled this year due to concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19, especially as new variant cases in both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals continue to increase. All participants who have signed up for the trip will be fully refunded for anything paid toward it.

The Batavia Improvement District has announced a Wine Walk for October 2^nd downtown.  There are only 600 tickets available and are sold at Adam Miller’s Toy and Bicycle, the Yngodess Shop and downtownbataviany.com.  This year’s theme is Prom. Participants are encouraged to dress for any prom genre they wish. Prizes will be given for the best-dressed individuals and couples.