Afternoon News Brief

An investigation stemming from the report of a vehicle that was damaged with nail polish while the owner was attending a City Council meeting, has resulted in charges against 40-year-old Jill Turner of Batavia. Turner was charged with criminal mischief and arraigned in Batavia City Court. She was released on her own recognizance and is scheduled to return to court on Thursday. The unidentified owner of the vehicle told police that someone had poured nail polish on it while she was at the meeting, which was a public hearing about the current law that allows farm animals within city limits. Some residents, including the claimant, who live near Turner had complained that her goats and other animals were a nuisance to the neighborhood. Turner was not at the meeting that brought out about 30 people.

 

 

A house fire this morning at 8920 Batavia Stafford Townline Road resulted in the home being a total loss. Early stages of the investigation into the cause point to a malfunctioning propane-fueled furnace. No injuries were reported and firefighters rescued two dogs from the house.

 

 

 

City-wide leaf collection will begin next Monday, October 31st and will continue until November 30th. Residents are reminded to rake leaves into piles and leave them in the parkway (un-bagged). Also, place them close to the curb line/edge of roadway without placing in the street. Do not pile around fire hydrants, trees, utility poles or signposts. Leaf piles should only contain leaves and no branches, grass clippings or other materials.

 

 

22-year-old Isaiah Poole of Albion is charged with possession of a forged instrument and criminal contempt, after allegedly possessing 16 fraudulent $100 bills and also violating an order of protection in Elba. Poole was arraigned in the Town of Batavia Court and is to appear in Elba Town Court on Wednesday.

 

 

The investigation continues into the cause of a three alarm industrial fire at a livestock barn. The blaze at Baskin Livestock on Creek Road in Bethany yesterday afternoon appears to have started in a machine that separates food from paper. Nearly ten fire companies from two counties were called in to battle the fire. The facility processes expired food products for use with livestock. All seven people working at the time of the fire got out safely. There’s no word at this time of an estimate on damage. (Photo provided courtesy of Howard Owens, of The Batavian)

 

Drug take-back day is this Saturday. You can turn in your unwanted or expired drugs in the Alva Lot from 10am until 2:00. Visit www.DEATakeBack.com to learn more.

 

 

 

 

The jury in the Kirk Ashton trial went back to work today as they try and decide the legal fate of the former Northwood Elementary School principal. On Friday, the jury requested some of the testimony be read back including allegations made by one student who claimed Ashton would touch him inappropriately and make him feel uncomfortable. Jurors also reheard some testimony given by a Northwood teacher. Ashton is accused of sexually abusing multiple children. He was principal at the Hilton school from 2004 until his arrest last year. UPDATE at 4:40pm, 10/24: The jury has found former Principal Ashton guilty on 46 of 50 charges.

 

Recent polls show Congressman Zeldin with a slight edge over Governor Hochul. Their first and only debate will be conducted at Pace University and air only on Spectrum News tomorrow night starting at 7:00.

 

 

 

The eighth largest jackpot in the history of the Powerball lottery game is going to be up for grabs tonight. No one correctly matched all six numbers on Saturday, meaning if someone has a winning ticket tonight, they’ll get at least $610,000,000. There have been over 30 drawings since the last time the top Powerball prize was won in August. The drawing will be streamed live online at powerball.com. Please play responsibly.

 

 

The Buffalo Sabres kept their winning streak alive on Saturday against the Canucks with a 5 to 1 win. Alex Tuch, Victor Olofsson, Zemgus Girgensons, and Rasmus Dahlin all scored for Buffalo. Rasmus Dahlin continues to improve on his records; he is now the only defenseman in the history of the NHL to score during the first five games of the season. He has now tied the team record for any position. The Sabres are now 4 and 1 on the season. They play Seattle tonight; face-off is 10:00.

 

 

After a two-year absence that was caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurant week finally returns in Buffalo today. Folks will be able to visit plenty of locations in the city and get themselves a bite to eat for lunch and dinner. Also, restaurants no longer have to pay to take part in this event, which lasts until October 30th. A complete list of participating businesses can be found at visitbuffaloniagara.com.