Weekend News Brief
Written by Tom Tharp on September 23, 2022
The City of Rochester is shutting down illegal gatherings in an attempt to deal with the rash of shootings. Just Thursday night 2 people were shot, 1 killed in shootings out on the streets of the city. Mayor Malik Evans said that a large chunk of the shootings were at unsanctioned parties outside rec centers and restaurants. He asked the public to help by not gathering in crowds and also to blow the whistle on any they hear about so police can break them up before someone gets hurt. RPD’s open data portal shows there have been 240 shootings in the city so far this year. 51 of the city’s 60 homicides have been a result of gun violence.
The highway department will be doing paving work on Morganville Rd and Lover’s Lane this week. Morganville Road between Horseshoe Lake Road and Rt 237 and East Morganville Road between Morganville Rd and 237 in Stafford will be getting worked on Monday through Wednesday. The roads will be closed to through traffic while the work is being done. Lover’s Lane between 33 and South Main St Rd will be closed Tuesday. Residents will be able to get to their properties but should expect delays. Both these projects are weather permitting so if there is rain they will be pushed back.
Governor Hochul announced the second part of the initiative to find bus drivers as New York goes through a major shortage. This part allows third parties to administer the CDL road test. Companies can now apply for certification through the Department of Motor Vehicles. Since launching in January, the DMV has designed training systems to certify future road test examiners and quickened the process of obtaining a Commercial Driver License. Additionally, drivers between the ages of 18 and 20 with a valid New York State license can now apply for a Class A Commercial Driver License.
October 29th is the day law enforcement agencies will be accepting unused pills and other prescription drugs at several different locations. Alva Place parking lot, Pembroke Town Hall, and The LeRoy Police Department headquarters will accept drugs from 10am to 2pm. The Batavia location is the only one to accept sharps. The service is free and no questions will be asked. This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. In addition to DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, there are many other ways to dispose of unwanted prescription drugs every day, including the 11,000 authorized collectors that are available all year long. The Batavia Police department has a site that is open all year long for dropping off unused drugs.
A new blessing box has been installed across from the new Quicklees and Tim Hortons at Emmanuel Baptist Church. The box holds canned goods, toiletries, and easy to make foods for anyone who wants them. The church asks that the public come and partake as needed. And if you have extra, think of your neighbors and add something of your own to the box. It is located on Noonan next to the church driveway.
