Afternoon News Brief

A mobile phone left charging on a bed is the suspected cause of a fire on Big Tree Road in Pavilion. It appears to have started in a second-floor bedroom and residents told investigators that a phone was left on the bed plugged into a charger. A 13-year-old resident smelled the smoke and found the fire. He alerted his father and they shoved the mattress out the window but the fire spread quickly anyway. All residents of the two-unit apartment building escaped safely, which included one adult and two children that lived in each of the apartments. The investigation continues today into whether or not the building is a total loss; however, it was heavily damaged on both floors with heavy flame damage in the front of the second floor. No injuries were reported.

27-year-old Jarrod Fotiathis and 31-year-old Julie Richardson, both of LeRoy, were arrested after an investigation into theft from a motor vehicle. It is alleged they conspired together to steal the victim’s wallet to purchase items at a local business. At the time of the arrest, both Fotiathis and Richardson resisted by attempting to run away. This led to a foot pursuit by police throughout the City of Batavia. Fotiathis eventually turned himself in to police and Richardson was stopped by a local citizen who witnessed the incident. Both Fotiathis and Richardson were issued appearance tickets and are scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court at a later date.

Adult Spotted Lanternfly – wings open

The state Department of Agriculture and Markets says a destructive insect has recently been found in the Western New York region. The spotted lanternfly is known to cause damage to plants and crops that play a key role in the Empire State’s agricultural economy. More than 100 adult insects have already been located and members of the Agriculture and Markets department will be on the lookout for additional bugs in the coming days. Residents who spot the insects are asked to report their location immediately.

Western New York drivers are still feeling less pain at the pump as the cost of gas continues to fall across our region. According to Triple A today, the average cost for a gallon of regular fuel is now $4.04. That’s down a dime from this time one week ago and is 45 cents less than what people were paying a month ago. The state average is now $3.89 and nationally it’s $3.72. In Batavia this morning, the average price per gallon was $4.05; closing the gap even more to what the cost was on this day one year ago, just an 80 cent difference now, $3.25.

Raspberry Rally – new Girl Scout cookie for 2023

The Girl Scouts have unveiled a new cookie for the 2023 sales season; it’s called the Raspberry Rally, but you won’t be able to buy it directly in person. This one particular cookie will be available on-line only. This is an effort to help the girls learn entrepreneurship through their own online business. Cookies will be shipped directly to the customers. Other cookie sales — at booths, via online ordering, and directly from scouts — will remain as they have been. Cookie season varies by council, but runs nationally from January to April. What exactly is a Raspberry Rally? The Girl Scouts describe it as “a thin, crispy cookie infused with raspberry flavor and dipped in chocolaty coating,” dubbing it “the sister to Thin Mints, their best selling cookie. Proceeds raised from in-person and online cookie orders directly benefit local councils and troops.

The Genesee County Health Department will be hosting a free drive-thru anti-rabies immunization clinic this Thursday, September 15th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia). Vaccinations are free for dogs, cats, and ferrets, but voluntary donations are accepted. Animals must be at least 3 months old. Each animal must be leashed or crated and accompanied by an adult who can control the animal. Limit 4 pets per car maximum. For more information on Health Department services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call 585-344-2580 ext. 5555.

“Whoever said money can’t buy happiness simply didn’t know where to go shopping.” – Bo Derek

Another round of Powerball and Mega Millions drawings have come and gone without a winner and that means both jackpots have risen again. Tonight’s Powerball prize will be at least $193,000,000 dollars and tomorrow’s Mega Millions jackpot has gone up to $231,000,000. The cost of a ticket is $2.00 for each game. Both the Powerball and Mega Millions drawings will be streamed live online. Please play responsibly.

Normal red blood cells with sickle cells

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month and the American Red Cross is looking for donations to help those who are battling the disease. It affects over 100-thousand people nationwide and regular blood transfusions are used to help those individuals deal with pain and life-threatening complications. The Red Cross is offering anyone who donates a free shirt so long as they give blood through September 18th. Here is a link with more information.  https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-types/diversity/sicklecell.html