Afternoon News Brief
Written by Doug Thompson on March 18, 2022
The HP Hood Company is working through a network disruption and it’s affecting their ability to manufacture products at their plant here in Batavia, located on Ag Park Drive West. The issue will result in delays of deliveries to some of their customers and they’re making progress. They expect to be operational again here in Batavia over the next few days.
The investigation continues into a serious crash on the New York State Thruway that left three people hurt. According to State Police, the collision involving a tractor-trailer and SUV happened last night on the highway between the Le Roy and Batavia exits. The impact caused the SUV to catch fire and two of the victims suffered serious injuries and the third person was airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries. Witnesses to the accident should contact State Police at 585-344-6200.
Over 20-million COVID-19 tests are going to be distributed across the Empire State throughout the spring. Officials say the test kits will go to nursing homes, adult care facilities and schools, with the state also partnering with elected officials for continued public distribution. Meanwhile, the statewide COVID-19 infection rate is now sitting at one-point-seven percent. In Western NY, the seven-day average positivity rate is two-point-two percent.
Governor Hochul extended NYS’s state of emergency through April 15th. According to the governor’s office, the extension gives the state the flexibility to troubleshoot hospital capacity issues and it will be reassessed in 30 days.
Western New York drivers are finally starting to see just a little bit of relief at the gas pumps. According to Triple A, the average cost for a gallon of regular fuel is $4.40. That’s down two cents in the past week but is still 67 cents more than this time last month. The state average is also at $4.40 per gallon while nationally it’s $4.29. In Batavia, the average price per gallon is $4.36; that’s down one cent from yesterday, and two cents from last week.
A fundraiser has been established for the two men who were stabbed to death at the Blumer Dairy Farm in Alexander. 30-year-old Ivan Cruz and Marcelino Gomez Hernandez, age 29, were found dead in a bunkhouse at the farm last Friday night. To help out the victims families by making a donation, go to GoFundMe and search “Help Marcelino RIP” and “Help Ivan’s Family in Mexico.” Family and friends of the two men will also be collecting money at a Latin music night at the Brockport Elks Lodge, tomorrow evening.
The two-game winning streak of the Buffalo Sabres has come to an end following a blowout loss on the road. Victor Olofsson had the lone goal for the Sabres as they lost 6-1 to the Edmonton Oilers last night. Buffalo goaltender Craig Anderson struggled and only stopped 30 of the 36 shots he faced. Up next for the Sabres is a game against the Calgary Flames tonight at 9:00.
The first day of the NCAA Division One men’s basketball tournament has wrapped up, and the number of teams playing in Buffalo has been cut in half. In yesterday’s action at the KeyBank Center, Richmond beat Iowa, Providence defeated South Dakota State, New Mexico State was victorious over UConn and Arkansas held off a challenge from Vermont. The winning teams will play tomorrow with a trip to the Sweet 16 up for grabs. Tickets for those games are still available and can be purchased online.
