Doug Thompson
January 19, 2023 
D’Mario Caesar
A Buffalo man is facing up to 15 years in prison for his role in a deadly hit-and-run that happened more than five years ago. Yesterday, a jury found 36-year-old D’Mario Caesar guilty of striking a pedestrian who was crossing the street near Bailey Avenue in Buffalo back in July 2017. The victim, who was later identified as 31-year-old Brandyn Mallory, passed away due to his injuries at Erie County Medical Center. Caesar will be sentenced in March and is behind bars without bail.
Brenda Wells
Gates police are still trying to track down the driver who was involved in a deadly hit-and-run in their community. They say 55-year-old Brenda Wells of Hilton was struck Sunday night on Elmgrove Road near a YMCA, in Gates. She was rushed to a nearby hospital but passed away due to her injuries on Tuesday. Police have found the vehicle that hit her and the investigation continues. (Police are asking anyone with information to contact them at 585-247-2262.)
Solar panels – file photo
A nearly 21 acre solar farm has been proposed to the Town of Batavia to be located at 7755 Oak Orchard Drive (Route 98). The property is owned by Call Farms and the portion required for the project would be leased. The parcel is presently being used as farmland, with some forested areas. The company developing the project is New Leaf Energy and is seeking a special use permit to install the 5-megawatt solar system. A public hearing about the proposal is scheduled for March 7th at Town Hall.
140 Harbor Street, Wilson NY (photo from Zillow website)
A 5-year-old boy was critically injured with burns in a residential house fire in Wilson. Niagara County Sheriff’s tell us a 35-year-old man was also injured in the fire at 140 Harbor Street. A 41-year-old woman was uninjured and accompanied her son to Oishei Children’s Hospital. Three dogs were rescued by deputies from the fire and given to neighbors for safekeeping at the owner’s request. There is no property damage estimate available at this time and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
67-year-old Amish farmer Samuel Girod of Fillmore has been arrested and charged with felony predatory sexual assault of a child, punishable by up to 25 years in prison. He had been undergoing treatment at an Amish and Plain-sect sexual rehabilitation center after his arrest for molesting a child but now faces more serious charges. An investigation revealed Girod had subjected a child of 13 with sexual contact for many years. Girod was committed to Allegany County Jail but was released after posting $20,000 bail. The case has lingered there while Girod sought treatment at the Pennsylvania center. Troopers arrested him on the new charges when he showed up for a court date earlier this month. He was arraigned on the new charges but no additional bail was set and Girod was released. Girod’s arrest comes at a time when sex abuse among Plain-sect communities has become more openly discussed. Various investigations over the course of years has revealed sex abuse, incest in particular, is seldom reported and that men are rarely prosecuted. Many are allowed to attend treatment centers such as Whispering Hope, located in Newville, Pennsylvania, in return for lighter sentences. Whispering Hope opened in 2001 and is private, with no actual doctors or trained therapists.
Attorney General Letitia James
State Attorney General Letitia James has wrapped up her latest visit to the region where she discussed the importance of people in the area having access to mental health care. James and other leaders gathered at the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library yesterday to hear from both health care workers and individuals who have lost family members who suffered from mental health issues. James said that the state’s entire mental health system is being examined and that the necessary changes will be made. If you or anyone else is having mental health issues, help is available by calling 716-834-3131.
Firefighters battling a blaze (file photo)
The state’s Office of Fire Prevention and Control is beginning new outreach efforts to protect firefighters and their families from the threat of cancer. One goal of this initiative is to raise awareness among members of the fire service about how they can develop protocols for cancer prevention. Data shows firefighters are at a higher risk of getting cancer due to the toxins they are exposed to at the scene of emergencies. If their gear is not decontaminated properly, they might expose family members to harmful chemicals.
Rush-Henrietta Senior High School (file photo)
Officials at Rush-Henrietta High School say several students have been suspended following a recent fight on campus. The incident happened this past Friday and was started by a student in the district who attends an alternative school and wasn’t supposed to be in the building. There are now Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies posted at the school when students arrive and leave. And the district is looking into whether any policy changes need to be made to prevent something like this from happening again.
Negative Covid test result
According to the latest report from the state, the spread COVID-19 is on the decline in our region. Currently, the seven-day average infection rate is sitting at 6.35%. At this time last week, the average infection rate was at 6.74%. While fewer people are testing positive for the illness, anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated against the virus is urged to get their shot to help prevent another spike in cases.
Just putting my two cents in…
Gas prices keep climbing. According to Triple A today, the national average price for regular is $3.38 a gallon. That’s a penny higher than yesterday and 9 cents higher than a week ago. The state average is at $3.47. In Batavia, we’re paying $3.37; up 2 cents from yesterday but down two cents from a month ago.
Damar Hamlin visits a Bills practice – January 14, 2023
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott says Damar Hamlin has been visiting the team’s facility in Orchard Park on an almost daily basis. Hamlin is still recovering after going into cardiac arrest during a game between the Bills and Cincinnati Bengals earlier this month. McDermott says Hamlin has been focused on trying to get back into a routine so he can continue his road towards being himself again. There’s no word if Hamlin will be at the Bills’ home playoff game against the Bengals on Sunday.
Ryan Miller
The Buffalo Sabres are going to retire the number of goaltender Ryan Miller ahead of the team’s game against the New York Islanders tonight. A sold-out crowd is expected and fans who are going to the contest at KeyBank Center are urged to be in their seats before the ceremony starts at 6:00pm. Miller was a member of the Sabres for over a decade and is the franchise’s all-time leader in games played by a goaltender as well as wins and saves. Face-off for the game between the Sabres and Islanders is set for 7:30.
Wyoming County officials say the closure of the NYS Thruway during major winter storms puts drivers at a higher risk of crashing. They’re asking New York State officials to review the decision to close the Thruway during the November lake-effect snowstorm. This is largely because of steep and rolling hills and turns that are characteristic of county roads there and create scary travel and hazardous conditions. During the storm on November 18th, more than 20 tractor-trailer incidents were documented. County officials say it will take more collaboration from Albany and local authorities to find a solution because it is not one size fits all for each storm.
The Buffalo Bills will host the Cincinnati Bengals at Highmark Stadium Sunday at 3 p.m. in the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs and the ticket prices are rather high. As of Monday afternoon on the VIPTIX website, a single ticket in the upper deck of Highmark Stadium would cost you around $245 dollars. Prices were about the same on Stubhub and Ticketmaster. The best time to buy tickets is historically in the middle of the week.
City firefighters issued a press release this morning, in which they provided their total number of calls for 2022: They responded to 2669 alarms, of which 1940 were for emergency medical services. There were 59 fires and 51 motor vehicle accidents. There were also 308 fire or carbon monoxide alarm activations. Here is an entire summary of the calls:
54-year-old Paul Crawford of Batavia is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and operating a vehicle with a suspended registration on Old Meadow Lane in Batavia last Thursday. He was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled in Batavia Town Court on January 25. ALSO: 45-year-old John Gronowski of Cheektowaga was arrested for criminal trespass last Thursday afternoon, for allegedly remaining on the property at Batavia Downs, after previously being told he was no longer allowed to be there. Gronowski was issued an appearance ticket and released.
43-year-old Christopher Brown of Alexander has been convicted of distribution of child pornography and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Brown concealed a camera in a bathroom for the purpose of recording a video of a naked minor victim. He then utilized a peer-to-peer network on the Internet to download and distribute a file containing a video depicting a pre-pubescent female. Investigators also found a DVD with recordings of the minor victim and 550 images and 100 videos of child pornography. They also found five firearms, which Brown was legally prohibited to have. He was sentenced to serve 150 months in prison.
Rochester police are still on the lookout for the suspect who stole a vehicle that had two children inside of it. The mother of the three-year-old and six-year-old left her kids unattended in the running vehicle when she went into a store in the area of Lake and Phelps Avenues yesterday. The vehicle was then taken before later being found on Dempsey Place. Fortunately, the children weren’t hurt.
Wegmans will be hosting a virtual hiring event next week as the popular supermarket chain looks to fill hundreds of entry-level positions at its stores. The event is happening on Wednesday, January 18th, from 10:00am until 6:00pm and both part-time and full-time jobs are available. Among the positions that need to be filled are supervisors, shift leaders, and managers in multiple departments. Anyone interested in signing up for the event can do so online at 
51-year-old Vicki Showler of Alabama, is charged with petit larceny. She is accused of shoplifting at the Dollar General store on North Main Street, Oakfield last week. Showler was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.
The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 51st Annual Awards Ceremony, which will be held on Saturday, March 11 at Batavia Downs Gaming. This event honors businesses and individuals for their achievements in business, community service and volunteerism. Tickets are $50.00 per person or a table of 8 for $360.00.
The Supreme Court is allowing New York to continue enforcing new gun control measures during an ongoing legal challenge. That means New York’s ban on guns in sensitive areas like schools, parks, and Times Square will remain in place for now. The state is also allowed to require gun license applicants to show good moral character. The Supreme Court denied a request from a group of gun owners to immediately pause the state’s regulations. But, two conservative justices say the case still has merit even though they didn’t intervene.
Members of the Rochester City School District’s Board of Education have unanimously voted to have police officers stationed outside of some schools. This move comes following an incident where students were nearly struck by gunfire at the Franklin Educational Campus last week. The school board president says that police will not be inside of schools. The cost of this increased security is expected to be about $370,000.
The City Council has approved a new three-year contract with the Police Benevolent Association Union. The agreement includes a 3% salary increase for the first year 2.5% salary increases for the second and third year. A one-time payment of $1500 will be made to union members using American Rescue Plan Act funds. Also, health care premiums will increase from between 15 and 30%. The detailed story is available on the website of our news partner, The Batavian. Here is a direct link to the story:
Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced the lineup for their sixth Rockin’ the Downs concert series, which will take place outside on the racetrack, with eight Friday dates, starting in June and extending into August. The shows will kick off with Almost Queen and Get the Led Out returns this summer, too. Until February 8th, tickets purchased online for the General Admission section will only be $10. And concertgoers will still receive $10 in Free Play on show day with this ticket. Concerts are held Rain or Shine. Additional information may be found at:
Multiple Rochester City School District employees have been suspended after video of a recent shots fired incident was made public. The footage showed students rushing into the entrance of a building at the Franklin Educational Campus last week to avoid being hit by gunfire. Thankfully, none of the students ended up getting hurt. All of the affected workers are on paid administrative leave as an investigation into how the security video ended up being shared moves forward.
State Attorney General Letitia James has announced a plan to hold a hearing on mental health access in Western New York. It’s happening Wednesday, January 18th at the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library located at Lafayette Square in Buffalo. James says it is imperative that mental health services are available to all communities. People who wish to speak at the hearing must sign up to do so online by 5:00pm Wednesday, January 11th.
According to Triple A today, the average cost for a gallon of regular gas in New York State is $3.45, which is up 6 cents from a week ago; nationally, it is $3.28. In Batavia, we’re paying on average $3.31 per gallon; the same as it was a week ago but down 20 cents from a month ago today.
The United States Postal Service is hiring. A job fair will be held at the Batavia Post Office on Thursday, January 12th from 10am until 2pm; they have an immediate need to fill the following positions:
This Sunday, January 8th, at 6:30PM the City of Batavia Police Department and Fire Department are squaring off for the first annual hockey match-up. The two agencies have battled it out on the softball diamond in years past. The game will take place at the David McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena. Patrons will be welcomed by some high-energy music to set the tone for the evening. The teams will take the ice for warm ups around 5:50 PM. Around 6:30 PM, the show starts. The National Anthem will be played by Miles Meyer on electric guitar. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:35. The ice rink secured a one-day liquor license and will be stocked with your favorite food / beverages. The night will include 50/50 drawings. Staff is still trying to work out the logistics of the fan favorite “chuck a puck”. The Batavia Rampart Mite Teams will keep fans entertained by playing during intermissions. All proceeds will benefit the David McCarthy Memorial foundation.
Lawmakers returned to the State Capitol today as the brand-new legislative session kicked off. Among the issues the Senate and Assembly could address in the coming months are changes to the state’s current bail reform laws and additional measures to reduce gun violence. Governor Hochul might also request that lawmakers pass certain legislation when she gives her State of the State address next week. This legislative session is scheduled to run until June 8th.
The New York State Police issued 32,934 tickets and arrested 453 people for impaired driving during the National DWI Crackdown, which started on Wednesday, December 14 and continued through New Year’s Day. Troopers also investigated 4,417 accidents, which resulted in 528 people being injured and eight fatalities. During the campaign, State Police utilized sobriety checkpoints, additional DWI patrols, and ticketed distracted drivers who used handheld electronic devices. Troopers also used both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles as part of this crackdown in order to more easily identify motorists who were violating the law. These vehicles blend in with everyday traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated. The Finger Lakes region accounted for 33 DWI arrests and 917 speeding tickets.
The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the winners of the People’s Choice and Director’s Choice awards for the 21st Annual Wonderland of Trees decorated trees. The winner of the People’s Choice Award is the Stafford Garden Club; and the winner of the Director’s Choice Award is WBTA AM & FM. They congratulate the winners, and thank everyone who participated. They noted more trees this year than in recent years and were all beautifully done, which made the choices very difficult. Also, they wish to thank everyone who donated towards the event, and all who came to see the wonderfully decorated trees.
The National Football League has announced that the Buffalo Bills’ game against the Cincinnati Bengals won’t resume this week. The game was postponed on Monday night after Damar Hamlin of the Bills went into cardiac arrest following a hit in the first quarter. Hamlin was brought to a Cincinnati hospital and was last listed in critical condition. His family has released a statement thanking everyone for their prayers and support. Buffalo’s game with the New England Patriots is still scheduled for Sunday.
The unemployment rate in Orleans County for November was an even 3%, which is the second lowest rate in the county in the 32 years of data collection. The only month it was lower was in October when the rate was 2.5 percent. Genesee County’s unemployment rate has held steady at 2.5%, where it’s been since August after dropping from 3.0% last July. Statewide the unemployment rate was 3.8 percent in November, compared to 4.9 percent the previous November and 8.5 percent in November 2020. The 3.8 percent was up from the 3.6 percent in October. It was at 3.9 percent in September. The highest unemployment rate in the state was in Bronx County, at 6.1%.
Gas prices may begin to nudge back up soon. Last June, State lawmakers included a six-month suspension of about 16 cents per gallon in gas taxes to help individuals out a little bit at the pump; however, that’s not expected to be extended. Retailers are now required to include both state and local sales taxes in the pump price, while distributors must charge the taxes on any sale of previously untaxed motor fuel (according to the state Department of Taxation and Finance’s website). Professionals at AAA say residents should prepare for those price increases any way they can. Suggestions from the Auto club include mapping your route, combining your errands and maintaining good tire pressure, especially this time of year. While the national average for gas prices is down to $3.23, statewide, our average currently sits at $3.42. In Batavia as of this morning, we’re paying $3.31 per gallon, down 28 cents from a month ago.
The roads are expected to be busy this holiday weekend and members of law enforcement across New York State will be keeping a close eye out for drunk drivers. Travelers can expect to see increased police patrols as part of an ongoing STOP-DWI campaign that runs through Sunday. Police say folks can make sure they get home safely by having a designated driver or by using a taxi or rideshare service. Anyone who sees suspicious or dangerous activity while they’re traveling should dial 911 immediately.
A minimum wage increase goes into effect tomorrow, and that means a lot of workers upstate will be getting more money in their paychecks. The hourly wage for employees outside of Westchester County, Long Island, and New York City will go up by $1 from $13.20 to $14.20. Also, the hourly minimum wage for home care aides will rise by $1 to $16.20 in upstate counties. Workers who aren’t getting paid what they’re entitled to can reach out to the Division of Labor Standards at 1-888-469-7365.
A new Empire State law provides reimbursement to living donors of a kidney or liver. Governor Kathy Hochul signed the law on Thursday, which will cover costs incurred by the giver. This will likely reduce delays to receive a transplant by removing financial issues from the decision. Currently, there are approximately 9000 New Yorkers on the waiting list for an organ.
The Buffalo Bills Foundation is among three organizations that have donated money to help with storm recovery efforts in Buffalo and Western New York. The Bills, the NFL Foundation, and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York each handed over 100-thousand dollars. Those funds will be divided between immediate relief efforts in the region and future community needs. Also, all donations made to The Buffalo Bills Foundation through January 10th will benefit relief efforts.
A man was seriously injured in a two-vehicle accident in Oakfield. The call came in early yesterday afternoon; firefighters responded to the intersection of Lewiston and Knowlesville roads, where they found the back of one of the vehicles, a Ford F-150, smashed up against the side of Simple Pleasures Home Decor & Gifts. A total of four people were injured; the seriously injured man was taken by Mercy EMS ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital. The other three people were taken to Rochester Regional Hospital-United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.
Genesee County has received 477,000 dollars in Healthy Neighborhoods Program money for use by 2027. The grant money is to be used to visit 1000 homes in the Batavia area and help with increasing the overall health of the residents. For example, Batavia has a 28 percent higher asthma hospital visit rate than the surrounding areas. The program will help residents learn more about Asthma and evaluate triggers and treatments to avoid using the emergency room as often. They will assess homes for lead based paint and also help with setting up carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors as well as giving out small fire extinguishers.
Over 90 employees at the Athenex manufacturing plant located in Newstead are going to be losing their jobs in March. The biopharmaceutical company tells The Buffalo News the reason that the Main Street facility is closing down is economic but wouldn’t reveal any more information. Just four years ago, Athenex announced plans to expand the manufacturing plant and was able to get tax breaks from the Erie County Industrial Development Agency after pledging to add hundreds of jobs. As of the end of last year, the company employed nearly 300 people in the region.
The Buffalo Police Department says a task force has been launched to crack down on looters who stole items from city businesses during and after the blizzard. Officers are now looking at video clips that have been posted on social media to try to identify the individuals involved in these crimes. So far, they’ve been able to make at least eight arrests. Police are again asking anyone with information to come forward and contact them at 716-847-2255.
New York State has opened the application process for the Excelsior Scholarship for the Spring 2023 term. The scholarship, combined with other financial aid, allows eligible full-time students to attend a SUNY or CUNY school tuition-free. Students from households with federal adjusted gross incomes of up to 125-thousand dollars are eligible to receive a scholarship. Applications are being accepted through February 9th and more information can be found by visiting hesc.ny.gov.
President Biden has signed an emergency declaration to provide federal help to Buffalo and surrounding areas (including Genesee County) that were impacted by a deadly winter storm. So far, the deaths of over two-dozen people in the region have been linked to the weather disaster, including at least 20 in Buffalo alone. As cleanup efforts continue, residents there are asked to stay off the roads so crews can safely work on removing the snow that fell and first responders can get to people who need help. Utility crews are also making progress towards restoring power to customers who have been without service for days.
Wyoming County Sheriffs have arrested and charged 50-year-old Paul Zangerle of Warsaw for petit larceny. He allegedly left the Warsaw Walmart with a cart full of items without paying for them. Zangerle was issued an appearance ticket and released, and will return to Town of Warsaw Court at a later date.
The Rochester Fire Department says a burst pipe was responsible for causing a big mess at the University of Rochester’s Clinical Research Center. When crews arrived at the building on Crittenden Boulevard yesterday, they noticed there was water flowing from a four-inch standpipe on the fifth floor. As a result, there was extensive water damage done to multiple floors. Patient care at the building was never affected.
State Attorney General Letitia James has issued a consumer alert to New Yorkers after getting reports of price gouging involving children’s medication. Right now, there are a high number of flu, RSV, and COVID-19 cases in the Empire State and James says medicines for kids such as painkillers and fever reducers are being sold for up to three times their retail value. Under state law, merchants are prohibited from selling goods that are vital to the health of consumers for an excessive price. Anyone who wants to report price gouging can do so by calling 1-800-771-7755.
Genesee County Manager L. Matthew Landers has rescinded the State of Emergency for Genesee County. All roads are open. The travel ban has been downgraded to a travel advisory effective immediately for all of Genesee County.
Genesee County Manager L. Matthew Landers has declared a local state of emergency for Genesee County due to blizzard-like conditions. Effective immediately, Genesee County Sheriff upgrades previously issued travel advisory to a travel ban for all of Genesee County until further notice. A travel ban means no travel for anyone but emergency vehicles which includes police, fire, ambulance, snow plows, etc.
New York legislators have a bill to give themselves a 29-percent raise, which would make them the highest paid state lawmakers in the U.S.
Members of the New York State Legislature will be back at the Capitol building today for a special session. Both the Assembly and Senate are expected to vote on a measure that would increase their salaries from the current $110,000 a year to $142,000 a year. There’d also be limits placed on the amount of money that lawmakers can earn outside of their position as an elected official. If approved, the salary increase would go into effect on January 1st.
Governor Hochul has signed off on a brand new law that will make it mandatory for employers to list the salary ranges for every advertised job and promotion. The goals of this legislation are to provide workers with important information before they apply for a position and to reduce discriminatory wage setting and hiring practices. The U.S. Department of Labor says that in 2020, women made 83 cents for every dollar made by men. The governor believes the legislation will usher in a new era of fairness and transparency for New York’s workforce.
Erie County officials say the cost of cleanup efforts from the massive snowstorm that slammed the region back in November has surpassed 11-million-dollars. The storm ended up dropping several feet of snow between November 17th and the 20th and five deaths were reported across Western New York. President Biden authorized a federal emergency declaration but funding hasn’t reached communities in the county just yet. That money can be used to help cover the cost of things like snow removal and plowing roads.
Governor Hochul is approving expanded childcare access for New Yorkers. The new law will remove requirements for parents to work in order to access subsidized programs. Advocates called it a major help for parents who go to school or who are caregivers to other family members. The initiative will be expanded in the coming years with money approved in the state budget.
Nearly 140,000 Chevrolet Bolt cars are being recalled in the U.S. and Canada. General Motors says the 2017 to 2023 model years Chevy Bolt hatchbacks have a seat belt issue that can cause a fire. GM says in rare cases, the fire can be started by exhaust that comes into contact with carpet fibers.
The Rochester City Council has passed a series of measures designed to reform the city’s Police Accountability Board. The measures the city council passed at a sometimes contentious meeting last night include training for the board and its staff. The measures would also invest money from the board’s budget that has not been spent to be invested in addressing homelessness, mental health and public safety.
Starbucks workers gathered this weekend at the Mt. Hope location near New York City, in a strike of solidarity with colleagues across the country. The Mt. Hope Starbucks is one of several locations across the country that has unionized. Workers say they’re lobbying for better pay and safety when they have to deal with problem customers. News 8 in Rochester says the company answered their request for comment by saying it respects their right to have their voices heard.
Genesee and Wyoming Counties are under a lake effect snow warning starting at 7:00 tonight; it will be in place until 1:00 Sunday afternoon. One to two feet of snow is predicted to fall over the weekend with the main accumulations hitting southwest areas of Genesee County. Heavy snow will fall in narrow bands. Travel could be very difficult at times with poor visibility and snow covered roads. If driving, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibility.
Governor Hochul has signed off on a new piece of legislation that will ban the sale of certain animals at retail pet stores. Starting in 2024, people will no longer be able to purchase dogs, cats or rabbits at those businesses. One goal of this measure is to prevent the buying and selling of animals from large-scale, abusive breeders who in many cases do not properly care for those animals, which can lead to new owners having to pay big veterinary bills. Pet stores will still be able to work with animal shelters and rescue groups to hold adoption clinics.
Members of the West Seneca Police Department are going to be doing their part tomorrow to help get people in the holiday spirit. The agency is teaming up with the Home Depot to hand out Christmas trees free of charge. The trees will be available starting at nine a-m at the police garage that is located in the parking lot behind Town Hall on Union Road. They’ll be distributed by volunteers on a first come, first served basis.
A meeting is going to be held next week where customers of Rochester Gas and Electric will once again call for a public takeover of the company. Customers have been upset with RG&E since it announced a proposed increase of its gas and electric prices. They’re also angry about billing issues they’ve had to deal with. The meeting is set for Monday evening from 6 to 8 in the Gleason Auditorium at the Rochester Public Library.
No one has been lucky enough to win the Mega Millions or Powerball lately and now, the combined jackpots of both games have reached $578,000,000. The prize up for grabs for this evening’s Mega Millions drawing is going to be at least $429,000,000. And, should someone win Powerball tomorrow night, they’ll get a minimum of $149,000,000. Both drawings will be streamed live online. Please play responsibly.
A public vote this week in LeRoy resulted in community approval for $1.7 million to be earmarked for the LeRoy Fire Department to purchase an aerial ladder truck. The proposal passed with a vote of 133-99.
New York State is reporting its first pediatric flu death of the season. The state health department says flu cases are up 64 percent over the last week and hospitalizations are up by 58 percent. The health department recommends that everyone who is six months and older get a flu shot and urges the wearing of masks indoors or around people at higher risk because of the rise of the flu, RSV and COVID cases.
Officials with D’Youville University have announced plans to build a $50,000,000 academic building that will expand its healthcare programs. In the school’s site plan application for the project, the new building will house academic programs and focus on world-class education for healthcare professionals. If it wins approval by the city of Buffalo, construction would start next May and finish early in 2025.
The Buffalo Sabres will see action on the road tonight in Colorado. Buffalo enters their contest following a shutout win over the Kings on Tuesday night. Face off tonight is at 9:00.
The Red Cross is asking for donors to set aside some time to give blood or platelets for patients waiting for care over the holidays. Hospitals have an especially high need for type ‘O’ blood and platelets. Those who come to give from December 16 to January 2, 2023 will get a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. Upcoming blood drives in Batavia include Friday, December 23rd from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel and also Thursday, December 29th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Robert Morris; in Le Roy, on Thursday, December 22nd, from Noon to 5 p.m. at the American Legion, 53 West Main Street. Anyone interested may schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting 
This Saturday is the last chance this season to shop at the Batavia City Center Mall Market. They’re open from 8 to 11:30am.
A nurse who formerly worked at Roswell Park Comprehensive Center has been sentenced to 3 years in prison for tampering with and stealing the drugs meant for patients. 30-year-old Kelsey Mulvey of Grand Island had been observed accessing a dispensing machine and exiting a medication room to which she was not assigned. It was later determined that she had accessed hydromorphone, an opioid used to treat severe pain. She was placed on administrative leave and later resigned. Officials said from June to July 2018 there were waterborne infections at Roswell Park and six patients became ill. An investigation concluded that tampering of compounded hydromorphone vials was the cause. In March 2021 Mulvey pleaded guilty to one count of tampering with a consumer product. The other charges were dropped as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors. She surrendered her nursing license at the beginning of the case.
