Afternoon News Brief

The Perry Police Department tells us they’ve arrested a Middlebury resident on multiple felony charges. 54-year-old William Snyder violated an order of protection and held a 65-year-old woman at a home in Perry for over two days. Snyder is a registered sex offender and allegedly assaulted and injured the victim. He is charged with rape, kidnapping and criminal contempt. Snyder is being held in Wyoming County Jail without bail and is due back in court next Tuesday.

 

 

 

The Batavia Police Department has recently been investigating numerous larcenies from vehicles in the city. These thefts have been occurring mainly in the overnight hours, and from unlocked motor vehicles. Patrols remain vigilant in the overnight hours, and police are asking for assistance from the public to reduce these incidents. They remind us to always lock car doors. Leave exterior lighting on if possible. Remove valuables from the vehicle. Anytime you notice anything suspicious around your property, contact the police department immediately at 585-345-6350.

 

 

Lawmakers returned to the State Capitol today as the brand-new legislative session kicked off. Among the issues the Senate and Assembly could address in the coming months are changes to the state’s current bail reform laws and additional measures to reduce gun violence. Governor Hochul might also request that lawmakers pass certain legislation when she gives her State of the State address next week. This legislative session is scheduled to run until June 8th.

 

 

Assemblyman Steve Hawley has been re-appointed as deputy minority leader of the New York State Assembly. Hawley has served in a leadership role with the Assembly Republican Conference for many years following his first election in 2006. He promises to continue the fight for lower taxes on the middle class as well as a new moratorium of no state tax on gasoline and home fuel. Hawley will also serve as a member of the Agriculture Committee, Insurance Committee, Rules Committee, Veteran Affairs Committee, and Ways and Means Committee.

 

Livingston County deputies have arrested the suspect who they say is responsible for many recent catalytic converter thefts. According to investigators, 27-year-old Stephen Zeh took the devices at a business on McWhorter Road in North Dansville. Zeh allegedly cut the catalytic converters off of vehicles that were in a parking lot before he stole them. After making his first court appearance, Zeh was released on his own recognizance.

 

 

 

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown says he’s hoping that a person will be hired soon to oversee the city’s vehicle fleet. The mayor said yesterday the recent deadly snowstorm pushed the city’s equipment to the maximum and that the individual who is selected to serve as fleet director would be able to provide much needed oversight to make sure things are ready in case of another disaster. The person would report only to the mayor and deputy mayor. A budget request to create this position has been submitted to the Common Council.

 

 

The New York State Police issued 32,934 tickets and arrested 453 people for impaired driving during the National DWI Crackdown, which started on Wednesday, December 14 and continued through New Year’s Day. Troopers also investigated 4,417 accidents, which resulted in 528 people being injured and eight fatalities. During the campaign, State Police utilized sobriety checkpoints, additional DWI patrols, and ticketed distracted drivers who used handheld electronic devices. Troopers also used both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles as part of this crackdown in order to more easily identify motorists who were violating the law. These vehicles blend in with everyday traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated. The Finger Lakes region accounted for 33 DWI arrests and 917 speeding tickets.

 

 

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the winners of the People’s Choice and Director’s Choice awards for the 21st Annual Wonderland of Trees decorated trees. The winner of the People’s Choice Award is the Stafford Garden Club; and the winner of the Director’s Choice Award is WBTA AM & FM. They congratulate the winners, and thank everyone who participated. They noted more trees this year than in recent years and were all beautifully done, which made the choices very difficult. Also, they wish to thank everyone who donated towards the event, and all who came to see the wonderfully decorated trees.

 

The Buffalo Sabres are back on the winning track after picking up a victory on the road in overtime. Tage Thompson had a hat trick while Tyson Jost and Alex Tuch also scored as the Sabres defeated the Washington Capitals 5-4 at the Capital One Arena last night. Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was able to stop 28 of 32 shots that he faced in the contest. Buffalo has the next few days off before a home game on Saturday against the Minnesota Wild. Face-off is at 7:00.

 

 

The National Football League has announced that the Buffalo Bills’ game against the Cincinnati Bengals won’t resume this week. The game was postponed on Monday night after Damar Hamlin of the Bills went into cardiac arrest following a hit in the first quarter. Hamlin was brought to a Cincinnati hospital and was last listed in critical condition. His family has released a statement thanking everyone for their prayers and support. Buffalo’s game with the New England Patriots is still scheduled for Sunday.

 

 

The Mega Millions jackpot is closing in on a billion dollars. Nobody won the jackpot in Tuesday’s lottery drawing, which was worth $785,000,000. As a result, Friday’s jackpot will be worth an estimated $940,000,000. Please play responsibly.