Morning News Brief
Written by WBTA STAFF on November 12, 2021
Rochester has hit a new high and it isn’t one to be proud of. With a shooting on chestnut Street on Thursday in which 2 young men were killed and another where a man was beaten to death after being shot outside Transit Center, Rochester stands with over 70 homicides this year. This beats the previous high in 1993 and is the highest number since it started being recorded. The average number of homicides for the last decade was 34 in a calendar year. Capt. Frank Umbrino, who commands RPD’s major crimes unit, says “Rochester is worse than a warzone lately.” He also said that the only way that it will stop is for “the community to get fed up” with the violence.
A new candidate has entered the ring for the US House of Representatives in Western New York. Sgt Steven Sams the 2nd, a 90 percent disabled combat veteran is running for the 26th district seat. He says division and government overreach is motivating him to run for office. Sams says he wants to do things that will improve the lives of the people of western NY and make an actual difference in the lives of people, not just improve canalside and the waterfront in Buffalo. Sams has also spoken out on the failure of party politics and the effect it has on the everyday life of average people.
A Batavia woman has been arrested on drug trafficking charges. 36 year old Emily Smith of Wilkinson Road in Batavia, was arrested by members of the Local Drug Task Force following an investigation into the transportation, sale, and possession of cocaine in and around the City of Batavia. Smith is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd, criminal nuisance 1st, and endangering the welfare of a child. Smith was arraigned in City Court and released on her own recognizance.
The Western NY Gas and Steam Engine Grounds is putting on its second annual Christmas Light Display starting Thanksgiving night and running through December 18th. The drive through display will run Fridays and Saturdays only, from 5 to 9 o clock. Entry is 10 dollars a car, 20 for big vans and busses cash only at the gate, no presale tickets. There will be food and drinks available.
