Tom Tharp
May 10, 2023 
The American Psychological Association has issued recommendations for safeguarding children and teens from the ill effects of social media use. The group’s new health advisory lays out insights and advice that appear aimed at parents, schools, technology companies and lawmakers. The APA says social media use isn’t inherently good or bad for youth. And every child’s experience with it will differ based on many factors, including their maturity, home environment and social circumstances. The APA advocates for social media literacy training for young people. They should be taught “Digital Citizenship” in a way that helps them better spot inaccurate or harmful content, understand the signs of problematic social media use, and how to nourish healthy online relationships.
Historical groups across the state are applauding a bill included in the state’s final budget allowing them to once again use firearms in reenactments, which became illegal once the state’s new concealed carry law went into effect last September. And it came just in time. With a lot of military gun salutes and historical battle reenactments taking place on Memorial Day, it was unclear whether these activities were going to be canceled. The state’s new concealed carry law that passed last summer banned firearms in ‘sensitive spaces’ like public parks, where military gun salutes and historical reenactments are done. After Sept. 1, when the law went into effect, many historical organizations across the state, including Fort Klock in Montgomery County, canceled reenactments that featured firearms because doing so was technically against the law. Those reenactments can now go forward.
Police are investigating attempted vehicle thefts at two car dealerships on West Ridge Road early Wednesday. The Greece Police Department received a report around 12:30 a.m. about a suspicious vehicle leaving a dealership. Officers determined at least two suspects tried to steal two Hyundais from Matthews Hyundai, but both vehicles were recovered. Police haven’t clarified whether the vehicles were actually stolen or where they were found. Police did tell reporters that a Kia was stolen from Matthews Kia down the road. The Rochester Police Department recovered that vehicle, but it’s unclear where. No arrests have been made.
The water levels of Lake Ontario have risen in recent weeks, and history has shown what can happen when they can get too high. Greece Town Supervisor Bill Reilich said the lake levels will likely peak soon, avoiding any serious damage, but neighbors are still concerned. The current lake level is just shy of 247 1/2 feet. Reilich said neighbors don’t need to be concerned unless it reaches 248. The town has made changes since that record flooding, including investments in new sewer and storm lines that added 30 new shut-off bells on stormwater drains and a berm along Edgemere Drive.
Work crews have been busy paving the parking lot between Court Street and Jackson Street this week, completing the Jackson Street side on Wednesday, after weather delayed the work a day or two. Out of the approximately $200,000 project, 85 percent is for paving operations, and the remaining 15 percent is for milling, Public Works Director Brett Frank said. Project funding is from Parking Lot Reserves, he said, for wear and tear that broke down the lot’s exterior.
The Genesee Chorale will present two spring concerts on May 19 and May 21, presenting the music of Ola Gjeilo in Batavia and in Le Roy. The program is called Across the Vast Eternal Sky and will feature the Greycliffe String Quartet and Riesa Cassano on Oboe. The May 19 performance is at 7 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church in Batavia, and the May 21 performance is at 4 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Le Roy. The chorale is under the music direction of Ric Jones. Janine Fagnan is associate conductor and Doug Hanson is the accompanist. Tickets are $10 and are available from members of the chorale or at the door.
A Medina man was killed in a motor vehicle accident in Barre. 56-year-old Timothy Sands of Medina was a passenger in a minivan driven by Todd Sands. The vehicle was traveling eastbound on 31A when it went off the south shoulder of the road then over-compensated back across both lanes of traffic and off the road, hitting a tree. Both were ejected from the vehicle. Todd Sands was transported by ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital and Timothy Sands was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident remains under investigation and at last report, alcohol was being considered as a contributing factor.
Multiple people have been injured following a police chase that ended with a crash in Ontario County. A sheriff’s deputy spotted a vehicle driving recklessly on Route 96 in Farmington yesterday, but the driver refused to pull over. That started a pursuit that ended in Victor when the vehicle collided with an SUV. The suspect, 34-year-old Kevin Cole, suffered life-threatening injuries, while the people in the SUV suffered serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
21-year-old Tanika Avant of Batavia is charged with harassment and endangering the welfare of a child. Avant is accused of being involved in a disturbance at an undisclosed location and engaging in a physical altercation with another person. During the course of the altercation, he allegedly struck a juvenile. Avant was arraigned in City Court and released.
PRESS RELEASES: The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants on Thursday May 11, 2023 from approximately 9:00am to 3:00pm in the general area of south of E. Main Street and East of Jackson Street. Homes and businesses nearby will be affected. These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored. If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about 5 minutes or until clear. This annual testing is essential to maintain the communities class III Insurance Services Office (ISO) public protection classification, and to assure that fire hydrants are operating efficiently for fire protection purposes. Along with maintaining the fire rating, the test monitors the health of the city’s water system, identifies weak areas in the system, and removes material that settle in the water lines. Checking each hydrant improves fire department personnel knowledge of the hydrant locations. If you have any questions, or should notice a hydrant in need of repair, please contact the fire department at 585-345-6375. ALSO: Today the City of Batavia Fire Department responded to a report of smoke coming from the house with occupants believed to be still inside at 39 Manhattan Ave. in the City of Batavia. Initial fire units arrived in four minutes to find smoke emanating from the rear of a two and a half story, two-family home. Fire crews entered the home to perform searches for any occupants and extinguish the fire in one of the upstairs bedrooms. Searches for occupants were negative. The fire caused damage to the room of origin, smoke damage throughout the occupancy and some water damage to the first and second floor. No one was home at the occupancy involving the fire. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by City of Batavia Fire Department and Police Department investigators. The City of Batavia Fire Department was assisted by the City of Batavia Police and Codes Department, and the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center. The Town of Batavia Fire Department was on stand-by to cover any additional calls for service for the City.
New details have been released on a school hoax threat that was made against the Hilton Central School District. A message was shared on Snapchat Friday that threatened to shoot up a school. The superintendent now says the threat originated in Florida, and that schools in states such as Pennsylvania, Utah, and New Mexico received a similar threat. A student in Florida has been arrested in connection with this case.
The National Hockey League Draft is coming up soon, and now the Buffalo Sabres know when they will be picking in the first round. Last night, the Sabres found out they’re going to have the 13th overall selection in the draft. Buffalo is coming off of a season where the team narrowly missed making the playoffs for the first time in years. The draft is scheduled to start on June 28th at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
In 1914, the first Mother’s Day was proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson.
FROM THE GENESEE COUNTY SHERIFF: 33-year-old Christopher Gulczewski of Holley is charged with endangering the welfare of a child after allegedly threatening to kill the children’s mother in front of the children at the family’s home. He was transported to Genesee County jail and is being held pending a CAP Court arraignment. ALSO: 18-year-old Jakob Abrams of Darien is charged with DWI, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, operating a motor vehicle while using a phone and failure to keep right, following investigation into an accident on Harper Road. Abrams was issued appearance tickets for Darien Town Court tomorrow.
41-year-old Christopher Bitsas of Warsaw is charged with assault. Following an investigation, State Police determined that Bitsas was responsible for causing injury to the victim. He was arrested and arraigned in the Village of Warsaw Court and released on his own recognizance. Bitsas was ordered to appear at the village of Silver Springs Court at a later date and an order of protection was issued.
The New York State Thruway Authority is holding a public hearing today to get feedback on proposed toll hikes. The meeting is set to run from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at the Buffalo division headquarters on Cayuga Road in Cheektowaga. If approved, E-ZPass holders would see a 5% toll increase next year followed by another 5% hike in 2027. People who can’t make the hearing can attend a virtual one that’s happening on June 5th. On the day of the virtual hearing, a link will be available on 
The Batavia High School Class of 1973 is celebrating their 50th reunion this summer. The line-up of events includes a meet-and-greet at 7:00pm at Ri-Dan’s on West Main Street Road and a dinner from 4:00-10:00pm on July 8th at the Batavia Downs Gaming grandstand. Both events are also open to those who attended Batavia High from 1971-1975. For more information, call Debbie Best at 585-343-2548 or email her at debbest@rochester.rr.com
Gas prices are holding steady. According to Triple A this morning, the national average price for a gallon of gas is $3.54. The state average is $3.68. In Batavia, we’re paying $3.64, the same as it was yesterday, up 14 cents from a month ago and down 70 cents from a year ago today.
The Writers Guild of America remains on strike. The strike began after the WGA’s contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers expired last week. The guild represents writers of film, TV and streaming media and the alliance represents the studios. The WGA and AMPTP have been in talks for several weeks concerning improved compensation increases for writers amid the streaming era.
Live Nation has announced the return of its extremely popular National Concert Week promotion. From this Wednesday, May 10th until Tuesday, May 16th, music fans will be able to purchase tickets to see big name artists this year for the low cost of $25.00 per ticket. The general on sale begins on Wednesday at 10:00am and it is likely that tickets will sell quickly. To find a list of shows and participating venues, visit 
In 1886, Dr. John S. Pemberton created the formula for Coca-Cola while working on a new medicine for headaches and hangovers. It came about when a drugstore clerk mistakenly mixed it with carbonated water instead of straight water.
In 1970, The Beatles released their 12th and final album “Let It Be” in tandem with the group’s documentary of the same name.
The Batavia Police Department has charged two individuals, a 12 and 13-year-old with Making a Terroristic Threat. This stems from the incident that occurred on April 20. The juveniles, who have not been identified because of their age, were attending Notre Dame High School and made a phone call to a suicide hotline. During the call, a threat was made to shoot up a school immediately. Police officers responded to all schools in the county, placing each school in ‘lockout’ status. Under that condition, schools are secure, no one is permitted to enter or exit the building, but instruction can continue as normal. On-scene detectives were able to quickly determine that the threat was not credible and the ‘lockout’ status was discontinued.
SUNY Buffalo State University is making some cuts to its athletic program. Effective immediately, the school announced yesterday that it would be cutting all NCAA Division III women’s and men’s swimming and diving programs. According to BSU Athletic Director Renee Carlineo, the decision was based on a number of factors and was on the table as a possibility since 2011.
COVID-19 is no longer considered a global health emergency. The World Health Organization made the decision to downgrade the pandemic after discussing it yesterday. In a conference today, the WHO’s director general said the pandemic has been on a downward trend for over a year and this has allowed nations to return to life as they knew it before the pandemic.
Jacob Richards is indicted on felony charges of grand larceny, and of criminal possession of a forged instrument. He is accused of stealing property valued at more than $1,000 in the City of Batavia on October 4th, 2022. Richards is accused of possessing a forged check from Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union.
PRESS RELEASE: All residents, businesses and local traffic please be aware that Route 5 between Bank Street and Redfield Parkway will experience traffic delays beginning on Monday May 8, while Verizon will be closing one of the two west bound lanes starting at Bank Street and ending at Redfield Parkway. This will be about a two-week duration. When Verizon’s operation gets to Route 98, Route 98 northbound will be closed for one day. Please contact the NYS Department of Transportation at (585) 343-0502 with questions.
People who are searching for work might want to check out a transportation job fair being held by the Gates Chili Central School District today. The district wants to boost its number of available bus drivers and will be hiring for those positions. Attendees will have the chance to tour the district’s facilities and to meet with current drivers. The event is happening from 4:00 to 7:00 this afternoon at the Gates Chili Transportation and Facilities Center.
New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is once again calling on the IRS to clear its backlog of claims. The senator made her demands in a second letter to the agency, noting it’s holding up pandemic-era money owed to businesses. Gillibrand says more than one million Employee Retention Credits have gone unprocessed, noting congress approved the monies in 2020 so businesses could keep their employees during the pandemic. Gillibrand says several New York businesses and non-profits are still waiting on the money they’re owed, including New York Presbyterian Hospital.
In 2018, California became the world’s fifth largest economy when it surpasses Great Britain.
In 2022, the U.S. Federal Reserve attempted to combat the fastest rate of inflation in four decades by making the largest interest rate increase since the year 2000. The interest rate was raised by half of a percentage point.
FROM THE GENESEE COUNTY SHERIFF: 36-year-old Tonya Ficarella of Batavia is charged with petit larceny after allegedly stealing merchandise by concealing the items and walking past all points of purchase without paying, at a business on Veteran’s Memorial Drive. She was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Batavia Court later this month. ALSO: 18-year-old Madison McKenzie of Batavia is charged with endangering the welfare of a child following an investigation in Pavilion. She allegedly gave a letter to a juvenile under the age of 17, which allegedly contained sexual content. McKenzie was arraigned in CAP Court and will appear in Pavilion Town Court on May 16th. ALSO: 43-year-old Jaime Ayala of Batavia is charged with criminal contempt following a complaint of a violation of a court order at a department store on Veteran’s Memorial Drive. Ayala was allegedly at the employment place of a protected party in violation of an issued stay away order of protection. Ayala was released with an appearance ticket and is scheduled for Batavia Town Court on May 23rd.
New York State Attorney General Letitia James is working with drug companies to cap insulin prices for uninsured New Yorkers. She’s reached agreements with pharma giants Eli Lilly and Sanofi-Aventis, the nation’s largest insulin manufacturers. Under the terms, the price of insulin will be capped at $35 for a monthly prescription for uninsured New Yorkers for five years. James’ office found the prohibitive cost of insulin has caused some New Yorkers to ration their doses or forego them altogether.
Two people involved in buying and selling stolen identities online have been charged in Buffalo. 33-year-old Terrance Michael Ciszek and 41-year-old Corey Robert Dodge, a detective with the Buffalo Police department, were caught allegedly buying stolen data on a dark web online marketplace called Genesis Market, which sells email addresses, mobile device identifiers, usernames and passwords and other information including credit card numbers hacked from computers around the world. Ciszek purchased 11 packages of information in 2020. Dodge purchased 14 packages in 2021. Czisek has been suspended with pay from the Buffalo Police Department pending further internal investigation.
The state of Colorado will give drivers a chance to let the Fourth be with them year-round. The Colorado DMV will begin auctioning off 12 “Star Wars” themed license plates on Thursday, a date commonly celebrated by movie fans with the phrase “May the 4th Be With You.” The plates contain phrases like “MAY-4TH,” “MR-VADER,” “CHEWY,” and “MY-X-WING.” Bidding will start at $100 for each plate, with proceeds going to the Colorado Disability Funding Committee. Bids will be accepted at 8 a.m. on Thursday, and the auction will close at 7:00pm next Thursday, May 11th.
A 13-year-old boy faces charges in Rochester after police said he stole a Kia, crashed into a tree and tried to flee before the vehicle rolled into a patrol car. An officer was driving on Lyell Avenue when he spotted the vehicle on Myrtle Street with no headlights on. Police said when the officer turned around; the Kia went into reverse and struck a tree. The driver allegedly ran from the vehicle but didn’t put it into park and it rolled into the patrol car, causing minor damage. Police arrested the driver following a brief foot chase. The investigation determined the vehicle was stolen earlier on Atkinson Street. The driver was charged with grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and criminal mischief. He was issued an appearance ticket.
The cost of attending the New York State Fair is going to increase as part of the state budget agreement reached between Governor Hochul and lawmakers. Admission for adults will now be $6 instead of the $3 that’s been in effect since 2020. Parking prices will double from five to ten dollars this year, and the fees for people who rent space for concessions are going up by over one percent. These increases were recommended by the governor to help lower the fair’s financial losses.
An investigation is underway into what caused a crash in Ontario County that left two college students dead. State Police say 21-year-old Olivia Moore and 21-year-old Francesca Ward, both from the United Kingdom, were in a vehicle that was traveling on Interstate 90 in Manchester early in the morning on Saturday when the vehicle struck a guide rail end. Both Moore and Ward died at the scene and two other students from Temple University in Pennsylvania were taken to a hospital to get checked out but were not injured. It’s believed the students were heading to Canada at the time of the tragedy.
Western New York is one of the slower regions of the state and the country in the recovery of jobs lost during the Covid pandemic. Historically, the Buffalo area trend is toward falling deeper during downturns and taking longer to recover. In addition to the lack of population growth, the wave of retirements that happened during Covid had an impact. As a result, Buffalo and other upstate metro areas across the state still have fewer jobs than was the case pre-pandemic. They also have fewer workers, which contributes to slowing the recovery. (As of February 2023, Buffalo shows a 2% decline in jobs; Rochester, a 3% decline.)
Drivers in our region are paying even more money to fill their vehicles following yet another increase in gas prices. According to Triple A today, the national average price per gallon is $3.61; the state average is a dime higher at $3.71. In Batavia, we’re paying $3.65; that’s 3 cents higher than a week ago and 23 cents more than it was a month ago today.
The legislature is expected to be back at the State Capitol today to finally start voting on a brand-new state budget. The conceptual agreement announced by Governor Hochul calls for $229,000,000 (billion) in spending. Included in the fiscal plan are changes to the state’s bail reform laws, funds to improve public safety and $1,000,000,000 that will be invested in mental health services. The budget is now 1-month late because the original deadline to approve it was back on April 1st.
The latest data from the New York State Flu Tracker shows the spread of the virus is now showing signs of declining in our region. During the week ending April 22nd, the areas with the highest number of cases were Erie and Monroe Counties, both with 19. Wayne County had 6 during that same time period and Genesee County reported 2 cases. Overall, more than 332,000 state residents have gotten the flu since the season began.
New York State Police are alerting the public of a computer scam that’s circulating in the area. Troopers say when logging into a computer, a message on the screen may appear. The message states the computer user should contact Microsoft due to a virus. The victim will then call the phone number provided in the message and then speak with someone who identifies themselves as a representative of Microsoft’s Security Office. The person on the other end of the phone tells the victim their bank account information has been compromised. State Police advise anyone who receives such a message to not provide any personal information. Scammers can use your personal information to steal your identity and commit fraud. State Police offer the following tips to protect against various scams:
The Genesee County Park & Forest is cancelling tomorrow morning’s Birding Walk due to inclement weather. The next Birding Walk is Saturday, May 13th from 7:00am to 10:00am at DeWitt Recreation Area. You’ll learn things like how to identify birds by sight and sound. The walk is about one mile long over easy terrain. For more information, please call 344-1122.
A free, anti-rabies immunization clinic is scheduled for Thursday, May 18th from 4pm until 6:30 pm at the Genesee County Fairgrounds. Vaccinations are free for dogs, cats, and ferrets, but voluntary donations are accepted. Animals must be at least 3 months old. Each animal must be leashed or crated and accompanied by an adult who can control the animal. Limit 4 pets per car maximum. For more information, please call 585-344-2580, extension 5555.
The Erie County Sheriff’s Department will be doing its part this weekend to make sure the car seats children ride in are safe. A free car seat inspection event will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the East Amherst Fire Hall on Transit Road. Deputies will be on hand to ensure that seats are properly installed and to answer any questions that parents may have. Anyone who can’t attend can check out the list of area car seat safety events at 
1967… heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali (at the time, known as Cassius Clay) refused induction into Army. He was later stripped of his WBA and WBC crowns as a result of his actions.
Lawmakers in Albany have reached an agreement with Governor Hochul to expand the child tax credit in the state to include children under the age of 4. Expanding the tax credit is expected to be included in a finalized budget agreement, which could be struck this week. Inclusion of the measure in the budget would come as New York has sought to bolster support for families, including measures meant to expand childcare programs through more funding. The budget is expected to also include an increase in the state’s minimum wage to $17 and then link it to the rate of inflation. Lawmakers have also agreed to fund the state’s system of publicly financed campaigns for this election cycle after considering a delay in the implementation of the program.
State lawmakers and Governor Hochul have reached a deal to phase out gas hookups as part of the New York State budget being negotiated in Albany. The deal calls for the end of natural gas hookups in newly constructed buildings that are seven stories or less by the end of 2026 with a few exemptions. By 2028, all new construction would no longer be allowed to have gas hookups. New Yorkers will still be able to replace an old gas stove with a new gas stove.
Police across New York State did their part today to make sure kids got on and off their school buses safely. This was part of the annual Operation Safe Stop Day. It is estimated that 50,000 state residents illegally pass stopped school buses each day that school is in session. Penalties for a first-time offense include a fine of up to $400, 5 points on a person’s driver’s license and possibly 30 days in jail. Data shows that students are 70 times safer riding a school bus to school versus riding in a private vehicle.
Genesee County Parks, Recreation & Forestry is offering free birding walks this spring. The next one is scheduled for this Saturday from 7:00am to 10:00am at DeWitt Recreation Area. You’ll learn things like how to identify birds by sight and sound. The walk is about one mile long over easy terrain. Call 344-1122 to sign up or for more information.
Wegmans and the American Heart Association are working together to distribute CPR education kits to people across the region. The supermarket chain says hundreds of CPR training and first aid youth sports kits will be handed out in areas where there is a Wegmans store. The American Heart Association believes these kits can save lives because in many cases, people who experience sudden cardiac issues need help immediately. For more information on this program go to 
About 230,000 people filed first-time jobless claims last week, fewer than analysts predicted. Figures out today from the Labor Department show that’s a decrease of 16,000 claims from the week before and below a forecast 249,000.
Americans who feel discriminated against at work have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure, according to a new study. People participating in the study published this week told researchers they did not have high blood pressure at the start of the 8-year study and most said they didn’t smoke and drank little or no alcohol. People who experienced intermediate levels of workplace discrimination at the beginning of the study were 22% more likely to develop high blood pressure after 8 years, compared to those who reported low levels of discrimination at work.
A 14-year-old boy is in some trouble with the law after leading police on a chase while behind the wheel of a stolen vehicle. Gates police say the incident started yesterday when officers went to Chili Avenue after getting reports of a Kia doing doughnuts. The vehicle then went over a person’s lawn and hit a curb before it struck a police car. A pursuit then began that ended at the intersection of Norton Street and Hollenbeck Street in Rochester when the vehicle crashed. The teen was unhurt, taken into custody and brought to family court for arraignment.
The Seneca Nation says it’s planning to place a bid on the McKinley Mall in Hamburg when it goes up for auction in a few weeks. In a statement, Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong Senior said he believes the property could be a unique potential opportunity with attributes that are of interest to explore. A Long Island-based real estate group purchased the mall in 2021 for more than $8,000,000 (million). It’s scheduled to be up for auction starting May 15th. (File photo)
The Buffalo Bisons announced the team would host a “Nurse Appreciation Night” on May 10. The team is partnering with Trusted Nurse Staffing to host the night to honor hard work, passion and dedication of the many nurses who serve the community every day. Nurses will be able to purchase game tickets for $10 each for themselves and their families online and at the Sahlen Field Box Office by showing a staff ID card. Trusted Nurse Staffing will also give away a free t-shirt to the first 500 nurses that visit their concourse table that night. Special in-game recognitions are planned as well as the inclusion of nurses throughout the in-game entertainment.
State lawmakers say there is progress being made on a final state budget more than three weeks after the original April 1st deadline. It was announced yesterday that there are still some things to be worked out such as a plan to address the illegal sales of cannabis and measures to address the environment. The legislature approved yet another budget extender yesterday to keep the government running through this Friday. Last year’s budget ended up being passed on April 9th.
The weather will be warming up over the next few weeks and Governor Hochul wants to make sure vulnerable New Yorkers can beat the heat. She’s announced $15,000,000 (million) in funding that will be available through the Home Energy Assistance Program. The program can provide air conditioners to individuals who need them such as folks with a medical condition that’s made worse by heat and also homes with young children or older adults. Anyone wishing to apply for help can do so starting Monday, May 1st, by contacting their local department of social services.
Members of the Buffalo Teachers Federation have overwhelmingly voted to approve a brand-new labor contract. The results of yesterday’s vote officially puts an end to years of negotiations between the union and Buffalo Public Schools. Under the terms of the deal, an investment of more than $240,000,000 (million) will be made in teacher compensation and their average salary will increase from $71,000 to $91,000 by 2026. In a statement, Superintendent Dr. Tonja Williams said not only will this new contract make teachers some of the highest-paid in the region; it’ll also help the district maintain a strong financial position.
General Motors is recalling more than 40-thousand Chevrolet medium-duty trucks due to a problem with the break-pressure sensor that raises the risk of fire. Federal regulators say a faulty assembly could leak brake fluid and cause an electrical short circuit. The recall covers Chevrolet 4500HD, 5500HD and 6500 model trucks from 2019 to 2023. GM is advising owners to park their trucks outside until dealers have the parts to fix them free of charge. GM said it’s not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the issue.
A new study links French fries to depression and anxiety. A research team in China found that eating fried foods, especially fried potatoes frequently, is linked with a 12% higher risk of anxiety and 7% higher in depression than those who don’t eat fried foods.
FROM THE COUNTY SHERIFF: 27-year-old Nathan Crawford of Batavia has been arrested and charged with petit larceny. He is accused of stealing merchandise from the 48 Express Deli in Batavia. Crawford was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court for May 9th, pursuant to his charge. ALSO: 33-year-old Heather Derooy of Chili is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle, and improper license plates. She was released with an appearance ticket for Bergen Town Court. (File photo)
The New York State budget is now more than three weeks late as lawmakers and Governor Hochul continue try to hammer out a final agreement. A budget extender that was approved last week is scheduled to expire today, which means the legislature will need to pass still another one so the state government can keep running. One thing that has reportedly been dropped from the final budget is Governor Hochul’s affordable housing proposal. The initial deadline to pass this year’s budget was April 1st.
Members of the Buffalo Teachers Federation are going to be meeting today to vote on a brand-new contract. The deal reached with the school district calls for a $240,000,000 (million) investment in teachers during the next few years, including over 40-million-dollars in retroactive or bonus pay. Current teachers will also be required to contribute more money towards their health insurance coverage. Because of today’s meeting, all after school activities are canceled so that teachers can attend the vote.
Bed Bath & Beyond is filing for bankruptcy protection as it tries to stay afloat. The home goods retailer filed for Chapter Eleven protection Sunday in District of New Jersey court. The company listed its estimated assets and liabilities in the range of $1,000,000,000 (billion) and $10,000,000,000 (billion).
State lawmakers have once again taken action to make sure that the government keeps running and that thousands of state workers can get paid. They passed another budget extender yesterday that’ll last through this coming Monday. Negotiations on a final budget have been ongoing for weeks among Governor Hochul and leaders of the Legislature, but there’s no word yet when a deal might get done. The original budget deadline was back on April 1st.
At around 1:00 yesterday afternoon, the Genesee County 9-1-1 Dispatch Center received a report from the Veteran’s Administration Hotline that a male subject had called and stated they were going to get a weapon and “shoot up a school.” This information was immediately relayed to City Police and County Sheriffs. An initial trace of the number provided showed the call came from within the City of Batavia. Patrols were dispatched to each school in Genesee County as a precautionary measure and all countywide schools engaged lockout procedures. An investigation showed there was no threat. The City of Batavia Detective Bureau interviewed a juvenile apparently about the phone call; no additional information is available at this time. All schools ended the lockout at approximately 2:25, in time for regular dismissal. Genesee County was not the only one hit by threats, Allegany County Schools also engaged in a precautionary lockout yesterday.
Genesee County Sheriffs, City of Batavia Police and Village of LeRoy Police will once again be stepping up patrols and participating in a coordinated effort with the STOP-DWI program to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving. The statewide initiative starts today and continues through tomorrow. Law enforcement suggest you make sure you have a safe ride home because impaired driving is preventable with just a little bit of planning ahead.
The line at the unemployment office is getting longer. Jobless claims in the U.S. are jumping up 5,000 from the previous week. Experts say the rise in jobless claims indicates the strong labor market is starting to cool off.
FROM THE WYOMING COUNTY SHERIFF: 33-year-old Donald Colli of Batavia has been charged with operating a vehicle with a suspended state driver’s license. Colli had hit a deer and after Wyoming County Sheriff’s investigated, he was issued an appearance ticket for aggravated unlicensed operation. Colli is scheduled to appear in Bennington Town Court at a later date. ALSO: 41-year-old Seth Sheehan of Warsaw has been arrested and charged with criminal mischief. This followed deputies’ response to a 9-1-1 hang-up call; an investigation revealed there had been a domestic incident during which Sheehan took a phone from another party to prevent them from calling to request help. He was arraigned in the Town of Warsaw Court and released on his own recognizance; Sheehan is scheduled to return to Court on May 1. ALSO: Wyoming County Sheriff deputies arrested Jaqulyn Dueppengiesser of Perry at her residence on a felony warrant, issued by the City of Batavia. She has been turned over to Batavia Police and will appear in court at a later date.
The State University of New York (SUNY) has voted to eliminate the undergraduate admissions requirement for standardized testing. This removes the need for students applying to college to take the SAT or ACT and keeps a pandemic-era change in place; however, flexibility is available to campuses where students would still have the option to share their scores. According to SUNY, fewer state high school students are taking the SAT.
April is National Donate Life Month, and both the state Department of Health and Department of Motor Vehicles are urging New Yorkers to register as organ donors. The agencies say any Empire State resident 16 and older can join the New York State Donate Life registry for eye, organ and tissue donation. Sign-up can be done by completing the donation section on a driver’s license renewal application or completing an online or paper form when registering to vote. Hundreds of New Yorkers died last year because the organ they needed wasn’t available in time.
Netflix is ending its DVD-by-mail service. On Tuesday the company announced customers would no longer be able to receive DVD rentals after September 29th, 2023. Netflix has mailed out over 5,000,000,000 (billion) DVDs since the programs inception in 1998. However revenue from DVD rentals has steadily declined over the years.
More than one-third of Americans live in places with unhealthy air pollution levels. The American Lung Association’s 24th State of the Air report is out today, and says 120-million Americans are living in areas where the air was rated unhealthy in 2022. Six of the ten worst places are in California, and Los Angeles tops the list. For more information, click here: 
The latest data from the New York State Flu Tracker shows the spread of the virus is still holding steady in our region. During the week ending April 8th, the area with the highest number of cases was Erie County with 39; the next highest was found in Monroe County with 32. Ontario County had 6; Niagara County had 3 and Genesee County, 2. Since the beginning of flu season, more than 329,000 state residents have contracted the illness.
As we enter the warmer weather months, the price of gas is slowly trending back up. In fact, gas prices went up an average of 7 cents nationally in the past week and 8 cents in New York. According to Triple A this morning, the national average cost for a gallon of regular fuel is $3.66. The state average is $3.62. In Batavia, we’re paying $3.55; that’s down a penny from yesterday but up 15 cents from a month ago today.
State Police have released the name of a man killed in a Thruway crash. 64-year-old George Rooney, IV of Evergreen Colorado died at the scene of the crash last Thursday in Pembroke (at mile-marker 396). Investigation results suggest that a flatbed tractor-trailer and a Ford F250 were both stopped in traffic due to a construction zone. A 2002 Lexus driven by Rooney approached the stopped traffic at an excessive speed and was unable to stop before striking the Ford. The impact caused the Ford to strike the tractor-trailer and the Lexus became airborne and overturned multiple times. One of the other drivers was transported to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries and the other was unhurt.
Time is running out for individuals who still need to file their federal taxes. The IRS deadline for filing 2022 returns is tomorrow. Those who have not submitted forms can request an extension, delaying the deadline for paperwork until October 16th. The extension does not apply to payments owed.
A three-year-old Lockport girl is in critical condition after being brutally attacked by her family’s dogs. The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office says the incident happened yesterday at a residence on Glendale Drive. The child was rushed to Oishei Children’s Hospital for treatment of the injuries she suffered. The investigation into this case is ongoing and the dogs are in possession of the SPCA of Niagara County.
Both the Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots are still on the rise and are now sitting at a combined $695,000,000 (million). The prize for Mega Millions tonight is $476,000,000. And anyone lucky enough to win the Powerball tomorrow night will find themselves $219,000,000 richer. Both drawings will be streamed live online. Please play responsibly.
36-year-old Nathan Follett of Rochester has pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography, which requires a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, with a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine. Follett had engaged in sexually explicit communications with 11 minor victims, knowing that each was under the age of 18. During the conversations, he coerced them to produce images and videos of themselves engaged in sexually explicit conduct and send the images to him. Sentencing is scheduled for August.
Scientists say they’ve discovered a “hidden chapter” from the Bible. Researchers in Vienna have been studying a parchment they believe dates back to the 3rd century, which contains two chapters from the Book of Matthew. Using ultraviolet photography, they found a third chapter written beneath the text, which the scientists believe is an earlier translation of the chapter.
An animal tranquilizer could worsen the nation’s ongoing drug crisis. The Biden administration today declared that illicit fentanyl mixed with an animal tranquilizer known as xylazine is an “emerging threat” and is linked to a rising number of fatal overdose deaths in the U.S. The designation now requires the federal government to coordinate a national response.
The Mega Millions jackpot is getting close to the $500,000,000 (million) mark. Tuesday night’s drawing failed to produce a grand prizewinner, so that puts $476,000,000 on the line when numbers are announced for next Mega Millions drawing this Friday. The cash option on that jackpot works out to $256,000,000. Please play responsibly.
The spring break travel period is underway, and the Transportation Security Administration has issued some tips to make the airport experience easier for people who are flying. The agency recommends folks get to the airport at least two hours before their scheduled flight so they can get through security screening in time. Travelers should also make sure they do not have banned items like explosives, firearms and razors in their luggage. In order to avoid issues, people can check out the “What Can I Bring?” page that’s on the TSA website before packing: 
Rochester police have taken a teenager into custody following two smash and grab robberies that happened in their city. According to investigators, a vehicle was purposely slammed into the front of a gas station on North Goodman Street around 2:15 a.m. yesterday. A short time later, a vehicle was also crashed into a building on Chili Avenue. The 17-year-old was a passenger in a vehicle that later hit a wall the corner of Mill Street and the Inner Loop. Anyone with information on this case can call 911.
Final test results show Pfizer’s experimental RSV vaccine was 82-percent effective in preventing severe infections in infants when given to expecting mothers in the second half of their pregnancy. The drug maker said trial details published on Wednesday confirm preliminary data from the study. Pfizer released initial trial results on the vaccine to fight the respiratory virus in November.
Medina and Lyndonville school districts were among about 50 in New York State that received a generic, non-specific bomb threat through email this morning. The threats were investigated by law enforcement and deemed not credible. The Medina Police Department was able to quickly determine there was no threat in Medina, so the schools didn’t need to be cleared out. Both districts are currently on break anyway but some students come to school daily for spring sports. Lyndonville cancelled athletic practices and sent staff home. Their offices will be open and activities will resume tomorrow.
State lawmakers have agreed to pass a stopgap-funding bill as negotiations on a final state budget plan continue. The measure is scheduled to expire on April 10th, but it will allow more than 50,000 state workers to get their next paychecks on time. However, members of the legislature won’t get paid until a budget is passed. The deadline to reach a budget deal was April 1st. There are still discussions ongoing involving several topics such as bail reform, minimum wage and affordable housing.
Starting today, people who are interested in playing the Mega Millions lottery game will have a little bit less time to buy a ticket. That is because sales on draw days, which are Tuesdays and Fridays, will end at 10:00pm instead of 10:45pm. The change is being made so the New York Lottery can have more time to conduct its closing procedures for each draw. Tonight’s jackpot is $385,000,000 (million). Please play responsibly.
On April 2, 1973 at about 5:15 pm, 11-year-old Wanda Walkowicz (middle child in picture) went to the grocery store for her mother. She made it to the store, purchased several items and was last seen walking home, but did not return home. On April 3, 1973, at 10:15 am, a New York State Trooper, while on patrol, located Walkowicz’s body at a rest area off State Route 104 in Webster. This homicide and two other unsolved homicides were dubbed the Alphabet Murders and Double Initial Murders by the media, as all three cases occurred in the Rochester area. Pictured, from left to right: Carmen Colon, age 10, was found on November 16, 1971 in the Town of Riga, and Michele Maenza, age 11, was found on November 28, 1973, in the Town of Macedon. These cases have not been officially connected; however, all three cases remain open. If you have any information, please call: New York State Police, Troop E, Major Crimes Unit, Canandaigua, New York (585) 398-4100
The Law Street Yard Waste Station will open for the season next Monday, April 10th for city residents. The station will be open from 12:00pm to 6:00pm Monday through Saturday until Daylight Saving Time in November when time changes to 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The station will also be closed on May 29th for Memorial Day, July 4th for Independence Day, September 4th for Labor Day and November 23rd for Thanksgiving. The station will close for the season in early December. City residents may bring yard waste material (grass, leaves and limbs) to the Waste Station as there is no spring curbside pickup of these materials. The following items cannot be accepted at the station: Tree stumps, building materials, rock, fill (soil and stone), and other debris. Yard waste shall be free of trash (paper, plastic, bottles, cans, etc.), as this material cannot be processed. Use Law Street entrance to enter and exit the City Yard Waste Station only.
33-year-old Jason Hall of Medina and 34-year-old Terry Depoty of Albion are both charged with grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property. State Police arrested them in connection with an incident reported in the Town of Batavia Wednesday morning. Hall was released on an appearance ticket; Depoty was ordered held in jail. No additional information is available at this time.
From the National Weather Service, there is a wind advisory in place for the entire GLOW region starting tomorrow morning, Saturday, 4/1 at 5:00am. It will be in place until 7:00pm tomorrow evening. Wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour are predicted.
The Board of Trustees of Notre Dame High School announced that their principal, Wade Bianco, would be retiring from the school this summer. Mr. Bianco worked in education for over 40 years and joined Notre Dame in 2015. Among his many accomplishments over the years include overseeing the addition of 7th and 8th grades, which has been a driving force in the recent increases observed in enrollment. Mr. Bianco also guided Notre Dame through the COVID pandemic, as a school that remained open for in-person instruction each day as allowed by New York State. (File photo by Doug Thompson, WBTA News)
The Hilton Central School District will be forming a committee that’ll be responsible for discussing a book named in a recent bomb threat. The book, which is titled “This Book Is Gay” is owned by the district and was mentioned in a threat that was sent by email last week claiming there were bombs placed in several buildings. The committee will look into whether its appropriate for the book to be in the high school library. Anyone who wants to volunteer to be on the committee can sign up online on the school district’s website.
New York State is getting $100,000,000 (million) to help close the digital divide. Governor Hochul says the federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act will help connect 100,000 households to affordable, high-speed Internet. The program is geared towards underserved communities in rural and urban parts of the state. Senate Majority Chuck Schumer helped secure the money, saying it’ll help connect communities to good paying jobs, higher quality education, and better healthcare. Last year, New York helped more than 1,000,000 (million) low-income households enroll in a nationwide affordable connectivity program.
A lot of Empire State residents are planning to travel during the spring and summer months, and there are some things they should keep in mind when booking their trips. The state’s Division of Consumer Protection recommends people consider factors such as price, location, and availability of activities before deciding where they are going to visit. Also, travelers should get all of their confirmations in writing to safeguard themselves from any scams. Finally, folks should use a credit card to pay for any purchases since they offer more protection than paying by cash, debit card or check.
Businesses from all around the region are now taking part in the first-ever Healthy Options Restaurant Week. The event officially kicked off yesterday and will run through April 1st. Restaurants will be offering menu items to customers to show them how easy it can be to have a healthy dining experience when eating out. To find the list of businesses that are participating, go to 
A study published Monday found a connection between having strong friendships and better physical health outcomes. Positive social interactions were found to decrease blood pressure and heart rate, and increase a person’s ability to cope with stress. Negative interactions, however, had an even stronger adverse effect on the body. The study’s author said it’s these ups and downs that can have the strongest impact. One researcher stressed the importance of scheduling time with friends and providing mutual support in times of trouble.
