Afternoon News Brief
Written by Doug Thompson on March 8, 2023
Moises Germanguerrero
The Erie County District Attorney’s Office says the Cheektowaga man who killed two cats has pleaded guilty to animal cruelty. According to prosecutors, 23-year-old Moises Germanguerrero took the lives of both animals by hitting them in the head with his fist in March 2021 and October 2021. Germanguerrero is facing up to two years in prison when he’s sentenced in June. In a statement, Erie County District Attorney John Flynn called this case disturbing and said his office will prosecute animal abusers to the fullest extent of the law.
The plan to spruce up Centennial Park has been publicized. Cutting down about 60 trees and planting about 400 more over the next 5 years, recreating paths through the park, and changing how the leaves and grass are handled are all part of the new initiative. (Photo: City of Batavia website) If you want to see the 44 pages of plans for the park, click here: https://bataviaslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centennial-Park-FINAL-DRAFT_04-07-22.pdf
Brandy Miller
Rhondesia Belton
The second person that died following a stampede after a concert in Rochester this past weekend has been identified. Officials say Brandy Miller passed away of injuries that she suffered at the Main Street Armory on Sunday night. Police believe people rushed to the exit after thinking they heard gunshots but are still looking into exactly what happened. Another woman, Rhondesia Belton of Buffalo, also lost her life, and several other people were hurt.
Jason Arno
A week ago today, a member of the Buffalo Fire Department was killed while battling a blaze, and the investigation into what started that fire is still underway. Jason Arno passed away at the scene of last Wednesday’s fire on Main Street, and officials said yesterday that searching through the debris to pinpoint the cause has been a slow process. Heavy equipment was at the site today to help move more rubble. Calling hours for Arno are tomorrow and his funeral is Friday.
Grant money is earmarked for the Boys and Girls Club of Rochester – file photo
Governor Hochul believes her proposed state budget would be good for Rochester and Monroe County if it were passed by the state Legislature. During a visit to the city yesterday, Hochul revealed that over $20,000,000 would go towards public safety initiatives aimed at lowering crime. She also said the Boys and Girls Club of Rochester would receive a $112,000 grant that’d be used to upgrade the club’s teen center. Lawmakers have until April 1st to approve the budget on time.
A school district in Cheektowaga has taken action to increase the safety of both its students and staff. The Cleveland Hill School District says visitors will now have to present identification whenever they enter a school building and their ID will be put inside of a screening device. That device will then check to see if a person’s name is on any sex offender registries. The district says so far, there have been no issues with this new protocol.
Kyle Okposo – file photo
The losing streak of the Buffalo Sabres has now hit two games after the team suffered a tough loss on the road. Dylan Cozens and Kyle Okposo each scored but the Sabres were still defeated by the New York Islanders last night by a final score of 3-2. Buffalo goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 36 of the 39 shots he faced in the contest. Up next for the Sabres is a home game tomorrow night against the Dallas Stars. The puck drops at 7:00.
It’s National Consumer Protection Week, and one state agency is providing tips to New Yorkers on how they can save money on everyday purchases and subscription services. The state Division of Consumer Protection recommends people compare prices before buying items so they don’t overspend. Also, people should know the return policy on items so they don’t end up getting stuck with something they don’t want to use. And folks should evaluate their subscriptions so that they can cancel ones they use infrequently. For more suggestions, go to facebook.com/nysconsumer.
Edwin Castro
Edwin Castro’s new home in Los Angeles
The winner of the more than $2,000,000,000 (billion) Powerball jackpot is now the owner of a mansion in Southern California. The Los Angeles Times reports Edwin Castro spent $25,000,000 (million) on the home in a neighborhood where several celebrities live. He won the record jackpot after buying a Powerball ticket back in November.
