Thursday News Brief

40-year-old Joe Cortez of Batavia has had his sentencing in Medina delayed. He faces up to nine months in county jail for criminal contempt for violating an order of protection. However, his attorney requested the sentencing be delayed so he could review results from a psychological examination of Cortez that was ordered in Genesee County Court. Cortez faces rape charges in Genesee County for having forcible sexual intercourse with a juvenile victim under the age of 17. Cortez returns to court in Medina on May 31st.

 

 

 

The search for a Jamestown-area man who is accused of committing multiple crimes has come to an end in South Carolina. The FBI says that 34-year-old Michael Burham was taken into custody yesterday after a person spotted him and dialed 911. Burham was wanted for arson, rape, kidnapping and the murder of Kala Hodgkin of Jamestown. He had been on the run for nearly two weeks. There’s no word yet on when he’ll be extradited back to Western New York.

 

 

55-year-old Joanne Florek of Albion has pleaded guilty in connection with charges that she defrauded the Workers’ Compensation system of more than $80,000 in benefits to which she was not entitled. Florek claimed injury while on duty at the Orchard Manor Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Medina, where she worked as a nurse. She subsequently made multiple representations to her insurance carrier that she had not returned to work in any capacity, nor had she collected earnings from any other source, since her injury. Investigation revealed that Florek had been working as a bookkeeper and as a personal care aide while at the same time collecting benefits. Following her arrest last year, she was charged with Grand Larceny, Insurance Fraud, Falsifying Business Records and for violating Workers’ Compensation Law. This week, she was discharged, under the condition that she pays restitution in the amount of $40,000.

 

33-year-old Shawnna Lamont of Perry has been arrested for criminal possession of a controlled substance. It’s alleged this was discovered while she was detained on two outstanding warrants. Lamont was given an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court early next month.

 

 

 

 

The New York State Department of Health is planning to repeal the COVID-19 mandate for health care workers. The mandate was put in place back in 2021 and required that health care workers be fully vaccinated to help slow the spread of the illness. But, over 30,000 workers either quit or were fired for refusing to get their shots. Guidance involving this change will be sent out to health care facilities and hospitals statewide in the next few days.

 

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended from 6:00am Friday, May 26 through 6:00am on Tuesday, May 30, to ease travel throughout the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Motorists should be aware that some work might continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs. The construction suspension aligns with New York State’s Drivers First Initiative, which prioritizes the convenience of motorists to minimize traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridgework. The Thruway Authority reminds motorists that 10 service areas are closed and under construction as part of the $450 million private investment and modernization project. Fuel services remain open at all locations. Motorists can view the service areas and plan their stops on the Thruway Authority’s website (https://www.thruway.ny.gov/index.shtml) and on the free mobile app.

 

Drivers should be especially careful during the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend and summer travel season. According to AAA, the period from Memorial Day to Labor Day is traditionally the most dangerous time on the roads for teen drivers, with an uptick in fatal crashes. Police are reminding all drivers to be proactive about being safe on the roads. Nearly 3 million more drivers are expected to be on the roads this summer compared to last. Also, Genesee County law enforcement agencies will once again be participating in the STOP-DWI program to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving. This high collaboration effort starts tomorrow May 26 and continues thru Monday, May 30. While STOP-DWI efforts across the state have made great strides in reducing the numbers of alcohol and drug related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. Law enforcement encourages you to make a sober plan to get a safe ride because impaired driving is completely preventable – all it takes is a little planning. Visit www.stopdwi.org for more information.

 

Multiple operating rooms at the University of Rochester Medical Center are unavailable due to water damage following a water main break Monday. A water main near Elmwood Avenue was briefly punctured during construction work, resulting in a significant volume of water reaching the hospital and seeping into operating rooms in the basement. That included several rooms where surgeries were actively taking place. The patients were moved to other areas and were unharmed. Normal surgical schedules have resumed using other UR Medicine facilities.

 

 

Monroe County is set to spend over $4,000,000 (million) to boost the number of Emergency Medical Technicians that are available to help residents. Those funds will be used to recruit and train EMTs as well as paramedics. The money for this initiative will be coming from the American Rescue Plan Act. People who complete the training program offered through Monroe Community College will be qualified to work for any EMS provider in the county.

 

Fans of the Rochester Americans will gather this weekend to help support their team’s pursuit of the Calder Cup. There will be a block party on Broad Street Saturday before the Americans take on the Hershey Bears at Blue Cross Arena. The Amerks currently lead the best-of-seven series one game to none and Game Two is set for tonight. Tickets for Saturday’s home game are sold out.

 

ELSEWHERE…

 

Just one letter brought a nine-day Jeopardy champion’s reign to its end. Ben Chan misspelled his answer during Final Jeopardy by writing “Beatrice and Benedict” in a category of “Shakespeare’s Characters.” The correct spelling was not Benedict, but Benedick with a “K”. Chan was a good sport, telling the show afterward “if you’re going to go out on a miss, go out on a memorable miss.” Meanwhile, fans on social media expressed disappointment that Chan was penalized since it was clear what character he meant.

 

 

 

Americans are foregoing health care services at higher rates. A survey from the Federal Reserve reveals 28% of respondents went without some form of medical care in 2022 because it was too expensive. That number climbed by 4% year-over-year. The survey found Americans were most likely to skip dental care.

 

 

May 25 in history…

…In 1844, Stuart Perry patented the gasoline engine.

 

 

 

 

 

…In 1927, the Ford Motor Company discontinued the Model T. The car was replaced by the Model A.

 

 

 

 

 

…In 1935, Babe Ruth hit the 712th, 713th and 714th home runs of his career. They would be the last home runs he would ever hit.

 

 

 

 

 

…In 1961, President Kennedy called on Americans to help work toward putting a man on the moon by the end of the decade.

 

 

 

…In 1965, Muhammad Ali knocked out Sonny Liston in the first round of their rematch for Ali’s heavyweight title.

 

 

 

 

 

 

…In 1992, Jay Leno replaced the retired Johnny Carson as host of NBC’s “Tonight Show.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

…In 2011, after 25 years, “The Oprah Winfrey Show” signed off for the very last time. Oprah signed off by saying, “I won’t say goodbye, I’ll just say until we meet again. To God be the glory.”