Afternoon News Brief

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced this morning that the annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning begins March 16 and will be in place through May 14. Since 2009, DEC has enforced the annual brush-burning ban to prevent wildfires and protect communities during heightened conditions for wildfires. Even though some areas of the state remain blanketed in snow, warming temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions to arise. Open burning of debris is the single-largest cause of spring wildfires in New York State.

 

 

A Syracuse woman has become the third person to die following a stampede at a concert in Rochester. Officials say that 35-year-old Aisha Stephens, who also goes by Aisha Haskins, passed away due to her injuries Wednesday. She and two other women ended up losing their lives after a large crowd of people stormed the exits of the Main Street Armory last Sunday night after there were reports of gunshots inside the venue. Several other people were also hurt but are expected to recover. Police have not verified that gunshots went off; city officials in Rochester have announced that the Armory is shut down after having the pending renewal of its entertainment license denied. (Rhondesia Belton, 33, of Buffalo, was pronounced dead shortly after the incident. Brandy Miller, 35, of Rochester, died Monday night. Police said Stephens was the last remaining hospitalized victim from Sunday’s stampede.)

 

 

Daylight saving time officially begins at 2:00am Sunday, and the Firefighters Association of the State of New York says the clock change should serve as a reminder for people to test the batteries in their smoke alarms. Experts say doing so can help prevent a tragedy in your home if there is a fire. It is also recommended that everyone practice their fire escape plan to make sure they know a way out of their residence in case of an emergency. For more life-saving tips, go to fasny.com.

 

A winter weather advisory is in effect for the entire GLOW region until 7:00am tomorrow morning. Snow is expected, with total accumulations of 3 to 6 inches predicted. Winds could gust to 35 miles per hour. Plan ahead for snow covered and slippery road conditions with poor visibility. Road conditions will quickly deteriorate around sunset.

 

 

A Medina man has admitted in Orleans County Court that he was in possession of two vehicles and also broke into a barn. 28-year-old Brandon Fuller pleaded guilty to criminal possession of stolen property and third-degree burglary. He could face 2 to 6 years in state prison when he is sentenced in May. Fuller’s plea agreement also satisfies other misdemeanor charges he faces, as well as violations of probation.

 

 

 

 

Erie County is extending their gas tax relief through the remainder of 2023. The extension limits the county taxes on gas and diesel to a maximum of the $2 rate. The sales tax rate in Erie County is 4.75%, so the gas sales tax there is ten cents per gallon. Legislator Frank Todaro said this is the county’s way of saving people money when it seems like the price of everything keeps going up.

 

A Buffalo man has found out his punishment for killing a woman inside of his apartment more than three years ago. Yesterday, a judge ordered 33-year-old Antonio Lee to spend the next 13 years in prison. Lee pleaded guilty to a manslaughter charge for stabbing 53-year-old Marguerite Reading to death at his residence back in January 2020. The victim’s body was later discovered in the area of the Buffalo Central Terminal.

 

 

 

The West Seneca Central School District has sent a letter to families of students at Winchester-Potters Elementary School to inform them a fifth grade student brought THC-laced candy to school and offered it to classmates. The district also said it is planning an event with one of their School Resource Officers and school social worker to have an open dialogue to address questions and concerns with parents and guardians. A specific date and time will be announced at a later date.

 

The losing streak of the Buffalo Sabres has reached three games after the team suffered a blowout loss at home. Victor Olofsson, Kyle Okposo, Jeff Skinner, and Jordan Greenway had a goal each but their team still fell to the Dallas Stars by a final score of 10 – 4 at KeyBank Center last night. Sabres goaltender Eric Comrie gave up all 10 Stars goals on the 49 shots he faced in the contest. Buffalo’s next game is tomorrow afternoon against the New York Rangers; the puck drops at 5:00.

 

 

The Mega Millions jackpot is continuing to grow and has now surpassed the $200,000,000 (million) threshold. Whoever correctly picks all 6 winning numbers ahead of tonight’s drawing will receive at least $203,000,000 (million) because no one won the game on Tuesday. Anyone who wants to watch the drawing live can do so at megamillions.com. Please play responsibly.

 

 

Notre Dame’s Running with the Irish 5k Run/Walk, scheduled for tomorrow morning, 3/11, is postponed due to lack of registrations. A new date will be determined.

 

 

 

Nearby St. Patrick’s Events: Some streets in Rochester are going to be lined with people clad in green this weekend during the city’s annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade steps off at 12:30 tomorrow at East Avenue and Alexander Street. City officials are expecting big crowd and they are asking drivers to keep that in mind when traveling near the parade route. For more information, visit rochesterparade.com. AND in Buffalo:
Saint Patrick’s Day is still one week away, but some Buffalo residents will be participating in a holiday-themed event this weekend. The 45th Shamrock Run is happening tomorrow in the city’s Old First Ward. Organizers are expecting roughly 46-hundred runners to take part in the 8K race. A virtual run is also being held for people who aren’t able to attend. Additional information can be found online at buffaloshamrockrun.com.