Tuesday News Brief

25-year-old Jonathan Falk and 23-year-old Trace Brewer, both of Batavia, have been arrested. They’re both charged with conspiracy and Brewer faces the additional charge of petit larceny. This followed a complaint from Kohl’s that they stole a $40 pair of children’s Nike shoes and fled the store. Brewer and Falk were located by sheriffs and taken to Genesee County Jail for processing. They were released on appearance tickets and scheduled for Town of Batavia Court today to answer the charges.

 

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants tomorrow from approximately 9:00am until 3:00pm in the general area of north of West Main Street and west of Bank Street. Homes and businesses nearby will be affected because the tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As is always the case, do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored; if your water is discolored, run it cold for about five minutes or until it’s clear. If you have questions, or notice a hydrant in need of repair, please contact the fire department at 345-6375.

 

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is calling on her colleagues in Congress to keep the Affordable Connectivity Program running. The New York Democrat says more than 1.5 million Empire State households depend on this program so they can afford high-speed Internet service. Gillibrand believes that fast and reliable Internet is no longer a luxury and is necessary for everyday life. Funding for the program, which was established in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is set to expire in a few months.

 

The Syracuse-Rochester-Buffalo region may be getting millions of dollars in grants after being designated as a federal tech hub. The money would go towards semiconductor manufacturing advancement. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says he’s confident the area will get the funding, and the first recipients will be named in the spring. There’s no word yet what projects the money could be used for.

 

A Lackawanna man is in some serious legal trouble after being arrested on a child pornography charge. The U.S. Attorney’s Office says 32-year-old Maxwell Gawley used three separate Snapchat accounts to upload disturbing videos. It is also alleged he used the app to have sexual conversations with a minor, and he is now facing 15 years to life in prison. After making his initial court appearance, Gawley was released from custody.

 

According to AAA, the average price of a gallon of gas, both nationally and locally, is showing signs of a slight decrease. As of this morning, the national average price for regular fuel is $3.55. The state average is $3.78. In Batavia, we’re also paying $3.78, which is down 7 cents from a month ago but up 6 cents from a year ago today.

 

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has an update on the state’s response to the migrant influx as she announced an extension of her own migrant emergency declaration. Hochul says Albany has earmarked $1.7 billion to support migrants and migrant care. That includes $250 million recently sent to New York City.

 

A list of the most popular Halloween candies across the country and here in New York State has been released in time for the Halloween season. According to Candystore.com, Sour Patch Kids is this year’s top candy selection in New York. Hot Tamales is second, and Candy Corn ranks third. In terms of the nationwide favorite, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups topped the list, with M&M’s ranking second.

 

 

 

The Erie County Sheriff’s Office has revealed the traffic plan for this Thursday’s Buffalo Bills home game. The portion of Abbott Road in front of Highmark Stadium will close beginning at 3:15 p.m. and remain shut until after the game is over. All stadium lots will open at 4:15 p.m. and fans are asked to avoid parking vehicles on the shoulder of the road to help keep pedestrians safe. Kickoff between the Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers is set for 8:15pm.

 

ELSEWHERE…

 

Two Wisconsin brothers have set a new Guinness World Record for the largest grilled cheese sandwich. Ten-year-old Iggy and 11-year-old Exodus made the sandwich 10.9 feet long, 6-1/4 feet wide, and 2-3/4 inches thick. They used more than 300 pounds of Bread dough and 60 pounds of cheese. The boys have their own YouTube channel, The Exodus and Iggy Show, with over 154,000 subscribers.

 

SeaWorld Orlando is making history after helping grow a critically endangered species. The theme park says three smalltooth sawfish pups were born at its facility back in July. It’s the second aquarium in the world to have a successful birth among the species. The newborns include two females and one male with each measuring at about two-feet long. Smalltooth sawfish have a similar resemblance to sharks, but are categorized as rays. SeaWorld officials say the creatures are continuing to receive regular health check-ups.

 

The moon may be 40-million years older than scientists previously thought. That’s according to a study published in Geochemical Perspectives Letters that looks at the remnants of molten crystals from the moon’s surface. Scientists from Chicago’s Field Museum said those shards have the record of an ancient cataclysm that suggests the moon’s intense creation happened much earlier than was thought. The previous estimate of the moon’s age was 4.53 billion years.

 

The Palestinian militant group Hamas has released two more hostages. According to multiple reports, Hamas said it released the hostages Monday “on humanitarian grounds.” The hostages were identified as two Israeli women. Their release follows the release of two American hostages on Friday. Israeli officials report Hamas is holding more than 200 people hostage as fighting between the two sides continues.

 

Gymnastics icon Mary Lou Retton is back home recovering after a severe case of pneumonia. The five-time Olympic medalist had been in intensive care fighting for her life. Her daughter, McKenna Lane Kelley, announced Monday that Retton is doing better but has a long road ahead.

 

 

Today is Tuesday, October 24th, the 297th day of the year.

October 24 in history…

 

…In 1901, daredevil Annie Edson Taylor became the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel. She emerged from the 175-foot fall without any injuries.

 

 

 

 

…In 1939, nylon stockings went on sale in the U.S. for the first time.

 

 

 

 

…In 1940, the 40-hour workweek went into effect under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.

 

 

 

 

 

 

…In 1973 John Lennon sued the U.S. government for wiretapping his phone. The FBI denied the charge.

 

 

 

 

 

…In 1979 Paul McCartney was declared the most successful composer of all time by The Guinness Book of Records. He received a medallion cast in rhodium. From 1962 to 1978, McCartney had written or co-written 43 songs that had sold over a million copies each.

 

 

 

 

 

…In 1989, popular television evangelist Jim Bakker was sentenced to 45 years in prison and fined $500 thousand following his conviction on 24 counts of fraud. He was released after serving only five years.