Afternoon News Brief

Daniel Goodell

State Police are asking for your help in an investigation of a 41-year-old man arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including counts of sexual abuse, sexual conduct and endangering the welfare of a child. Daniel Goodell of Wichita, Kansas previously lived in New York State but left before the investigation into incidents reported to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation out of Batavia. Police received complaints involving children possibly being abused between 2019 and 2021; investigation found that the 12 and 13-year-old victims had been abused multiple times. Goodell was extradited to Genesee County; he was then arraigned in the Town of Alexander Court and remanded to Genesee County Jail. The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office has pending charges on Goodell. If anyone has information on him, contact the New York State Police at 344-6200.

New York’s minimum wage will increase at the end of this year, in all areas outside New York City, Long Island and Westchester County. Locally, that means the minimum wage will rise from $13.20 per hour to $14.20, which represents an increase of 7.5%. In those other three areas of the state, the minimum wage is already at $15 an hour and will not increase further.

57-year-old Michelle Misiak and 34-year-old Brian Raphael, both of Batavia, were arrested during a larceny in progress. Upon arrival to the scene, officers learned that this was the pair’s second attempt at stealing groceries, following an incident earlier in the day. Both are charged with petit larceny. They were issued appearance tickets and are due back in Batavia City Court later this month. ALSO, in an unrelated arrest: 33-year-old Shawn Wisniewski of Medina was arrested and charged with petit larceny after an incident at a local business on Jackson Street. He was issued an appearance ticket in Batavia City Court and will return to court next week. ALSO, in another unrelated arrest: 42-year-old Daniel Henning of Batavia was arrested for criminal possession of stolen property. It’s alleged that he possessed stolen property on Veterans Memorial Drive. Henning was arraigned in the Town of Batavia Court and released on his own recognizance. He is due back in court late next month.

Farm workers – file photo

Farmers and agricultural groups believe the potential is there for disastrous results now that the state has reduced the overtime threshold for farm labor. The Farm Laborers Wage Board’s recommendation was released last week and will lower the current 60-hour threshold for overtime pay to 40 hours per week by January 1, 2032, with reductions made in small steps over the next 10 years. Farm labor advocates say the reduced threshold ensures fair pay for laborers’ work, while agriculture groups have argued the added pressure would ultimately create financial hardship for farmers and lead to a shortage of workers due to their leaving the state in pursuit of more work.

Following extensive negotiations, Kaleida Health and unions representing over 6000 workers have reached a tentative agreement to avoid a strike. The deal was announced overnight and came after union members voted last month to authorize walkouts at Kaleida facilities. The terms of the agreement won’t be released until members are briefed. In a statement, the Kaleida Health President CEO said this contract is fair, rewards current employees and will help attract new staff. A ratification vote is expected to be held in the next few weeks.

Drivers in our region are still paying less at the pump to fill up their vehicles following another drop in gas prices. According to Triple A today, the average cost for a gallon of regular fuel is sitting at $3.72. That’s down nine cents in the past week and is 46 cents less than this time last month. The current state average is $3.60; nationally, it’s $3.80. In Batavia, our average price per gallon is $3.78, up 53 cents from a year ago today.

There hasn’t been a Powerball jackpot winner in weeks, but lottery players are hoping that changes tonight. After Saturday’s jackpot went unclaimed, the prize ahead of this evening’s drawing has grown to at least $336,000,000. The last time someone won the jackpot was in August. Please play responsibly.

Tyler Bass – 10/2/22

The Buffalo Bills have avoided dropping a second straight game after rallying to pick up a victory on the road. Tyler Bass kicked a 21-yard-field goal with the clock running out as the Bills overcame a 20-to-three deficit to beat the Baltimore Ravens 23 to 20 at M&T Bank Stadium yesterday. Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen threw one touchdown and ran for another for the Bills who have a record this season of three wins and one loss. Up next for Buffalo is a home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday at 1:00.