Community

(WNY News Now) The NYS Conservation Council presented Mike Todd, a committed environmental specialist with DEC Region 9, with the coveted specialist Conservationist of the Year award in recognition of his outstanding work in public education and conservation.Congratulations to Mike Todd, who was named the NYS Conservation Council's (NYSCC) Professional Conservationist of the Year. This honor was given to him in recognition of his leadership in preserving our environment by implementing wise conservation measures.After graduating from SUNY ESF, Mike began working for DEC in 2003 as a Fish and Wildlife Technician in the Lake Erie Fisheries Research Unit. Following a couple jobs in Western and Central New York, Mike joined the Fisheries program as an Aquatic Biologist in the Region 9 office...

(WNY News Now) In an effort to battle poverty and offer affordable housing in the struggling city of Jamestown, a $2 million state grant will be used to renovate abandoned, condemned rental properties.New York's Jamestown The New York State Homes and Community Renewal Vacant Rental Improvement Program has granted $2 million to the City of Jamestown's Department of Development in collaboration with Citizens Opportunity for Development and Equality (CODE Inc.).In an attempt to turn abandoned and condemned housing units into reasonably priced long-term rental homes, the Department of Development and CODE Inc. submitted joint applications for more than $2.9 million in October of this year. The Department of Development and CODE Inc. were able to supervise the rehabilitation of up to or aroun...

(WNY News Now) The New York Experience (NYX), the state's first customer experience strategy, seeks to enhance government operations, expedite services, and prioritize the needs of the people in the state's service delivery.In an effort to improve daily government operations and change the way New Yorkers engage with government services, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the start of New York State's first-ever customer experience plan. In order to make state agencies more responsive to the needs of all New Yorkers, the holistic plan, known as the New York Experience, represents a significant step toward increasing their efficiency and equity while cutting waste.According to Governor Hochul, the New York Experience embodies our steadfast dedication to enhancing public services, lowering ad...

As the state fights serious fire hazards, Governor Kathy Hochul gives New Yorkers an update on the state's response to the biggest wildfire since 2008, citing notable containment gains and encouraging continuous vigilance (WNY News Now).The multi-agency response to flames in Orange and Ulster Counties, which is being coordinated with local fire departments and first responders, was one of the updates Governor Kathy Hochul gave today on the wildfires raging around New York State. To fight the fires throughout the state and help control them, more than 1,300 firefighters from more than 400 fire departments have been sent in. More than 550 water drops totaling more than 500,000 gallons have been applied to the Orange County fire by New York National Guard Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters, wh...

(WNY News Now) By lowering bridge strikes and improving infrastructure, the new Schepps Corners Road Bridge improves safety and connectivity in Central New York.Yesterday, Governor Kathy Hochul declared the completion of a $5 million bridge replacement project on Onondaga County's New York State Thruway. In the Town of Manlius, a new bridge was built in place of the Schepps Corners Road bridge (milepost 274.4). Both on schedule and within budget, the project was finished.According to Governor Hochul, funding vital infrastructure is an investment in our communities' safety and connectedness.We are pleased to have completed this bridge replacement on schedule and on budget, and it will give the residents of Central New York the superior quality they deserve.To lessen bridge impacts from over...

(WNY News Now) In an effort to prevent fatalities and lower crash rates, Allegany County is stepping up its efforts to combat drunk driving this Thanksgiving with the beginning of the STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign.November 27–December 1, 2024 is the date of the Allegany County, NYSTOP-DWI Impaired Driving High Visibility Engagement Campaign.Today, Allegany County Administrator Carissa Knapp declared that the STOP-DWI Coordinator and Allegany County police agencies will take part in specific initiatives to raise awareness of the risks associated with driving while intoxicated.Millions of people will travel over Thanksgiving holiday in anticipation of spending time with friends and relatives. It's one of the busiest travel periods of the year, and sadly, there is a greater cha...

(WNY News Now) In an effort to improve educational opportunities and address healthcare inequities in New York, Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that the CUNY School of Medicine will become an independent institution.Yesterday, Governor Kathy Hochul declared that the City University of New York is creating the CUNY School of Medicine as a distinct entity from the university itself. Through the change, the 50-year-old institution will be able to increase its influence, streamline accreditation, and further its dual mission of producing diverse medical professionals and offering high-quality healthcare services to underprivileged communities throughout New York City, where over half of the population identifies as Black or Latino and only 16% of those communities have doctors.Every studen...

(WNY News Now) As drought conditions worsen and wildfires become a greater hazard throughout the state, Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams advise New Yorkers to practice water conservation.Due to a persistent lack of rainfall and diminishing groundwater and streamflow levels, Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams today raised 15 counties to drought warning status and issued a statewide drought watch. Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Kings, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester are among the counties that are under drought warning. Residents in the impacted counties, especially those who rely on private groundwater wells, are being urged by New York State to use as little water as possible in the upcoming weeks.A statewide dro...

The man who allegedly went on a stabbing rampage and killed three peopleAccording to records, Monday was free on bail for other alleged crimes in New Jersey after being freed from New York City jail a month prior. Ramon Rivera, 51, was formally informed that he faces three charges of first-degree murder at his initial appearance before a Manhattan judge on Tuesday. Rivera was "wearing a grey sweatshirt that appeared to have bloodstains on it and dark pants," according to a criminal complaint, and he was carrying two knives when he was apprehended by police on Monday. Environmental Revitalization: Restores underutilized land into a thriving community asset. Community Impact: Establishes a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, enhancing connectivity and lifestyle. Economic Growth: Provides much...

(WNY News Now) While a statewide burn restriction is still in place due to increased fire risk, Governor Kathy Hochul announces a Fire Management Assistance Grant from FEMA to help fight the biggest wildfire in New York since 2008.Today, Governor Kathy Hochul obtained a Fire Management Assistance Grant Declaration from FEMA, which makes it possible to receive federal cash to help pay for some of the expenses related to the ongoing firefighting activities in Jennings Creek/Sterling State Park. When an uncontrolled fire poses a serious threat of destruction, this declaration starts an accelerated review procedure that may result in FEMA granting assistance. The grant's funding would help the state and local governments cover some of the expenses associated with battling this fire, such as la...