Weekend News Briefing
Written by WBTA STAFF on October 26, 2019
Two Rochester men are behind bars on drug charges after being stopped by members of the Genesee County Local Drug Task Force in Batavia.
19 year old Rayquan Balkum and 29 year old Walter Bennett, known on the street as “Black,” were stopped Thursday afternoon on Ellicott Ave.
A search of their vehicle revealed 64 bags of suspected crack cocaine in their possession.
Both are facing felony charges for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance while Balkum is facing additional felonies for Promoting Prison Contraband and Tampering with Evidence.
Bennett was ordered to be held in the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail while Belkum is being held on $2,500.
Genesee County has proposed a budget for next year.
The tentative budget released by County Manager Jay Gsell calls for an overall tax rate increase of 7-cents per thousand.
The amount to be raised by taxes is below the state mandated tax cap.
The budget now goes to the full legislature.
Law makers can modify the plan, up or down, and vote to accept the budget by the end of the year.
Early voting begins this weekend in New York.
New York joins a list of several other states that allow some form of early voting which is now open and continues until November 3rd.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 5th.
The City of Batavia is looking for residents to fill seats on various boards and committees.
There are several openings on boards and committees within the City of Batavia and City Manager, Dr. Martin Moore is seeking interested candidates to join these decision-making and advisory bodies.
Applicants must be residents of the City of Batavia.
Applications can be found at the City Clerk’s Office online here.
New York State Police and local law enforcement will increase patrols to crack down on impaired driving and underage drinking through Halloween.
This special enforcement campaign runs from Friday, October 25, through Friday, November 1st.
The City of Batavia will observe Halloween activities from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on October 31st only.
