Afternoon News Brief

FROM THE COUNTY SHERIFF: 41-year-old Jason Anderson of Batavia is now charged with robbery, criminal possession of a weapon, petit larceny and criminal mischief. He is accused of displaying a knife during a robbery at an undisclosed business on Veteran’s Memorial Drive. Anderson fled the scene before deputies arrived; however, following investigation, he was arrested and arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and ordered held on bail. Some of these charges stem from an earlier incident when Anderson was accused of cutting a chain lock on an electric bicycle and stealing it. ALSO: 34-year-old Alyssa Harnish of West Main Street Road, Batavia is charged with harassment and endangering the welfare of a child. She is accused of striking a child during a disturbance earlier this month. Harnish was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on her own recognizance. ALSO: 31-year-old Joseph Jeffords of Batavia is charged with petit larceny; he is accused of shoplifting at Kohl’s. Jeffords was released on an appearance ticket. ALSO: 37-year-old Jerwan McFarley of Rochester is charged with criminal mischief and acting in a manner injurious to a child. He was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported in the Town of Stafford last week. McFarley was ordered held without bail; no additional details are available at this time.

 

A woman is dead after a tree fell on her in Genesee County. Troopers responded to the WNY Gas & Steam Engine Association on Gillate Road in the town of Alexander just before 10:00am Monday. Police said an investigation determined a tree was being cut down on the property and fell in the path of a 65-year-old woman. Neighbors called 9-1-1 and removed the tree with a tractor. Life-saving measures were attempted but the woman died from her injuries. According to police, it is believed the incident was an accident and there are no signs of foul play.

 

29-year-old Amber Turner, along with 26-year-old James Difalco, both of Batavia, have been charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance.  Police investigation found they allegedly concealed a quantity of crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia and Turner was driving without a license. Both were issued appearance tickets for Batavia City Court at a later date.

 

 

The Buffalo News has announced its downtown Buffalo print production facility will soon close and be moved to Cleveland…it’s anticipated approximately 160 jobs will be impacted. The move reflects a larger trend that’s happening nationally. Changes in printing and distribution expect to take effect later this year. The newsroom staff and operations will remain unchanged.

 

 

Some brand-new data from the New York State Flu Tracker shows there’s been a surge of the illness in Monroe County as of late. There were 132 new infections reported there during the week ending February 11th. During the same time periods, Erie County had 28 new infections; Niagara County had seven cases; Ontario County, five; both Wayne and Genesee Counties reported two new cases of the flu. Even though flu season is starting to wind down, county health departments are still urging people who have not been vaccinated against the virus to roll up their sleeves and get their flu shot.

 

With their West Coast road trip in the rearview mirror, the Buffalo Sabres are finally going to be playing on home ice again tonight. The Sabres will look to extend their winning streak to three games against the Toronto Maple Leafs at KeyBank Center. Buffalo is coming off of a 4-2 win over the San Jose Sharks on Saturday. Face-off tonight is scheduled for 7:30.

 

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced that former Buffalo Football Legend and Hall of Famer, Thurman Thomas, will be attending the upcoming Fur Ball Gala Fundraiser set to take place at Batavia Downs on Saturday, March 4th, 2023. The Fur Ball Gala is a benefit to raise money for the Animal Shelter of Genesee County & SPCA of Wyoming County. The event runs from 5-9pm on Saturday, March 4th. Tickets are $75 and attendees receive a buffet dinner, open bar, tastings, $50 in Free Play and access to a basket raffle with more than 40 items from Batavia Downs and other local businesses. Thurman will be on hand to take photos with all event attendees and a DJ will be onsite as well. To book tickets, please call 585-344-6155.

 

 

The Mega Millions jackpot is still growing and has now crossed the $100,000,000 (million) threshold ahead of tonight’s drawing. Whoever correctly picks all six winning numbers is going to get a grand prize of at least $104,000,000 (million). Anyone who wants to watch this evening’s drawing can do so by going to megamillions.com. Please play responsibly.

 

 

 

After being in business for nearly 75 years, the doors at Kutter’s Cheese Factory in Corfu are going to be closing for good soon. The owners say the decision to shut down their retail location is due to multiple factors including labor shortages and high shipping costs. In a statement, they also thanked customers for their support and said they hoped people have fond memories of the store. A going out of business sale has already started and is expected to continue through Friday. Photo by Doug Thompson, WBTA News.

 

 

Niagara Falls police are asking for help from the public with solving a shooting that took the life of a 16-year-old boy. Officers responded to a shots fired call at Jordan Gardens last night and found the teen suffering from a gunshot wound. He was brought to Niagara Falls Medical Center and later pronounced dead. Witnesses are asked to give police a call at 716-286-4553.

 

 

The Transportation Security Administration has issued some tips for pet owners about how to quickly and easily get their furry friend through security at the airport. The TSA says to make the screening process run smoothly; all pets should be brought to the security checkpoint in a hand-held travel carrier. Also, remove the pet ahead of it being screened and never place it in the X-ray tunnel and, carry the pet through the walk-through metal detector if possible. Once screening is complete, put the animal back in its travel carrier.

 

NASA says a meteor exploded in the sky over south Texas last Wednesday night. The space agency says observations from several sources indicate the meteor was about two feet in diameter and weighed about a thousand pounds. The space rock was traveling at about 27,000 miles per hour when it broke apart at an altitude of 21 miles near McAllen. NASA says the meteor shattered with the energy of eight tons of TNT, causing a flash of light and a loud boom. Afterwards, meteorites reached the ground in the area.

 

 

 

New research indicates COVID-19 can damage the heart on the cellular level, leading to long-term problems. The preliminary research carried out at Columbia University found the virus damaged the way the heart’s cells regulate calcium. That’s an important mineral for how the heart pumps blood.