Morning News Briefing

Winter Storm Warning in effect as Closures, Cancellations and Travel restrictions continue.
A travel advisory has been put in place for all of Genesee County by the authority of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the County Highway Department and Emergency Management Services.
Due to the dangerous driving conditions motorists are encouraged to avoid all unnecessary travel.
Governor Cuomo’s office also issued a travel ban covering Thruway Exit 46 in Henrietta to the Pennsylvania border as of last night.
Tractor trailers and buses are banned from traveling on that stretch of the Thruway along with some highways as well.

Genesee County remains under a Winter Storm Warning which is not expected to expire until 7 o’clock Thursday morning.
Up to 18 inches of total lake effect snow accumulation is being predicted by the National Weather Service with winds gusting up to 45 miles an hour and wind chills as low at 25 below zero.
Forecasters say tomorrow morning could see blizzard like conditions making very difficult to impossible travel conditions.

Plea deal for accused dog abuser.
Brandon Welch, a former Batavia resident now residing in long island, appeared in Batavia City Court yesterday where he accepted a plea deal regarding a case of animal abuse.
Welch admitted in court that he lied to police about finding a starving puppy with ulcerated lesions on its paws, and pleaded guilty to 2 misdemeanors counts, one for lying to police and the other for torturing an animal.
In the deal Welch avoided a felony charge for making a terroristic threat, for allegedly saying he would shoot the next police officer who showed up at his home.
Welch now in his mid-20’s is looking at up to a year in jail when he is sentenced in April.

The New York State Health Department is issuing a warning about the measles.
Officials say there have been several cases reported recently in the Hudson Valley, New York City and the Rochester area.
Parents are being asked to keep an eye out to see if their kids develop any symptoms.
Signs of the illness include a rash, runny nose, fever and cough.
If your child has any of those symptoms, call their doctor immediately.

Lawmakers in Albany are banning teachers from carrying guns in schools.
The measure is part of sweeping gun legislation that passed yesterday.
Security officers, school resource officers or police will now be the only people allowed to carry guns on school grounds.
Legislators also banned bump-stocks and the possession, sale and distribution of guns that can’t be detected by metal detectors.
In addition, the package includes stricter background checks for guns.