Weekend News Briefing
Written by WBTA STAFF on June 8, 2019
Batavia resident and radio personality to receive nation’s highest honor
David Bellavia of Batavia will become the only living veteran of the Iraq War to receive our nation’s highest honor when President Donald Trump drapes the Medal of Honor around him on June 25th.
Bellavia, who co-hosts a news talk show on WBEN, is already a Silver Star recipient for his single-handed battle against a group of insurgents during the Second Battle of Fallujah.
He’s also received the Bronze Star, three Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, and the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross.
The award ceremony is being held at the White House on June 25.
Inmate held without bail for clogging a toilet.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office reports that 31 year old Kevin Waleski of Batavia, currently an inmate of the county jail, plugged the toilet in his holding cell, causing a flood that shorted out the electronics of the inmate phone system.
Waleski has been charged with Criminal Mischief and was already being held on unrelated charges however now he’s being held without bail.
Fill The Boot campaign stomps past their fundraising goal.
According to Batavia City Firefighter and local event organizer Chris Morasco the grand total for Friday’s boot drive was $11,646.84.
Last year over $9,100 was raised with this year’s goal set to raise $10,000 for muscular dystrophy.
Nationally Fill the Boot has been a strong fire fighter tradition for more than 65 years, and raised $20 million in last years’ campaign.
Upcoming road closures to report.
Clinton Park, Fordham Drive, Eugene Street and Holmes Avenue will have road closures to all through traffic on Tuesday, June 11 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the installation of an intermediate reinforced pavement layer.
On Thursday, June 13 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. these streets will be closed to all through traffic for the installation of the wearing surface layer.
Residents will be able to access their properties but may experience delays and all residents in the work area are asked not to park on the roadway during the day.
As this year’s legislative session winds down, Governor Cuomo is continuing to criticize members of the State Senate.
The governor says Democrats, who have the majority in the chamber, aren’t doing enough to pass progressive policy items like extending drivers’ licenses to illegal immigrants and recreational marijuana legalization.
A spokesman for the governor’s office says negotiations are ongoing.
