As the holiday weekend approaches, you may be planning a trip to a local beach. But, Tuesday night many local beaches are closed. Why are they closed and will they open in time for the holiday?

Kelli Kruzel went to Woodlawn Beach Tuesday with her friend and family, but they could only sit and look at the water.

ALBION -- The Orleans County Legislature established its first employee nepotism policy at its regular meeting Wednesday.

The policy was adapted from a policy already in place in Cortland County, said Chief Administrative Officer Chuck Nesbitt. It is designed to protect employees and guard against situations in which nepotism -- favoritism based on a familial or personal relationship -- could occur, said Legislator Lynne Johnson.

The devastation caused by an act of nature last week may put apple growers and other farmers in 22 upstate counties in the same boat as recently flooded farms in Iowa. At least that's the case they'll be trying to make to federal and state officials as they assess potentially millions of dollars in crop damage caused by last week's hail.

A company that plans to capture carbon dioxide from an Orleans County ethanol plant and sell it expects to have its own plant up and running by August.

Louisiana-based EPCO Carbon Dioxide Products started construction about three weeks ago on a $6.3 million facility in the town of Shelby, according to the Orleans County Economic Development Agency. The EPCO facility will be adjacent to the Western New York Energy LLC ethanol plant that began operations in late 2007.

LYNDONVILLE â€" The Independence Day bash of the year in Orleans County will once again return with an outdoor concert featuring the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

Hosted for the 34th year by the Lyndonville Lions Club, the day will boast a full-length parade, food, live entertainment, an arts and crafts show and a fireworks display at dusk.

BATAVIA, NY -- Students who enjoy math and science and may be considering a career in the health care industry are invited to attend a Biotech Camp on August 5 and 6, 2008 at Genesee Community College's Medina campus, 11470 Maple Ridge Road. The camp is directed by the Western New York Rural Area Health Education Center and is sponsored by the Orleans/Niagara Teachers Center and Genesee Community College.

Support from the community â€" both physically and financially â€" makes Habitat for Humanity building projects in Orleans County possible, says President Dave Miller. As the 2008 house nears groundbreaking, a number of local businesses and organizations are working hard to ensure there is enough money for supplies and equipment.

A planned regional network offering low-cost preventive health services to the uninsured is getting a big boost, with six community hospitals and five independent pediatrician groups agreeing to participate.

ALBANY â€" The national Alliance Defense Fund filed a lawsuit Tuesday to halt Gov. David Paterson's order issued last month to require state agencies to recognize same-sex marriages from other states and countries.

BATAVIA, NY -- Genesee Community College and the Genesee Center for the Arts continues its commitment to the performing arts with its fourth annual PERFORMING ARTS EXPERIENCE at GENESEE. This three-week theater workshop, targeted for children and young adults ages 8-16, runs from July 7-July 25, 2008 (Monday through Friday, from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM) at the collegeâ€^TMs Center for the Arts.