Tom Tharp
August 3, 2023 
Rochester police are investigating after a teen was shot on the city’s southwest side Wednesday night. Officers responded to the 300 block of Flint Street around 7 p.m. for a ShotSpotter activation. While officers were arriving at the scene, the victim, an 18-year-old man from Rochester, walked into Strong Memorial Hospital, where he’s listed in critical but stable condition, according to police. No arrests have been made so far.
The strike is on at Rochester General Hospital. This week’s bargaining negotiations between Rochester Regional Health and the Rochester Union of Nurses and Allied Professionals have come to a close. RRH expressed its disappointment over the lack of progress, resulting in a scheduled nurses’ strike beginning today at 7 a.m. In a letter to the community earlier this week, RRH emphasized that patients with procedures, tests or exams at RGH should plan on attending their scheduled appointments. Additionally, CEO Chip Davis said anyone requiring the emergency department will have access during the strike. The hospital network has hired hundreds of temporary nurses to the tune of roughly 4 million dollars during the strike. Nurses say that while that money could have gone to meeting their demands, this strike has actually been going on for some time. They cite many nurses leaving for other jobs as a sort of slow strike. The strike is set to run through Saturday at 7pm.
Fairmont Ave, Hart St, and Norris Ave are getting repaved starting this morning and going through 5pm. Residents and businesses are asked not to park on the street during this time. You may have to take another route to avoid delays during the paving. This is weather-dependent work and will be scheduled for the next business day if necessary.
Attorneys for the man who pulled the trigger in a mass shooting at a Tops store in Buffalo will be meeting with the U.S. Department of Justice soon. The lawyers for Payton Gendron will talk with DOJ officials in September as they attempt to spare their client from the death penalty. Gendron has already pleaded guilty to killing 10 people and injuring three others at the Jefferson Avenue supermarket in May of last year. He was sentenced to life in prison on state charges.
Do you have what it takes to dodge a ball? GO ART! Is hosting a dodgeball tournament at David M McCarthy Ice Arena on Saturday August 12th at 5pm. They are looking for teams of 6 to 8 people to sign up to showcase their throwing and dodging skills. It costs 200 dollars to sign up a team. The event is sponsored by the David M. McCarthy Ice Arena and Eli Fish Brewing Co. There will be prizes for best team uniforms and best team name. There will also be a rap battle and poetry slam.
The farmers market in Corfu is joining 17 thousand other communities across America to invite people to spend the night out August 7th from 4 to 7pm. National Night Out is sponsored by NATW, ADT, Starbucks, L.E.A.D. and co-sponsored locally by the Corfu Farmers Market. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes strong police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live and work. The Night Out is a night for block parties, front porch sitting, cookouts and festivals. It is a night for communities to go outside and say they are neighbors and aren’t afraid to show it. For more information you can contact Market Manager, Katy Hobbs at corfufarmersmarket@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/corfufarmersmarket for more information.
34-year-old Kimberly Blue was arrested for Bail Jumping. She had previously been arrested and charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Blue was arraigned on that charge and released but allegedly failed to appear at the scheduled court time. On July 20th, Blue was arrested at the Genesee County Jail, where she was incarcerated on an unrelated matter. She was arraigned in CAP Court and is due back in Batavia City Court at a later date. ALSO: 57-year-old Michelle Preston of Batavia has been arrested for Petit Larceny. It’s alleged she used another person’s debit card information without their permission to make several purchases online. Preston was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court next Monday. ALSO: 23-year-old Tyler Mills of Batavia was arrested for Harassment. He was arrested after officers responded to a disturbance on Washington Avenue. It’s alleged that Mills shoved the victim and threw an item at her. He was arraigned in CAP Court and released. Mills is due back in Batavia City Court at a later date.
The Town of Tonawanda is joining a lawsuit that has been filed against automakers Kia and Hyundai. Legal action has been taken by other communities such as Buffalo and Rochester due to the high number of vehicles stolen in the last several months. Kia and Hyundai are accused of not making sure proper parts are installed to stop these thefts. Most of the vehicles that have been taken were built between the 2011 and 2021 model years.
Striking writers and Hollywood studios will start talking again this week. The writers’ union, the Writers Guild of America, confirmed Tuesday night that it will resume talks with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers about negotiations on Friday. That confirmation came hours after Deadline reported that both the writers and the studios had a new sense of guarded optimism as the strike heads toward its 100th day next week.
Bed Bath & Beyond is back – sort of. Overstock is now Bed Bath & Beyond after buying its intellectual property for $21.5 million, after it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. When you search for either online you’ll be taken to the same landing page, where both companies’ logos will be displayed for the next few months until the re-branding is complete.
From the Batavia City Police blotter: 50-year-old James Tillery of Batavia has been arrested and charged with assault. It’s alleged he physically injured an Emergency Medical Technician while being transported by ambulance to a hospital for medical treatment. Tillery is being held at the Genesee County jail pending arraignment. ALSO: 60-year-old RuLee Allyn of Batavia has been charged with six counts of owning an unlicensed dog and failure to provide sustenance to animals. When police were called for a report of numerous dogs running loose, they located five dogs and contained them and also determined they belonged to Allyn. A sixth dog was located in the residence. Each animal was allegedly covered in feces and not being properly cared for. Allyn was issued an appearance ticket for a later date.
This Thursday, August 3rd, Fairmont Avenue, Hart Street, and Norris Avenue (between State and Bank Streets) will be getting paved. This project is expected to be between the hours of 7 AM and 5 PM. Residents and businesses are asked not to park on the street during this time. Contact the Bureau of Maintenance and ask to speak to the Streets Supervisor or the Superintendent at 585-345-6400 opt. 1 if you have any questions. Please note that this is weather dependent work and will be scheduled for the next business day if necessary.
As reported by Tom Tharp this morning: A recent criminal complaint states that since January, in Western New York, there have been multiple reports of mail carriers being robbed, sometimes at gunpoint, for their keys to get into collection boxes. The postal inspector said he was notified that someone used a key to open a mailbox at Tonawanda Street in Buffalo on July 27th. Not long after, a customer service manager said that same person then rode to the Tops on Elmwood Avenue and took more mail. The inspector said that the individual used those keys to take greeting cards hoping they would have money in them. Police then arrested Eric Arroyo in connection to this theft. He was charged with criminal possession of stolen property. The inspector told reporters that there is not an increase in mail thefts in the area but the problem is a national issue. He also said that Rochester has it worse.
Clinical trials for long-COVID treatments are starting soon. It’s estimated as many as 23 million people in the U.S. have developed long Covid, with symptoms that include fatigue, brain fog, dizziness, and loss of taste or smell. They can last weeks, months or longer. The National Institutes of Health will begin enrolling patients soon.
For only the fifth time in the game’s history, the Mega Millions jackpot has surpassed the $1 billion mark. The top prize that’s available tonight is $1.5 billion after no one was lucky enough to win Friday’s drawing. The record Mega Millions jackpot of over $1.5 billion was claimed in October of 2018. The drawing will be streamed live at megamillions.com. Please play responsibly.
A Southern California man is facing charges for allegedly prank calling his local sheriff’s office thousands of times. Luke Dumas was arrested after San Bernardino County Sheriff’s officials said he called the sheriff’s office over 7,000 times in the span of four months earlier this year. Deputies say Dumas’ calls would always come from an unknown number and were harassing and annoying. They say the prank calls also kept staff from attending to actual emergency calls as quickly as they would like.
A federal judge in South Florida is putting an end to a multi-million dollar lawsuit against the Kraft Heinz Food Company. A Miami-Dade County woman filed the suit late last year claiming the company was misleading customers about how long it takes to prepare its Velveeta microwavable mac and cheese. The company was accused of violating federal law by saying the food takes 3-1/2 minutes to prepare, arguing it did not include the time it takes to remove the lid and add water. A Miami district judge tossed out the case last week saying the woman did not have enough standing to follow through with the $5 million class action lawsuit.
…In 1944, 13-year-old Anne Frank made the last entry in her famous diary. The young Jewish girl and her family were captured by Nazi troops three days later. They had been in hiding for two years.
…In 1971, the Concert for Bangladesh was held at New York’s Madison Square Garden. The show was recorded and sold as a multi-record set. The concert and the album raised more than eleven-million dollars for the starving people of Bangladesh.
35-year-old Brian Raphael of Batavia has been arrested. He’s charged with petit larceny, following an investigation at Tractor Supply Company on East Main Road. Raphael allegedly concealed merchandise from the store and attempted to leave with items he did not pay for. He’s scheduled to appear in Town of Batavia Court in late August.
Regional drivers are still paying more to fill up their vehicles thanks to a surge in gas prices. According to Triple A today, the national average cost for a gallon of regular fuel is now $3.76. The state average is $3.82. In Batavia, we’re paying $3.71. That’s up 12 cents from a week ago but 78 cents lower than it was one year ago today.
Summer is in full swing, and the New York State Department of Health is reminding people to keep themselves safe from dangerous UV rays. The agency says that anyone who spends time outdoors should wear sunscreen and make sure to reapply it after swimming or sweating. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to melanoma, which is the ninth most common type of cancer in New York. Folks should also have on sunglasses to protect their eyes and reduce the risk of cataracts.
Unfortunately, the Batavia Muckdogs get to, and then lose the Playoffs, in one weekend. With a convincing win over Niagara Power on Saturday, in combination with a loss by Elmira, the Muckdogs clinched the Western Division in the regular season finale at Dwyer Stadium. Batavia won 9-2; this is the second consecutive Western Division crown for the Muckdogs. The Playoffs started and ended for the Muckdogs last night with the #1 seed ‘Dogs losing to the Auburn Doubledays, 4-2 ending their season.
The Powerball jackpot continues to grow. Lottery officials say no one picked all six numbers in Saturday’s drawing. That means Monday night’s jackpot in the multi-state lottery game will be worth $74 million. As for Tuesday’s Mega Millions jackpot, that’s worth just over $1 billion. Please play responsibly.
…In 1971, Apollo 15 astronauts David Scott and James Irwin became the first men to ride in a vehicle on the moon. The two men spent two hours traveling five miles on the moon’s surface in their lunar dune buggy.
Dangerous heat is expected to blanket most of the Western New York region today and officials say people should take precautions to stay safe from high temperatures. A heat advisory will be in place until 8:00pm in Genesee, Monroe, Ontario, Wayne and Cayuga counties. Residents should make sure they’re properly hydrated and plan to spend less time doing outdoor activities. People should also check in on elderly neighbors to ensure they’re OK. The latest forecast can be found at 
…In 1866, the metric system was authorized for the standardization of weights and measures throughout the United States.
…In 1868, the 14th amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified. It granted citizenship to “all persons born or naturalized in the United States,” which included people of African heritage who had just been freed from slavery after the Civil War.
As reported by Tom Tharp this morning: A judge has decided that the lawsuit against Genesee County will be allowed to be fought here rather than in New York City. In early June, New York City filed a lawsuit against 30 upstate municipalities, including Genesee County, seeking to invalidate their executive orders barring undocumented immigrants from entering their locales. The lawsuit claimed that those emergency orders obstructed New York City’s efforts to relocate migrants in “a manner that is explicitly permitted by law and required by a statewide emergency.” Genesee County and other counties sued to have the case be decided outside New York County and won. Some counties had the case dropped. Genesee will have their day in court, but closer to home.
Last night’s Muckdogs game against Niagara Power ended in the fifth inning. Both teams thought the game would continue at a later time but league officials ruled the game over, giving the Power (21-17) a 3-2 win. The ‘Dogs at 25-25 trail the Elmira Pioneers 26-15 with just 3 games left in the season. Tonight at Dwyer it’s a double-header against the Newark Pilots; game time is set for 5:00. Saturday night, the Muckdogs host the Niagara Power. The players take the field at 6:35.
The New York State Fair is under a month away and tickets to the popular event in Syracuse are going on sale today. Admission is $6, but there’s no cost for kids 12 and under and people 65 and older. A Frequent Fairgoer pass is also going to be made available for just $20, however, it can only be purchased online by going to nysfair.ny.gov. This year’s fair starts on August 23rd and wraps up on September 4th.
As reported by Tom Tharp this morning: Small businesses will be getting a bill in the mail from the State very soon if they haven’t already. The bill for an “Interest Assessment Surcharge” is a new annual fee that the State of NY created last year to try to recoup some of the spending on the unemployment insurance costs during COVID shutdowns. The state owes the federal government $6.5 billion. The National Federation of Independent Business is calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to use federal pandemic relief funds to pay off the debt. A New York State Comptroller audit in 2022 found that the state lost $11 billion from unemployment insurance fraud, even after receiving repeated warnings that the system was susceptible to fraud.
Scammers are cashing in on “Barbie” mania. Cyber criminals have been taking advantage of the hype to launch a wave of online scams to deceive consumers. Software security firm McAfee claims to have documented 100 new instances of malware with Barbie-related filenames in the last three weeks alone. Most of the scam attempts involved setting up fake Barbie websites that advertise free tickets but instead pull up links that hijack personal info with spyware. To avoid getting scammed, McAfee advises Barbie fans to stick with reliable retailers and streamers and only buy tickets from a reputable theater chain or app.
The CDC says COVID hospitalizations have risen by more than ten-percent across the country. Their latest report shows over 7,100 COVID-19 patients were admitted in the week of July 15th, up from 6,400 the week before. It’s the largest percent increase in COVID hospitalizations since December, though infection rates in the U.S. are still near historic lows.
30-year-old Richard Demmer of Batavia has been arrested and charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance. It’s alleged he stole merchandise from the East Pembroke Crosby’s store, and at the time was in possession of a controlled substance. Demmer was issued an appearance ticket for Pembroke Court to answer the charges.
The University of Rochester Medical Center and the American Red Cross are teaming up to teach people a life-saving technique. A new mobile kiosk is going to be making the rounds in the area and showing folks how to do hands-only CPR. Data shows in the region, only 32% of people who suffer cardiac arrest at home receive CPR before first responders arrive, which is ten-percent below the national average. There is no cost to take part in this training. (File photo)
The per-gallon price of regular gas has remained consistent for another week. According to Triple A today, the national average cost is $3.64. The state average is $3.72. In Batavia, we’re paying $3.60 per gallon; that’s up a penny from yesterday but down 92 cents from a year ago today.
The Federal Reserve will meet this week with another interest rate hike widely expected. Last month policymakers pressed pause on rate hikes for the first time in 15 months. The Central Bank will meet Tuesday and Wednesday in Washington, DC with a rate decision coming after the second day. Officials have been aiming to bring inflation down to two-percent, but it remains at three%.
***BATAVIA POLICE HAVE APPRENDED THE SUSPECT*** Here is the information released earlier by police regarding the incident: On July 24th, 2023 around 9:35 AM, a robbery occurred at the Key Bank on Main St in Batavia. The suspect is a balding black male wearing a black T-Shirt, gray shorts, black socks, and no shoes. The suspect passed a note to the teller demanding cash. He arrived and left on a black colored bicycle last seen heading West on Main Street.
FROM THE GENESEE COUNTY SHERIFF: 36-year-old Daniel Torok, Jr. of Rochester has been arrested following an incident on West Main Street. He’s charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. Torok was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court on August 8th. ALSO: 31-year-old Joseph Martino of Batavia was arrested at the Genesee County Jail for attempted assault. This followed an incident late Saturday afternoon. Martino was issued appearance tickets and released back into the custody of the Jail. He’s due to appear in Batavia City Court on August 9th. ALSO: 26-year-old Joseph Hampton of LeRoy was arrested and charged with harassment. It’s alleged he slapped and pushed his former girlfriend. Hampton was transported to the Genesee County Jail for processing and arraignment in CAP Court. An order of protection was issued and he is scheduled to appear in LeRoy Town Court on August 1st.
UPS and the Teamsters union will return to the bargaining table this week. Contract negotiations that will resume Tuesday are aimed at averting a strike by 340,000 UPS workers. The Teamsters’ five-year labor deal with the shipping giant expires at the end of the month. A strike of such magnitude could paralyze many supply chains and do tremendous harm to the economy.
The Powerball jackpot is starting to grow again. Lottery officials say no one picked all six numbers in Saturday’s drawing. That means Monday night’s jackpot in the multi-state lottery game will be worth $28 million. As for Tuesday’s Mega Millions jackpot, that’s worth $820 million. Please play responsibly.
…In 2019, Facebook paid a $5 billion fine to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission for violating consumer privacy.
New York State has OK’ed marijuana sales at festivals, fairs and concerts. New York’s pot farmers complained about all the marijuana they’ve harvested that’s just sitting around unsold because the state’s been so slow to roll out its legal marijuana dispensaries. Only 20 are open statewide, so the Cannabis Control Board is giving farmers the go-ahead to sell stockpiled weed at concerts, fairs and festivals in locations that have no legal pot shops. They can also partner with a processor who’ll be allowed to sell marijuana edibles and vape cartridges.
…In 2007, at one minute after midnight, the highly anticipated final book in the “Harry Potter” series went on sale at retail outlets around the world. J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” sold an estimated 8.3 million copies in its first 24 hours of release to become the fastest selling book on record.
41-year-old Joshua Jones of Auburn has been charged with disorderly conduct. This followed his arrest following investigation of a disturbance at Six Flags Darien Lake. Jones was released on an appearance ticket for Darien Town Court on August 17th.
The Muckdogs beat the Jamestown Tarp Skunks on Wednesday with a comeback in the Tenth Inning and a final score of 7 to 6. Batavia trailed the whole game until the 9th inning when it made up 4 runs sending the game into ten innings. The Muckdogs scored 1 run to win it. The Muckdogs are now 23 and 13 on the season and are ranked second in the league behind the Elmira Pioneers who have one less loss. Today is a much-deserved day off for the ‘Dogs. Batavia’s next game is against the Newark Pilots on Military Appreciation Night Friday night at Dwyer; the players take the field starting at 6:35.
The event called America’s biggest garden walk returns to Buffalo at the end of this month. People can pick up a map and give themselves a self-guided tour from 10:00 until 4 p.m. on July 29th and 30th. The free maps are available at Canisius High School field house, St. Mark School and Westside Community Services.
The Muckdogs fall to 2nd place with their loss to Jamestown last night, but look for revenge on $1 Hot Dog Weenie Wednesday night tonight as they host the Tarp Skunks. The game gets underway at 6:35.
A new report says nearly 800,000 Americans die or become disabled each year after being misdiagnosed. The report from Johns Hopkins University says patients are being diagnosed with the wrong conditions across a range of healthcare settings each year. The researchers estimate about 370,000 of those patients die from their misdiagnosis, while over 420,000 are permanently disabled.
The investigation into the Gilgo Beach murders in New York continues as officials build their case against suspected serial killer Rex Heuermann. The search for answers is expanding to South Carolina where FBI agents said they recovered Heuermann’s older Chevy Avalanche truck, which could be a potential key piece of evidence in the case. Evidence teams have been back into Heuermann’s Massapequa Park home.
As reported earlier today by Tom Tharp: Two of the new board members of the Western Regional Off Track Betting are high-ranking members of the Erie County Democratic Committee. Jennifer Hibit is the Secretary and Crystal Rodriguez-Dabney is the Vice Chair of the ECDC. The board was disbanded in May by the New York State Assembly, Senate leaders and Governor Hochul in response to a proposal by Democratic State Senator Tim Kennedy of Buffalo. The move would reconfigure the voting method from one municipality/one vote to a weighted system based on population. As a result, the majority of the 100 votes are in the hands of directors from Erie and Monroe counties and Buffalo and Rochester. The weighted voting system gives Erie County 24 votes, followed by Monroe County (20), Buffalo (10) and Rochester (eight). Niagara County also has eight votes, while Chautauqua has five; Oswego, four; Steuben, Wayne, Cattaraugus and Cayuga, three each; Livingston and Genesee, two each; Wyoming, Orleans, Seneca and Schuyler, one each. The directors will serve four-year terms.
Parents have a new weapon to protect their kids from RSV. The FDA has approved the drug Beyfortus for injection, a ready-made antibody that can bind to the virus and stop it from infecting cells. It’s the first long-lasting drug for at-risk toddlers and infants susceptible to the respiratory illness. RSV was part of last year’s so-called “tripledemic,” which also included the flu and COVID.
A punishing heat wave being felt across the Southwest is showing no signs of letting up. Phoenix hit 110 degrees Monday for a record-tying 18th consecutive day. Temperatures of at least 115 degrees are in the forecast for the next several days.
…In 1994, Crayola announced their introduction of scented crayons.
The Genesee County Fair is back starting this Saturday and running through the 29th. There will be nightly live music, daily 4-H animal shows, pig races, woodcarving, fair queen and princess pageants and a larger midway with games and rides. There will be a special preview Friday afternoon starting at 3. The cost is $10 per car for entry. Rides are $15 for a wristband to get on all the rides; there are also special tickets for the demolition derby and Enduro 100 Lap Race. Visit 
Buffalo Public Schools is hiring security officers. Officials there tell us that anyone who wants to apply to be a security officer in the district should apply on the BPS website. Interviews will be held on July 25th. Applicants have to be Buffalo residents and BPS officials say those with security guard experience are especially wanted.
The Batavia Muckdogs were defeated 4-2 by the Newark Pilots and now have two upcoming road games against the Niagara Power tonight and the Jamestown Tarp Skunks tomorrow. And then, there’s no place like home…the Muckdogs host the Tarp Skunks Wednesday night. Players take the field at 6:35.
…In 1984, the U.S. passes the National Minimum Drinking Age Act, prohibiting those under the age of 21 from buying or possessing alcohol.
37-year-old Ebony Shine of Rochester has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess 400 grams or more of Fentanyl, with the intent to distribute. She also sold a firearm to an undercover law enforcement agent. Investigation revealed she was operating in both Medina and Rochester. Shine faces a penalty of 10 years to life in prison and a $10 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for November 2.
Home prices nationwide have risen in recent months but few have seen that increase more sharply than homebuyers in our region. For example, the website 
Monday is the last chance for taxpayers to claim a tax refund from 2019. The IRS says nearly $1.5 billion in refunds remain unclaimed from the year before the pandemic, and about 1,500,000 taxpayers may still be eligible for a refund. The 2019 return must be filed on paper and postmarked by Monday.
Film and television production is grinding to a halt as Hollywood actors hit the picket lines today. The union representing 160,000 actors is going on strike, joining the screenwriters who have been picketing for nearly 2-1/2 months. The biggest entertainment shutdown in decades means all work covered by union actors must stop.
The results of a brand-new poll show a majority of New Yorkers are concerned about their safety. According to the Siena College Research Institute survey, 61% of people said they worry about being a crime victim. Also, 51% of respondents said they have been concerned about their safety or the safety of their families in schools and houses of worship. When asked if they’ve spent $100 or more in the last year on things to protect themselves from crime, 40% of people said yes.
The American Red Cross is once again providing an incentive to get people to roll up their sleeves and donate blood. The agency says anyone who donates through July 16th will automatically receive a $15 e-gift card. The Red Cross says the summer months are a time when donations slow down and it is important that there’s enough blood available for people who need it. To find the next donation clinic, head to 
GO Health is encouraging people 45 and over to get checked for Colorectal Cancer. It is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. When screening for colorectal cancer, providers are looking for polyps, or abnormal growths, which may turn into cancer over time. Removing them early may decrease the risk of cancer. Choosing to eat in a more healthful manner has shown to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer as well as other chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease and diabetes. People are also encouraged to increase physical activity, keep a healthy weight, limit alcohol consumption and avoid the use of tobacco/nicotine. Talk with your healthcare provider about how you can reduce your risk and when you should start screening for colorectal cancer.
Burger King Thailand has introduced a unique new cheeseburger. The global fast food chain announced a new entree called “The Real Cheeseburger,” which will feature 20 slices of American cheese inside a sesame seed bun. A Thai travel expert said putting cheese on everything was a popular trend in Thailand, but he struggled to eat it. Burger King hasn’t publicly addressed whether the new cheeseburger would be included on menus in the United States.
…In 1836, John Ruggles received patent number one from the U.S. Patent Office. Ruggles patented his traction wheel for use in locomotive steam engines.
