WBTA STAFF
February 21, 2025 
City of Batavia residents that own property and pay utility costs have an opportunity to learn more and speak up about the proposed 2025-26 budget. A City Council conference session is scheduled for 7:00pm Monday on the second floor of City Hall. A direct link to the detailed story written by Joanne Beck for TheBatavian is available here: https://www.thebatavian.com/jfbeck99272012/public-hearings-offer-opportunities-to-learn-speak-up-about-proposed-budget-tax-cap
40-year-old Jerad Stalker of Pembroke has been arrested in Batavia by the Genesee County Sheriffs. He’s charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance; this followed a search that found narcotics inside one of his pockets. Stalker is scheduled to return to Batavia Town Court on March 11th.
Martin Scheinman
A mediator is hoping to help resolve the ongoing prison guard strike across New York State. Sessions with the mediator, Martin F. Scheinman from a Long Island based firm, are set to begin Monday and could last through Thursday. Prison guards are making several demands, including mandated body scans for visitors, a way to scan mail coming to inmates, and getting rid of overtime mandates. The work stoppages, which Governor Hochul has said are illegal and dangerous, have led officials to cancel visitation at more than 40 state prisons. She has called in more than 3,500 members of the National Guard to help unmanned facilities.
Corrections Officer’s sign, February 20, 2025
State officials are announcing changes to meet the demands of striking prison workers. In a memo, the state’s Department of Corrections and Community Services said that it plans to suspend portions of the HALT Act, which limits how long an inmate can be placed in solitary confinement. It’s been one of the top asks of officers on strike. The memo also said anyone who returned to work by 11:59 last night would not face disciplinary actions. The strike has expanded to over 30 prisons across the state, including four in Western New York.
Robert Brooks son (right), now an adult.
The son of Robert Brooks is speaking out after multiple prison guards are charged in connection with his father’s death. Those guards at Marcy Correctional Facility are accused of severely beating Brooks last December and his death was later ruled a homicide. Robert Brooks Junior said yesterday he’ll never get his father back and convictions would not be enough. The brutal attack was captured on video and the guards are facing charges including murder.
Hadi Matar is found guilty.
A man is being found guilty of attempted murder in the New York stabbing of author Salman Rushdie. In 2022, the award-winning novelist was about to speak in front of an audience when Hadi Matar rushed at him and stabbed him more than a dozen times. The New Jersey man faces up to 25 years in prison. Rushdie was seriously wounded and blinded in one eye from the attack.
Marie Therese Dominguez
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez has finished up a trip to Rochester. She was in the city yesterday to discuss Governor Hochul’s priorities for travel and transportation as part of her state budget proposal. The governor is calling for an additional 800-million dollars for the DOT’s capital plan, which helps communities with road and bridge projects. The deadline for Hochul and lawmakers to get a budget passed on time in April 1st.
Organizers of the Lilac Festival have announced the musical acts that’ll headline this year’s event. Among the artists scheduled to perform include The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Cruel Summer, Katie Pruitt, The Aces and Chayce Beckham. The Lilac Festival goes from May 9th through the 18th at Highland Park in Rochester. To find out the full schedule, head to cityofrochester.gov.
This weekend, the Legends and Stars Sports Collectors Expo will have several former Buffalo Football, Hockey and Basketball Players, Hall of Fame Hockey Athletes and Buffalo born actor, Chad Michael Murray, present inside of the Park Place Events Center at Batavia Downs located at 8315 Park Road, Batavia. The Memorabilia Show with vendors will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 22 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 23. Kids 12 and under are FREE. Admission for all others is $10. Paid admission receives $10 in Free Play on the Gaming Floor. Full details including autograph prices are available on Legendsandstars.net.
After an almost two-week break, the Buffalo Sabres will be back on the ice this weekend. The Sabres, who currently sit in last place in the Eastern Conference, are hosting the New York Rangers at KeyBank Center. Buffalo last played on February 8th when they were beaten by the Nashville Predators by a final score of 6 to 4. Face-off for their game Saturday afternoon is set for 5:30.
Unidentified youngster vaping, in an undated file photo.
New York Attorney General Letitia James is suing more than a dozen vape distributors. The lawsuit against 13 vape brands, including Puff Bar and Breeze, alleges these companies are fueling the youth vaping epidemic by illegally distributing and marketing flavored disposable vapes. The lawsuit seeks hundreds of millions of dollars for penalties for wide-ranging violations of local, state, and federal laws. James says for too long, the vaping industry has taken a page out of Big Tobacco’s playbook by making nicotine seem cool, getting kids hooked, and creating a massive public health crisis in the process.
Wegmans is joining the list of supermarket chains limiting the number of eggs customers can purchase. The company’s website says people can only buy up to 10 cartons of a dozen eggs or 18-count eggs with a maximum of 180. National retailers and supermarkets are putting restrictions on egg purchases because of a shortage caused by an avian flu outbreak. Egg prices have nearly doubled in the last year from $2.52 last February to $4.95 last month.
An Ontario County grand jury has indicted five suspects in connection with the murder of a transgender man. The defendants are each facing at least one felony charge for their alleged roles in the death of Sam Nordquist. He was reported missing by family members in Ontario County earlier this month before his body was later discovered in Yates County. The suspects will be in court at a later date after their appearance today was cancelled.
One person is dead and two are injured after a crash on Alexander Road. Officials say 54-year-old Anya Rambuski of Batavia was traveling northeast on Route 98 in the town of Alexander when she lost control and went into the southwest lane, striking a Jeep. Rambuski was pronounced dead at the scene. The occupants of the Jeep sustained minor injuries.
In case you’re heading in either direction, a lake effect snow warning remains in effect for Orleans and Monroe Counties until 1:00 Wednesday afternoon; heavy lake effect snow is predicted, with additional accumulations of 8 to 16 inches possible in the most persistent lake snows. Winds could gust to 35 mph. Travel will be very difficult in the areas of blowing snow. If driving through these areas, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities.
We aren’t seeing much of a change in the price of gas when it comes time to fill up. Triple A says the national average cost for a gallon of regular fuel right now is $3.16. The state average is $3.18. In Batavia, the average price is also $3.18; that’s the same as it was a week ago, down a penny from a month ago and it’s a nickel lower than it was a year ago today.
A potential safety hazard has led to a voluntary recall of granola bars, some of which are sold locally at Walmart. There is a very small risk that some of the MadeGood brand granola bar products made between January and November 2024 may contain a piece of metal. The source of the issue has been identified and corrected. There have been no reports of injury. Please check your pantry and return recalled products to the store for a full refund. If you believe you have one of the recalled products, and want more information, call 855-215-5695 between 8am and 5pm.
Ritts said three out of the five suspects have previous criminal convictions. Sage and Goodwin are both currently on parole. Sage was convicted of larceny and disseminating indecent material to a minor. Goodwin was convicted of first-degree criminal sex act and sexual abuse involving a victim under the age of 11. He’s a registered Level 3 sex offender. “Precious Arzuaga has four misdemeanor convictions,” Ritts added. “Nothing sexual, but petty larcenies, criminal trespass and a sale of an imitation control substance.” Authorities said Nordquist was living at Patty’s Lodge in Hopewell after traveling from Minnesota.
A rare letter valued at $150,000 written by George Washington is up for sale. A Raab Collection spokesperson said it was written during the Revolutionary War, where the General had fought for independence from Britain for two years. In the letter, Washington praised colonists at the heart of the American Revolution and the spirit of the colonists to take up their own arms to fight off the British oppressors. It’s eight by 12 inches, hand written on both sides of one sheet and has a smudged fingerprint near Washington’s signature.
Egg prices continue to soar. According to a new report from the USDA over the weekend, wholesale egg prices jumped forty-cents over the last 30 days; that means a dozen eggs costs distributors $7.44. That has yet to be fully passed down to consumers, with the national average price for a dozen eggs $4.95 in January. That is expected to climb with shortages continuing and distributors passing down the risings costs to shoppers. The rising number of bird flu cases is being blamed for ongoing egg shortages.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory, in effect until 6:00pm this evening. Sustained west winds of 20 to 30 mph are predicted, with gusts up to 50 mph. Bitterly cold wind chills will result, and make it feel as low as 20 degrees below zero. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. With all of this in mind, a cold weather advisory is also in effect through 10:00am tomorrow morning. The bitter cold will cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. If you must be outside, be sure to cover all exposed skin.
73-year-old Robert Smith of Blasdell has been arrested by the Genesee County Sheriffs. He’s charged with second degree menacing with a weapon after pulling a box cutter knife on a worker of Eagle Star Housing in Batavia. Smith was arraigned in CAP Court.
A hazardous weather outlook has been issued by the National Weather Service and we all know what that means. A few inches of snow will fall off and on throughout the day on Saturday with Sunday promising to be the messier day. Stay tuned to WBTA for weather updates throughout the weekend.
The Genesee County Sheriffs have arrested two Batavia residents. 44-year-old Clint Towne and 49-year-old Steven Morales now face multiple felony charges, including criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, and tampering with physical evidence. Misdemeanor charges include criminally using drug paraphernalia and aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle. Their arrest followed a traffic stop on Lewiston Road; they were held at the Genesee County Jail pending CAP Court arraignment for both to respond to the alleged charges.
A federal deadline to get a REAL ID or Enhanced ID will soon be here. Here’s why it matters: Everyone flying in the United States will need a REAL ID, an Enhanced ID, a passport, or another form of accepted identification to fly when that deadline arrives on May 7, 2025. With that in mind, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and Transportation Security Administration are telling people it’s to their benefit to beat the rush. 
A new strain of mpox has been confirmed in New York for the first time. The New York State Department of Health issued a health advisory Wednesday, saying a new strain of the viral disease has been confirmed in a person with symptoms who had recently traveled to Africa. The department says the risk to the public is currently low, as there are no other known cases at this time. Mpox is rarely fatal, but can be dangerous to people with weak immune systems. The new strain is reportedly more infectious. Individuals infected with mpox are urged to stay isolated until their symptoms are resolved.
The Buffalo Bills are calling on artists of all skill levels for an art program at the new Highmark Stadium. The team says they are looking to create a permanent art presence in the stadium, which is slated to open next year. Art should capture the essence of Bills fans and the diverse demographics of Buffalo. Calls for wall-based artwork, murals and sculptural ceiling art will open later this month. Artists will be selected in the summer. People interested can visit 
The next Bethany Fire Department’s all-you-can-eat-breakfast will be held on Sunday, March 9th from 8am until noon, or until sold out. It’s happening at the Bethany Community Center and they’ll be serving scrambled eggs, pancakes, two meats, sausage gravy and biscuits, home fries, toast, juice and coffee. The cost is $12 for adults; $5 for children age 7 to 12; and kids 6 and under eat for free. For more information, call 585-356-2658.
Car enthusiasts from around the state will be heading to Syracuse over the next couple of days to check out the annual Syracuse Auto Expo. The event continues today at the Oncenter on South State Street and will wrap up on Sunday. The Syracuse Automobile Dealers Association has been putting on this show since 1907 and there will be hundreds of vehicles located throughout the building. More information, including a list of events and ticket prices, can be found at 
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of a deadly fire last Thursday at a home on Vine Street in Batavia. Three young children, including a 10-year-old boy who eventually died from his injuries, were rescued from the fire. As of yesterday, the 12-year-old victim remains in critical condition at United Memorial Medical Center. The 4-year-old victim, who was also previously in critical condition, is now alert. Two police officers and one firefighter were treated for minor injuries and resumed working, according to police. Anyone with information on the fire is asked to contact the Batavia Police Department at (585) 345-6444.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand wants to set a limit for how much you pay for your prescription medication and is backing something called the Capping Prescription Drug Act. Gillibrand said yesterday that prescription costs are up 40% in the past 10 years and shared a concern that insurance companies do not cover their share of the costs. She noted “Many (people) are on fixed incomes and are forced to choose between paying for their prescriptions or paying for their everyday, other essentials, from food to heat to rent,” she said. “By the time they turn 60, most Americans are taking at least one prescription medication, and many say it’s difficult to afford them.” The proposed bill would cap the yearly prescription costs per person to $2,000 and the cost for families at $4,000.
An Illinois man is facing several charges after entering the Charles R. Drew magnet school and assaulting a staff member on Tuesday. The school serves children in grades 3 through 8. Police say the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Shane Cronin, entered the school through the Buffalo Science Museum and approached a student. The school’s assistant principal intervened and was punched and shoved into a wall by Cronin. Police later found him hiding in the museum and arrested him without incident. Cronin’s charged with one count of Burglary in the Second Degree and one count of assault in the third-degree, among other things.
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) will offer free rabies vaccination clinics for dogs, cats and ferrets. To receive the vaccination, all animals must be at least 3 months old. It is important for all animals to be leashed, crated, and kept under control during the clinics. So you can plan ahead, the next drive-thru clinic is scheduled for Thursday, May 15th from 4pm to 6:30pm at the Genesee County Fairgrounds. If you’d like additional information, please call 585-344-2580 (ext. 5555).
The cost of breakfast is skyrocketing; staples like eggs, orange juice and coffee are hurting customers’ wallets. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, egg prices were up over 50% year over year in January. They’re up over 7% month over month. Drinks like orange juice jumped 7.7% over the last year, and coffee is up just over 3%.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for the entire region. Although they’re not predicting a high amount of snow, driving could become hazardous, as the snow becomes a little steadier after 4 this afternoon. Slightly higher amounts of snow are expected in Orleans and Niagara Counties. Periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain tonight will result in slippery roads and limited visibilities.
A 22-year-old Batavia man has died in what state police describe as a tragic snowmobile accident. The crash was reported just before 3:00am on Fourth Lake off Route 28 in Herkimer County. Initial investigation indicates Spencer Schmidt was among five friends riding together and died at the scene. The crash could have involved a disabled, unoccupied snowmobile registered to Eric Butler, which had been left on the lake. Evidence also suggested that Schmidt and four friends, Cole Phelps, Carl Stephens, Joshua Boyle and Zachary Dusky, all 26-years-old, collided with one another and/or the stationary snowmobile. Alcohol and drugs do not appear to have been a factor and there was no indication of criminality. The investigation by State Police continues today.
A Texas man has been extradited to Lockport following an investigation suggested that he coerced a minor into sex last August. State Police say 22-year-old Javier Vasquez was arrested for six counts of rape and criminal sex acts, along with promoting a sexual performance by a child and criminal obstruction of breathing. It’s alleged that in August 2024, Vasquez coerced a girl under the age of 17 using drugs, into sexual relations. He was indicted on the multiple felony charges in Niagara County and remanded to Niagara County Jail.
Work is underway to celebrate and remember the past two centuries of the Erie Canal. The Erie County Historical Commission has been working to prepare for the year ahead, all leading up to a grand finale celebration to mark the exact 200th anniversary of the canal’s completion. Organizers said this is all just the beginning as the nation as a whole prepares to honor America’s 250th birthday. For more information on events at the Erie Canal, visit 
Three Western New York communities are getting state funding for downtown revitalization projects. Canandaigua, Phelps and Brockport were all picked as the winners of the Finger Lakes Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward Program. Canandaigua will receive $10 million while Brockport and Phelps are getting $4.5 million bucks each. It’ll be up to each community to decide how the money is spent.
Once again, the Rochester Red Wings are offering a 50 degree guarantee to their fans. General Manager Dan Mason says if the temperature doesn’t reach 50 degrees on Opening Day at Innovative Field, fans in attendance can use that ticket for any other home game during the season. The Red Wings play their first home contest on April 1st against the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. Seats are still available and can be purchased online.
A Tonawanda man has been convicted of possession of child pornography. 62-year-old Neil Stuckey will serve 24 months in prison and has also been ordered to pay $12,000 in restitution to four victims in this case. Initial investigation revealed approximately 600 images and 200 videos that he had uploaded to the Microsoft Bing server.
Tax season is underway, and New Yorkers are being reminded they can file their returns for free. Thanks to the Direct File program, both state and federal returns can be sent in online at no cost. It’s estimated that more than 3 million people will either use their Smartphone or laptop computer to take advantage of this offer. For more information head to 
The nine suspects accused of being involved in welfare fraud schemes in Orleans County are due in court this week. The individuals are expected to face a judge tomorrow following an investigation into the theft of public funds. The suspects allegedly filed false information in order to get thousands of dollars in benefits assistance they weren’t entitled to. They were all issued appearance tickets following their arrest and released.
Western New York motorists are seeing consistent prices when they head to the gas station to fill up their vehicles. According to Triple A this afternoon, the national average cost for a gallon of regular fuel right now is sitting at $3.14. The state average is slightly higher at $3.18. In Batavia, the average also calculates out to $3.18; the same as it was a week ago, a penny higher than it was a month ago, and six cents more than it was a year ago today.
Another wave of the flu has hit the nation. Health officials say the rapid rise in cases is causing doctor visits for flu related symptoms to reach their highest in 15 years. Visits to providers for respiratory illnesses were close to 8% last week, which is the highest since the swine flu outbreak, in 2009. The CDC estimates there have been 24 million cases of the flu this season causing more than 300,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths. Recent data shows that 45 states remain in the “high” or “very high” category for flu activity. For the week ending February 1, leading the pack regionally, was Monroe County with 1,660 confirmed cases of the flu; followed by Erie County with 741; Niagara County reported 159; Livingston County had 148 and Genesee logged 56 confirmed cases of the flu.
Egg prices are on the rise. With costs soaring, many people are looking into purchasing backyard chickens as an alternative way to get their eggs. A bird flu outbreak has increased egg prices across the country, including here in Western New York. Prices have gone up by more than 50% in cities nationwide. Now some people are taking matters into their own hands, wanting to raise chickens in their backyard. However, it may not be as easy to take care of them as you might think. And depending on where you live, there are also rules and regulations around owning chickens, so it’s important to do your research beforehand.
The Genesee County Sheriffs have arrested a man on multiple bench warrants, stemming back to 2021. 34-year-old Marc Christopher James Cook, Sr. of Alabama was arrested for criminal possession of a weapon, bail jumping and criminal possession of a controlled substance from the Alabama Town Court; similar warrants were filed against Cook in Batavia City Court, and Genesee County also issued an arrest warrant for violation of the family court act. Cook was arraigned at Genesee County CAP Court and is now held without bail at the Genesee County Jail. He will reappear at the respective courts at a later date.
53-year-old Gregory Brooks of Rochester has been convicted of receipt of child pornography. Brooks had secretly placed a video camera in a bathroom where he knew a minor victim showered. He positioned the camera to capture naked videos of the youngster entering and exiting the shower. Brooks received and stored the videos on his cell phone. He was sentenced to serve 96 months in prison. ALSO: 39-year-old Timothy Taylor of Rochester has pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Between July 2020 and August 2021, Taylor, who owned Brilliance Software, LLC in Greece, filed fraudulent applications for Payroll Protection Program loans, which were designed to help small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Taylor stated that he had 87 employees and a monthly payroll of $607,000 when, in fact, he had one employee who was paid $10,000 for the entire year. Taylor faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on June 11, 2025.
Organizers of the New York State Blues Festival have released the lineup for this year’s event. The headline act for that festival, which runs June 12th through 14th at the New York State Fairgrounds’ Chevy Court, is the Warren Haynes Band. Other artists that’ll take the stage include Kat Riggins and Her Blues Revival, The Ripcords and Ruthie Foster. Additional details on the free event can be found at 
The Buffalo Bills are doing their part to help fund modified girls flag football programs in the region. Several schools have received money from the NFL franchise including Canisteo-Greenwood, Loretta Johnson Middle School, Our Lady of Mercy and also Rochester Prep. The Buffalo Bills Foundation and Ralph C. Wilson Junior Foundation are committed to spending $260,000 over the next three years on these programs. Games could begin as early as this spring.
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) will offer free rabies vaccination clinics for dogs, cats and ferrets. To receive the vaccination, all animals must be at least 3 months old. It is important for all animals to be leashed, crated, and kept under control during the clinics. So you can plan ahead, the next drive-thru clinic is scheduled for Thursday, May 15th from 4pm to 6:30pm at the Genesee County Fairgrounds. If you’d like additional information, please call 585-344-2580 (ext. 5555).
City of Batavia Police and members of the Fire Department are investigating a structure fire that occurred a little after midnight early this morning at 3 Vine Street. A downstairs tenant reported the fire and when emergency responders arrived, observed flames coming from the second story window. Initial attempts by police to enter were unsuccessful due to smoke and heat. Firefighters then arrived and rescued the only occupants at the time of the blaze, three children, ages 4, 10 and 12. All three are siblings and were transported to UMMC and then to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. This afternoon, the 10-year-old boy succumbed to his injuries and is deceased. The other children are listed in critical condition. City Police are working with the Batavia School District to assist the family and members of the school community.
Officials at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center are issuing a warning to patients. Websites have been selling fake cancer drugs to people who are looking to save money on their treatment but instead end up getting dangerous medications. They also run the risk of purchasing a phony drug that might make their doctor think they’re not responding to their current care plan. Anyone who has questions or concerns can reach out to Roswell Park directly.
Police believe speed may have been a factor in crash that took the life of 16-year-old Josh Peters, a student at Kendall Central School. According to authorities, the teen was traveling on Roosevelt Highway in Hamlin yesterday when the vehicle went off the road, hit a utility pole and knocked down power lines. Peters was pronounced dead just after first responders got to the scene. No other injuries were reported.
In just a few months, local travelers are going to have another airline carrier to choose from when it comes time to book a trip. Breeze Airways is planning to arrive at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport this spring. The company, known for its discount fares, is going to offer flights to Charleston, South Carolina, Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, New Orleans, Louisiana and Orlando, Florida. For schedules and to book a flight, head to 
The weather is lousy right now but if you’re looking forward to warmer days and looking for a job may want to consider contacting Six Flags Darien Lake. The theme park is hoping to hire 1,000 people ahead of opening day, which is currently set for May 16th. There are a variety of positions that need to be filled including ride operators, lifeguards, food and beverage associates and also park services attendants. Multiple hiring events are happening this month, and additional details are available at 
The Sabres closed out an undefeated home stand with a 3-2 against the Columbus BlueJackets last night. Alex Tuch led the way with two goals and an assist in the victory. Bowen Byram chipped in with a goal and an assist of his own. The Sabres have now won four-straight games, which is the team’s best since a five-game run in January 2023. Buffalo hits the ice again on Saturday when they play the Predators in Nashville.
The Crossroads House 29th Annual “Strike UP Some Fun for Crossroads” Betty Ellison Memorial Bowling Event is coming up this weekend, Friday and Saturday, February 7th and 8th at Mancuso Bowling Center. A DJ will be on hand for the evening shifts, and there will be contests throughout. For more information, please call 585-343-3892 or get registered at 
An investigation is underway into what caused a fire in Corfu that left a firefighter injured. The blaze happened yesterday on Main Street. Crews worked quickly to try and contain the smoke and flames and the firefighter suffered an ankle injury after falling off a six-foot ladder. No one was inside the house at the time of the fire.
There’s a new law in New York State to help further protect doctors from legal trouble for prescribing abortion medication out of state. Governor Hochul signed legislation today that allows doctors to request pharmacies to put their health practice on the prescription label rather than the doctor’s name when prescribing FDA-approved abortion medication. This builds upon previous passed legislation that helps protect New York doctors from states with strict abortion laws that may attempt to impose criminal penalties on New York physicians. Just last week, a jury in Louisiana indicted a doctor from New Paltz in Ulster County for approving an abortion medication for a minor in Louisiana.
The Super Bowl is coming up Sunday, and law enforcement statewide will be working to ensure people get to and from their big game parties safely. The annual Super Bowl week crackdown on dangerous and impaired drivers is underway and it runs through Sunday. During last year’s campaign, a total of almost 8,400 tickets were issued. Anyone who spots suspicious activity on the roads is asked to dial 911 immediately.
The Richmond Memorial Library is once again partnering with volunteers from the New York State Department of Tax and Finance to offer income-eligible citizens assistance with filing their taxes online this tax season. Tax Department employees will help by going through your income tax returns, step-by-step, as you complete and then e-file your tax return for free. The first session will be offered this Thursday, February 6th. For more information or to make an appointment, please call 585-343-9550, Extension 3. You can also find the library online at 
Governor Kathy Hochul says New Yorkers will pay an economic price for the tariffs imposed Saturday on Canadian goods by President Trump. The governor says Canada and New York State are part of a single region and have long been economically intertwined, calling it a “synergy.” She tells MSNBC it is “critically important” for New York farmers and manufacturers to be able to get goods across the border with ease. Hochul also says it is not surprising that Canada quickly imposed retaliatory tariffs on imports coming from the US. She adds that if the aim of the President’s tariffs is to stop the flow of fentanyl into the US, New York is already working to do that.
The Batavia City School District is now accepting registration applications for universal pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs for the 2025-26 school year. For more information, call 585-343-2480 or visit 
Fans of the Buffalo Zoo will be happy to hear that the zoo received a $9 million grant from the state on Friday. The funding will be used to support projects aimed at improving safety, animal welfare and the overall enhancement of the visitor experience. Lisa Smith, the President and CEO of the Buffalo Zoo, said the funding would help them preserve the historic structures while modernizing their facilities to meet the highest standards of animal care and visitor experience.
The Buffalo Sabres are now on a three-game winning streak after picking up a victory on home ice. Jason Zucker, Tage Thompson and JJ Peterka each had a goal as the Sabres held on to beat the New Jersey Devils four-to-three at KeyBank Center yesterday. Buffalo’s goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen faced a total of 24 shots in the contest and stopped 21 of them. The next game for the Sabres is at home tomorrow night against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Face-off is at 7:00.
National Grid is encouraging their customers to be vigilant and protect their personal information. This, in light of multiple, active email and telephone scam campaigns occurring throughout our region. Customers and law enforcement agencies have reported receiving contact from someone representing National Grid and threatening service disconnection if immediate payment is not made. To learn more about this scam and ways to protect yourself from being ripped off, visit ngrid.com/scam.
Evans Bank is announcing layoffs to 64 of their employees due to the pending merger with NBT Bank. A bank spokesperson told WKBW that the layoffs would occur due to duplication of positions when the merger closes. The number impacted could be reduced however, as additional employees could be matched with NBT job openings. Employees impacted will be offered severance benefits and outplacement assistance.
According to the State Department of Labor, the unemployment rate in Genesee County was 3.4% in December, which is down from 4% in December 2023. Orleans County reported a 4% unemployment rate last month; Wyoming County had 4.3% of their population unemployed, as did Niagara County. Nationally, the unemployment rate was at 3.8% (compared to 3.5% a year earlier) while the statewide rate was 4.1%, compared to 4.4% a year earlier.
The Richmond Memorial Library is once again partnering with volunteers from the New York State Department of Tax and Finance to offer income-eligible citizens assistance with filing their taxes online this tax season. Tax Department employees will help by going through your income tax returns, step-by-step, as you complete and then e-file your tax return for free. The first session will be offered next Thursday, February 6th. For more information or to make an appointment, please call 585-343-9550, Extension 3. You can also find the library online at 
Buffalo native Trini Ross is preparing to leave her position as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York after four years. With the arrival of a new presidential administration, Ross is preparing to step down from the position in which she oversaw the prosecution of any federal case within the 17 counties of Western New York. She was the first Black woman to hold the position.
The State Environmental Facilities Corporation has approved more than $127 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement for Western New York. Over $62 million will go to the Buffalo Sewer Authority for upgrades at the Bird Island Wastewater Treatment Plant. Erie County is receiving $56 million for improvements at the South Towns Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility, and the City of Lockport is receiving over $9 million for improvements to the Gulf Interceptor. A total of $273 million was approved for clean water projects statewide.
Police say two people involved with two missing Buffalo girls found on Tuesday have been cleared of any wrongdoing. The girls, ages 12 and seven, were found safe at an apartment on Langfield Drive after they were reported missing on Monday night. Two people were brought in to speak with detectives, but police say they were “good Samaritans” who took the children in from the cold and contacted authorities after learning what had happened.
The Buffalo Sabres will be in Western Canada again tonight as they look to earn a second straight win. The Sabres are visiting the Calgary Flames at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Buffalo last played Tuesday when they beat the Vancouver Canucks by a final score of three to two and improved their point total this season to 41 which is still the lowest in the Eastern Conference. Face-off tonight is set for 9:00.
Orleans County Sheriff Christopher Bourke is warning community members about a scam currently circulating in the area. The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office has received reports that individuals are receiving phone calls from scammers who claim to be members of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. These fraudulent callers are demanding payments via Venmo, or other electronic payment methods in exchange for clearing outstanding warrants. If you receive a call like this, do not provide any personal information, financial details, or make any payment. The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office will never request payment to resolve warrants or other law enforcement matters over the phone. These calls are a scam and should be treated as such. If you are contacted in this manner, please hang up immediately and report the incident to their office.
The New York State Department of Financial Services, along with Governor Hochul, are proposing new regulations to protect consumers against unfair overdraft fees. The new regulations would ensure customers would no longer face overdraft fees for minor transactions and require banks to provide timely notifications to customers about fees to improve transparency.
A Tonawanda woman has pleaded guilty to wire fraud in federal court for stealing over $440,000 from an Amherst business. Officials say between April 2022 and June 2024, 52-year-old Erin Martin made unauthorized electronic fund transfers from the business’s bank account directly into her personal account while she was their senior staff accountant. Martin admitted to using the money to pay for personal and family members’ expenses. She faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.
Governor Hochul has revealed her fiscal blueprint for the Empire State in the form of her latest budget proposal. The governor is calling for $252 billion to be spent, which is the highest amount during her time in office. Hochul claims her budget will deliver billions of dollars in tax cuts and it includes inflation refunds for individuals and families. It also calls for tripling the current child tax credit. Lawmakers and the governor have until April 1st to pass the budget on time
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that she has declared a State of Emergency in the counties of Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Allegany, Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, Oneida and contiguous counties, that will allow the State to coordinate and share resources with local governments affected by the current Lake Effect snowstorm. This includes the State Department of Transportation, which will provide assistance to municipalities impacted by the State of Emergency in excess of existing shared service agreements.
The New York State Thruway Authority is warning motorists about an ongoing scam. The agency says drivers have reported getting text messages from what appears to be E-ZPass NY or Tolls By Mail NY. The messages tell the recipient that they have an overdue balance that needs to be paid and directs them to a website where they have to put in personal information. E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail will never ask for data like your credit card number, social security number or username. Anyone who gets this text should delete it.
Governor Kathy Hochul will unveil her budget proposal that calls for $10 billion more in spending. What’s expected to be a $252 billion plan for fiscal year 2026-2027 will include money for what Hochul calls her affordability agenda. Despite new funding from congestion pricing, it’s unknown how Governor Hochul and the state legislature plan to fill a multi-billion dollar hole for the MTA capital plan. Hochul is expected to introduce legislation in her budget that will restrict cell phone use in K-12 schools across the state.
The post-holiday season rise in the number of flu cases across the Western New York region is continuing. During the week ending January 11th, Monroe County had by far the highest infection total with 692. That was followed by Wayne County with 109 and Ontario County with 91. Since flu season began back in October, there have been over 128,000 confirmed cases in New York State.
Tops Friendly Markets has announced the launch of its annual Check Out Hunger campaign. The supermarket chain says customers can tell cashiers how much they’d like to donate when it comes time to check out. All proceeds will go to several food banks including FeedMore WNY, Foodlink of Rochester and others. During its history, this campaign has raised more than $6 million. Donations this year are being accepted through February 8th.
Western New York drivers are seeing consistent prices when it comes time to fill up their vehicles. Triple A tells us the national average cost for a gallon of regular gas right now is $3.13. The state average is sitting at $3.16. In Batavia, the average price figures out to $3.20; that’s three cents higher than it was last week, four cents lower than it was a month ago, and a dime less than it was a year ago today.
Dozens of state lawmakers are calling on Governor Hochul to step in and close down Marcy Correctional Facility. They claim such a move is essential following the beating death of inmate Robert Brooks last month. Multiple employees at the prison are accused of assaulting Brooks in a disturbing incident that was recorded by body cameras. Brooks passed away hours after being attacked and his family has already filed a civil rights lawsuit. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Two members of the Rochester Police Department are suspended after what are being called immature and unprofessional radio calls. The calls started Sunday and were made on one of the department’s secondary channels that are used to communicate between police vehicles. At points, the calls involved expletives and the officers also spoke about challenging each other to see who can run fastest or do the most push-ups. The officers are suspended without pay until an internal investigation is done.
The Erie County District Attorney’s Office is warning residents across the region about a robbery and sextortion scam. The office says they are investigating multiple complaints from victims who have reported being robbed during an encounter with a person they believed to be an escort. When the victim arrives for the arranged “date”, they are robbed by the suspects. Other reports involve the victim being forcibly filmed, and then being threatened to have the video posted on social media unless they pay the suspect. District Attorney Mike Keane says any victims or witnesses who have information on this crime or suspected human trafficking to contact his office or their local law enforcement agency.
Two of the top quarterbacks in the NFL are set to square off in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills are hosting Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens Sunday night at Highmark Stadium. The Bills enter the Divisional Round as the second seed and are coming off a win over the Denver Broncos in the Wild Card round. Allen completed 77 percent of his passes for 272 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Buffalo is the second seed in the AFC after winning the AFC East at 13-and-4. The Ravens are making a trip to Orchard Park following a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Divisional Round. Jackson combined for 256 yards and two touchdowns. Baltimore finished first in the AFC North and is the third seed in the conference after going You can watch the game on channel 4 starting at 6:30 tomorrow evening. And… it was nine years ago this weekend, in 2016, when Kathryn Smith became the NFL’s first female full-time coach. The Buffalo Bills hired her as a special teams quality control coach.
Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School at 73 Union Street will host their third annual meat raffle tomorrow evening, January 18th from 7 until 9pm. For more information, please call 585-343-2783, ext. #106.
Bills fans have the opportunity to win tickets to the game on Sunday by helping UB/MD Orthopedics & Sports Medicine register AEDs throughout Western New York. The University of Buffalo is looking to become a verifier for the life-saving devices through an app, which helps 911 operators tell people where to find one closest to them in case of an emergency. UB says the person who registers the most AED’s by Friday night will win two Bud Light Club tickets for Sunday. The winner will be announced on Saturday. More information can be found 
The latest data shows there’s been yet another surge in the number of flu cases across the Western New York region. During the week ending January 4th, the area with the highest number of infections was Monroe County with 687. That was followed by Erie County with 427; Wayne County with 99; Ontario County with 96; Niagara County with 68; and Genesee County with 66. COVID-19 and norovirus cases are also rising in the area and residents are urged to take the proper precautions to protect themselves from getting sick.
There’s no escaping the long arm of the law: A man accused of setting his wife on fire in Rochester over five years ago is now in custody after being caught thousands of miles away. It’s alleged that 50-year-old David Johnson doused his wife in a flammable liquid back in August 2019 and ignited her. The woman suffered severe burns, and Johnson was taken into custody in Uganda where he was living under an alias. He’s already been extradited back to the area and remains behind bars without bail.
A Buffalo pizzeria is at risk of losing a lot of money if the Buffalo Bills do not beat the Baltimore Ravens this weekend. Pesci’s Pizza and Wings posted a message on Facebook saying anyone who does an online preorder for a large pizza and 20 wings or large pizza and boneless specials through Thursday will get their money back if the Bills are beaten Sunday. The refunds would come in the form of an eGift card and customers should use the promo code JOSH4MVP when ordering.
The Town of Byron Republican Committee is seeking registered party members who are interested in becoming candidates for 2026 open positions for Town Supervisor, Town Clerk/Tax Collector, and two Town Board Council persons. For details, please call 585-703-5528.
The Richmond Memorial Library is offering classic movie screenings every third Thursday of the month; the next screening is this Thursday starting at 10:00am and features the 1944 film, “Arsenic and Old Lace.” For additional information, please call 585-343-9550.
A recently completed study by SmartAsset has identified the top ten counties in New York State where our money goes the furthest. The financial advisor guide analyzed paycheck friendliness of each county, taking into consideration 1) semi-monthly paycheck amounts; purchasing power, or the value of goods and services a dollar can buy; unemployment rate and income growth. Most of the top ten counties were downstate, in the North Country or in central New York. Nassau County appeared at the top of the list; and the good news is, Genesee County came in ninth place and was the only county in the top 10 in the Western New York region.
Western New York motorists are generally finding consistent prices when it comes time to fuel up their vehicles. Triple A says the national average cost for a gallon of regular gas today is $3.07. The state average is $3.14. And in Batavia, average figures out to $3.18 per gallon; that’s down two cents from a week ago; seven cents from a month ago, and is 15 cents lower than it was a year ago today.
Governor Hochul wants to grant free school meals to nearly three-million-students across the state. It’s all part of the governor’s State of the State initiative, which she believes boasts the positive impact that universal free meals have had on students and families. The program includes free breakfast and lunch for every student at every school and it’s expected to save families an average of $165 on groceries every month for each child.
Governor Hochul is proposing new initiatives aimed at making homeownership more affordable and accessible to New Yorkers. Her plan calls for supporting first-time homebuyers with down payment assistance, providing starter home innovation funding and creating an affordable homebuyer tax incentive. The governor says the cost of living is too high and these policies will put the dream of homeownership back in the hands of residents. There’s no word yet if the legislature will pass Hochul’s plans.
Home health services company CINQCARE is laying off around half of their Buffalo employees in April, impacting 51 out of their 117 total employees. Twenty-two out of 44 employees will be affected at their Main Street location, while 29 out of 73 workers will be affected at their Niagara Street location. CINQCARE offers support services for Medicaid patients suffering from multiple chronic conditions and mental health conditions.
New York Attorney General Letitia James is trying to recover more than $2 million worth of cryptocurrency in connection to a remote job scam impacting victims around the country. Authorities say scammers have been sending text messages offering fake online job opportunities in a trick to get people to purchase cryptocurrency and put it into scammers’ digital wallets. James says scammers promised victims good paying jobs if they opened a cryptocurrency account, deposited cryptocurrency, and reviewed products on fake websites to generate market data. James’s office was able to freeze the cryptocurrency accounts and is looking through a lawsuit to require scammers to pay penalties and restitutions.
Well, it can happen to anyone, anywhere, including entire communities: The Town of Webster is expecting to make a full financial recovery after being victimized by a phishing scam. Authorities say the scam cost the community more than $520,000. That incident happened a couple of months ago when scammers posed as a contractor that town officials had been in contact with. Already, over $300,000 has been seized and up to $240,000 will be covered by insurance. The scammers accessed no confidential or sensitive data.
Arc GLOW has recently opened their doors to the community by offering event space at the Community Center in Batavia, located at 38 Woodrow Road. For anyone looking to plan a large event, the Community Center holds up to 300 people and has a retractable room divider, allowing for a variety of different type of community events. Anyone interested in booking the Community Center or learn more about the space, fees and rental terms may call 585-343-1123, extension 1816.
The Buffalo Bills will have the support of their home crowd this weekend as they try and get one step closer to the Super Bowl. The AFC East champions are set to host the Denver Broncos in an AFC Wild Card round playoff game at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. Josh Allen put together a tremendous campaign in 2024 after combining for over 42-hundred yards and 40 touchdowns. The Bills finished up the regular season with a record of 13 victories and four losses while the Broncos had a record of 10 wins and seven losses. Kickoff tomorrow is scheduled for 1:00.
A new study suggests there are health benefits to drinking coffee — but only if you drink it in the morning. Researchers led by a team from Tulane University in New Orleans found that morning coffee drinkers were more than 30 percent less likely to die from heart disease than people who don’t drink coffee. But there was no reduction in risk for people who drank coffee at all hours. The study was published in the European Heart Journal.
Governor Hochul says up to $2 million is going towards expanding suicide prevention efforts among veterans and uniformed personnel. Those personnel include firefighters, law enforcement, corrections officers plus emergency dispatchers. Funds will be distributed through the Office of Mental Health’s Suicide Prevention Center of New York. The governor says service members and first responders experience trauma and stress and this money will ensure they can get help and support when needed.
Rochester Regional Health is temporarily reducing its number of available hospital beds due to a nursing shortage. Right now, work is underway to try and hire and retain new nurses while also lowering spending. The company is cutting down on the number of agency nurses it hires and is hoping new nurses and LPN’s will be on the way from the College of Health Careers. While the number of beds is lower, hospital leaders say patient care isn’t being impacted.
Arc GLOW has recently opened their doors to the community by offering event space at the Community Center in Batavia, located at 38 Woodrow Road. For anyone looking to plan a large event, the Community Center holds up to 300 people and has a retractable room divider, allowing for a variety of different type of community events. Anyone interested in booking the Community Center or to learn more about the space, fees and rental terms may call 585-343-1123, extension 1816.
A recent rise in bird flu cases comes at the same time that the seasonal flu is spiking. Experts worry about what could happen if they combine. Baylor infectious disease expert Dr. Peter Hotez says that, while it’s unlikely, there is still the possibility. Because, he says, it’s happened before. The CDC says there have been more than three-thousand deaths this year linked to the seasonal flu. Dr. Hotez urges people to get their flu shot now.
The real estate website Zillow has named Buffalo as the ‘hottest’ housing market for 2025. Zillow’s list is based on several factors such as home value growth and projected changes in the labor market. Zillow said that Buffalo has the most new jobs per new home permitted, which in turn raises competition and drives up prices unless builders can match the additional demand. Indianapolis, Providence, Hartford, and Philadelphia rounded out the top five.
Girl Scout cookie season is starting to ramp up in some parts with two flavors making their final run in 2025. The organization says after nine years on the market, S’mores will be retired while the final sales of Toast-Yay! cookies will be made after only four years. Girl Scouts of America says this is the first time it’s warning customers that flavors are being discontinued so they can stock up before they’re gone for good. All cookies will be available for sale at booths or online through local chapters across the country. Girl Scout cookie season runs through April.
Buffalo Bills fans that want to see their team take the field for the playoffs this weekend can now buy tickets to do so. A number of resale seats are available for purchase for Sunday’s game between the Bills and Denver Broncos through Ticketmaster. These two teams last met on Monday Night Football back in 2023 and the Broncos came out on top 24 to 22. Kickoff for this weekend’s game at Highmark is at 1:00.
The three-game losing streak of the Buffalo Sabres is over after the team earns a shootout win on home ice. Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch and JJ Peterka had a goal each as the Sabres beat the Washington Capitals 4 – 3 at KeyBank Center last night. Buffalo’s goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen faced 28 shots in the contest and stopped 25 of them. Up next for the Sabres is a game Thursday in Ottawa against the Senators.
Two men have now been arrested at a Thruway stop for holding a woman against her will. State police said they received reports around 3 a.m. Thursday that a 27-year-old was being held against her will at the Ulster Travel Plaza. Police said she was able to escape and was later found in Orange County, unharmed. As for the two men, both were arrested, and police said they knew the victim. Jeffrey Blount was charged with unlawful imprisonment, while Kevin Smalls was charged with forcible touching.
The Buffalo Sabres will be on home ice for the first time in 2025 tonight as they look to snap a three-game losing streak. The Sabres are hosting the Washington Capitals at KeyBank Center. Buffalo last played Saturday when they were defeated by the Vegas Golden Knights in Sin City. The puck drops tonight at 7:00.
New Yorkers who repeatedly drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol will now permanently lose their driving privileges after four drug- or alcohol-related convictions or incidents, such as failure to submit to a chemical test. This change became effective Friday, January 3rd, following the adoption of stricter regulations from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. Previously, drivers would face permanent license denial after five drug- or alcohol-related convictions or incidents. For more information, visit 
Police in East Rochester along with Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested at least one person after chasing two possibly stolen cars overnight. The chase was located near Linden Avenue and South Landing Road in Brighton near Interstate 490. No other details have been released.
After a slow rollout, legal cannabis sales continue to grow in New York State. Governor Kathy Hochul is announcing the industry has surpassed one billion dollars in cannabis related sales. Right now there are more than 5,000 licenses, permits, and registrations issued or approved to date. Hochul says more than half of the licenses have been awarded to social and economic equity applicants, with a lot of representation from minority and women owned businesses. There are more than 275 licensed dispensaries in the state.
Researchers report Rochester has just recorded its warmest year in history. Last year’s average temperature was 52.6 degrees, That tops the previous record of 51.8 degrees set in 2012. Records for Rochester go back more than 150 years. They also say eight of the top ten hottest years have occurred since 1998.
Heavy snow is expected to fall in parts of Western New York. The National Weather Service says heavy lake effect snow with significant accumulations is possible, beginning tomorrow. Winds gusts could produce blowing and drifting snow. A winter storm watch goes into effect tomorrow morning and lasts until Sunday afternoon for Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Southern Erie counties.
New Year’s Eve has arrived, and there will be enhanced security measures in place all across the Empire State. Security is being boosted at airports, bridges, tunnels and mass transit systems as a precautionary measure. Police statewide will be focusing on getting dangerous drivers off the roads as part an ongoing crackdown that is scheduled to run through tomorrow. Anyone who sees suspicious activity is asked to dial 911 immediately.
The New York State Department of Health is once again urging people to roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated against the flu virus. The agency says during the week ending December 21st, the number of confirmed flu cases statewide surged 86%. Regionally, Monroe County had the most cases with 301 and Ontario County was a distant second with 52. For more information, visit vaccines.gov.
It’s now 2025, and new state laws are in effect. Telemarketers will now be required to provide the purpose of their call plus the name and address of their company within the first 30 seconds of a call. Cell phone companies must also limit or disable service to a device that is reported stolen to reduce the number of phones sold on the black market. Minimum wage for our region increased by 50 cents to $15.50/hour. Finally, New York will be the first state in the country to require paid prenatal leave.
The state is awarding $51 million in grants for affordable home ownership. Governor Kathy Hochul says more than one thousand low to moderate income families in different areas of the state are being awarded the money which can be used for making repairs, renovations and safety modifications to homes. The money is also helping for down payment assistance to first time homebuyers. For additional information, you can follow links at 
Motorists won’t be seeing much of a change when they head to the gas station to fill up. Triple A says the national average cost for a gallon of regular fuel is $3.03. The state average is sitting at $3.12. In our region, the average price per gallon calculates out to $3.22. That is down a penny in the last week, and it is also three cents less than what drivers were paying at this point one month ago. A year ago today, we were paying $3.40.
A man is charged after Niagara County Sheriff’s deputies rescued him from a crashed vehicle in the Town of Wheatfield. Authorities say deputies were called out yesterday on a report that a vehicle had overturned and was underwater in a ditch. Deputies were able to open the vehicle and pull Robert Prange to safety. Prange was sent to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. He was charged with a traffic violation and Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs after an investigation revealed he was under the influence of drugs.
Officials are gearing up for Downtown Buffalo’s 37th Annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop & Fireworks Celebration. The event will take place tomorrow night from 10 p.m. to midnight at Roosevelt Plaza in Downtown Buffalo. The celebration includes live music, the ceremonial “Dropping of the NYE Ball”, and a fireworks display starting at midnight.
An investigation continues into the discovery of four stolen vehicles in Rochester. According to authorities, they were all found yesterday on Thomas Street in the city after law enforcement tracked one of those vehicles from Gates. It is believed the other vehicles were stolen from Irondequoit, Brighton, and Rochester. So far, no arrests have been made and anyone with information is asked to contact police.
The Buffalo Bills are going to be playing their final home game of the regular season against a division rival. The AFC East champions are hosting Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. Buffalo is coming off a 24 to 21 win over the New England Patriots and are hoping to secure the number two seed in the AFC playoffs. Kickoff Sunday is scheduled for 1:00.
A lot of people are heading to stores to return holiday gifts today, and the state Division of Consumer Protection says there’s things they should keep in mind. First, state law doesn’t require retailers to accept returns, but they must post a notice saying that. If a return policy is not posted, the retailer has to accept returns of undamaged and unused merchandise within 30 days of the purchase date. Consumers should also bring receipts with them if possible to make the return process easier.
It’s Christmas Eve, and folks traveling out of Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport today should be prepared for lines. The holiday rush started yesterday and many people said backups at gates and security checkpoints were common. The TSA recommends getting to the airport at least two hours before your flight so you can get through security in enough time. The TSA says 40 million passengers nationwide will be screened between December 19th and January 2nd.
A 61-year-old man is in stable condition after receiving life-saving CPR at the Bills game on Sunday. Officials say a first-aid call came in for a man on a stairway in the stadium during the first half of the game. Responders from the Erie County Sheriff’s Office and AMR quickly arrived and found the man without a pulse. Three reserve deputies and a good Samaritan administered CPR for about five minutes before medical crews used an AED. The man’s pulse returned after the second shock. The man is currently at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo.
A smoke alarm is being credited with alerting a homeowner in LeRoy about a fire at their residence. The blaze happened yesterday at an address on Parmelee Road and getting water on the flames was difficult initially due to icy conditions. First responders needed to use four-wheel drive vehicles and Utility Task Vehicles in order to reach the house. No one was injured and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
A bill that was signed by Governor Kathy Hochul is aiming to address trauma children endure when they see their parents being arrested. The Child-Sensitive Arrest Bill aims to make the process more uniform across New York by providing law enforcement with clear guidelines, tools and training on how to make the situation less traumatic for the children. Hochul said she “strongly supports all efforts to prevent harm to children” and she believes they should be “supported and protected regardless of the actions of a parent or guardian.”
With so many motorists expected to be on the roads in the coming days, the Department of Motor Vehicles and State Police are issuing safety tips. The agencies are recommending if you are planning to drink alcoholic beverages, make sure you have a safe ride home. Also, if there’s any snow on your vehicle, make sure it’s removed so it does not slide down the windshield or fall off the roof and block the view of other drivers. Updates on road conditions can be found by calling 511 or heading to 511ny.org.