Afternoon News Brief

 

19-year-old Jacqueese Wapnieski of Batavia was arrested and charged with burglary, criminal mischief, grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property. This, after he allegedly broke into a house causing damage and stealing various household items. Wapnieski was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released under the supervision of Genesee Justice. He is due back in Batavia City Court next week.

 

 

 

26-year-old Stephen Pike of Pavilion has been arrested following an investigation into an alleged domestic incident. He had just been released from prison a few months ago after serving a two-year sentence for domestic violence. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court on the charges of strangulation and criminal mischief. Pike has had numerous arrests for domestic violence and was ordered held without bail and remanded to the Genesee County Jail. He’s scheduled to return to court next week.

 

 

60-year-old Ronald Longhini of Warsaw has pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for January 27, 2023.

 

 

The polling place for the Town of Batavia District 12-03 will be changed to a different location within Genesee Community College. Originally it was planned for the Richard C. Call Arena; it will now be held in the William W. Stuart Forum on the 1st Floor of the Main Building at GCC. There will be signs and guidance at GCC to help guide voters to the right location. The parking lot in front of the Main Building will be reserved for voters. This polling location and all others across the county will be open from 6am-9pm on November 8th, 2022. For more information, please visit https://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/elections/index.php

 

Tomorrow is Election Day, and free rides to the polls are being offered to people in the region with disabilities. The service is available to folks who live in Genesee, Erie and Niagara counties courtesy of Western New York Independent Living. Rides will be offered on a first-come, first served basis and seating is limited. To schedule a ride, call 716-836-0822.

 

 

Western New York drivers are not feeling any financial relief at the gas pumps these days thanks to yet another increase in prices. According to Triple A, the average cost for a gallon of regular fuel in our region is now $3.82. That is up four cents in the last week and is 12 cents higher than this time one month ago. The state average is $3.87 a gallon while nationally it’s $3.80. In Batavia, the average price as of this morning was $3.78; same as it was yesterday and up 3 cents from a week ago.

 

Governor Hochul has released the results of the recent Halloween weekend crackdown on dangerous drivers. From Friday, October 28th through Tuesday, November 1st, State Police arrested 189 people for impaired driving, which was an increase of 56 from last year. This year’s campaign also led to police handing out more than 11,000 tickets. Many of those offenses were for things like speeding, distracted driving, and seatbelt violations.

 

 

Lottery players are lining up once again to take their shot at winning the largest Powerball jackpot in history. After no one won the $1.6 billion prize on Saturday, tonight’s jackpot will be at least $1.9 billion. In order to claim the top prize, players must match all six numbers, something that hasn’t been done since back in August. Good luck! The drawing will be streamed online at powerball.com. Please play responsibly.

 

The four game winning streak of the Buffalo Bills is over following that disappointing loss on the road yesterday. Bills quarterback Josh Allen ran for a pair of touchdowns but also threw two interceptions as the Bills were beaten by the New York Jets 20 to 17 in New Jersey. Allen was also sacked five times as Buffalo’s record this season fell to six wins and two losses. Up next for the Bills is a home game against the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday, with another 1:00 kickoff.

 

Not only is Tuesday Election Day, if you’re up early enough, you can check out the total lunar eclipse from 5:17-6:42am; peak totality is at 5:59.