Afternoon News Brief
Written by Doug Thompson on August 26, 2022
Eric Doleman
52-year-old Eric Doleman of Corfu is charged with petit larceny. He is accused of stealing merchandise from Walmart valued at $128.04 earlier this week (August 23rd). He was arrested by State Police and released on an appearance ticket but was then committed to Genesee County Jail on a parole detainer. Doleman has spent most of the past 20 years in state prison. He was just released on July 12th after serving time for a forgery conviction. Earlier convictions and prison sentences resulted from thefts.
The Batavia City School District hosted an official dedication ceremony for the Frank E. Owen Auditorium at Batavia High School. The ceremony yesterday included an official ribbon cutting, and performances by Batavia High School music students, alumni, staff, and community members. Frank E. Owen started his career with the Batavia City School District in 1927, where he directed the orchestra and was appointed the head of the music department. He was responsible for many musical “firsts” across the district: the first BCSD band was formed in 1930, and he founded the Batavia High School Choristers in 1935. He directed the first school musical in 1937 and formed the first jazz/swing choir in the 1960s. Owen retired in 1964, completing a career that spanned 37 years of dedication to the students of Batavia. He passed away on July 9, 1978, in Batavia, and shortly after, a scholarship was set up in his name and is awarded each year to a student pursuing a career in music education.
The Scribner Road homeowner whose property is uninhabitable due to damage that occurred starting August 7th, is hoping Pembroke will have an independent investigation completed as to why that damage happened. Gene Nati, spoke after the Town Board meeting last night; he noted that the contractor working at the local quarry, named One County Line Stone Company, Incorporated, was going to conduct an inquiry into the matter of why the damage to his home occurred; but Nati prefers someone independent of the quarry be brought in to investigate noting that unless someone independent does the investigation, he’s not sure how results will help local residents. The Town Board indicated they would look into the cost of an independent investigation.
Matt Araiza
An NFL rookie is at the center of a lawsuit accusing him and two others of gang raping a minor last year. The Los Angeles Times reports the allegations involve three current and former San Diego State football players, including Buffalo Bills’ punter Matt Araiza. The suit alleges they had sex with and assaulted a then-17-year-old girl at an off-campus party last October. A lawyer for Araiza, a recent sixth round pick by the Bills, denied the claim. Both the team and the NFL said they’re aware of the ongoing legal situation. No arrests have been made.
No Kid Hungry New York is issuing an important reminder to parents ahead of the upcoming school year. The agency says parents have to submit an application so their kids can receive free or reduced-price meals at school. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, federal child nutrition waivers allowed schools to provide free meals for children but that provision has now expired. Application forms can be found both online and at schools.
Kaiyah Heinrich
A Cheektowaga woman has been sentenced for selling fake COVID-19 vaccination cards online. The Erie County District Attorney’s Office says 24-year-old Kaiyah Heinrich used her Facebook account to sell the cards to an undercover member of law enforcement. She pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument. Heinrich is going to be on probation for the next three years.
Lotto players are hoping they’ll have money to burn after winning two big jackpots that are going to be up for grabs over the next couple of days. The prize for whoever picks all the winning Mega Millions numbers ahead of tonight’s drawing will be at least $135,000,000. Meanwhile, tomorrow night’s Powerball jackpot is sitting at $115,000,000. The cost of a ticket for each game is $2. The Mega Millions and Powerball drawings will both be streamed live online. Please play responsibly.
