Afternoon News Brief

Messy conditions are expected on roads throughout Western NY today as the winter storm moves through. The winter storm warning remains in effect through 7pm this evening. Strong winds are also possible, with gusts as high as 40mph, which will create even more hazardous, if not impossible driving conditions, as deep snow covers roads, coupled with poor visibility. Power outages are also a possibility. Many businesses closed today so if you must be out on the roads, it would be best to first click on the Cancellations tab at WBTAi.com and also call ahead to your destination to make sure they are open.

Governor Hochul has signed a bill that allows government agencies to hold meetings and other public business remotely, until the COVID-19 public health emergency ends. Recordings of the meetings do not necessarily need to be posted on line. And public comment sessions at public meetings are not required. The bill allows remote meetings until the state of emergency ends.

The Elba Fire Department and Town of Batavia responded over the weekend to Norton Road in Elba for what started out as a garage fire but spread to the house. According to Elba fire Chief Mike Heale, it appeared there may have been something by the wood stove in the garage that exploded, which started the fire and ultimately destroyed the garage. More will be known after the investigation is completed. The two adults and one dog that occupy the residence are being assisted by the Red Cross.

The City of Batavia Police Department, along with City Fire Investigators, has conducted an investigation into the fire of a chair in the communal area of Washington Towers. While doing so, it was discovered that Matthew Zakrzewski of Batavia, had been described by witnesses to have engaged in the larceny of a bicycle in the area of Bank Street. He also matched the description of the suspect in the arson investigation. Zakrezewski, who was also on parole, was arraigned in Batavia City Court today and remanded to the Genesee County Jail. The investigation into these incidents is ongoing

There is a Covid-19 list for homebound residents in Genesee and Orleans Counties. And so far, 85 individuals who were unable to leave their homes have received the vaccine of their choice. The health departments for each county are closed today but will reopen tomorrow.

Parents of students in Batavia City Schools will soon be contacted by the district seeking permission to administer COVID-19 Rapid Tests to their child. The goal is to keep children in school. Superintendent Jason Smith also announced that the district is working toward enhancing their communication strategies, efforts which include website updates and improvements.

Starting today, New Yorkers will have another option available if they want to participate in mobile sports betting. BetMGM is joining Rush Street Interactive, DraftKings, Caesars and FanDuel as a sportsbook that people may use to place wagers. Mobile sports betting launched earlier this month and officials say it has been a big success. More sportsbooks are expected to be added in the future.

Following their blowout win against the New England Patriots, the Bills are now packing their bags for the trip to Kansas City. They’ll be taking on the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium this Sunday evening, with kickoff scheduled for 6:30, for the next round of the NFL playoffs. When Buffalo and Kansas City met back in October, the Bills ended up on top, 38-20. Buffalo has yet to win a playoff game on the road; if they come away with the W on Sunday, they’ll be one step closer to their first Super Bowl appearance since 1994.

Rochester police have made an arrest in connection with a triple shooting late last week. They say 33-year-old Richard Burchard-Lopez was taken into custody following a police pursuit on Saturday night. Burchard-Lopez is accused of shooting a three-year-old child and two adults at a home on Glendale Park Thursday. All of the victims were taken to the hospital and are expected to survive. Burchard-Lopez is facing several charges including assault.

Western New York drivers are still seeing consistent prices at the pump when filling up their vehicles. According to Triple A, the average cost for a gallon of regular gas is still $3.49. That’s the same as it was last week and is two cents less than this time a month ago. The state average is $3.48 a gallon while nationally is $3.31.

No injuries have been reported following a three-alarm fire at a vacant building in Buffalo. Crews were called to the scene on Hampshire Street yesterday and spotted smoke and flames coming from the building when they arrived. Officials believe the fire started on the first floor and quickly spread. Just what sparked the blaze is still under investigation.