Wednesday Afternoon News Brief
Written by WBTA STAFF on February 12, 2025
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for the entire region. Although they’re not predicting a high amount of snow, driving could become hazardous, as the snow becomes a little steadier after 4 this afternoon. Slightly higher amounts of snow are expected in Orleans and Niagara Counties. Periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain tonight will result in slippery roads and limited visibilities.
An investigation by City of Batavia firefighters has determined that the cause of a three-alarm fire at 20 Howard Street last November could not be determined. Upon arrival to the scene, firefighters determined the best approach to the blaze was to protect nearby structures. Crews remained for roughly 12 hours on the first day, and continued their work off and on for the next four days.
36-year-old Charles Phillip Stevens of Batavia has been arrested by Genesee County Sheriffs during a traffic stop. He’s charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. It’s alleged that Stevens was in possession of Naloxone and cocaine. He was released with an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Batavia Town Court on Tuesday, February 25th.
Inside the salt barn at American Rock Salt (13WHAM photo)
If you commute into Rochester, you’ll be glad to hear that Rochester Mayor Malik Evans says the city isn’t being affected by the current shortage of rock salt. Evans says the city has enough salt available right now to keep the roads safe for drivers and that there are backup plans in place if supplies run low. American Rock Salt is the region’s main provider and says the shortage is because of increased demand. The company is working to address the issue by trying to quickly produce more salt.
Geoffrey Testa
An Amherst Central High School teacher is among seven men arrested as part of an undercover operation targeting online predators. Police in Fairfax, Virginia said the individuals, including 45-year-old Geoffrey Testa of Amherst, arrived in Fairfax County intending to commit sexual acts with minors but were met by detectives. Testa’s been charged with four counts of solicitation of a minor and one count of production of child sexual abuse material. He’s currently being held at the Erie County Correctional Facility.
Leah Bellitto
An Amherst woman missing since Saturday night was found dead. Yesterday morning, police said 29-year-old Leah Bellitto’s body was found by a resident walking along Dodge Road. There is no indication that foul play was involved. The cause of death remains under investigation.
Chris Tabor
The Buffalo Bills make a change to their coaching staff by hiring a brand-new special teams coordinator. The AFC East champions have picked former interim Carolina Panthers head coach Chris Tabor to fill that position. He replaces Matthew Smiley, who was fired by the Bills last week. Tabor has 16 seasons of experience as an assistant coach and previously worked with the Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears.
