WBTA STAFF
February 20, 2025 
Senator Gilibrand
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced legislation to raise the minimum age to purchase assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines from 18 to 21, the same age requirement that already applies to purchasing handguns from federally licensed dealers. Individuals under 21 have used assault weapons in some of the most devastating shootings in U.S. history, including the 2022 mass shooting at the Tops supermarket in Buffalo in which 10 people died.
The Governor is not amused. (13WHAM photo)
Governor Kathy Hochul has signed an executive order declaring a statewide disaster emergency and is activating the New York National Guard amid an ongoing strike at state prisons. The order, which is in effect through March 21, allows the National Guard to be inside state prisons while workers strike outside. Hochul said the order is meant to stabilize prisons and maintain security. The union representing the workers said it didn’t authorize the strike, which grew Wednesday to some 30 state prisons.
University of Rochester graduate workers strike. (13WHAM photo)
Graduate workers at the University of Rochester are announcing their intention to go on strike. Those employees say they’ll walk off the job if school officials don’t agree to what they believe is a fair process toward forming a union. They are looking to create a union for collective bargaining reasons because some of the graduate workers make just $15,000 a year. The university previously said it supports the rights of students to decide if union representation is best for them.
Edward Tutuska
A jury has found an Orchard Park man guilty of sexually abusing two children. 30-year-old Edward Tutuska was found guilty of one count of Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child, one count of Sexual Abuse and two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. The jury deliberated for less than two hours following a six-day trial. Investigators say that between March 1, 2023 and March 15, 2024, Tutuska engaged in multiple sex acts with a child who was less than 11-years-old in Orchard Park and subjected another child under the age of 11-years-old to sexual acts. Tutuska was known to both victims; he faces up to 14-years in prison when he is sentenced in April. He is currently being held without bail. Temporary orders of protection have been issued on behalf of both victims.
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.
Holy Cross Church in Buffalo (undated file photo)
The Holy Cross Church on the city’s west side will remain open despite earlier plans to close as part of the diocese’s restructuring plan. The church was granted approval after the Diocese heard a counter proposal, eventually leading to the change. Diocesan Vicar for Renewal and Development Bryan Zielenieski said Holy Cross has been deemed essential for ministry and mission and has been placed on a watch list to help the parish deal with the financial stability that is needed.
Mark Fisher
The case of a Kenmore doctor accused of forcibly touching a patient in 2019 has been dismissed. Mark Fisher was accused of touching a female patient’s intimate parts while working as a physician at the ECMC Outpatient Behavioral Health Center. He had been charged with forcible touching and was removed from practicing by ECMC.
Josh Allen with the flag of Ireland in the background.
The Buffalo Bills could be heading overseas to play a game internationally this season. The Bills are reportedly being considered for contests in Ireland, Spain or the United Kingdom, but no official decision has been made yet. The defending AFC East champions played in London back in 2023 when they fell to the Jacksonville Jaguars by a final score of 25 to 20. The NFL will release its full schedule this spring.
Harness racing is cancelled for today.
As a result of the messy, snowy weather, Batavia Downs management has canceled the live card of harness racing scheduled for today for the safety and welfare of all the participants. Live racing will resume on Monday, February 24th at 3 p.m., which will be the last card of the winter meet.
Bryan Kohberger in court. (NBC News photo)
The judge in the trial of Bryan Kohberger has denied several defense motions. Judge Steven Hippler denied a motion that using DNA to identify Kohberger did not violate his 4th Amendment rights. Search warrants for cell phone location data were lawfully obtained. Hippler also denied a request for a Franks Hearing to determine if investigators lied or omitted information to obtain warrants. Kohberger is charged in the murder of four University of Idaho students. The trial is set to start August 11th.
You never know…
Researchers at the University of Virginia believe they’ve made a promising discovery that could help reverse baldness. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation details recent tests done on a protein called krox-20. The tests show that stem cells containing the protein may be responsible for hair growth. Small amounts of the protein are present in hair follicles beneath the scalp, even in those who are already bald or balding. Researchers think re-activating the protein found in those follicles could lead to new hair growth.
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.
A Batavia woman was killed after losing control of her vehicle. 54-year-old Anya Rambuski was driving her 2016 Buick Encore northeast yesterday on Alexander Road when she went into the southwest lane and hit a 2021 Jeep. Rambuski was pronounced dead at the scent of the noon crash, which closed Route 98 between Pike and Dodgeson Roads. The driver of the Jeep sustained minor injuries. The crash was one of many accidents reported throughout the GLOW region over the course of the storm that moved through yesterday.
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).