Afternoon News Brief

The trial for 40-year-old Melvin Huntley of Batavia has begun this week in Genesee County Court with jury selection. He rejected a plea deal that was offered in October. Huntley was first arrested in July 2021 following a sheriff’s investigation that allegedly revealed he sexually assaulted a child under 11 over the course of five years. Further investigation revealed three more victims, all under the age of 17 that involved repeated acts of sexual assault. In March, a Genesee County grand jury filed a 25-count indictment against Huntley including, among other multiple felony charges, predatory sexual assault, which is punishable by 25 years to life. Huntley remains in Genesee County Jail pending the outcome of the trial.

 

44-year-old Tara Lyn Hall-Dilaura of Batavia has been charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, tampering with physical evidence and having an insufficient turn signal. Hall-Dilaura is accused of hiding a controlled substance on her person while deputies conducted a traffic stop. She was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on an appearance ticket.

 

 

25-year-old Nicholas Goodell of LeRoy is charged with petit larceny after being accused of stealing in the Town of Batavia. He was arrested by State Police and released on an appearance ticket.

 

 

 

State residents are expected to see higher electric bills this winter compared to last year due to various national and geopolitical factors that combined, keep the cost of natural gas and electricity elevated. Inflation, ongoing supply issues from the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine continue to keep energy costs significantly higher. However, New York’s power grid has a sufficient supply of energy and won’t be strained to carry the state through the winter season; this, according to an assessment made by the New York Independent System Operator. The higher prices however, with increases between 30 and 40%, aren’t expected to turn around before the spring thaw. The price of fuel and natural gas directly impact the cost of electricity. Last week, National Grid announced it would donate $6 million to customers struggling to pay their bills with the higher costs this season. The utility’s one-time program is separate from available federal and state assistance, and is expected to help an additional 31,500 New York households that do not qualify for the Home Energy Assistance Program or other aid. National Grid estimates a 39% increase for its natural gas customers this winter compared to last, and an overall 22% increase for customers across upstate New York.

 

A former member of the Geneseo Police Department is on the other side of the law after being arrested by State Police. Troopers say 29-year-old Kristofor O’Rourke arrested a woman for DWI back in July. He then allegedly engaged in sexual conduct with her without her consent. O’Rourke was arraigned last night and pleaded not guilty before being released. He has been ordered to stay away from the victim and is facing up to four years in prison if convicted.

 

 

A wind advisory will be in effect starting tomorrow morning at 10:00am and remain in place until 4:00am Thursday morning. Westerly winds at 25-35 miles per hour with gusts up to 50 mph can be expected. The effected areas include all but Livingston County in the GLOW region (Niagara County and Northern Erie County is also effected). Gusty winds could blow unsecured objects around. Tree limbs could come down and a few isolated power outages may result. Travel will be difficult at times in high profile vehicles.

 

A winter weather advisory is in effect for western Wyoming County and areas a little south, starting at 4:00 tomorrow afternoon; it will be in place until 1:00 Thursday afternoon. Lake effect snow is expected. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 7 inches in the most persistent lake snows could accumulate across higher terrain. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph will produce extensive blowing and drifting snow. Plan for snow covered and slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility with hazardous conditions possibly impacting the evening commute Wednesday and the morning commute Thursday. Lake effect snow will fall in relatively narrow bands. If traveling, be prepared for rapidly changing visibility and road conditions.

 

 

The Buffalo Sabres are now on a two-game losing streak after suffering a tough defeat at home. Dylan Cozens, Jack Quinn, Jeff Skinner, Tyson Jost and Tage Thompson each scored but the Sabres were still beaten by the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-5 in overtime at KeyBank Center last night. Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen surrendered all six Lightning goals in the contest. Buffalo’s next game is tomorrow night on the road against the Detroit Red Wings.

 

 

 

The Mega Millions jackpot has risen again. The prize up for grabs tonight is now $305,000,000 after no one correctly chose the winning numbers in Friday’s drawing. The odds of hitting the jackpot are one in more than 302,000,000. The drawing will be streamed online at megamillions.com. Please play responsibly.