Local News

Ronald Rowcliffe

A former Boy Scout leader who molested Scouts at a camp in St. Lawrence County has now been charged with violating probation. 58-year-old Ronald Rowcliffe of Elba made an initial appearance on the charge earlier this week in Genesee County Court. He was released after his appearance pending further court action. Rowcliffe pleaded guilty in September 2020 to a single count of first-degree sexual abuse in satisfaction of all charges against him. He was placed on one year of interim probation and was successful, leading to the probation sentence. Rowcliffe was then sentenced in St. Lawrence County Court in November to 10 years of probation and is on probation until Nov. 9, 2031. He also was fined $2,500.

According to the New York Lottery, Shawn Elkins of Batavia has claimed his $1000 a week for life winning ticket. He opted to take the top prize in an annuity and received his first payment of $33,852 after required withholdings and will continue to receive payments annually, for life. The winning ticket was purchased at Batavia Downs Gaming.

Former Western Regional Off Track Betting CEO Michael Nolan says he will appeal the decision throwing out his lawsuit against the gambling corporation. The judge made that decision because Nolan filed after the statute of limitations had expired. Nolan alleged OTB violated his First Amendment rights by firing him in retaliation for speaking to federal investigators.

Payton Gendron – file photo

There’s a new development in the ongoing legal case against the man who allegedly carried out a mass shooting at a Tops supermarket in Buffalo. According to WIVB, the attorneys for Payton Gendron have decided against pursuing a psychiatric defense in his state case. Gendron is accused of opening fire at the Jefferson Avenue store on May 14th, killing 10 people and injuring three others in what prosecutors say was a racially-motivated hate crime. He is facing both state and federal charges and is currently behind bars without bail.

Governor Hochul

Congressman Zeldin

A new poll has been released involving the race for New York governor and it shows one candidate has a solid lead over their opponent. According to the Marist College survey, Democrat and incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul has a 10-point advantage over her Republican challenger, Long Island Congressman Lee Zeldin. But, Hochul’s lead is only eight points among those who say they’ll definitely vote. Hochul is looking to win a full four-year term in office while Zeldin is hoping to become the first Republican since George Pataki to be elected governor. Election Day is coming up on Tuesday, November 8th.

Victor Olofsson

The Buffalo Sabres have started of their new season in the best way possible after picking up a win on home ice. Victor Olofsson had two goals and both JJ Peterka and Rasmus Dahlin also scored as the Sabres beat the Ottawa Senators 4-1 at KeyBank Center last night. And if I’m doing the math correctly, Sabres goalie Craig Anderson stopped 35 of the 36 shots he faced. Up next for the Sabres is another home game against the Florida Panthers tomorrow at 1:00.

Josh Allen

The Buffalo Bills have hit the road on their way to battle the team that’s eliminated them from the playoffs the past two seasons. The Bills are taking on Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Buffalo is fresh off a win against the Pittsburgh Steelers last week that improved their record this season to four wins and one loss. Kickoff for Sunday’s contest is scheduled for 4:25.

Batavia Post Office

Prices at the post office could soon increase. The United States Postal Service has plans to hike prices on everything from stamps to post office boxes and money order fees. In a news release issued today, USPS officials detailed the price changes, which included a 3 cent increase for Forever Stamps, up from 60 cents, and postcards would increase from 44 cents to 48 cents. An international 1-ounce letter, currently priced at $1.40, would move to $1.45. The changes have already been approved by the USPS Board of Governors, and will be reviewed by the Postal Regulatory Commission. If the increases are approved, the new prices will take effect January 22, 2023. (Photo by Doug Thompson, WBTA News)

The Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots continue to grow and have now reached a combined total of $948,000,000. The prize up for grabs in this evening’s Mega Millions drawing is going to be at least $494,000,000. And, whoever picks all the correct numbers for tomorrow night’s Powerball drawing will win $454,000,000. Both drawings are going to be streamed live online. Please play responsibly.

Having trouble paying back your student loans?  New York State now has a little bit more debt relief.  Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill Thursday ending the practice of charging an additional fee to debtors when collecting outstanding debts owed to the state from educational expenses.  Before this bill, a fee of 22% was added by state law in addition to the total debt due.  The governor said that students who are already having trouble paying back their loans shouldn’t be hit with additional fees. 

A new poll has been released involving the race for New York governor and it shows one candidate has a solid lead over their opponent. According to the Marist College survey, Democrat and incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul has a 10-point advantage over her Republican challenger, Long Island Congressman Lee Zeldin. But, Hochul’s lead is only eight points among those who say they’ll definitely vote. Hochul is looking to win a full four-year term in office while Zeldin is hoping to become the first Republican since George Pataki to be elected governor. Election Day is coming up on Tuesday, November 8th.

Former WROTB CEO Michael Nolan says he will appeal the decision throwing out his lawsuit against the gambling corporation.  The decision was thrown out because Nolan didn’t file soon enough after he alleged his First Amendment rights were violated by WROTB by firing him in retaliation for speaking to federal investigators. 

In Elba there is a new Sheriff’s deputy in the schools.  Deputy Ryan Young, a 6 year veteran of the sheriffs office will be assisting in keeping the kids safe at the schools.  In BOCES Deputy Kyle Tower will be on duty.  Deputy Jordan Alejandro has been assigned to Oakfield Alabama.  These School resource officers are there to provide security and safety services for the faculty and students.  Elba didn’t have an SRO until now and the Sheriffs office is pleased to be helping out there as well.

Parents in New York are asking the state to pass a bill which will change how schools handle discipline.  Specifically, they want schools to stop suspending and expelling students.  Often schools can’t handle bad behavior in house so they send the kids home.  Most of the kids who are kicked out are teens but in the upstate area over 600 pre-k through 3rd graders were suspended or expelled in the 2020-2021 year and over 15 thousand kids were kicked out in total.  The data showed black and Hispanic students, students with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged students, were suspended at higher rates than their peers.  The parents want the state to pass the Children’s Agenda which will implement alternative methods, solutions not suspensions, the NYS Culturally responsive sustained education framework, and provide additional funding for more solutions to be found.

In Rochester the Police aren’t the only ones who show up to an emergency call.  The Person in Crisis team was formed in 2021 to deal with mental health situations that the police might not be trained to handle.  In the beginning these crisis counselors would respond to 15-20 calls a day.  Now its up to 150 calls a week.  Response times are usually measured in the minutes when an ambulance might take almost an hour to arrive.  In the city people can call 988 or 211 for mental health emergencies.

The Sabres started off slow but came back to pick up the win in their season opener against the Ottawa Senators Thursday night.  Captain Kyle Okposo lead the Buffalo team to a 4 to 1 win after Ottowa scored their only goal in the first period.  Peterka, Dahlin and Olofsson scored for the Sabres.  Next up is a home game against the Panthers Saturday at 1pm.

The Buffalo Bills will be hitting the road this weekend to battle the team that’s eliminated them from the playoffs the past two seasons. The Bills are taking on Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Buffalo is coming off of a 38 to three victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers last week that improved their record this season to four wins and one loss. Kickoff for Sunday’s contest is scheduled for four-25 p-m.

The Gun Control laws in New York are back in full effect after an appeals court ruled to put a hold on the lower Syracuse courts hold which temporarily blocked portions of the laws. Yesterday a federal appeals court reinstated the affected portions of the Concealed Carry Improvement Act. The high court struck down the state’s long-standing requirement that people demonstrate an unusual threat to their safety to qualify to carry a handgun outside the home. The Syracuse judge had blocked portions that required applicants to turn over their social media information and also parts that blocked concealed carry permit holders from entering certain places.

Poler’s Pub, Medina – File Photo

43-year-old Nicholas Amos of Medina now faces multiple felony charges. He is accused of stabbing five people outside Poler’s Pub in Medina on Sunday; this followed an altercation in which it’s believed everyone involved knew each other. The victims were transported by ambulance or private vehicle to Medina Memorial Hospital and Erie County Medical Center. Police said, two of the four required surgery. They all remain in stable condition as of this afternoon. Amos was committed to Orleans County Jail pending arraignment.

A judge has dismissed the $14.5 million lawsuit against Western Regional Off Track Betting by former CEO Michael Nolan, noting that the statute of limitations had expired on his first amendment violation case. Nolan had said his rights were violated when the corporation’s leadership allegedly retaliated against him for talking to federal agencies about alleged improprieties. He contended that he was fired from his position in December 2020 after being ostracized since April 2019 for sharing information with federal and state authorities as part of an inquiry into business practices. The judge said that the complaint simply came too late after the alleged violation.

Positive COVID test result

New data from the state shows the spread of the coronavirus is continuing hold steady in our region. Right now, the seven day average infection rate is sitting at 8.4%. At this time one week ago, the infection rate was 8.6%. To prevent a surge in infections, it’s recommended that folks get vaccinated against COVID-19, receive an updated booster shot and wear a mask while they’re indoors.

Brett Frank

Public Works Director Brett Frank told Chris Kalen this morning on Main & Center that the plan is to have construction work done on Harvester Avenue, including the sidewalks, by mid-December.

Kyle Okposo

Don Granato

The Buffalo Sabres will be on home ice tonight as they start their new season against a longtime rival. The Sabres are hosting the Ottawa Senators at KeyBank Center. Brand-new team captain Kyle Okposo is leading buffalo and head coach Don Granato has signed a multi-year contract to remain with the franchise. Face-off for this evening’s contest is scheduled for 7:00.

Keaira Bennefield

Adam Bennefield

The man wanted in connection with the murder of his estranged wife has been taken into custody. According to investigators, 45-year-old Adam Bennefield shot and killed 40-year-old Keaira Bennefield, who is also known as KeairaHudson, on October 5th while she was in her vehicle near Richlawn Avenue and Shawnee Avenue in Buffalo. Adam Bennefield was arraigned yesterday on multiple charges and is currently behind bars without bail. He’s expected to be back in court again on November 15th.

The Gun Control laws in New York are back in full effect after an appeals court ruled to put a hold on the lower Syracuse courts hold which temporarily blocked portions of the laws.  Wednesday a federal appeals court reinstated the blocked portions of the Concealed Carry Improvement Act.  Gov. Kathy Hochul and lawmakers rewrote the state’s handgun laws this summer after a Supreme Court ruling invalidated New York’s old system for granting permits to carry handguns outside the home. The high court struck down the state’s long standing requirement that people demonstrate an unusual threat to their safety to qualify for such a license.  The Syracuse judge had blocked portions that required applicants to turn over their social media information and also parts that blocked concealed carry permit holders from entering an increased list of properties. 

A judge dismissed the lawsuit against Western Regional Off Track Betting corp by former CEO Michael Nolan Wednesday saying the statute of limitations was up on his first amendment violation case.  Nolan had said his rights were violated when the corporation’s leadership allegedly retaliated against him for talking to federal agencies about alleged improprieties.  Nolan contended that he was fired from his position in December 2020 after being ostracized since April 2019 for sharing information with federal and state authorities as part of an inquiry into practices such as health insurance plans for board members, use of sports tickets and luxury boxes, and awarding of contracts.  The judge said that the complaint simply came too late after the alleged violation.  Nolan had sought 15 million dollars.

A 39 year old Oakfield man has been arrested and charged with 46 counts of rape between 2019 and 2021.  Ricardo Castillo Jr., according to the sheriff’s office, was charged in connection to a series of sexual offenses that took place across the Village of Oakfield and the Town of Elba.  He is charged with 13 counts of first degree rape, 10 counts of 2nd degree rape of a victim under 15 years of age, 13 counts of first degree criminal sex act, and 10 counts of 2nd degree ciminal sex act against a victim under 15 years old.  Castillo was arraigned on all charges and released under Genesee Justice supervision. He is due back in court at a later date.

Less than a year after unionizing the workers at the Starbucks on Elmwood in Buffalo are striking.  Starbucks Workers United filed labor board claims, accusing the company of illegally terminating more than 80 of its supporters, including a prominent activist in the Buffalo region recently fired for refusing to remove a suicide awareness pin.  British musician Billy Bragg joined the strike on Wednesday ahead of his concert in Toronto.  Workers have said they will continue to strike until an agreement is met.

The Keybank center has some new food offerings available for fans of the Sabres this year.  New additions at Perry Market and Rachel’s Mediterranean Grill include: Porchetta Sandwich, Korean Chicken Quesadilla, Hawaiian Beef Dog.  New food items throughout general concessions include: Baja Fish Tacos, Spicy Cheese Dog, Mustard Pulled Pork Sandwich, Artisan Deli Sandwich, Walking Taco and La Nova Chicken Wings.  There will also be new items at the Lexus Club, KeyBank Club and in suites.

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott announced that cornerback Tre’Davious White will return to practice Wednesday but will not play Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.  White had an ACL injury against the Saints on Thanksgiving of 2021.  The Bills, who have a 4-1 record through five games, are set to take on the Chiefs on Sunday. Following the matchup against the Chiefs, the Bills will have their bye week and after the bye week they will take on the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football.

The Buffalo Sabres have signed head coach Don Granato to a multi year extension to his contract.  Granato starts his second full season as coach for the Sabres today.  He joined the organization as an assistant coach prior to the 2019-20 season and was promoted to interim head coach in March 2021 when the Sabres fired Ralph Kruger. He coached 28 games to finish out the season and the team went 9-16-3.  The sabres also signed Mattias Samuelsson to a 7 year contract extension for 30 million dollars.  The son of longtime NHL defenseman and coach Kjell Samuelsson, Mattias served as a captain of Team USA at the U-18 and U-20 World Championships and at Western Michigan University.  He played 42 games last 

The Holland Land Office is hosting Guest Speaker Ken Slaughenhopt who will be presenting on the Holland Land Survey.  Slaughenhopt is a surveyor from the Lewiston Historical Society.  He will be discussing the trials and tribulations of the surveying process that went into laying out the Holland Purchase and its 3.25 million acres, as well as its importance to Western New York even today.  The event will be October 19th at 7pm.  Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members.

Linda Tschari

John Sauberan

An Erie County jury has convicted a man who committed a murder that happened more than 44 years ago. Prosecutors say 63-year-old John Sauberan killed 19-year-old Linda Tschari at an address on Pooley Place in Buffalo back in February 1978. Sauberan was finally arrested after DNA evidence connected him to the crime. He is currently behind bars without bail and is facing 25 years to life in prison when he’s sentenced in December.

A union at the University of Rochester and their Medical Center has set a date for a possible strike. Members say if they don’t have an agreement in place by 8:30am on Monday, October 24th they will walk off the job. Negotiations on a new contract started back in June, but WHEC-TV reports the union turned down a vote on a deal last month. University of Rochester officials say there is a plan in place to make sure research, teaching, and patient care isn’t interrupted if there is a strike.

Richard Castillo, Jr.

An Oakfield man is arrested and faces 46 counts of rape and other sex assault charges for a series of incidents, which spanned over the course of two years. 39-year-old Richard Castillo, Jr. is charged with offenses that allegedly occurred at multiple locations in the village of Oakfield and town of Elba; some of the charges involve sexual acts with a victim less than 15 years old. Castillo was released under the supervision of Genesee Justice and is to appear in court at a later date.

State Police are continuing their investigation today into the crash in Royalton in Niagara County that left four people dead and another person hurt. Investigators say a Chevrolet Cruze was traveling west on Slayton Settlement Road when an RV traveling south on Orangeport Road failed to stop at a stop sign and collided with the Cruze in the intersection. The driver of the Cruze, 20-year-old Austin Wilson, of Wilson; and his passengers, 20-year-old Simon Fox of Medina and 21-year-old William Bernadt IV of Newfane were killed in the accident; Troopers say that Wilson and Fox were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. The driver of the RV, 81-year-old Michael Duffy and 80-year-old Linda Duffy, both of Sommerton, South Carolina, were transported to the hospital in critical condition; Linda Duffy later died of her injuries. There is no word as to whether or not charges will be filed.

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today announced it has started mailing additional financial relief to eligible New Yorkers. The Tax Department is issuing $475 million in additional New York State child and earned income tax payments to about 1.8 million people. Most of the checks should arrive by the end of this month. The checks are automatically being mailed to those who received the Empire State Child Credit or the Earned Income Credit, or both, on their 2021 state tax returns. No action is required by taxpayers.

In the wake of Hurricane Ian and recent severe weather across the country, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is warning consumers to take precautions in the weeks and months ahead, against unintentionally purchasing vehicles damaged by flooding. The DMV’s website includes a link to the National Insurance Crime Bureau database. People looking to buy a used car can enter the Vehicle Identification Number and learn if it was ever flooded or stolen. For more information visit dmv.ny.gov

A union at the University of Rochester and University of Rochester Medical Center has set a date for a possible strike. Members say if they don’t have an agreement in place by eight-30 a-m on October 24th they will walk off the job. Negotiations on a new contract started back in June, but WHEC reports a vote on a deal was turned down by the union last month. University of Rochester officials say there is a plan in place to make sure research, teaching, and patient care isn’t interrupted if there is a strike. 

The Rochester Police Accountability Board is trying to get acting manager Duwaine Bascoe fired and replaced.  In a letter sent Tuesday to the PAB and city council, 17 staff members list several demands including that acting manager Duwaine Bascoe be terminated, and replaced by associate general counsel Anthony Durwin.  They also call for a “firing freeze” and for people who resigned or were fired under Bascoe’s leadership to be offered their jobs back. They allege 15% of the PAB’s staff members left or were fired under Bascoe’s leadership.  The Board has been embroiled in scandal and accusations of being useless and not having a purpose since its inception.  The PAB has a five million dollar budget and was approved by voters in 2019.  It has yet to issue any disciplinary recommendations for police accountability.  The staff members who are calling for the firing are also saying they want to form a union.  No one knows what their demands will be as they haven’t done any work yet.

Fentanyl is a major threat to communities and state and local leaders are coming together to warn citizens about it.  Drugs such as meth and cocaine are being spiked with fentanyl which can lead to overdoses on the first use even if it small.  Erie County Health Commissioner Gale Burstein says, “there is no safe drug.”  Most recently, rainbow fentanyl, a type of the drug packaged to look like candy, was detected not too far from WNY in Monroe County. In the WNY area, according to Burstein, blue, yellow and green colored pills have been found within the past year. Since last year there have been nearly 550 overdose deaths in Erie county.  There have been hundreds of thousands in the US since January.  Overdosing is now the leading cause of death in people 18 to 45.

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is reminding drivers that if the license plates on their vehicles are peeling, they can be replaced free of charge. The DMV Commissioner says anyone who has a peeling plate is at risk of getting ticketed and having to pay a fine. To have your plate replaced with the next available standard plate number, email the DMV with information including your name as it appears on your registration, address, city, state, ZIP code, phone number, peeling plate number and a photograph of the plates. A new registration/windshield sticker will be mailed along with the new plates.

Alabama Hotel is hosting a benefit fundraiser October 19th from 4 to 8pm for an Oakfield woman who has a rare form of cancer.  46 year old Carrie Desjardins has intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and is taking chemotherapy.  Judy Gilbert is planning the benefit which will include a basket raffle, a bake sale, side raffles and 50/50 drawings.

The Strong National Museum of Play is turning 40!  Wednesday marks four decades since the museum opened in downtown Rochester.  The museum will celebrate with free train and carousel rides, party hats, a birthday tea party, a photo booth, birthday card crafts and more.  The celebration runs from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., though the museum will be open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

A new proposal from the Labor Department could help millions of gig workers to be classified as employees instead of independent contractors.  That would guarantee them minimum wage pay and overtime.  Many gig workers such as rideshare drivers don’t want the change, saying that being able to pick their hours and use their gig jobs as supplemental income and not a standard part time job would be threatened by the proposal.  The new rule would lower the bar for being classified as an employee from the previous rules set during the Trump administration.

37-year-old Erica Raphael of Batavia has been arraigned on an indictment charging her with two counts of third-degree burglary and petit larceny. She is accused of stealing a bicycle and attempting to steal a cart full of merchandise from Walmart in Warsaw, where she had been banned for previous shoplifting incidents.

Poler’s Pub, Medina – file photo

Medina Police report today that all of the victims from the multiple stabbings at Poler’s Pub are alive and in stable condition. It was learned that all parties involved knew each other; and what started as a verbal argument inside the bar escalated and became physical outside, during which a person used a knife against multiple people. Police know who the subject in this incident is and he is wanted for questioning. At this time, no charges have been filed and the investigation continues.

The Department of Motor Vehicles encourages vehicle owners to exchange any license place that is peeling, free of charge; to avoid the risk of being ticketed or having to pay a fine. License plates that show signs of natural aging, including chips or cracks, are not eligible for a free exchange. Stop in to the DMV for additional information.

Election Day is only four weeks away and there’s an important registration deadline coming up later this week for residents. The final day to sign up to vote is this Friday, October 14th. You can register to vote in-person at the DMV, at a Board of Elections office, by mail, or online. To check your registration status, go to voterlookup.elections.ny.gov Early voting starts Saturday, October 29th.

Proposal 1 is on the ballot this November: It’s The Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022. The proposal asks if you approve for the State to borrow 4.2 billion dollars and spend 1.5 billion for climate change mitigation, 1.1 to reduce flood risks, 650 million to increase water quality and infrastructure, and 650 million for open space land conservation. This is in addition to voting for governor, attorney general, comptroller and senator.

Kirk Ashton (right) enters court with his attorney last week

Testimony resumed today in the trial of former Northwood Elementary School principal Kirk Ashton. He is accused of sexually abusing over 20 students while he worked at the school, which is located in Hilton. Last week, jurors heard from multiple witnesses. A former student who took the stand testified Ashton touched him under his clothes. Two teachers and a district counselor claimed they saw Ashton acting inappropriately towards students. He was principal at the school from 2004 until his arrest last year.

The Mega Millions jackpot keeps growing and is now sitting at $445,000,000 ahead of tonight’s drawing. No one has claimed the top prize since an over $1.3 billion jackpot was won back in July. Anyone who wants to watch this evening’s drawing live can do so at megamillions.com. Please play responsibly.

The Great Batavia Train Show – 2021

The Genesee Society of Model Engineers will host the 101st “Great Batavia Train Show” this Sunday, October 16th, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., at the Richard C. Call Arena, Genesee Community College. Admission is $6 for adults; $3 for kids 13-17 and under 13 are free.

Governor Candidate Lee Zeldin expressed outrage after a shooting in front of his Long Island home sent his daughters into hiding in their bedrooms and 2 men to the hospital.  Zeldin says he came home to blood on his front porch, and that security footage revealed two individuals, one underneath his front porch, another underneath a bush in front of the porch. He also says a third person was seen by a few cameras walking around, leaving the scene. Suffolk County Police are investigating the crime, Zeldin says they’ve told him this violent act isn’t related to him or his campaign.  He addressed the media while standing in front of crime scene tape in front of his house, not the first time Zeldin has been at the center of a crime, in July a man attempted to stab Zeldin while he was speaking near Fairport.  Zeldin has made overturning the Bail reform legislation a central part of his campaign.  

On the ballot this November, or earlier if you vote early or send in absentee ballots, is a proposal called Proposal 1: the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022.  This proposal asks if you want the State to borrow 4.2 billion dollars to spend on things like 1.5 billion for climate change mitigation, 1.1 to reduce flood risks, 650 million to increase water quality and infrastructure, and 650 million for open space land conservation.  Voters can either vote yes or no on the whole package.  This is in addition to voting for governor and many other races.

A teenager had to be rescued from the Letchworth Gorge Saturday after falling about 150 feet down the slope.  New York State Police say she slipped while standing near the edge.  The Park Police High Angle Rope Rescue Team used a stokes basket to lift her up.  She sustained injuries in the fall and was taken to the hospital for evaluation and treatment.  No other information is available.

Attorney General Letitia James has filed to overturn the Federal Judge ruling that put a temporary hold on parts of the gun control law.  Judge Glenn Suddaby ordered a temporary hold back on October 6th on multiple provisions of the law that went into effect on September 1st.  Part of that provision that was halted was the requirement that permit applications to hand over social media account information.  James said that the gun control was for the safety of New Yorkers and was common sense.  In August the Supreme Court struck down part of New York’s concealed carry application process that required applicants to give a reason why they needed to carry a gun outside the home.  In response New York pushed through new laws requiring businesses to put signs in their windows if they allowed guns on their property, expanded the list of places where guns were never allowed, introduced more requirements for applicants to meet to get a license, and made it more difficult to get ammunition, amid other new rules. 

2 people are charged with setting a smoke shop on fire in Alabama at the end of September.  Brandi Rueben and Garret Porter allegedly set fire to the newly opened smoke shop at 368 Martin Rd around 11pm on September 29th.  They are charged with arson in the 3rd degree, criminal mischief, and conspiracy in the 5th.  They are scheduled to appear in court on November 15th.

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello is asking the County Legislature for 100-thousand dollars to help cover police overtime costs. Over the last few months, members of the county sheriff’s department have been working alongside Rochester officers due to the large amount of violent crime in that city. As a result, overtime expenses have been on the rise. There’s no word on just how much money has already been spent on overtime this year.

October 20th Haxton Memorial Library is inviting the community to come and laugh with Improv Group Defiant Monkey.  Starting at 7pm the duo of Karen Eichler and Andrew Spragge will host an evening of laughs, fun and audience participation.  To register go to the circulation desk at Haxton or call 585 948 9900. 

Poler’s Pub, Medina NY – file photo

Some new information has been made available today. Police say that the person who stabbed at least three people during a fight at Poler’s Pub in Medina early yesterday morning has yet to be found and is likely injured. The victims did not appear to have life-threatening injuries but ambulance crews took the three to the hospital, with one taken to Erie County Medical Center. Police know that an argument started inside the bar but then moved outside where it became physical. However, creating challenges for the investigation, some of the people involved have been uncooperative with police and not willing to speak or go on record about the incident.

Two people have been arrested after an investigation into a fire at a roadside marijuana-selling stand in Akron. Genesee County Sheriffs tell us that 26-year-old Brandi Reuben is charged with multiple felonies, including third-degree arson. 26-year-old Garrett Porter is charged with conspiracy. The charges followed an investigation into a fire that was reported late in the evening of Sept. 29 at a roadside stand at 368 Martin Road, Akron. Both were released and are scheduled to appear November 15 in Town of Alabama Court.

Wal*Mart storefront – file photo

29-year-old Rufus Johnson of Chili is charged with burglary and petit larceny, after allegedly stealing property from WalMart in Batavia. On a previous occasion, Johnson had been asked to leave the store. He is scheduled to appear in Town of Batavia Court on October 26th.

The rainy few weeks we’ve been having has helped in many ways. And now the state Department of Environmental Conservation has lifted its drought watch for much of upstate New York, including the four-county GLOW region. The ‘watch’ status is still in place for a few counties downstate, near Long Island.

ALDI has announced a recall of two products due to concerns that they may be contaminated with E.Coli bacteria. The grocery store chain says this recall involves Earth Grown Vegan Traditional Falafel and Garlic and Herb Falafel that is manufactured by Cuisine Innovations Unlimited, LLC. The products have already been removed from the shelves. Anyone who purchased them should not eat or serve them and can return them for a full refund.

Gabriel Davis

The Buffalo Bills have picked up their second win in a row after crushing a longtime AFC rival in front of the hometown crowd. Bills quarterback Josh Allen got the scoring started early when he tossed a 98-yard-touchdown pass to Gabriel Davis as the Bills cruised to a 38 to three victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park yesterday. With the victory, Buffalo improved their record to 4 and 1. Up next for the Bills is a road contest against the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday. Game time, 4:25.

There hasn’t been a Powerball jackpot winner since early August and after no one picked all the correct numbers for Saturday’s drawing, the prize this evening will be at least $401,000,000. But, the odds of hitting the Powerball jackpot are one in over 292,000,000. The drawing will be streamed live online. Please play responsibly.

Police in Medina say multiple people have been stabbed in an early morning melee.
Little in the way of information has been released.
Police do report that incident happened around 1:30 Sunday morning at Poler’s Pub on Main Street in Medina.
Several police agencies responded. Police say it is an on-going investigation.

Genesee County deputies arrest two people on felony charges related to a suspected arson in the Town of Alabama.
26-year-old Brandi Reuben has been charged with felony arson. 26-year-old Garrett Porter has been charged with felony conspiracy.
Deputies say the fire occurred on Sept 29th on Martin Road in Alabama.
Both Reuben an d Porter have been released pending further court action.

Today is officially, Indigenous people’s Day. Most still call it Columbus Day. It is a federal Holiday. Banks, Schools and governmental offices are closed. There will be no mail delivery.
The Batavia City Council will not meet tonight as they usually do on a Monday.
City lawmakers will instead meet tomorrow night at 7.
Following this meeting Council will conduct its first budget workshop

ALDI’s has announced a recall of two products that may be contaminated with E-Coli bacteria.
The grocery store chain – with a store in Batavia – says the recall involves Vegan Traditional Falafel and Garlic and Herb Falafel.
The products have already been removed from the shelves.
Anyone who purchased them should not eat or serve them and can return them for a full refund.

Gasoline prices down a bit in Batavia. Triple A says the average price for a gallon of regular is now $3.69 down 2-cents over the past week. Prices are expected to rise.

Two people are being treated for injuries after they were shot outside the home of New York Congressman Lee Zeldin. The Republican lawmaker, said the incident happened Sunday on his property in Shirley, New York., His teenage daughters called the police. Zeldin said he was not home.
Police said Zeldin was not the target of the shooting.

There hasn’t been a Powerball jackpot winner since early August, but lottery players are hoping their luck changes tonight. After no one picked all the correct numbers for Saturday’s drawing, the prize this evening will be at least 401-million-dollars. But, the odds of hitting the Powerball jackpot are one in over 292-million.

Fall foliage map, as of 10/8/22

The statewide “I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Report” has come out and shows peak fall colors in the Adirondacks, with near-peak leaves to be found throughout most of the upper Catskills, plus parts of the Chautauqua-Allegheny, Thousand Islands-Seaway, and Finger Lakes regions. The report says Genesee County is at about 20% change with primarily red leaves. And in Albion, foliage is expected to be nearing midpoint of change with bright shades of red and yellow.

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the launch of the Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council, with goals of developing a plan to cut child poverty in half over the next decade. The panel meets for the first time in Albany next Thursday. The meeting can be viewed online starting the next day, at:   otda.ny.gov/news/meetings/.

Zachary McCaa

A Caledonia man has been indicted by a Livingston County Grand Jury on murder and manslaughter charges in connection with the death of an infant. 26-year-old Zachary McCaa was charged with second-degree murder and first- and second-degree manslaughter, as well as endangering the welfare of a child. McCaa was the sole caregiver at home during the incident. The investigation alleged that he caused serious physical injuries after throwing the child, causing him to strike his head. It is further alleged that during the incident McCaa shook the child violently on more than one occasion. If convicted, McCaa could face a sentence of life in prison.

Robert Morris

Batavia Community Schools is hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive in the Robert Morris Multi-Purpose Room (80 Union Street) on Tuesday, October 11th from noon until 5. Donors should use the bus loop entrance. Contact Batavia Community Schools Coordinator, Julia Rogers with questions: jrogers@bataviacsd.org, 585-343-2480 x 1004. Anyone who is interested in donating should sign up for an appointment by clicking on the link below:

https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?order=DATE&range=10&zipSponsor=14020

Batavia City Council

The Batavia City Council will hold a Business Meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Council Board Room on the second floor of the Batavia City Centre. Following this meeting Council will conduct its first budget workshop. The Council Meeting is open to the public with appropriate facemasks and social distancing.

Options for viewing the meeting:

Batavia News Service Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOdvZ9lGH0FiD9ADz6Cg6EQ

Streamed LIVE on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/bataviany/

Spectrum Channel 1301 – Thursday October 13, 2022 9:00am and Friday October 14,
2022 8:00pm

The agenda is posted on the City website at the following URL link:
https://www.batavianewyork.com/city-council/agenda/business-meeting-agenda-10-11-22

Quality Inn Palm Island Indoor Water Park

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board has accepted an initial resolution. It’s for the proposed $12 million investment by 8250 Park Road, LLC for extensive renovations to the Quality Inn & Suites and Palm Island Indoor Water Park (at its board meeting last night). 8250 Park Road, LLC would renovate the facility’s hotel rooms, lobby, event spaces, water park, and restaurant. The re-development proposes to create 38 new full-time jobs. The project is estimated to generate $32 of economic activity for every $1 of local public benefits. They are requesting sales tax exemptions estimated at $458,400, a property tax abatement of approximately $659,521, and a mortgage tax exemption estimated at $80,000. A public hearing for the initial application will be scheduled in the town of Batavia.

Jakubonis being arrested – July 2022

The Fairport man accused of attacking Long Island Congressman Lee Zeldin a few months ago has made another appearance in court. David Jakubonis was back in front of a judge yesterday as his lawyer attempted to have him placed in a Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and alcohol recovery program through Veterans Treatment Court and the Bath Veteran’s Administration. The judge did not make a decision because she wants more information about how the program would work. In July, Jakubonis approached Zeldin with a weapon in his hand while he was making a campaign stop in Monroe County. Zeldin, the Republican nominee in the race for New York governor, wasn’t hurt.

70-year-old Gerald Freeman of Batavia has been arrested and charged with grand larceny. It’s alleged he stole a Ford water truck from the Genesee County Fairgrounds. Freeman was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Batavia Town Court on October 18th.

The latest data from the state shows the spread of COVID-19 has once again risen in our region. Right now, the 7 day average infection rate is sitting at 8.4% percent. At this time one week ago, the average infection rate was 8.0%. Anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated against the virus or is interested in receiving the vaccination or a booster shot can find an immunization clinic in our area by visiting vaccines.gov.

Tim Hens

County Highway Superintendent Tim Hens says he thinks the Wings Over Batavia air show would cost nearly $13,000, which include costs for Sheriff’s Office deputies and Emergency Management Services staff to provide security, traffic and crowd control. The breakdown was estimated to be $5,400 for offsite traffic control; $2,055 for EMS presence; and $5,250 for pre-show preparations by highway and facilities maintenance staff. Hens noted that, although a profit would be ideal, breaking even would be fine, too. His main hope is that people who come to the airshow would shop in Batavia and sales tax would make back that cost and possibly more. The County Legislature is set to vote on approval for the Airshow later this month.

Josh Allen – during a game against the Colts – January 2021

After playing their last two games on the road, the Buffalo Bills are going to be back in front of their home crowd on Sunday. The Bills are set to host the Pittsburgh Steelers at Highmark. Buffalo is coming off a 23 to 20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens last week in a contest that saw the team score 20 unanswered points. The Bills have a record this season of 3 and 1 and are in second place in the AFC East. Kickoff for Sunday’s game is set for 1:00.

Gladys Knight

A legendary singer will be performing alongside members of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra this weekend. Gladys Knight, also known as the “Empress of Soul” is set to take the Kleinhans Music Hall stage tomorrow night at 7:30. The seven-time Grammy Award winner is going to perform several of her biggest hits. There are still a limited number of tickets available for the show and they can be purchased at bpo.org, the box office or by calling 716-885-5000.

A total of $788,000,000 will be up for grabs in the Mega Millions and Powerball lottery games over the next couple of days. The prize for Mega Millions tonight is $410,000,000. And, whoever is lucky enough to pick the winning numbers for Powerball tomorrow night will be at least $378,000,000 richer. Both drawings will be streamed live online. Please play responsibly.

(Not actual sign)

According to the new gun control law in New York, in order for someone who has completed the process of acquiring a concealed carry license to take their concealed gun into any private business that business needs to explicitly tell them that it is allowed.  Attica Mayor Nathan Montford wants to make this easier by giving out signs for businesses to post in their windows.  He paid for and commissioned the signs which say “Lawful concealed carry permitted on these premises” at his own expense and initiative.  All counties in the GLOW region have decided to send resolutions protesting the new gun laws as unconstitutional to Governor Hochul.  Other signs like these ones are being handed out by sheriffs and private gun organizations across the state.

The city of Rochester has agreed to pay the children of Daniel Prude, the man who died of a drug overdose and excited delirium while in police custody in March of 2020, and whose death was covered up by order of former Mayor Lovely Warren and lead to the resignation and then firing of Police Chief L’Ron Singletary, 12 million dollars.  Mayor Malik Evans says the decision to settle for 12 million dollars is saving the city money from a prolonged litigation.  The settlement money, minus lawyers’ fees and costs, will go to Prude’s five children, who are heirs to the estate, attorneys said.

A Syracuse judge has issued a temporary restraining order against the New York gun control laws put in place recently.  The judge says the laws are unconstitutional.  Specifically they said that the state can’t enforce requirements that a gun license applicant turn over 3 years of social media.  They also reduced the list of locations deemed sensitive where carrying a gun is a felony.  The state attorney general’s office says they will appeal the decision.

RG and E and NYSEG are putting out recommendations for how to lower your gas and electric costs this winter.  They say that electric customers should expect to pay at least 12 dollars more a month and gas customers should be ready for at least a 47 dollar month increase.  In order to keep costs down homeowners can take some steps to lower their heating bills.  Set thermostats below 68 degrees during the day and down to at least 58 when you are away from home.  Clean or replace furnace filters.  Have your registers blow across the floor instead of towards the ceiling.  Use blinds and curtains to keep heat in.  Turn off lights when not in the room.  And lastly turn down the water heater to 120 degrees to cut water heating bills.  

County Highway Superintendent Tim Hens says he thinks the Wings Over Batavia air show will cost about 12,700 dollars.  That total would be for county Sheriff’s Office deputies and Emergency Management Services staff to provide security, traffic and crowd control. The breakdown was estimated to be $5,400 for offsite traffic control; $2,055 for EMS presence; and $5,250 for pre-show preparations by highway and facilities maintenance staff.  Hens says that, although a profit would be ideal, breaking even would be fine too.  His main hope is that people who come to the airshow would go shopping in Batavia and nearby towns and sales tax would make back the cost and more.  The County Legislator is set to vote on approval for the Airshow later this month.  

Buffalo Zoo has announced some new Bison as the newest residents.  The zoo welcomed three new female American Plains bison to the facility earlier this week. They were born a little over a year ago.  The Buffalo Zoo said in a Facebook post that the bison came to Buffalo from The Wilds, a safari park outside of Columbus, Ohio.  The zoo says they plan to keep the new bison separate from 29-year-old bison, Wilma, as introductions continue.  Names and more information about the bison will be released in the near future.

After playing their last two games on the road, the Buffalo Bills are going to be back in front of their home crowd on Sunday.  The Bills are set to host the Pittsburgh Steelers at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park.  Buffalo is coming off a 23 to 20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens last week in a contest that saw the team score 20 unanswered points.  The Bills have a record this season of three wins and one loss and are in second place in the AFC East.  Kickoff for Sunday’s game is set for one pm.

Joshua Graham

Joshua Graham, a graduate of Pembroke Junior-Senior High School, has been appointed to the position of fire chief for the City of Batavia. Graham holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire and Emergency Management from Purdue Global University, an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science, and an Associate’s Degree in Strategic Operation Management from the Community College of the Air Force. He has also completed numerous trainings and certifications related to fire safety, management, and leadership. He is currently serving as Captain in the Fire Department with the Department of Defense at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. Graham will start in his new position at the end of this month.

Paul Barth Jr.

31-year-old Paul Barth, Jr. of Pembroke has been jailed after repeated violations of an order of protection. Wyoming County sheriff’s deputies said Barth has a long history of violating such orders, and was first charged after an investigation that began early last month. He was arraigned in Wyoming County Court and committed to jail with bail set at $25,000.

42-year-old Daniel Henning of Batavia is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, while on Veteran’s Memorial Drive. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released on his own recognizance. ALSO: 39-year-old Jamie Lee Broadbent of Batavia is charged with petit larceny. He is accused of entering an unsecured storage room and a vacant room at a local hotel and stealing items belonging to the hotel. Broadbent was released on an appearance ticket.

21-year-old Delonta Curry of Batavia is charged with criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds. He is accused of possessing a weapon on Washington Avenue. Curry was arrested on a warrant, arraigned in City Court and ordered held on bail.

Kirk Ashton

A social worker has testified in the trial of former Northwood Elementary School principal Kirk Ashton that she raised red flags about his behavior with students. In one instance, Jaime Kelsey testified she walked into his office and saw him with his arm around a young boy’s waist. She says she also witnessed Ashton rubbing students’ shoulders and heads in the school’s main office. Investigators claim he sexually abused more than 20 students while he worked at the school, which is located in Hilton. Testimony in the trial continued today.

Chris Jacobs

Claudia Tenney

Congressman Chris Jacobs is asking the New York State Department of Education to release 2021 and 2022 standardized test data for kids in grades 3-8. Typically, these results are sent out in August; however, Jacobs believes it’s possible the state is keeping the information private because of the COVID school closures having a detrimental effect on student’s learning. Representative Claudia Tenney supports Jacobs and believes Governor Hochul is withholding the data, suggesting that the school shutdown decisions, along with other COVID mandates the governor ordered, were not supported by science.

The US Department of Education is warning of scammers who are calling on people and claiming to be able to secure debt relief for a fee. They usually ask for your social security number or FSA ID or say they can help you refinance your loan. Federal Student Loan Service agents will never call or email you asking for your private information and you do not need to pay anyone for the student debt relief.

David Quessenberry

One Buffalo Bills player is opening up about his scary medical diagnosis. Back in 2014, at the age of 23, offensive guard David Quessenberry was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s T-cell lymphoma, and spent three years on and off the field battling the disease. He says he knew something wasn’t right almost immediately; the symptoms began with a cough, feeling run down, and almost passing out at practice. Quessenberry pursued medical assessment immediately; and believes had he not gotten the early diagnosis and treatment, his outcome from the disease may have been quite different. The Bills are gearing up to play their annual Crucial Catch game, which focuses on early cancer detection.

Congressman Chris Jacobs is calling for the New York State Department of Education to release 2021 and 2022 standardized test data for kids in grades 3-8.  He was joined by Elise Stefanik, Nicole Malliotakis, Joe Sempolinski, Claudia Tenney and Lee Zeldin in demanding that the data be released to the public as it has been in previous years.  Usually it is sent out in August.  Jacobs and the others say that the state is hiding the information because COVID school closures negatively effected kids learning.  Tenney called the shutdowns unscientific and said Governor Hochul is refusing to release the information because of the November 8th election.

Hoping to get your students loans forgiven when the applications open up later this month?  Watch out for scammer trying to make money off you.  The US Department of Education is warning of scammers who are calling on people and claiming to be able to secure debt relief for a fee.  They usually ask for your social security information or FSA ID or say they can help you refinance your loan.  Federal Student Loan Servicers will never call or email you asking for your private information and you do not need to pay anyone for the student debt relief.

The Genesee County Board of Elections is in need of poll workers.  They say they are expecting a major turnout for the November elections but they are understaffed.  People have signed up and then no showed.  Many people who used to do the elections have retired.  Anyone 17 and older who is a Genesee County resident and pre-registered for one of the two parties of Republican or Democrat may be qualified for the job.

3 Batavia High School Students have been recognized by the College Board National Recognition Program.  The 3 seniors, Jack Pickard, Lauren Reimer, and Nathan Canale, were recognized for their academic achievement of having an above 3.5 GPA and a high PSAT score or 3 or better on 2 or more AP exams.  Students apply for the honor.

Genesee County Sheriffs want to introduce their newest deputy.  Deputy Jacob A. Kipler recently graduated from the 78th Basic Course for Police Officers at the Niagara County Law Enforcement Training Academy held at Niagara County Community College. Deputy Kipler is a 2013 graduate of Maryvale High School, Cheektowaga.  Following high school, Deputy Kipler enlisted in the United States Marine Corps from 2013 to 2018 and was awarded several medals, badges and citations.  He was an aviation mechanic and achieved the rank of Sergeant.  After the Marines, Deputy Kipler pursued a college education at the Community College of Vermont and Erie Community College where he earned an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a 3.6 GPA.  

The Museum Quilt Guild of Batavia will present their biennial show, “Stitches in Time”, on Friday, Oct. 14 and Saturday, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  There will be more than 150 quilts displayed at the Alexander Fireman’s Recreation Hall.  In addition, there will be vendors, demonstrations, a silent auction, a boutique and a basket raffle.  Admission is $5; children under 10 are free.

Former Buffalo Bills Wide Receiver Cole Beasley is retiring from the NFL according to his agent.  He has played 11 seasons and is 33 years old.  This season he is with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after 3 seasons with the Bills.  In Buffalo, Beasley was a second-team All-Pro selection in 2020 with 82 receptions for 967 yards and four touchdowns.  He had another 82 receptions in 2021, though his yardage total dropped to 693 yards with one touchdown.  Beasley is also known for his outspoken stance against COVID-19 vaccinations and was reportedly fined multiple times for violating the NFL’s COVID protocols.  The Dallas native finishes his NFL career with 554 receptions for 5,726 yards and 34 touchdowns in 151 regular-season games. He had another 40 receptions for 457 yards in 11 playoff games.

Wesley Thigpen

A Batavia man already in prison for child sex abuse will have more time to consider a plea offer on the latest charge he’s facing following a court appearance in Genesee County on Monday. 41-year-old Wesley Thigpen is being given time to consider an offer of a guilty plea to predatory sexual assault against a child, a Class A-II felony, with a sentence of 10 years to life. Last month, the judge rejected his prior plea offer, which would have capped Thigpen’s sentence at 13 years. Members of local law enforcement and the victim’s family objected to that prior plea deal, saying it wasn’t enough time. Thigpen is already in prison on a guilty plea from 2019; that plea to child sex abuse capped his prison term to four years. Thigpen also asked for a new attorney, a motion that the judge denied. He is scheduled back in court again on October 24th.

Michael Alan Jones

Federal prosecutors have an interest in a North Carolina man who was arrested last March in Le Roy after allegedly being found in possession of an AR-15 rifle. 24-year-old Michael Alan Jones of Raleigh, has been charged in U.S. District Court in Western New York with possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, and has reportedly reached a plea deal with federal prosecutors. The FBI’s interest in Jones may have more to do with his alleged participation in the January 6 attempted insurrection in Washington, D.C. According to the police report, Jones previously served in the United States Army.

Jeffrey Hall

A Genesee County grand jury has indicted 36-year-old Jeffrey Hall of Batavia. He is accused of sexual assault of a delivery driver, by forcing the 63-year-old driver to touch his intimate parts on May 24. The alleged abuse happened just before midnight at a residence on Ross Street.

Also indicted, 31-year-old Ledeja Wright of Batavia. She is charged with second-degree burglary, third-degree criminal mischief and third degree criminal tampering. Wright is accused of entering a house on Holland Avenue June 15 and damaging a television and stereo.

Quality Inn Palm Island Indoor Waterpark

The Genesee County Economic Development Center is being asked to approve renovations at Quality Inn and the Palm Island Indoor Waterpark. This would mean renovations for use as a four-season tourism and hospitality facility that includes a water park, hotel rooms, lobby, event spaces, and restaurant. The re-development proposes to create 38 new full-time jobs. The corporation is requesting tax exemptions estimated at $458,400, a property tax abatement of approximately $659,521, and a mortgage tax exemption estimated at $80,000. If accepted, a public hearing would be scheduled in the Town of Batavia. The meeting will be in the MedTech Center’s Innovation Zone, 99 MedTech Drive, across the street from Genesee Community College.

Todd Kendall

60-year-old Todd Kendall of Batavia is indicted and charged with failure to verify as a sex offender by not providing a current photograph of himself. Kendall is a Level 2 violent sexual offender on the state registry. He was convicted in 2006 of sexually assaulting a 6-year-old child and was sentenced to a mere six months in jail and 10 years probation.

Kelvin Vickers

New information has been released about the suspect who allegedly killed a member of the Rochester Police Department. Officials say that Kelvin Vickers came to the city earlier this year to murder rival marijuana dealers. Vickers and two other people are accused of being involved in the deaths of two men on North Clinton Avenue July 20th. The next day, he shot Officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz and his partner, Officer Sino Seng, while they were on Bauman Street. Mazurkiewicz passed away due to his injuries but Seng survived.

Kirk Ashton

Testimony is scheduled to resume today in the trial of former Northwood Elementary School principal Kirk Ashton. Investigators claim he sexually abused more than 20 students while he worked at the school, which is located in Hilton. Yesterday, both the prosecution and defense laid out their opening statements and the jury also heard from witnesses. Due to the nature of this case, the judge has issued a gag order to prevent anyone from talking about it outside of the courtroom.

Buffalo School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management

A 16-year-old girl arrested in connection with a stabbing at the Buffalo School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management has been indicted on an assault charge. The Erie County District Attorney’s Office says that the suspect attacked a 17-year-old girl at the school on West Huron Street last month. The victim spent two days in the hospital due to her injuries and is continuing to recover. The 16-year-old, who isn’t being identified due to her age, is scheduled to be back in court next month. She’s in the Erie County Youth Services Center without bail.

Some of the best dancers in the country will be making an appearance in Buffalo next year. The cast of “Dancing With The Stars: Live” will take the stage at Shea’s Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, January 24th. Performers who are expected to be at the show include Sasha Farber, Gleb Savchenko, Emma Slater and Britt Stewart plus some special guests. Tickets go on sale this Friday and can be purchased by visiting dwtstour.com.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and free mammograms are being offered through the New York State Cancer Services Program. The tests are available to individuals who meet age and income eligibility requirements, state residents and people who don’t have health insurance. If cancer is detected, those who are eligible might be able to enroll in the Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program so they can receive Medicaid coverage during treatment. More information about this program is available by calling 1-866-442-2262.

The New York Lottery today announced one second prize ticket was sold for yesterday’s CASH4LIFE drawing. The ticket is worth a guaranteed $1,000 A Week for Life. The lucky ticket was purchased at Tucci’s on Lyell Avenue in Rochester. The winning numbers are 9-15-32-40-42 and Cash Ball is 1.

The shooting of Officer Mazurkiewicz in July in Rochester has been tied to a drug ring that the police were trying to shut down.  Investigators determined the shooter, Vickers, was brought in from Boston to help in a gang war over the distribution of marijuana in Rochester.  Police were cracking down after a string of shootings and arson.  Vickers allegedly murdered at least 2 other men in this gang war before shooting the police as they sat in an unmarked van on Bauman Street.  As part of the long-term investigation, 18 people have been arrested. Police seized 22 guns and 139 pounds of marijuana.

Winter is coming.  And with winter, snow and the need for snowplow workers.  Across the state, the New York State Department of Transportation is hiring fleet technicians and highway maintenance workers.  The openings include both permanent and seasonal roles. 649 positions are currently available across the state, 86 of which are right here in Western New York.  Some of the positions require a CDL.  You can apply even if you don’t have a CDL license and the DOT offers in house training and road tests. 

A 16-year-old girl arrested in connection with a stabbing at the Buffalo School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management has been indicted on an assault charge. The Erie County District Attorney’s Office says that the suspect attacked a 17-year-old girl at the school on West Huron Street last month. The victim spent two days in the hospital due to her injuries and is continuing to recover. The 16-year-old, who isn’t being identified due to her age, is scheduled to be back in court next month. She’s in the Erie County Youth Services Center without bail.

You’ve eaten their food whether you knew it or not.  Sysco is one of the largest distributors of restaurant, school and hospital food in the nation and their New York workers are striking.  Sysco Union workers say they have been working for almost 2 months without a contract in Buffalo, Rochester, Elmira and Syracuse.  Sysco has hired replacement workers while the dispute is ongoing.  There are reports of unrefrigerated trucks being used to transport frozen foods, restaurants not getting their shipments on time, and other issues stemming from the strike.  Workers say the union has had 12 meetings but they have so far been fruitless. 

The Genesee County Economic Development Center is being asked to approve renovations at Quality Inn and the Palm Island Indoor Waterpark.  Formerly Quality Inn and Suites, 8250 Park Road, LLC would renovate the four-season tourism and hospitality facility’s water park, hotel rooms, lobby, event spaces, water park, and restaurant.  The re-development proposes to create 38 new full-time jobs. The project is estimated to generate $32 of economic activity for every $1 of local public benefits.  8250 Park Road, LLC is requesting sales tax exemptions estimated at $458,400, a property tax abatement of approximately $659,521, and a mortgage tax exemption estimated at $80,000.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County will hold its Annual Meeting and Recognition Breakfast on Oct. 27, at 8 a.m. at Terry Hills Restaurant.  CCE of Genesee County invites you to join them for breakfast and help recognize employees and volunteers. Cornell Cooperative Extension friends, volunteers and members of the community are welcome to attend.  Volunteers of the Year Joanna Miller of 4-H, Eric Holliday of Leadership Genesee and Lori Gattie of the Master Gardener program, plus Friend of CCE 2022 Julia Garver will be recognized during this time.  You can register by going to the CCE website or calling 585 343 3040 extension 123.

Early voting for the November 8th Midterm election and Governor’s race will begin on October 29th at the ARC Center at 38 Woodrow Rd in Batavia.  Hours of operation are from 9 to 5 the 29th through the 6th with the exception of Tuesday the 1st and Wednesday the 2nd being noon to 8.  November 8th all polling places will be open from 6 to 9.  The last day for absentee ballots to be requested is October 24th.  Go to absenteeballot.elections.ny.gov to apply for one.  In person applications can be made all the way up to November 7th and ballots must be postmarked by the 8th and received by the 15th.  Military ballots must be in by the 21st.  If you haven’t registered to vote you must do so by the 14th to be able to Vote.

Some of the best dancers in the country are going to be making an appearance in Buffalo next year. The cast of “Dancing With The Stars: Live” will take the stage at Shea’s Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, January 24th. Performers who are expected to be at the show include Sasha Farber, Gleb Savchenko, Emma Slater and Britt Stewart plus some special guests. Tickets go on sale this Friday and can be purchased by visiting dwtstour.com.

A man from Queens is accused of trying to illegally slither across the border.  Not him specifically, but the several Burmese pythons he had stuck down his pants.  36 year old Calvin Bautista had 3 pythons in his pants on a bus which was coming across the border from Canada to the US.  He was caught by border patrol and is awaiting trial.  He was released without the snakes on his own recognizance.

Kirk Ashton

The trial of a former principal who is accused of sexually abusing over 20 students is now underway. Yesterday, jury selection started in the case of Kirk Ashton who prosecutors say abused the victims while he was the principal at Northwood Elementary School located in Hilton. Since Ashton’s arrest last year, the district has made some policy changes including restricting one-on-one meetings. The trial is expected to last about three weeks.

Samuel Blackshear

A state appeals court has upheld a 2019 ruling against a Batavia teenager who shot a man in the leg, after the man had just stabbed and killed someone. Samuel Blackshear was 17 at the time of his conviction of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. His attorneys appealed the conviction, saying that the court should have granted Blackshear youthful offender status during his sentencing due to mitigating circumstances. Blackshear was sentenced as an adult to three years and six months in prison. He was released from Franklin Correctional Facility on March 1 and is now on parole until February 1, 2024. The state Appellate Division, unanimously upheld the conviction and the ruling. Blackshear never disputes that he was convicted of an armed felony offense but contends that the court should have determined him to be eligible for youthful offender treatment because of the mitigating circumstances in his case, in that he was defending others. However, the court ruled against him; as Blackshear “pursued his target in order to fire the gun at that person at close range.” The court ruled they found no mitigating factors with respect to youthful offender status.

Tarrence Williams

Police tell us that 22-year-old Tarrence Williams, of Batavia, was allegedly carrying a “ghost gun” as he ran from police who were responding to a report of shots fired. The incident began after a complaint of what sounded like gunshots early Friday evening at 200 Ellicott Street. Witnesses observed a man walking nervously with what appeared to be a gun and then saw him again walking on the Ellicott Trail a short distance from the incident location. Officers tried to stop him but he fled on foot. During the foot pursuit Williams allegedly removed his identifiable clothing and discarded a firearm in a bush near M&T Bank on Court Street. The handgun had no make, model or serial number. Williams was charged with felony criminal possession of a weapon. He was committed to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail. The incident is believed isolated and no injuries were reported. Williams is currently awaiting sentencing from a previous court proceeding where he pled guilty to felony third-degree attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance.

The IRS wants you to know there are scammers out there trying to steal your money. The IRS tells us this morning there has been a recent increase in the number of people impersonating IRS agents. Scammers can send out hundreds of thousands of fake IRS emails and text messages in just hours. But there are clear signs that the messages are phony. They include spelling and grammar mistakes, a sense of urgency and the promise of money. Keep in mind the IRS will only ever contact you by sending letters through the US Postal Service. Things to watch out for that could tip you off that the message is from scammers:

*Spelling and grammar mistakes. One common text scam reads, “IRS is filing [sic] lawsuit against you [sic] for more information [sic] call this number on urgent basis” Notice the “a” is missing as are the periods. No professional would send a text as a long run-on sentence.

*A sense of urgency. Some common IRS impersonation scams warn of a warrant and pending arrest if you don’t call immediately.

*The promise of money. Many of these scam IRS messages are tied to the promise of another stimulus payment. Some may even address you by name.
The text includes a number to call or a link to click. That link will either unleash malware on your device or take you to sites that look like the IRS, but instead are designed to steal your personal information.

*Fake websites. There are also fake sites that ask victims for a host of information including their social security number, name, birthday, email and employer. But the first thing you should look for are spelling and grammar mistakes. Here is one example: “Important for every tax payers [sic] to avoid being over charged… [sic]” The word, “taxpayers” should not have been plural, and it’s one word, as is overcharged.

*Finally, the IRS will never contact you by text message, email or by phone. The IRS will always use the United States Postal Service.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has expressed his displeasure with Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon’s decision to gradually lower the farm overtime threshold from 60 to 40 hours. With inflation and minimum wage set to rise again, he believes this decision could force hundreds of farms out of business in the very near future. He also noted that farmers and farm laborers rely on the current 60-hour threshold. Hawley said he would continue to work toward overturning the ruling.

Genesee County Office For the Aging – 2 Bank Street – file photo

The Director of Genesee County’s Office For the Aging, Diana Fox; estimates that the last of the Baby Boomers will be turning 65 by 2030, and that will mean more seniors to serve. Projections of an aging population on the rise put ages 60 and older at around 16,000 people in Genesee County, to increase to nearly 20,000 by 2035, and ages 65 and older at a close second with some 16,000 to 17,000 by that same time period. And these are the age groups that are prime candidates for the services provided by the Office For the Aging. The caseload waitlist is slightly higher than last year’s; 101 versus 90, a year ago — as people wait for caregiver support for an older loved one. There are no wait lists for meal deliveries, which are at about 165 active cases right now. Our news partner, The Batavian, published a comprehensive story discussing the increasing demand on services for an aging population. Here is a direct link:

https://www.thebatavian.com/joanne-beck/boomers-part-of-older-population-expected-to-keep-growing-putting-demand-on-services

Beach Boys Christmas Concert

They’ve sold millions of albums and been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, now The Beach Boys have announced a trip to Western New York later this year. The ‘Tis The Season with The Beach Boys featuring The Holiday Vibrations Orchestra Tour is coming to the Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo Friday, December 9th. Songs from the band’s 1964 holiday album are going to be performed and tickets go on sale Friday at 10:00am. They can be purchased at the Shea’s box office or through Ticketmaster.

Jamison Crower – following injury during Bills-Ravens game, 10/2/22

It looks like the Buffalo Bills are going to be without wide receiver Jamison Crowder for the foreseeable future. Head coach Sean McDermott said yesterday that Crowder suffered a broken ankle during Buffalo’s 23 to 20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. Wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie also left the contest and the team later revealed he’s in NFL’s concussion protocol. Buffalo’s next game is scheduled for this Sunday at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Bethany-LeRoy Road from Route 63 to Clipnock Road is closed until Thursday for culvert replacement. No traffic will be allowed through.

Did you ever sweat the fee for having an overdue book?  Not anymore at Richmond Memorial, Byron Bergen, and Haxton Memorial Libraries.  The three libraries are running a trial program where there will be no fines for overdue books from October 1st to December 31st.  They join the other Genesee County libraries, Corfu Public, Hollwedel Memorial, and Woodward Memorial libraries – that have and will continue to offer fine-free circulation.  If you have any library material out that is overdue right now you can return it and the fine will be forgiven.  Old fines and any other fees still need to be paid.  Why are they doing this?  To get books and other materials back that people are holding for fear of being charged.  Other libraries across the country have seen 85 percent of the items that were being held onto by patrons because they didn’t want to return them overdue and face a fine returned according to a CNN article. 

Rochester City Schools are under the microscope because they may have artificially inflated students’ grades.  An internal audit showed that the school started students off with a 4.5 grade point average instead of a 4.0.  Essentially giving them free points they didn’t have to earn above 100.  It gets worse for regents and honors classes which started at 5.5 and 6.5 meaning a C would look like a 4.0 and many classes that were not regents or honors such as PE and art were classified that way to use the inflated system of grading.  Several students who graduated in the 2015-2017 classes were found to not have enough credits to graduate if they had not had their scores increased.  School board president Cynthia Elliott said “Somebody needs to go to jail over this.” 

The Rochester Police Department is continuing its investigation into the latest deadly shooting to happen in the city. Last night, a man in his 40s was hit several times by gunfire in the area of Driving Park Avenue and Finch Street. The man, whose name has not been released, was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital but could not be saved. Police say there’s currently no threat to the public and are asking anyone with information to dial 911.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says additional funding has been secured that’ll help thousands of upstate residents stay warm this winter.  Schumer said yesterday that one-billion-dollars is going towards the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program which will provide people with funds to pay their heating bills. The money is coming from a temporary budget bill that was passed by Congress. Utility companies are projecting a large spike in home heating bills in the coming months due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and supply chain issues caused by the COVID-19 crisis.

The Genesee County Student Transition and Recovery Program or STAR has ended without a contract renewal potentially leaving hundreds of teens in need of help without the resources in place to assist them.  The department of Social Services is hoping to step into the gap by hiring adolescent behavioral specialists and working directly with at-risk youth at their homes and in the schools.  Youth will get exercise classes, help with school work, mentoring and therapy.  The budget for it will come from what was being used for the STAR program and lost employees.  Legislator John Deleo saw it as putting a youth back on track versus being derailed by the absence of such a hands-on program. There can be about 40 kids at any given time with a total of close to 200 going through the program. The county would be employing many of the same people that ran STAR, which offers continuity for participants. 

The North Side was getting flushed already and now it’s the south side’s turn.  On Wednesday and Thursday fire hydrants south of West Main Street and West of Jackson Street will be flushed to drain out sediment that has collected in the pipes and check the pressure of the system.  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 five minutes or until clear.

The Bills sure seem to be having a lot of injuries.  It looks like the Buffalo Bills are going to be without wide receiver Jamison Crowder for the foreseeable future. Head coach Sean McDermott said yesterday that Crowder suffered a broken ankle during Buffalo’s 23 to 20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. Wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie also left the contest and the team later revealed he’s in NFL’s concussion protocol. Buffalo’s next game is scheduled for this Sunday at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Monday the Buffalo Sabres announced their newest team dog.  Nikki the 8 month old golden retriever will attend home games and other events to greet fans, woof on the team, and get belly rubs.  According to the team, Nikki is currently training to be a service dog as part of WNY Heroes’ Pawsitive for Heroes program. She was donated to WNY Heroes by the Warden family and named in honor of Nicholas Warden, a U.S. Army veteran from Depew, who was killed in Syria while combating ISIS as a volunteer fighter in 2017.  This is the second team dog in the team’s history. Last season the Sabres introduced Rick, he is currently in the service of U.S. Coast Guard veteran Chris Kankiewicz.

Daniel Goodell

State Police are asking for your help in an investigation of a 41-year-old man arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including counts of sexual abuse, sexual conduct and endangering the welfare of a child. Daniel Goodell of Wichita, Kansas previously lived in New York State but left before the investigation into incidents reported to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation out of Batavia. Police received complaints involving children possibly being abused between 2019 and 2021; investigation found that the 12 and 13-year-old victims had been abused multiple times. Goodell was extradited to Genesee County; he was then arraigned in the Town of Alexander Court and remanded to Genesee County Jail. The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office has pending charges on Goodell. If anyone has information on him, contact the New York State Police at 344-6200.

New York’s minimum wage will increase at the end of this year, in all areas outside New York City, Long Island and Westchester County. Locally, that means the minimum wage will rise from $13.20 per hour to $14.20, which represents an increase of 7.5%. In those other three areas of the state, the minimum wage is already at $15 an hour and will not increase further.

57-year-old Michelle Misiak and 34-year-old Brian Raphael, both of Batavia, were arrested during a larceny in progress. Upon arrival to the scene, officers learned that this was the pair’s second attempt at stealing groceries, following an incident earlier in the day. Both are charged with petit larceny. They were issued appearance tickets and are due back in Batavia City Court later this month. ALSO, in an unrelated arrest: 33-year-old Shawn Wisniewski of Medina was arrested and charged with petit larceny after an incident at a local business on Jackson Street. He was issued an appearance ticket in Batavia City Court and will return to court next week. ALSO, in another unrelated arrest: 42-year-old Daniel Henning of Batavia was arrested for criminal possession of stolen property. It’s alleged that he possessed stolen property on Veterans Memorial Drive. Henning was arraigned in the Town of Batavia Court and released on his own recognizance. He is due back in court late next month.

Farm workers – file photo

Farmers and agricultural groups believe the potential is there for disastrous results now that the state has reduced the overtime threshold for farm labor. The Farm Laborers Wage Board’s recommendation was released last week and will lower the current 60-hour threshold for overtime pay to 40 hours per week by January 1, 2032, with reductions made in small steps over the next 10 years. Farm labor advocates say the reduced threshold ensures fair pay for laborers’ work, while agriculture groups have argued the added pressure would ultimately create financial hardship for farmers and lead to a shortage of workers due to their leaving the state in pursuit of more work.

Following extensive negotiations, Kaleida Health and unions representing over 6000 workers have reached a tentative agreement to avoid a strike. The deal was announced overnight and came after union members voted last month to authorize walkouts at Kaleida facilities. The terms of the agreement won’t be released until members are briefed. In a statement, the Kaleida Health President CEO said this contract is fair, rewards current employees and will help attract new staff. A ratification vote is expected to be held in the next few weeks.

Drivers in our region are still paying less at the pump to fill up their vehicles following another drop in gas prices. According to Triple A today, the average cost for a gallon of regular fuel is sitting at $3.72. That’s down nine cents in the past week and is 46 cents less than this time last month. The current state average is $3.60; nationally, it’s $3.80. In Batavia, our average price per gallon is $3.78, up 53 cents from a year ago today.

There hasn’t been a Powerball jackpot winner in weeks, but lottery players are hoping that changes tonight. After Saturday’s jackpot went unclaimed, the prize ahead of this evening’s drawing has grown to at least $336,000,000. The last time someone won the jackpot was in August. Please play responsibly.

Tyler Bass – 10/2/22

The Buffalo Bills have avoided dropping a second straight game after rallying to pick up a victory on the road. Tyler Bass kicked a 21-yard-field goal with the clock running out as the Bills overcame a 20-to-three deficit to beat the Baltimore Ravens 23 to 20 at M&T Bank Stadium yesterday. Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen threw one touchdown and ran for another for the Bills who have a record this season of three wins and one loss. Up next for Buffalo is a home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday at 1:00.

The man police say fired shots around the area of 200 Ellicott street on Friday evening has been identified as 22 year old Tarrance Williams of Batavia.  The incident began with a report of gunshots at about 6 p.m.  Witnesses reported seeing a male walking nervously with what appeared to be a gun on his person.  A man matching the description provided was spotted by Sgt. Dan Coffey walking on the Ellicott Trail a short distance from the incident location. When Coffey attempted to stop the individual for an interview, the man fled on foot and Coffey chased him from Evans Street to Court Street. Williams has been charged with criminal possession of a weapon 2nd, a Class C felony, and criminal possession of a weapon 4th, a Class A misdemeanor.  Williams recently entered a guilty plea in County Court to a charge of attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd — a charge that indicates prosecutors believe he possessed enough of a controlled substance that he intended to sell it.  He is awaiting sentencing on that conviction.  There have been no reports of any injuries from the gunshots.

Rochester Police are investigating 3 shootings that happened Saturday night and Sunday morning.  A shooting on Lyle Ave Saturday night around midnight left a man in the hospital with non life threatening injuries to the upper chest.  The second was on 6th Street around 1:30am Sunday.  A man was shot getting out of his car and was taken to Strong with non life threatening injuries.  There was a woman and child in the car who were not hurt in the shooting.  Around 5 a.m. officers arrived at Hudson Avenue near Berlin Street where they located a man in his 20s who had been shot in his lower body.  He was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital and his condition is unknown at this time.  So far no suspects are in custody.  

Western NY drivers are still paying less at the pump to fill up their vehicles following another drop in gas prices. According to Triple A, the average cost for a gallon of regular fuel is sitting at 3.72. That’s down seven cents in the past week and is 40 cents less than this time last month. The current state average is 3.60 while nationally it’s 3.80.

The Walk to End Alzheimers on Saturday raised over 80,000 dollars for support for patients and caregivers.  The funds also go to the Alzheimer’s Association for research on treatments and cures for Alzheimer’s.  There are more than six million Alzheimer’s patients in the country who are helped by more than 11 million unpaid caregivers.  The first survivor is out there.

The Buffalo Bills started off struggling against the Ravens but came out on top winning 23 to 20 against the Baltimore team.  The first half started off rough.  Allen threw an interception that was run back for a touchdown by the Ravens on the opening drive.  Baltimore followed that up with a 15-play, 81 yard drive at the end of the first quarter. Putting them ahead 14-3.  At the half the Ravens lead 20 to 3.  The Bills came charging back in the second half with touchdowns by Isaiah McKenzie and Allen and a field goal to tie up the game before the 4th quarter.  Poyer intercepted the ball for the second time in the game as the Ravens tried to score at the 2 yard line and gave the ball to the Bills for a last second field goal.  The Bills next game is against the Steelers in Buffalo Sunday at 1pm.

The Sabres won their exhibition match 3 to 1 against the Penguins Saturday at the Keybank Center.  The Sabres goals came from a trio Victor Olofsson, Tage Thompson and Jack Quinn on an empty net late in the third period.  Ukko-Pekka Luukonen made 32 saves.  Buffalo will host Carolina Tuesday night at 7 p.m. for another exhibition game at the Key Bank Center.

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon has accepted the Farm Laborer’s Wage Board’s recommendation to lower the overtime threshold in New York state to 40 hours a week.  This would mean that farmers have to pay overtime to anyone who works more than 40 hours a week.  This is something that Farmers and workers both opposed for the last 2 years, sending videos and letters and social media posts to the board saying it was a bad idea and would destroy farming in New York and cause workers to leave to seek more hours outside the state.  Reardon said that the Department of Labor had to do this to enforce equity.  The Board’s report recommended that the reduction in overtime hours take place by reducing the overtime work limit by 4 hours every other year beginning in 2024 until reaching 40 hours in 2032, giving agriculture businesses proper time to adjust.

Police responded to shots fired near Evans Street in Batavia Friday night.  Sergeant Coffey approached a suspect who took off running.  Coffey gave chase and followed the man from Evans to Court street where he tackled him and placed him under arrest.  Batavia Police and Firefighters then searched the area until they found a gun under a bush between KeyBank’s ATM and M&T Bank.  The report is still under investigation and detectives are working on linking the man and gun and whatever charges should be filed. 

A football player from Geneseo High School is now out of the hospital after being seriously injured during a game last week.  Julian Huffman was rushed to Strong Memorial Hospital last Friday for emergency surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain.  Huffman’s mother said her son came home from the hospital Thursday night.  She said he’s walking around and eating, and doctors expect him to make a full recovery.

The City of Batavia will be flushing and testing fire hydrants Monday and Tuesday in the area north of main street and east of bank street.  These tests will monitor the health of the city’s water system and get rid of material that settles in the pipes.   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.

The Salvation Army has responded to Hurricane Ian with people on the ground and providing water, food, clean up supplies and mental and spiritual support.  If you would like to support the efforts to help people in Florida through the Salvation Army you can send money to their church on East Main Street.  They say that it is too early to send goods such as blankets and clothes as the infrastructure has not been set up yet.  The best way to help is monetarily and all donations will go directly to the relief efforts.  This is a part of the Salvation Army’s motto, “Doing The Most Good.”

Veterans have recently become the target of a scam to pay outlandish fees for copies of their military discharge papers. A company out of Phoenix, Arizona, named DD214 DIRECT, charges veterans $79 for a copy of their papers or $119 for an e-mail copy with a hard copy to follow. However, they should never have to pay anything. After leaving military service, veterans should file their discharge papers with the Clerk’s Office in the county where they reside. The original papers are always returned to the veteran. A FREE certified copy will be provided to the veteran, or parent, spouse, dependent or child of the veteran at any time. There is never any reason to pay fees for these records. NYS Military Law prohibits disclosure of information on the discharge papers to anyone else without the written authorization of the veteran. These papers are preserved permanently and will always be available when needed.

Teen ready to get Covid vaccine – file photo

Public health officials are encouraging eligible residents in our region to get vaccinated with the updated booster shot against COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control recently approved the reformulated boosters to further protect against the disease. Anyone 12 years of age and older are now eligible to receive an updated booster two months after their last COVID-19 dose; either since their last booster shot or since completing their initial two vaccine doses. The CDC suggests that people who had COVID-19 recently may consider waiting three months from the start of their symptoms or a positive test before getting the updated booster shot. People who have questions about COVID-19 vaccines should talk to their physician or visit http://www.getyouranswers.org.

Gas prices continue their downward trend. According to Triple A this morning, the nationwide average price for a gallon of gas is $3.80; in New York State, it’s $3.62. In Batavia, we’re paying an average price of $3.81, which is only 56 cents higher than we paid one year ago today.

Travis Lewis III

Two people are facing charges in connection with a shooting that seriously injured a three-year-old boy. Prosecutors say 34-year-old Travis Lewis the third and a 16-year-old were involved in a shootout on North Clinton Avenue in Rochester on Wednesday night. During that exchange of gunfire a bullet hit Marlo Joseph while he was sitting in his car seat. Joseph was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was last listed in critical, but stable, condition. Lewis is behind bars without bail and the teen was sent to the Monroe County Children’s Detention Center.

Christopher Koch

The criminal case against New Era Cap Company CEO Christopher Koch has now been dropped. Koch was involved in an argument earlier this year with his girlfriend’s ex-husband in the parking lot of Oliver’s Restaurant in Buffalo. At one point, Koch drove his vehicle towards the man but didn’t hit him. His attorney tells WGRZ the judge’s decision yesterday to drop the case against Koch was supported by new evidence that was uncovered. The Erie County District Attorney’s Office says it cannot comment on the ruling because the case is now sealed.

BB gun – file photo

A student at Kenmore West High School is in some serious trouble for having BB gun on school property. Officials were notified yesterday that the student had a weapon and it later was found during a search of their locker. The student, whose name wasn’t released, was detained and Town of Tonawanda police were contacted. The school district says students and their families can help keep schools safe by reporting any suspicious activity immediately.

Lithium-ion battery – file photo

State Attorney General Letitia James has issued a consumer alert involving lithium-ion batteries that are used to power e-bikes, e-scooters, and hoverboards. She’s warning New Yorkers about the potential dangers those batteries pose because they have been known to cause fires that have led to injuries and even deaths. James says people should only purchase these batteries from a trusted manufacturer and store them in a safe place. And when it’s time to dispose of a battery, bring it to a proper recycling location.

The Buffalo Bills will be back in action this weekend as they try and rebound from their first loss of the season. The Bills are going to be on the road to take on Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Last week, Buffalo was beaten by their AFC East division rivals the Miami Dolphins by a final score of 21 to 19 and the team has a record of two wins and one loss. Kickoff for Sunday afternoon’s game is set for 1:00.

So long, hope to see you (or some of your friends) again soon…

No one has been lucky enough to win the Mega Millions or Powerball games lately and that means the jackpots have now reached a combined $677,000,000. There will be at least $355,000,000 up for grabs in Mega Millions this evening and the Powerball prize for tomorrow is sitting at $322,000,000. Both drawings will be streamed live online. Please play responsibly.

Two people are facing charges in connection with a shooting that seriously injured a three-year-old boy. Prosecutors say 34-year-old Travis Lewis the third and a 16-year-old were involved in a shootout on North Clinton Avenue Wednesday night. During that exchange of gunfire Marlo Joseph was hit by a bullet while he was sitting in his car seat. Joseph was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was last listed in critical, but stable, condition. Lewis is behind bars without bail and the teen was sent to the Monroe County Children’s Detention Center.

New York State is trying to make it easier on folks to purchase electric vehicles. Yesterday, Governor Hochul said the state is adding ten million dollars toward a Drive Clean Rebate Program. People purchasing electric vehicles could get up two thousand dollars off per vehicle through the rebate program. The governor is also directing the State Department of Environmental Conservation to take action that’ll require all new SUVs, pickup trucks and passenger cars sold in the Empire State to be zero emissions by 2035.

Well that stinks!  A tractor trailer carrying liquid manure crashed on I90 between Depew and Pembroke around 4pm Thursday.  The truck was heading eastbound when the accident happened.  The tractor and trailer split and the manure spread across the highway.  Police redirected traffic off the highway at exit 49.  It took till after 10pm to get the mess cleaned up and traffic back to normal.  State Police are investigating the reason for the crash. 

You see them everywhere.  Help wanted signs.  Nearly every industry is hiring and they aren’t alone.  The Batavia City Police department is trying to get more people to take the civil service exam after the last few were less than half the normal number.  This is causing officers to have to work more short shift overtime and not having enough for special details.  The schools are having trouble getting enough teachers and the bus driver shortages have been in the news for the last 2 years.  The problem isn’t that there aren’t enough people looking for work in some situations.  Empire Hemp said they got over 300 applications for a job at the store, but over 290 of them just wanted to smoke pot and dropped out when they found out they couldn’t get high on the job.  There are more people in the labor force now than there were last year and the year before.  Demand is still high.  Now is a great time to find work.

The Ascension Parish is getting ready for Oktoberfest this Saturday.  From 5 to 10 pm come out to eat, drink, dance and sing at 19 Sumner St.  The headliners for the event are The German American Musicians and of course, German and American beer.  The German American Musicians is a 25-member band founded in 1933.  It is a  not-for-profit cultural organization dedicated to the cultivation and performance of the traditional music and culture of German-speaking lands.  Admission is 5 dollars per person.  Kids 12 and under are free.  For details and to get presale tickets, only available till 5 today, go to ascensionoktoberfest.com.

It may be colder than summer but some people just can’t wait for the snow and ice.  And they can go to David M McCarthy Arena today through Sunday to get out on the ice during the open house.  The McCarthy Ice Arena welcomes the community back to the arena for another great year of winter sports.  Stop by the Evans Street arena and check out the recent improvements to the rink, enjoy discounted public events, cheer on area youth and adult hockey teams, and food specials at the newly opened snack shop.  There is a skate and shoot this afternoon from 3 to 5 for 5 dollars and public skate with free rentals from 7 to 9pm.  Saturday from 1-3 a skate to raise money for Batavia Schools and Sunday a family skate.  1 dollar hotdogs are on sale all weekend and several games will be played Saturday and Sunday.

The Buffalo Bills will be back in action this weekend as they try and rebound from their first loss of the season. The Bills are going to be on the road to take on Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Last week, Buffalo was beaten by their AFC East division rivals the Miami Dolphins by a final score of 21 to 19 and the team has a record of two wins and one loss. Kickoff for Sunday’s game is set for one p-m.

McDonald’s Eastown Plaza – file photo

The investigation continues into a robbery this morning at McDonald’s on East Main Street. At 5:36am, a white male wearing a gray-hooded sweatshirt and a mask, walked up to the drive through window and demanded money. The suspect stole the cash drawer from the register and fled the scene and was last seen on foot running westbound behind 555 East Main Street. No one was injured and the suspect got away with an undetermined amount of money. Anyone with information should contact the Batavia Police immediately on their confidential tip line: 345-6370.

A Byron man has been sentenced to 5 years for raping a person under the age of 17 in the Target parking lot in January of last year. 21-year-old Shawn Myers is a volunteer firefighter and carries diagnoses of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, and depression. The victim suffered physical injury and still experiences emotional trauma from the event. The judge told Myers that he should spend the time in prison learning not to force people to do things against their will and to learn a trade.

Governor Hochul – Congressman Zeldin

A new poll is out and it reveals one candidate still has a double-digit lead in the race for New York governor. The Siena College Research Institute says Governor Hochul has a 17-point advantage over her Republican challenger, Long Island Congressman Lee Zeldin. Last month, the governor was ahead by 14 points in this contest. Hochul is looking to earn a full four-year term in office after taking over for ex-governor Andrew Cuomo last year. Zeldin is attempting to be the first Republican to be elected governor since George Pataki. Election Day is a little over a month away, on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

When the new state firearms laws were passed in July, many people across the GLOW region expressed opposition. New restrictions The Concealed Carry Improvement Act established include strict new standards for the purchase, possession and carrying of firearms. The requirements to obtain a New York state concealed carry pistol permit were expanded to include mandatory training, in-person interviews, and a review of the person’s social media posts. Permit re-certification and renewals are also now required. Firearms have also been forbidden from “sensitive areas” such as bars, libraries, schools, government buildings, parks, and protests. Violating the new laws is a felony offense. Most believe that law-abiding citizens will be the only ones to follow the new laws. And in fact, many believe the new law that took effect on September 1st place unprecedented and overly restrictive conditions on the process of applying for, obtaining, utilizing, maintaining and then recertifying a conceal carry permit for personal protection and other legal uses. Many members of the County legislatures find the new laws to be a gross violation of the Constitution and plan to work with other counties across the state to repeal it.

Positive COVID test result

For the first time since late spring, there have been more than 100 new COVID-19 cases reported in Genesee County in back-to-back weeks. Last week, there were 123 new positive tests reported to the Health Department; this week, there were 115. New case reports were well below 100 most weeks throughout the summer. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the county’s current transmission risk is “medium.”

Andrew Cuomo

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo says it’s time to move forward. In a video posted online, the 64-year-old Cuomo said being forced from office more than a year ago gave him time to reflect. Cuomo said he plans to do a weekly podcast and wants to start a political action committee with goals of electing the right people to office. Cuomo also wants to start a Gun Safety America Project.

Dane Jackson

A few weeks after being involved in a scary collision, Buffalo Bills cornerback Dane Jackson has returned to the field. Jackson was a limited participant in yesterday’s practice as the Bills started preparing to take on the Baltimore Ravens. Jackson was injured earlier this month when he was accidentally hit in the head by his teammate Tremaine Edmunds. There’s no word if Jackson is going to play in Sunday’s game in Baltimore.

Judge Melissa Cianfrini

A man from Byron has been sentenced to 5 years for raping a minor in a Target parking lot.  21 year old Shawn Myers was convicted of forcing a person less than 17 years old on January 28th 2021.  The girl suffered physical injury and still suffers emotional trauma from the rape.  Myers, a volunteer firefighter who suffers from PTSD, anxiety, and depression, was assured that prison staff would make sure he had access to his medication.  The judge, Melissa Cianfrini, told Myers that he should spend the time in prison learning not to force people to do things against their will and learn a trade.

A 3 year old in Rochester is in the hospital with life threatening injuries after being shot while sitting in a car in front of Clinton Grocery.  Just before 6pm on Wednesday night two people opened fire at each other on Scrantom Ave, between the store and gas station.  Police were on the scene and chased the shooters to a home on Sullivan Street where multiple people were arrested and 2 handguns were seized.  The child was taken by ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital where he went into surgery.  Mayor Malik Evans said “We are dealing with individuals who have no regard for life. Not for their own life, and not for the people living in these communities that are sick of it. The vast majority of people in this neighborhood are good hardworking people.”  The shooting remains under investigation.

There is a frost advisory for Friday morning for most of Western NY.  Temperatures in the lower to middle 30s will result in frost formation. The lowest temperatures will be further inland away from the lakeshores.  Frosts can kill vulnerable plants if they are not covered. 

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo says he wants to move forward.  In a video posted online, the 64-year-old Cuomo said being forced from office more than a year ago gave him time to reflect.  Cuomo said he plans to do a weekly podcast and he’s “starting a political action committee to elect the right people to office.”  He also said he was “starting the Gun Safe America Project,” with more details to be announced.

Governor Hochul says she is putting an additional 50-million dollars towards public safety. Local police departments will receive a total of 30-million-dollars to upgrade technologies and another 20-million will be used to support pre-trial services. This is in addition to the 227-million-dollars that was put aside in the state budget approved earlier this year. The funding comes on the heels of Hochul promising those in law enforcement that she will assist them in any way possible.

Governor Hochul has a commanding lead against Lee Zeldin in the latest Siena Poll.  She is ahead by 17 points.  The lead currently stands at 54 to 37 percent, which is up slightly from 53 to 39 percent in August.  At the beginning of September a different poll showed she was only up by 4 points.  The New York Times warned 2 weeks ago that polling has been misleading and democrat candidates would assume their lean is much smaller than shown in polls.  Election Day is a little over a month away, on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

A football player from Geneseo High School is recovering from a life threatening injury sustained during a game on Friday.  Senior Julian Huffman was rushed off the field during Friday’s game against York with a severe brain injury.  Officials are unsure what happened to cause the injury, between plays Huffman collapsed on the field.  Huffman was rushed to Strong Memorial Hospital for emergency surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain.  He has been up and walking and talking for short periods of time according to a friend of the family.  He hopes to continue playing and play in college.

Cornerback Dane Jackson was back in practice Wednesday after being ambulanced off the field on Friday.  The Buffalo Bills are dealing with a long injury report early in a season which they entered with high expectations.  In the secondary, safety Micah Hyde is out for the season with a neck injury. Hyde was injured in the same game as Jackson. Safety Jordan Poyer was limited in practice on Wednesday. Cornerback Christian Benford is week-to-week and recently had surgery on his hand. Star cornerback Tre’Davious White started the season on the reserve list after an ACL tear ended his 2021 campaign.  Tight end Dawson Knox and defensive tackle Ed Oliver were also limited in practice Wednesday due to injuries. Ryan Bates (concussion protocol), Dion Dawkins (illness), Jake Kumerow and Jordan Philips did not practice due to injury.

Zachary McCaa

A Livingston County man is behind bars after being accused of murdering his two-month-old son. According to the District Attorney’s Office, 26-year-old Zachary McCaa of Caledonia took the child’s life back in June by throwing him and violently shaking him. McCaa was originally charged with assault but he is now charged with murder, child endangerment and manslaughter. He returns to court in November.

Jerome Ware

59-year-old Jerome Ware of New Rochelle, Westchester County has turned himself in after a Warsaw resident was allegedly defrauded out of more than $5,500. The victim received a telephone call April 7 from a person claiming to be a Verizon Wireless employee and was able to get the victim’s account information; and then placed an order for four smartphones; they were reportedly delivered to an address in Mount Vernon, New York. A joint investigation found that a FedEx driver was also involved, delivering to places other than their intended addresses. Ware was charged with first-degree identity theft and third-degree grand larceny. He was released on his own recognizance and is to appear Nov. 7 in Warsaw Town Court.

Daniel Warmus

An Alden man has been sentenced for taking part in the violent protests that happened at the United States Capitol last year. Yesterday, a judge ordered 38-year-old Daniel Warmus to spend 45 days behind bars and the next two years on probation. Warmus has admitted to entering the Capitol building on January 6th, 2021 without permission. Thousands of people stormed the Capitol to try and prevent Congress from certifying President Biden’s 2020 victory over former President Donald Trump.

Governor Hochul – Congressman Zeldin

Both Governor Hochul and her Republican challenger Long Island Congressman Lee Zeldin have each picked up an endorsement from a law enforcement group. The Police Benevolent Association of New York State has thrown its support behind the governor as she tries to win a full four-year term in office. And, Congressman Zeldin has the endorsement of the Police Conference of New York. Crime has been a big issue in the race for governor as both candidates have clashed on things like gun violence and bail reform laws.

Election Day is just a few weeks away, and the New York State Board of Elections says an electronic ballot system is going to help some residents vote. The system is designed to assist folks who are visually impaired. Voters will be able to do things such as increase font size, use a screen reader, and change the color contrast of a ballot before making their selections. Applications for these absentee ballots can be filled out online.

Buffalo Bills block party – September 2022

Another Buffalo Bills Block Party will be happening this weekend as the defending AFC East champions take on the Baltimore Ravens. Organizers say West Chippewa Street between Delaware Avenue and Franklin Street in Buffalo is going to be shut down to traffic during the gathering. The event will feature two large video screens, a live DJ during commercial breaks and a halftime show. General admission starts at $10 and tickets can be purchased at ticketweb.com.

A man from Brooklyn was arrested after leading Wyoming County Sheriff’s Deputies on a chase from Perry to Warsaw Saturday.  18 year old Donte Dennis was driving 63 mile per hour in a 40 zone when deputies attempted to pull him over in Perry Center.  He took off and deputies gave chase.  Dennis crashed his car at the top of East Hill in Warsaw and was taken into custody.  He was found to be driving under the influence of drugs.  Dennis is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, unlawful fleeing a police officer, reckless driving, speeding more than 55 miles per hour, speeding, failure to keep right, driving an unregistered vehicle, switched registration, driving without insurance, and passing in a no passing zone.

A Livingston County man is behind bars after being accused of murdering his two-month-old son. According to the District Attorney’s Office, 26-year-old Zachary McCaa of Caledonia took the child’s life by throwing him and violently shaking him at a residence on Iroquois Road back in June. McCaa was originally charged with assault but he is now charged with murder, child endangerment and manslaughter. He’s set to be back in court again in November.

A man who ran for both mayor and to be on the city council in Syracuse was arrested at the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport Tuesday morning for attempting to get through security with a loaded gun.  Security agents said they caught, Alfonso Davis, 56, with a concealed 9mm handgun loaded with 14 bullets at the TSA checkpoint.  The gun was concealed in a sling, inches from the man’s hand, according to a TSA spokesperson.  Davis claimed he forgot he had his gun with him.  He was charged with third degree criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a firearm in a sensitive location.

The weekend of October 8th and 9th is pheasant hunting weekend in Western New York.  The DEC has announced a special youth only hunting weekend for kids 12-15 to hunt pheasant with a licensed adult hunter.  In Niagara county, three state parks will be open for the hunt, Joseph Davis, Golden Hill, and Wilson-Tuscarora will have a permit lottery for hunters to go after their stocked pheasants. Two hunts will take place each day – one from sunrise until 12:30 p.m. and the other from 12:30 p.m. until sunset.  Youth hunters must be accompanied by a licensed adult hunter during the pheasant hunt. The accompanying adult can not possess a firearm or take a pheasant during the weekend. Youth hunters will be allowed to take two birds per day.

Election day is just a little more than a month away and the New York State Board of Elections has announced a new way for people with vision impairments to get their ballots online.  By applying for an accessible ballot using the request portal on the state Board of Election site you will receive an email directing you on how to get your ballot.  Voters can now increase the font size on the ballot and change the color contrast and use a screen reader to help make ballot selections.  After the ballot is completed, the voter can print and return it using a return envelope that will be sent to them.

Batavia First United Methodist Church, on Lewiston Rd., will be holding a Rummage & Estate Sale on Saturday, Oct. 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.   There will be many estate and household items for sale, in addition to toys, furniture, holiday items, books & fresh produce.  A bag sale begins at 1 p.m.

On Saturday, Oct. 1, the Genesee County Fairgrounds will host one of the largest sports card and collectible shows in the region. There will be roughly 100 vendor tables full of sports cards, autographs, supplies, hobby boxes and non-sports-related collectibles.  The show/sale will be from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and have free admission.  There will also be a food truck available on site. 

The Buffalo Bills have placed Offensive Lineman Tommy Doyle on injured reserve after a torn ACL took him off the field against Miami on Sunday.  He will be replaced by Justin Murray who signed on for a 1 year contract earlier this week.  Murray is a 6-year veteran who spent the last three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. He started his career as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos in 2016.  The Bills also signed cornerback Xavier Rhodes who will be added to the practice squad.  Rhodes has played with the Colts for the last 2 years.  He started in nearly 30 games for Indianapolis. 

1934 – C.L. Carr – Obsolete Scrip

The Carr’s Reborn project for the former C.L. Carr Department Store on Main Street has met another goal to get their project moving. Approved by the Downtown Revitalization Initiative Committee earlier this month, the project received approval by the City Council last night and account for $1,000,000 of a Restore NY grant application that totals $2 million. No one spoke during a public hearing about the application, and City Council later voted to pursue the grant. The former Carr’s site is expected to accommodate several upper floor apartments with business and office use on the ground floor.

Power companies like National Grid are predicting that winter heating costs will rise again this year by at least 39 percent. For many homes already struggling with food and gas prices, the increase in heating costs are likely to have a significant impact. Starting November 1st applications for Home Energy Assistance Program benefits will be accepted. If you are eligible your household will automatically be enrolled in National Grid’s Energy Affordability Program. Check in with Genesee County’s department of social services to help determine eligibility.

The New York State Department of Health has launched a new website to support Empire State residents who are dealing with the effects of long COVID. The website provides a variety of information such as how people can seek treatment from healthcare providers. Officials say anyone who tests positive for COVID-19, even kids, is at risk of getting long COVID and symptoms could last for months. It is recommended everyone who is eligible to be vaccinated against the coronavirus receive their shots and an updated booster to avoid getting seriously ill. Here is a direct link to their website:  https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/long_covid/

Unemployment insurance fraud has cost state taxpayers $11,000,000 every month so far this year…that totals $110 million. Governor Hochul explained that this means there are people who are working and also collecting unemployment. A new system will soon be in place to identify people who are scamming and get the money back. People found to have been working will be given a chance to explain and then, if their explanation doesn’t legitimately support also receiving unemployment benefits, their wages can be garnished or they can be turned over to law enforcement.

Jupiter

The largest planet in the solar system will be closer to Earth tonight than it will be at any time over the next 1000 years. You can find Jupiter in the east after sunset. It’s hard to miss, even from a light-polluted city, as it will be the brightest object in the sky. As the night progresses, it rises higher into the sky, eventually appearing in the southeast around 11 p.m. It hasn’t been this visible since 1963.

“The quickest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it back in your pocket.” – Will Rogers

Another Mega Millions drawing has come and gone without a winner and that means the jackpot is still on the rise. Whoever picks all of the correct numbers ahead of tonight’s drawing will be able to claim at least $325,000,000. However, the odds of winning the game’s top prize are an astronomical one in 302,000,000. A ticket costs $2 and anyone who wants to watch the drawing live can do so online. Please play responsibly.

The man who was shot dead in his car Sunday morning in Rochester has been identified as retired Rochester police officer William Keith Booker.  Booker was fatally shot near the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Iceland Park around 2 a.m. Officers say he was driving south on Jefferson, when he struck a parked and unoccupied car. It’s unknown at this time if he was shot before or after the accident.  Officer Booker served RPD from 1996 until his retirement in 2017. He previously spent 10 years as a School Resource Officer at Franklin High School, working to prevent violence in our youth population.  His death comes two months after Rochester Police Officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz was shot and killed in the line of duty, making an already challenging year for the RPD family even more difficult.   No arrests have been made as of yet.

New York is out 110 million dollars so far this year because of unemployment insurance fraud according to the State Department of Labor.  Governor Hochul says that means 11 million dollars a month get stolen from taxpayers by people who are working while collecting unemployment.  She says a news system will find all the people who are doing this and get the money back.  People found to have been working will be given a chance to explain and then, if their explanation isn’t good enough, their wages can be garnished or they can be turned over to law enforcement.

Companies like National Grid are expecting winter heating costs to rise again this year by at least 39 percent.  For many homes already struggling with 12 percent inflation at the grocery store and gas prices at least a dollar more than last year per gallon the increase in heating costs will be the difference between being able to have heat or food or transportation.  There is help.  Starting November 1st you can apply for Home Energy Assistance Program benefits.  If you are eligible it automatically enrolls your household in National Grid’s Energy Affordability Program.  Check with your county’s department of social services for eligibility.

With access to cameras everywhere we go the threat of someone misusing them is always with us.  The FBI and local law enforcement are warning people about sexstortion, someone using threats to get compromising or sexual pictures from people.  Be very careful what you share online or over the phone.  People threatening to expose secrets or private information if they don’t get sexual pictures or videos is on the rise and not just with school age kids.  Adults and even seniors are being targeted.  It’s easy to avoid though, just don’t share private information or pictures of yourself that could be used to embarrass you online or with friends.  Turn off phones when not in use or put pieces of tape or paper over laptop cameras or webcams in case of hacking.  If you get threats you can call the police or FBI.  

The largest planet in the solar system will be nearer to Earth than at any point in the next thousand years tonight.  If you look up the planet Jupiter will be the brightest point of light in the sky.  It hasn’t been this visible since 1963.

Ronald Washburn

62-year-old Ronald Washburn of Stafford is arrested and now accused of engaging in sexual conduct with a child under the age of 13, on two or more occasions while babysitting the child between 2008 and 2012. Washburn was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.

29-year-old Samantha Kent of LeRoy was arrested for aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle, following too closely, failure to stop for a school bus and driving while ability was impaired. Her arrest followed the recent motor vehicle accident in the City involving a school bus. Kent was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released on her own recognizance. She returns to court on October 11th.  Also from the Police Blotter, 33-year old Jessica Eschenlauer of Batavia has been arrested and charged with criminal contempt, assault and unlawful imprisonment. She allegedly restrained another person, who was the protected party of an order of protection; Eschenlauer also punched the same individual, causing physical injury. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court and is scheduled to return to Court at a later date.

Jeremy Ives

Jeremy Ives of Batavia has been indicted on two counts of attempted assault, menacing, kidnapping and criminal use of a firearm. He is accused of attempting to cause serious physical injury to a person using a shotgun in the City of Batavia and accused of abducting another person on that same day. Also indicted, Iverson Davis of Batavia has been indicted on charges of grand larceny and criminal possession of a forged instrument in the form of Western Union Money Orders. He is accused of stealing property with a value of over $3000 at Batavia Downs.

Rainbow fentanyl

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is calling for funding to help in the fight against fentanyl. Yesterday, the New York Democrat said he wants federal money to battle the growing threat of “rainbow fentanyl,” which are highly addictive pills that look like candy. The 290-million-dollars in funds would be used to sustain dozens of overdose response strategy teams. Over 107-thousand Americans passed away from drug overdoses last year. Fentanyl is said to be stronger than both heroin and morphine.

Plane crash site, Clarence, NY

The National Transportation Safety Board is expected to release its preliminary report on a weekend plane crash in Western New York within the next two or three weeks. The NTSB says the small aircraft went down in a wooded area Saturday near the Clarence Aerodrome Airport. The pilot, 70-year-old Lee Hardy, is at Erie County Medical Center where he was last listed in stable condition. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

The Canadian government announced today that as of October 1st, it would no longer require people to wear masks on planes. Government officials also confirmed Canada is dropping the vaccine requirement for people entering the country and plans to end random COVID-19 testing at airports. Filling out information in what became an unpopular ArriveCan app will also no longer be required, which some people blamed for delays at airports. The government will also no longer require passengers to have pre-board tests for cruise ships.

“COVID brain”

COVID isn’t going away, but there’s a switch from focusing on daily cases to the long-term effects on those who have recovered. The latest study, in the journal Nature, found mild brain disorders occurred in 7% more of participants who previously had COVID compared with another group that hadn’t been infected. Most noticeable were changes in parts of the brain that affect memory, and tissue damage in regions linked to smell. Also, post-infected people showed larger cognitive decline than control subjects did between scans. (Image shows a brain model with areas in bright pink and dark red that have been found to be most effected over the longer-term.)

The latest data from Triple A shows the price of gas is still on the decline in our region. Right now, the average cost for a gallon of regular fuel in Batavia is $3.85. That’s down 10 cents from a week ago, and 50 cents cheaper than this time last month. The state average is currently sitting at $3.68, which is also down a dime in the last seven days. The national average is $3.71.

Josh Allen during the Dolphins game, 9/25/22

Following two blowout wins to start the season, the Buffalo Bills have suffered their first loss. Buffalo had the ball with seconds left in the game but failed to score and fell to the Miami Dolphins by a final score of 21 to 19 at Hard Rock Stadium yesterday. Bills quarterback Josh Allen completed 42 of his 63 passes, for 400 yards and two touchdowns for his team, whose record is now two wins and one loss. Up next for Buffalo another 1:00 start next Sunday, as they make a road trip to Baltimore to take on the Ravens.

On Saturday around 12:50pm Amherst Fire responded to reports that a plane had crashed in Clarence.  They found a single engine plane had gone down just south of Clarence Aerodrome.  Mercy Flight responded and the pilot, who was trapped in the cockpit with serious injuries, was airlifted to ECMC.  No details yet on what caused the crash or where the plane was going to at the time of the crash.

Another weekend of violence in Rochester with 2 people murdered and several shootings.  Around 11pm on Saturday police responded to an alley off Pearce Street for a report of a body.  They found a woman who had been murdered.  She was in her 30s or 40s and has not yet been identified.  Then at around 2am on Sunday morning police responded to a motor vehicle accident on Jefferson and Iceland Park.  They found a man in his 50s with a gunshot wound to his upper body.  He was pronounced dead at UR Medical Center.  Saturday morning a woman in her 20s was shot on Third Street.  She was taken to Rochester General with non-life threatening injuries.  This brings the number of murders in Rochester to 62.

From Buffalo to Rochester and everywhere in between thieves are making off with cars catalytic converters.  Police in Brighton gave out kits to try to prevent theft of catalytic converters at an event on Sunday at Brighton High School.  The kits include a non destructible tag and an engraving fluid to put a serial number on the converter.  People steal the car parts to sell to scrap companies, the hope is that these tags and serial numbers will allow scrap companies to report people who sell stolen converters.  The kits were free and donated by the Empire Chapter of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries and by Metalico-Rochester.

The latest data from Triple A shows the price of gas is still on the decline in Western New York. Right now, the average cost for a gallon of regular fuel is 3.84 in Batavia. That’s down a dime in the past week and is 50 cents cheaper than this time one month ago. The state average is currently sitting at 3.68, which is down ten cents in the last seven days and the national average is 3.71.

Have you seen the new mural being painted on the back of GO ART! By Perry resident Dan Butler?  The mural on Seymour Place is of many different people holding flowers and is meant to show a welcome for everyone.  Butler paints the people and Jill Pettigrew paints the flowers they hold.  Go take a look and be welcomed.

The Buffalo Bills tried to feast on some fish Sunday afternoon but quickly realized that Buffalo are vegetarian and Dolphins aren’t fish.  Miami beat Buffalo 21 to 19 for the Bill’s first loss of the season.  Both teams were 2 and 0 going in.  Buffalo went in without safety Micah Hyde who will be out for the rest of the season with a neck injury.  The game was fraught with failed conversions, fumbles and a safety.  The Bill’s next game is Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens at 1p.  

The City of Rochester is shutting down illegal gatherings in an attempt to deal with the rash of shootings.  Just Thursday night 2 people were shot, 1 killed in shootings out on the streets of the city.  Mayor Malik Evans said that a large chunk of the shootings were at unsanctioned parties outside rec centers and restaurants.  He asked the public to help by not gathering in crowds and also to blow the whistle on any they hear about so police can break them up before someone gets hurt.  RPD’s open data portal shows there have been 240 shootings in the city so far this year. 51 of the city’s 60 homicides have been a result of gun violence.

The highway department will be doing paving work on Morganville Rd and Lover’s Lane this week.  Morganville Road between Horseshoe Lake Road and Rt 237 and East Morganville Road between Morganville Rd and 237 in Stafford will be getting worked on Monday through Wednesday.  The roads will be closed to through traffic while the work is being done.  Lover’s Lane between 33 and South Main St Rd will be closed Tuesday.  Residents will be able to get to their properties but should expect delays.  Both these projects are weather permitting so if there is rain they will be pushed back.

Governor Hochul announced the second part of the initiative to find bus drivers as New York goes through a major shortage.  This part allows third parties to administer the CDL road test.  Companies can now apply for certification through the Department of Motor Vehicles.  Since launching in January, the DMV has designed training systems to certify future road test examiners and quickened the process of obtaining a Commercial Driver License.  Additionally, drivers between the ages of 18 and 20 with a valid New York State license can now apply for a Class A Commercial Driver License.

October 29th is the day law enforcement agencies will be accepting unused pills and other prescription drugs at several different locations.  Alva Place parking lot, Pembroke Town Hall, and The LeRoy Police Department headquarters will accept drugs from 10am to 2pm.  The Batavia location is the only one to accept sharps.  The service is free and no questions will be asked.  This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.  In addition to DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, there are many other ways to dispose of unwanted prescription drugs every day, including the 11,000 authorized collectors that are available all year long. The Batavia Police department has a site that is open all year long for dropping off unused drugs.

A new blessing box has been installed across from the new Quicklees and Tim Hortons at Emmanuel Baptist Church.  The box holds canned goods, toiletries, and easy to make foods for anyone who wants them.  The church asks that the public come and partake as needed.  And if you have extra, think of your neighbors and add something of your own to the box.  It is located on Noonan next to the church driveway. 

Cassandra Elmore

Cassandra Elmore, the woman accused of allowing her French Bulldog to overdose on narcotics twice, along with weapons and other charges, has now had one of her days in court. She had a short hearing yesterday after failing to appear for her court dates twice and being arrested on a warrant and then held in jail. She has now posted bail and will be returning to court October 20th. Once outside of the courthouse Elmore told a reporter that people aren’t hearing the real case and once they do, they’ll be embarrassed. At least until the end of the case, the dog is staying at the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

The proposed Genesee County Airshow, Wings Over Batavia, is now on hold due to questions regarding how much it would end up costing the county. This week, Highway Superintendent Tim Hens presented a brief update about the air show and it’s progress towards a date next year. A Wings Over Batavia Committee established an LLC to accept and manage funds for the show. Each air act would have its own insurance policy, in addition to the LLC, which would protect the county’s liability. The last air show was 25 years ago and happened at the same time as the Batavia Wing Ding on Main Street. Most of the present cost concern focuses on how much law enforcement and security would be needed for the event. Hens said he expects to have more details available for the next air show meeting in early October. In the 90s, Wings Over Batavia would draw roughly 40,000 people.

We’ll soon find out just how true ‘if we build it, they will come’ really is; so far, it looks promising. There have now been three tenants signed to occupy a yet-to-be-built building. Leases have been signed by Starbucks, Jersey Mike’s (a sub sandwich shop) and Tropical Smoothie and they’ll set up shop in the parking lot area of the former Kmart on Lewiston road. The hope is to start building within weeks and the new businesses to be open and operating by the second quarter of next year; the building can accommodate 4 tenants. And then a second building will follow, sometime next year.

The Park Road construction project is nearing completion, which means it may once again be open to two-way traffic by mid-October. The repaving is 80 percent done and expected to be mostly completed by October 17th. The next steps will be the installation of streetlights and trees along the road. Photo by Doug Thompson, WBTA News.

Expect delays

Expect traffic delays for the next two Mondays and Tuesdays in the areas of Chandler Avenue, Bank and Ross Streets from 7am until 3pm as crews resurface. While work is being performed, local traffic will be permitted to and from their residence and property but should plan accordingly for delays. Motorists are asked not to park on the roadway within the work areas. Please contact the Bureau of Maintenance if you have questions (585) 345-6400.

There will be a walk-in Covid and flu vaccine clinic tomorrow morning from 8 until noon at the Batavia VA Medical Center, building four, in the lab area. The clinic is for veterans only; please be sure to bring your vaccine card.

Governor Hochul is urging New Yorkers to start preparing now for higher energy costs that will be affecting them as temperatures fall. The governor says residents who are worried about paying their bills can apply for money from the Home Energy Assistance Program. It’s recommended that people begin taking steps to become more energy efficient and to request a free energy audit of their residence. The governor has also directed state agencies to convene fuel providers to make sure they have enough of a supply available to last through the coldest months.

Bills and Dolphins – 2021

The Buffalo Bills will be taking a trip to the Sunshine State as they try to pick up their third straight win to start the season. The Bills are going to battle their longtime AFC East rival the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Buffalo is coming off of two dominating victories over the defending Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams and the Tennessee Titans. Kickoff for Sunday’s contest is scheduled for 1:00.

The jackpots of two popular lottery games are still growing and have now reached a combined total of over a half-billion dollars. The prize up for grabs for Mega Millions tonight is now at $301,000,000. And should someone win Powerball tomorrow night, they’ll receive at least $270,000,000. The price of a ticket for each of these games is $2. Both the Mega Millions and Powerball drawings will be streamed live online. Please play responsibly.

The proposed Genesee County Airshow, Wings Over Batavia, is on hold after being tabled during the public service meeting on Wednesday.  The question is, how much will it cost?  County Highway Superintendent Tim Hens presented a brief update about the air show, and it has been progressing towards a 2023 date. A Wings Over Batavia Committee has established an LLC to accept and manage funds for the show, Hens said. Each air act would have its own insurance policy, in addition to the LLC, which would protect the county’s liability, he said.  The last airshow was 25 years ago and happened at the same time as the Batavia Wing Ding on Main street.  Most of the cost concern was about how much law enforcement would be needed for the event.  In the 90s, the show would draw roughly 40,000 people.

The 2 hotels on Noonan street just off the highway are closed by order of the City.  The signs on the doors say the Wyndham Resorts Super 8 and Days Inn hotels which are right off the highway across from Emmanuel Baptist Church and the new Quicklees Service Station and Tim Hortons have both been condemned due to lack of working fire alarms, no water, heat or electricity in areas of the hotels.  The hotels had been being used to house homeless members of the community since the beginning of the COVID pandemic and were also the site of many emergency service calls over the last 2 years including at least one shooting.

She has had her day in court, finally, and says that when “you get the real case. You’ll be embarrassed.”  Cassandra Elmore, the woman accused of allowing her French Bulldog Oddey to overdose on narcotics twice, along with weapons and other charges, had a short hearing Thursday after failing to appear for her court dates twice and being arrested to force her to appear.  She posted bail and is free once more and will be returning October 20th.  Outside of the courthouse she told a reporter that they aren’t getting the real case.  Assistant Public Defender Jamie Welch is representing Elmore.  Oddey is staying at the Genesee County Animal Shelter until the court case concludes.

Press Release from the Bureau of Maintenance:  All motorists please be aware that Bank Street, Chandler Avenue and Ross Street will experience traffic delays on Sep. 26 and 27 and Oct. 3 and 4 between the hours of 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. for resurfacing operations.  While work is being performed in this area, local traffic will be permitted to and from their residence/property but should plan accordingly for delays.  All residents/businesses within the work area are asked not to park on the roadway during the operation.  This is weather dependent work; if work is postponed it shall progress the next workday.

Genesee County Legislators unanimously signed a resolution to go to state representatives vehemently opposing the new Concealed Carry Improvement Act.  Members of the Public Service Committee said not only will the Legislature “vehemently, adamantly and with full resolve” oppose what members believe are “ill-advised provisions,” of the act, but they will also work with other counties to demand its full repeal based on being “unjust, ineffective, vague and unconstitutional.”  They underscored the prominence of the Second Amendment to keep and bear arms, and how the Concealed Carry is no improvement act. The Second Amendment states that “A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”  Copies of the county’s resolution will be sent to Governor Kathy Hochul, New York State Assemblyman Stephen Hawley and state Senators George Borrello and Edward Rath III among others.

Genesee County STOP DWI is holding a poster contest for 6th through 12th graders to show the risks of drinking and driving.  The theme for the 2022 poster contest is, “Don’t risk it, drunk driving is always a losing game.”  Contestants should make a poster no larger than 9 by 12, and include the theme on it.  Posters should be in landscape format and have the artist’s name, address and phone number along with their grade, age and what school they attend on the back.  Posters can be handmade or computer generated as long as it is original work.  The grand prize winner will have their poster on a billboard in Genesee county and will get a gift card, poster, and sweet treat and be honored at a banquet in December.  1st-3rd place winners will get a gift card, commendation, poster and sweet treat and also be recognized at the luncheon.  Entries must be received by October 7th.

The Park Road construction is almost completed.  According to Western Region Off Track Betting Corp President Henry Wojtaszek, the repaving is 80 percent done and expected to be “substantially completed” by October 17th.  Next steps will be the installation of streetlights and trees along the road.  He also said that parking at the former Kmart parking lot is at owner risk as their lease with  Benderson Development has expired.

Attorney General Letitia James is being criticized for her lawsuit against the Trump family and businesses by former US Attorney General Bill Barr.  Barr says that the civil lawsuit shows that James is overreaching and suffering from Trump derangement Syndrome.  James is seeking a minimum of 250 million dollars and barring Trump or any of his family from operating in New York State.  James promised during her 2018 election campaign that she would spend every day suing Trump.

Jeremy Ives

A Genesee County grand jury has indicted a Batavia man accused of shooting two people and kidnapping a third during an altercation at the 7-11 store on East Main Street. 47-year-old Jeremy Ives is charged with two counts of attempted first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, one count of second-degree menacing, and the most serious of the charges, first-degree criminal use of a firearm. The latter is a felony and punishable by up to 25 years in prison. The shootings happened on August 12th; Ives allegedly shot a man and woman, with one of the victims requiring treatment at the scene and the other, at a hospital. He then attempted to flee the scene with several passengers; Ives knew many of the victims but police have not identified a motive. Ives remains in Genesee County Jail pending arraignment in Genesee County Court.

Expect delays

Expect traffic delays for the next two Mondays and Tuesdays in the areas of Chandler Avenue, Bank and Ross Streets from 7am until 3pm as crews resurface. While work is being performed, local traffic will be permitted to and from their residence and property but should plan accordingly for delays. Motorists are asked not to park on the roadway within the work areas. Please contact the Bureau of Maintenance if you have questions (585) 345-6400.

4169 West Main Street Road

The Town of Batavia Planning Board has approved the opening of a new convenience store, which will be located at the intersection of Routes 5 and 63. The owner, Ali Musa says the store will sell groceries, cigarettes, tobacco products, clothing and other miscellaneous household items. At this time, Musa does not intend to sell beer or other alcoholic beverages. The new store will be called F & M Convenience. Photo by Doug Thompson, WBTA News.

The unemployment rate for Orleans County was at 4.2 percent in August. That’s the lowest it’s been for an August in Orleans in at least the last decade. And more good news: The unemployment rate in Genesee County remains at an even 3%, presently the lowest in the entire GLOW region. Nationally the unemployment rate is down from 5.3 percent in August 2021 to 3.8 percent in August 2022. Statewide the rate dropped from 6.7 to 4.9 percent.

Positive COVID test result

The latest data from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments shows confirmed Covid cases are on the rise locally. In Orleans, over the last three weeks, the cases have increased from 39 to 64 in the second week, and then to 79. In Genesee, during the same period, the cases have increased from 62, 91 and 123. Genesee also recently reported two deaths from Covid and now has documented 200 Covid-related deaths since March 2020. The State Department of Health also is reporting another Covid-related death in Orleans County, putting the Covid deaths at 121 in Orleans during the pandemic. The federal CDC puts both Orleans and Genesee counties at medium for the community level for Covid.

Rawleigh and Skavon Andrews

A Greece woman has been arrested after being accused of murdering her husband. Police say that 68-year-old Skavon Andrews shot Rawleigh Andrews in the head on Tuesday. The victim’s body was found in the driveway of the Vintage Lane home that the couple shared. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing and anyone who has information can contact Greece police.

Letitia James-Donald Trump

State Attorney General Letitia James has filed a civil lawsuit against former President Trump for allegedly inflating his net worth. James says this legal action is the result of a three-year investigation, alleging Trump and his family falsified business records, stretched asset valuations, and committed insurance fraud. The lawsuit seeks a 250-million-dollar judgment that would also ban any member of the Trump family from leading a business in New York State. In a statement, Trump called James’ lawsuit quote “another witch hunt.”

A Buffalo man is facing up to the next seven years in prison for his role in a crash that killed an infant. Prosecutors say 20-year-old Gino Cesar was speeding on Genesee Street in Cheektowaga last December when his car went through a red light at Pine Ridge Road and struck another vehicle. A six-month-old child in that vehicle died and another passenger was seriously hurt. Cesar pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide and assault and is expected to be sentenced in November.

An official in Canada says that the vaccine requirement to cross the border will soon be dropped.  Canada is similar to the United States in that it requires non citizens to be vaccinated when entering the country. It is not immediately known whether the U.S. will make a similar move by Sept. 30. Congressman Brian Higgins is calling on the United States to end its COVID-related restrictions and in a letter to the Department of Homeland Security he said “the time is long overdue for the United States to cease its own COVID-19- related restrictions on our northern border.”  The official says that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau needs to give final sign off on the decision but that the government will likely be dropping the requirement as well ending random COVID testing at airports.  ArriveCan will also be going away.

Governor Hochul has agreed to a general election debate for the governors race against candidate Lee Zeldin.  The debate will be hosted by Spectrum News NY1 at Pace University on October 25 at 7 p.m.  The Zeldin campaign responded to the offer with criticism — and without committing to the NY1 debate, while noting Zeldin already accepted two debate offers.  Zeldin said that Hochul is trying to get away with having the debate after absentee ballots had started being collected for over a month and that the debate she offered will miss millions of New Yorkers who don’t get NY1.  Absentee ballots are sent out beginning tomorrow.

The Buffalo Public School Board of Education is weighing plans to pay parents to drive their kids to school as the bus driver shortage for the city continues.  The Board is considering whether or not to implement a $856,000 Parent Transportation Reimbursement Pilot Program. This program would allow up to 15,000 parents in the district to earn 63 cents for every mile they drive to when taking their children to and from school.  Parents and community members are skeptical of the idea. Board member at-large, Larry Scott said he can’t stand behind a solution that will throw nearly $1 million dollars when it hasn’t been proven.  The Board sent out a survey to parents to see if they were willing to drive their kids. Less than 5 percent of respondents said they would.  Most cited work being in the way.

The Batavia Business Improvement District Scarecrow Contest has begun!  Get ready to see scarecrows lining main street through the city.  All set to the theme of dead celebrities.  If you haven’t signed up for one yet, you can register and pay 20 dollars at downtownbatavia.com by Friday and go pick up supplies to make one from Jackson Square on Saturday between 9 and 12.  Anyone can join in the fun.  Scarecrows will be up till November 4th and the public will vote on which they think is the best.  There are cash prizes for the top 3.  At the same time the scarecrows are going up, the Batavia wine walk will take place October 1st and the road will be lined with pink pumpkins for breast cancer awareness month.

If you go out to the tennis courts at Batavia High School and look across the way you’ll see the Batavia Community Garden.  And if you do you will be greeted with a new standing art display made by Bergen Artist David Burke.  5 8 foot tall 4 foot wide standing panels painted with flowers and landscapes now stand on the south side of the garden.  Burke was commissioned for the art display and paid by a grant awarded to the Genesee Orleans Regional Arts Council.  The panels are two sided so they can be viewed either from the north or south sides.

The Batavia Planning Board has ok’ed the opening of the new convenience store at 4169 West Main street across from Tops Friendly Market and Sport of Kings.  The new business owner, Ali Musa, says the store will sell groceries, cigarettes, tobacco products, clothing and other miscellaneous household items.  Musa, who said he has operated businesses in Buffalo, said that at this time he does not intend to sell beer or other alcoholic beverages at his new store.  The new store will be called F And M Convenience. 

State Attorney General Letitia James has filed a civil lawsuit against former President Trump.  James says this legal action is the result of a three-year investigation, alleging Trump and his family falsified business records, stretched asset valuations, and committed insurance fraud. The lawsuit seeks a 250-million-dollar judgment that would also ban any member of the Trump family from leading a business in New York State.

The new stores going into the KMart Parking lot have been revealed and Batavia is getting a Jersey Mike’s Subs and a Tropical Smoothie Cafe.  This is according to paperwork filed by Benderson Development to the town of Batavia Planning Department.  There have been rumors that a Starbucks or Pizza Hut would be built there as well.  Benderson has stated that there will be 2 buildings with drive throughs and that there will be more than 1 business in each building.  A coffee shop is listed on some of the paperwork for the new structures.  No word yet on what the old KMart building, now housing Spirit Halloween, will be used for or what will happen to it in the future.

Bridge rendering.

South Lyon Street Bridge

Work for the replacement of the South Lyon Street Bridge is scheduled to begin Monday. The project includes a new steel truss bridge that was built to meet current structural standards with an increased service life and minimized maintenance costs. The bridge consists of two 11 foot lanes with two foot shoulders and a five foot sidewalk on the east side of the truss. The alignment of South Lyon will be modified to improve the intersection with South Main. A small portion of South Main will be closed to traffic beginning Monday with detours marked. The current plan is to close this area of South Main during work in the fall, re-opening it to traffic in the winter and then closing it back down in the spring to finish the bridge replacement work.  Photos provided by the Genesee County Manager’s Office.

101 Washington Avenue

The investigation continues today into the fire at 101 Washington Avenue. Firefighters were called yesterday afternoon around 1:30 and arrived within three minutes to find smoke and fire coming from the dentist’s office, which is located in the 2 and a half story building. Fire crews entered to extinguish the fire, which was coming from the reception area of Dr. Frias’ office. The office was closed but Dr. Frias happened to be stopping by when he saw smoke and called 9-1-1. The building sustained fire and smoke damage. No injuries were reported. (Photo from our news partner, The Batavian)

Solar panels – file photo

The town of Batavia Planning Board has determined the proposed Pike and Alexander Road solar projects, which would be built on separate properties on Alexander Road, will have no significant impact on the environment. At their meeting last night, the board went through the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) for both projects. As needed, herbicide would be used for particularly aggressive weed management but with regular upkeep, they hope not to need it. Also, a concrete pad for the equipment will include a grass strip, which would collect and control or detain any water from going further and ultimately be directed to the wetlands.

Brandi Spearance

A home health care aide is facing a felony charge after her client was injured and hospitalized, Livingston County sheriff’s Deputies were contacted in May by a patient at a local hospital. He was described as physically handicapped and had been injured while being cared for at home. The investigation that followed found 35-year-old Brandi Spearance of West Sparta had been hired as the victim’s in-home health care aide but did not provide adequate care. This led to his injuries and subsequent hospitalization. The victim has since been transferred to Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw for rehabilitation. Spearance is charged with felony first-degree endangering the welfare of a physically disabled person. She will appear in West Sparta Town Court at a later date.

Anyone who is interested working in the cannabis industry might want to check out an event that’s taking place in Rochester this afternoon. A Cannabis Career Fair is happening from 2 until 4 today at the RochesterWorks Career Center. There will be several businesses in attendance and it’s possible people could be hired on the spot. A variety of positions are available including operations managers, bud technicians, sales associates and security.

Bobby Hart

Buffalo Bill’s Offensive Lineman Bobby Hart is suspended for one game without pay. This comes after Monday night’s game against the Titans, where the league claims Hart committed violations of unsportsmanlike conduct. In the statement issued, it was noted that Hart approached a Tennessee player in the tunnel attempting to throw a punch but instead hit a Titans coach. Hart will be eligible to return to play following the Bills game in Miami.

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles says newly redesigned Rotary International custom plates are now available for order. The plate features the Rotary International logo and the motto of the organization, which is “Service Above Self.” Anyone who is interested in getting one of these plates can request one online, by mail or by calling 518-402-4838. But, people do have to provide proof of membership on an organization letterhead that’s signed by either a Rotary Club President or Rotary District Governor.

After being open for the last few months, donations to the Buffalo 5/14 Survivors Fund are no longer being accepted. The fund was set up in the aftermath of the mass shooting at the Jefferson Avenue Tops store in Buffalo that left 10 people dead and three others hurt. As of the latest update, more than five-and-a-half million dollars had been collected to help people affected by the tragedy. That money is expected to start being distributed in the next several weeks.

The Compasscare in Amherst that was partially destroyed in June in what was alleged to be a pro abortion group, Jane’s Revenge, response to the upcoming overturning of Roe V Wade, is suing the Amherst police department to get it’s surveillance video back.  CompassCare President and CEO James Harden says they want the surveillance video back now so they can do their own investigation. He says, “It’s been 105 days. The FBI refuses to communicate with the public. The public deserves to know what’s going on. There have been no arrests at any of the organizations that have been attacked…..all pro-life organizations. No arrests have been made. That’s a big question mark.”  There have been over 100 pro life health clinics, churches and stores attacked since early May of this year and the Thomas Moore Society says it is concerning how very little has been done to bring anyone to justice.  Meanwhile a Planned Parenthood was vandalized in Colorado and the perpetrator was caught within days.  Harden says they filed with the state supreme court to get their property back after requesting a copy of the surveillance video numerous times. He says, “They wouldn’t even let us view our own video surveillance.”

Around 1:30 pm on Tuesday Batavia Fire responded to a fire at Dr Frias’ dentist office at 101 Washington Ave.  The office was closed but Dr Frias was stopping by when he saw smoke and called 911.  The smoke and fire were coming from the reception area.  Fire Chief Herberger talks about where the fire was fought and the damage to the building.

The family of Daniel Prude, the man who died in police custody in March of 2020 in Rochester and whose death led to allegations of coverup and riots and protests, is pushing for a new law to be introduced in New York.  Daniel’s Law will make it so mental health professionals will respond to drug abuse and mental health calls instead of law enforcement.  They are also hoping to implement a community responder team or CRT. The CRT would be composed of one peer, one licensed clinician and one medic.  Several communities across New York State are pushing for the new law.  Cities like Rochester, Brooklyn, Albany and Buffalo have all joined in calling for the new law.

New York made a lot of hand sanitizer during the COVID pandemic and much of it has sat unused in warehouses and on runways for the last 2 years.  More than 700,000 gallons of the prison made sanitizer is coming to Rochester to be disposed of.  It is going to be distilled by Kodak for use in manufacturing.  It cost the state 4.3 million dollars to make and will cost 2 million to be processed.  The sanitizer has been sitting on an old airport tarmac in Oriskany, just outside Utica. It’s expected to arrive at the Eastman Business Park this week.

Dr Christopher Kerr, hospice physician and end of life researcher, will be holding a speaking event to talk about his book, “Death is but a Dream,” on Thursday at 6:30 at the First Presbyterian Church.  He will talk about the ways the process of dying can also be healing.  Kerr studied 1500 people who were at the end of their life and both how they responded to their imminent passing and what they needed from family and care workers who attended them.  He also will be showing videos of people in his study who talked of being visited in dreams by deceased loved ones, acquaintances, and even pets.

Apple picking season has started early this year and the peak is already upon us.  Becker Farms CEO Melinda Vizcarra says the season is about 10 days early.  New York is the 2nd largest apple producing state in the US with 29.5 million bushels of apples picked annually and more than 600 growers.  Orchard owners are urging people to get out to pick now before the choice picks are gone.

Buffalo Bill’s Offensive Lineman Bobby Hart will be suspended for one game without pay. This comes after Monday night’s game against the Titans, where the league claims Hart committed violations of unsportsmanlike conduct.  In the statement issued, NFL Vice President of Football Operations, Jon Runyan explains Hart approached a Tennessee player in the tunnel attempting to throw a punch but instead hit a Titans coach.  Hart will be eligible to return Monday, September 26, following the Bills game in Miami.

Varysburg fire truck – file photo

A home in Varysburg was struck by lightning. This happened during the heavy rain and thunderstorms that moved through the region yesterday. Initial investigation points to lightning coming into the house via a power or telephone line. When firefighters arrived some light smoke was seen coming from behind the walls, as well as between the roof and the rafters. The wall was opened up along with a small portion of the roof structure; the fire was contained to these small areas. The woman who owned the home got the dog and a couple of cats safely out of the house. National Grid responded to the scene as well and noted that the home is livable, but some electrical repairs would be needed. The cost estimate of damage was $12,000.

Chris Monfort

Raymond Hardy

50-year-old Chris Monfort and another man were caught in Elba allegedly attempting to steal heavy equipment from a property on Oak Orchard Road. Early Friday morning, an alert citizen called 9-1-1 to report suspicious activity, with a car and person on the property. Deputies found Monfort of Henrietta and 41-year-old Raymond Hardy of Rochester. Both men were taken into custody. Monfort was charged with attempted second-degree grand larceny and fourth-degree criminal mischief. Hardy was charged with attempted grand larceny and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property. Hardy was released. Monfort, who has several previous felony convictions, was committed to Genesee County Jail without bail.

Your days of having to use the ArriveCAN app every time you want to go to Canada may be numbered. In June, the Canadian federal government extended many of its COVID-19 restrictions to go until at least September 30, but Congressman Brian Higgins, who has been critical of many of the COVID policies at the border for a long time now, is hopeful they will soon come to an end. Last week, Congressman Higgins met with some of his Canadian counterparts to talk about the need to remove barriers at border crossings to encourage travel and tourism. Members of the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group encouraged the Canadian government to make ArriveCAN voluntary. Keep in mind these restrictions remain in place until at least next Friday, and there’s no official word yet from the Canadian government about them being dropped.

Chuck Schumer

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has laid out his plan to help keep Empire State residents warm during the winter months. Schumer is looking to add money to the federal budget to make sure Home Energy Assistance Program funds don’t run out. People can get anywhere between $350 and $675 annually depending on their income and the heat source they use. Utility companies, including National Grid, are already projecting a significant rise in home heating bills in the coming months because of high natural gas prices and increased gas delivery rates.

Dane Jackson – pictured after the Bills win against the Rams

Some very good news…Buffalo Bills cornerback Dane Jackson was discharged from the hospital this morning. He walked out under his own power, with full movement in all of his extremities. His injury occurred in the final minute of the game’s first half. Jackson was covering Titans receiver Treylon Burks and tackled him low after a completed pass. As they fell to the ground, Tremaine Edmunds dove in appearing to anticipate hitting Burks before he went to the turf. Instead, Burks and Jackson were already on the ground, and Edmunds made headfirst contact with Jackson with the crown of his helmet, sending Jackson’s head and neck whipping violently backward. The 25-year-old Jackson is a third-year pro who played college football at Pittsburgh. The Bills selected him in the seventh round of the 2020 draft. He was a part-time starter last season before earning a starting job for 2022. Once again, Dane Jackson left the hospital this morning and has full movement in all extremities.

The Buffalo Bills have started the season 2-0 following a blowout victory in front of the hometown crowd. Bills quarterback Josh Allen threw four touchdown passes, including three to wide receiver Stefon Diggs, as Buffalo beat the Tennessee Titans 41 to 7 at Highmark Stadium last night. The Bills also forced multiple turnovers in the contest including an interception by Matt Milano that was returned for a touchdown. Up next for Buffalo is a road game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday afternoon at 1:00.

So, you’re telling me there’s a chance…

The Mega Millions jackpot just keeps growing and that means there’s going to be a big prize up for grabs tonight. Whoever picks the winning numbers ahead of this evening’s drawing will receive at least $277,000,000. However, the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are one in over 302,000,000. Tickets to play are $2 each. The Mega Millions drawing will be streamed live online. Please play responsibly.

41 year old Raymond Hardy and 50 year old Chris Monfort were arrested on Oak Orchard Rd in Elba for trying to steal heavy equipment around 7 on Friday morning.  The Rochester men were spotted walking around and a caller who had been passing by said they didn’t believe they belonged there or that their vehicle belonged on the property.  They are charged with attempted grand larceny, Hardy also has been charged with criminal mischief, and criminal possession of stolen property.  Monfort has 2 prior felony convictions.

The city of Rochester is naming an amphitheater in Martin Luther King Park after Daniel Prude, the man who died of a drug overdose while in police custody in March of 2020.  Mayor Malik Evans said that Prude’s death reverberated across and beyond the region.  An investigator found that Prude’s death in custody had been covered up.  Rochester Police Chief Singletary accused the mayor at the time, Lovely Warren, of trying to force him to lie about the investigation and then announced his own resignation.  Warren then fired him before he could resign.  Prude’s death was ruled a homicide with excited delirium caused by PCP suddenly causing his heart and lungs to stop functioning.  

New York State and the City of Rochester are pledging to help Puerto Rico after the Island province was hit hard by hurricane Fiona.  The Ibero American Action League in Rochester has pledged to help people relocate into the city from Puerto Rico.  Governor Hochul has directed the New York State Police to send 50 troopers to assist with keeping residents safe, with 50 additional troopers being deployed in the coming weeks.  New York State is working with Delta, JetBlue, Coca-Cola, New York State’s Building Trades, the Greater New York Hospital Association, and SOMOS Community Care, who have all pledged their support for response and recovery efforts.  Teams from the New York Power Authority are ready to deploy and assist in restoring power to the island after 2 million people were plunged into darkness by the storm.

Governor Hochul says that she will debate Lee Zeldin but did not commit to any dates.  She said she will release a schedule by the end of the week.  Zeldin has been calling her out for a debate for several weeks.  Critics say that, with early voting and mail in voting causing people to be able to cast their ballot several weeks to a month in advance of the election date, a late debate will come after many people write down their choice.  The election is in November and polls show Hochul and Zeldin within a handful of points of each other.

The Buffalo Bills dominated the Tennessee Titans Monday night at Orchard Park.  Ending the game with 41 points to the Titans 7.  Allen and Diggs made several connections in both halves.  Mat Milano intercepted the ball and ran it back for a 43 yard touchdown.  So far the Bills are undefeated.  Their next game is against the dolphins in Miami on the 25th at 1pm.

Jamie Kraft

37-year-old Jamie Kraft of Batavia has been arrested for obstruction of governmental administration, aggravated harassment and falsely reporting an incident. He allegedly made numerous false reports and threatening phone calls to 9-1-1 Dispatch. Kraft was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court tomorrow.

James Zurek

19-year-old James Zurek of Batavia is now charged with strangulation, assault and petit larceny. Police arrested him in a parking lot on Cedar Street. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court.

Craig Poler

34-year-old Craig Poler, formerly of Castile, was sentenced today to 20 years in state prison for repeatedly raping a child over the course of two years. Poler will also be on 10 years of post-release supervision and have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. Poler was arrested in January after a Wyoming County sheriff’s investigation. He had been charged with two counts of predatory sexual assault against a child, which carries a maximum term of life in prison. The plea deal he accepted limited the sentence to anywhere from 15 to 20 years in prison.

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee has announced the results of the latest crackdown on impaired driving. From August 19th through September 5th, over 2800 tickets were handed out to people who were under the influence while behind the wheel. There were also over 100,000 tickets issued for vehicle and traffic violations including speeding and distracted driving. State DMV Commissioner at GTSC Chair Mark Schroeder applauded members of law enforcement for doing their part to get people who were driving dangerously off the road.

The Erie County Sheriff’s Department has announced the traffic plan that will be in place before and after tonight’s game between the Bills and Titans. A section of Abbott Road in front of Highmark Stadium is going to be shut down to northbound and southbound traffic starting at 2:15 and remain closed until the game is over. The parking lots at the stadium open at 3:15 and drivers are being asked not to park on the shoulder of any roads to ensure pedestrian safety. Go Bills!

Josh Allen

The Buffalo Bills will have the support of their home crowd tonight as they look to start their season with a second straight win. Quarterback Josh Allen and the defending AFC East champion Bills are hosting the Tennessee Titans at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. Buffalo is coming off of a 31 to 10 victory over the reigning Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams on September 8th. Kickoff for this evening’s contest is set for 7:15.

Free car seat checks are being offered around the Empire State over the next few days as part of Child Passenger Safety Week. Trained technicians will be available to teach parents how to select a child restraint and how to make sure that it’s used correctly every time. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed of the 755 children who died in crashes in 2020, 42% were unrestrained. A list of car seat check events can be found online at trafficsafety.ny.gov.

Around 2 pm on Sunday police and first responders were alerted to a crash on I90 near Pembroke.  It was reported that the accident involved 5 vehicles in the westbound lane with persons trapped.  Once Pembroke, Indian Falls and Alabama responded a Chief on the scene said the accident was only 2 cars and there was no trapped individual.  3 people were injured.  Mercy Flight came out of Olean but was turned back.  

The Red Osier Landmark Restaurant was the site over the weekend of the 50th anniversary celebration for the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.  Hosted by Chamber staff Tom Turnbull, interim president, and Kelly Bermingham, director of Member Relations and Events, the gala drew 100 local business, municipal, and community members for a year-end celebration.  50 years ago Leroy and Batavia signed an agreement to merge their chambers and make one, even though they were rivals in many ways.  John Dwyer was on hand to tell of how the rivalry sparked from a controversial football call back when he played for the Blue Devils in 47.  He then became the head of the Batavia Area Chamber and oversaw the merger 25 years later.  Interim President Tom Turnbull said that after 50 years “it’s headed in the right direction.”

This week is Sheriff’s week.  First established in New York in 1777 in the state constitution and in Genesee County established in 1802 the office of the Sheriff has been held for the last 5 years by William Sheron Jr.  He has served the Sheriffs office for 45 years.  This week, the community celebrates the historical and current contributions of the Office of Sheriff and the significant role that the Sheriff’s Office plays in the modern criminal justice system.

Batavia Downs raised 20,000 dollars for Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester with a fundraiser dinner and silent auction on Saturday.  The grandstand sold out for the fundraiser.  Melisande Bianchi, a board member with the coalition, said the coalition funds research, offers seminars, and offers services to breast cancer patients such as book clubs, yoga, and meditation.

The Buffalo Bills are heading into Monday Night Football in Buffalo against the Titans with a couple injuries.  Receiver Gabriel Davis has an ankle injury after practice Saturday.  He joins lineman Ed Oliver also with an ankle injury.  Dane Jackson and Tim Settle are back in but both listed as questionable for the game.  Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 in Orchard Park. 

The Town of Alabama is looking for a Town Justice after the September 12th resignation of Justice Pamela Thurber.  Ms. Thurber served as Court Clerk and subsequently Town Justice for a total of nearly thirteen years.  She was required to resign due to a change in residence outside of the town.  Alabama is accepting applications.  To be considered you must be a resident of the town and have qualifications to be a Justice.  Interested residents are encouraged to submit a letter of interest and current resume to Alabama Town Clerk by mail or email to alabamaclerk@rochester.rr.com by Sept. 29.  The Town Board anticipates making an appointment at their Nov. 14 meeting.

The Genesee County Youth Bureau and Office for the Aging are looking for volunteers to help with a Halloween Costume Kit Project.  The Youth Bureau creates costume kits for youth in the community who may otherwise not be able to afford a Halloween Costume. These kits include two or three pieces that make up various popular Halloween Costumes such as a “princess” and a “fireman.” Along with the costume kit, there will be a trick-or-treat bag for each child.  Monday, October 3rd from 3:30 to 5:30 they need volunteers to come to 2 Bank Street and decorate the bags.  A light dinner will be provided.  If you are interested in volunteering please contact the Youth Bureau at 585-344-3960 by Sept. 26.

This weekend starts Child Passenger Safety Week and certified child passenger safety technicians across the state are ready to help parents with education and installation of car seats.  When used correctly, car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and by 54% for toddlers in passenger cars, according to the NHTSA; and while most parents believe they have properly installed their child’s car seat, the seat was installed incorrectly in 46% of those cases.  755 children were killed in traffic crashes in 2020, and 42% of those children were unrestrained.  Trained technicians will use the model of “Learn, Practice, and Explain,” to educate caregivers on how to select a child restraint that will fit their child, fit their vehicle, and be used correctly every time.

Stefon Diggs has faced many tough competitors, risking health and safety for the game.  But now he may be facing his toughest challenger yet, his mother.  The Bill’s Wide Receiver will be going on Celebrity Family Feud for the episode airing Sunday night on ABC.  He will be joined in this difficult fight by fellow NFL players Christian Kirk, Najee Harris, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Grady Jarrett.  All will be playing against their own mothers who will make up the other team.  The players will be playing for the charity The Conscious Kid and their moms will be playing for Black Women’s Health Imperative.

Sign installation began before town approval

The property on the corner of Routes 5 & 63 in the Town of Batavia has sat vacant for years. You’ll recall at one time it was Clor’s but they’ve been closed for a while now. For a short time last month, there was a sign for F & M Convenience on the property; but then almost as quickly, it was gone. According to Town Building Inspector Daniel Lang, the man who has leased the property from Benderson Development, Ali Musa, had not gone through the proper channels to open or advertise just yet; Musa is scheduled to go before the Town Planning Board next week. However, some of the products he hopes to sell, a few of which are cannabis related, may not pass code. Although Cannabis sales are legal in the city, that’s not the case in the town, which vetoed an option for cannabis dispensaries. Photo by Doug Thompson (8/10/22), WBTA News.

Governor Hochul has signed legislation to make it easier for non-profit and public service workers to access loan forgiveness through the state’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. The new bill eliminates substantial barriers to applying for and accessing loan forgiveness. It’s a federal program that rewards and provides incentives for public service work by canceling portions of the borrowers’ federal student loans. The program requires borrowers to be full-time employees of an eligible public service employer and make 120 qualifying payments toward their student loan, after which the remainder of their federal student loan debt is forgiven. Currently, about 2.7 million people in the state work in the public or nonprofit sectors.

Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a warning to consumers about scammers taking advantage of the recent student debt relief plan to steal borrowers’ money and personal information. Scammers will try to create a sense of urgency by impersonating government agencies and promising immediate student loan relief. Borrowers are reminded that it’s important to stay vigilant, well informed and prepared for any fraud related to this new relief plan. Protect yourself by making sure websites end in .gov so you can trust the information. Don’t trust any person or program that promises you early or special access, or guaranteed eligibility. Don’t give out your personal information, including Federal Student Aid ID or social security number to anyone who contacts you. If you encounter a scam, report it. Contact the official Federal Student Aid website to file a complaint, or contact the Federal Trade Commission.

34-year-old Kristin Forte, formerly of LeRoy, was sentenced to a 1-year conditional discharge after pleading guilty to Disorderly Conduct in Batavia Town Court. There were a few charges initially filed against her, stemming from her failure to correctly report her income and forged signatures of her employers. This resulted in her receiving over $3700 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to. Forte has made full restitution to the Department of Social Services and is disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for one year. Anyone wishing to report suspected cases of Welfare Fraud in Genesee County can contact the Genesee County Department of Social Services Investigations Unit at (585) 344-2580, ext 6417 or 6541.

Dr. Tonja Williams

Following a violent incident earlier this week, Buffalo Public Schools superintendent Doctor Tonja Williams has issued a statement to parents involving safety. Williams is asking parents to speak with their kids about the importance of engaging in safe behaviors while they’re at school. On Tuesday, a 16-year-old student allegedly stabbed a 17-year-old student at the Buffalo School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management. The victim was taken to Oishei Children’s Hospital for treatment and the suspect is facing charges including assault.

New food options at Highmark for 2022

The home opener for the Buffalo Bills is coming up Monday and the team has unveiled some of the new food offerings that’ll be available at Highmark Stadium this season. They include beef sliders, large nacho tables, barbecue mac and cheese, and the Shout! chicken sandwich that’s covered with sauce, provolone cheese, and crispy onions. There are also some additional drink options that have been added to the Dunn Tire, Toyota and Pepsi clubs at the facility. Kickoff for Monday night’s contest between the Bills and Tennessee Titans is set for 7:15.

Lottery players hope luck is on their side as they take their shot at winning two big jackpots that are up for grabs. The prize ahead of tonight’s Mega Millions drawing has grown to at least $256,000,000. And, whoever picks the correct numbers for Powerball tomorrow night is going to be $225,000,000 richer. The cost of a ticket to play these games is $2. Both the Mega Millions and Powerball drawings will be streamed live online. Please play responsibly.

Wegmans shoppers are being urged to check their online accounts to see if they’ve received a $20 digital coupon. The supermarket chain says it’s giving that bonus to customers who have used the SCAN app at least three times over the past 13 weeks to thank them for their loyalty. The app, which launched in the early days of the COVID-19 crisis, gives people the ability to scan their own groceries and then pay for them when they are done shopping. But, due to losses the company has experienced, the app is being discontinued on Sunday.

2 Canadian men were arrested and charged with human smuggling in Lewiston.  On Sept. 10, members of the FBI and Department of Homeland Security received information about a potential human smuggling operation.  Surveillance caught a Canadian vessel leaving a marina in St. Catherines, Ontario with four people on board. The vessel entered the Niagara River and traveled towards Lewiston, where it entered American waters.  The vessel backed up into a private boat dock, and two individuals got off the boat. These two individuals were apprehended by law enforcement and were determined as inadmissible aliens.  The remaining two individuals on the boat were Zijad Saskin and Kevin Marlor, who were both arrested. The two defendants are believed to have been involved in a previous human smuggling operation on July 19, when two other aliens were illegally brought into the United States through the Niagara River.

If you are driving in Scottsville or the surrounding areas be on alert for nails in the road.  Police are warning drivers after someone intentionally dumped piles of roofing nails at several intersections.  Monroe County Sheriffs are investigating.  The nails have been swept up using roofing magnets to pick them up off the road. But so far the culprit has not been apprehended.  Extra police are patrolling the area.

Governor Hochul has signed legislation to make it easier for non-profit and public service workers to access loan forgiveness through the state’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.  The new bill eliminates substantial barriers to applying for and accessing the loan forgiveness program.  PSLF is a federal program that rewards and incentivizes public service work by canceling portions of borrowers’ federal student loans.  The program requires borrowers to be full-time employees of an eligible public service employer and make 120 qualifying payments toward their student loan, after which the remainder of their federal student loan debt is forgiven.  Currently, about 2.7 million people in New York work in the public or nonprofit sectors, according to the governor.  The legislation also sets a standard hourly threshold for full-time employment at 30 hours per week for the purposes of accessing the program and clarifies standardized prep time to be included for faculty and teachers.  Finally, the legislation allows public service employers to certify employment on behalf of individuals or groups of employees directly with the U.S. Department of Education.

All Babies Cherished on Ellicott Street has a new nesting place for women and children because of the generosity of a longtime Genesee County resident.  Gary Good, a man from Alexander, bought a 5 bedroom house at 441 Ellicott Street and gifted it to the christian women’s center as a temporary residence for women in need of assistance during their pregnancy.  All Babies Cherished Executive Director Sue Sherman says that around 35 to 40 percent of the women ABC serves are homeless.  She says that  “Many of them have no family support – in fact, an alarming number of young women have been trafficked by their own families.”  Sherman said ABC’s mission is to give women the tools to make something of their lives “despite the fact that many of them have been told they will never amount to anything.”

The property on the corner across from Tops Friendly Markets in Batavia has sat vacant for years.  It used to be Clor’s but has been shuttered for some time.  Residents may have seen a sign for F&M Convenience store go up for a couple weeks on the triangle shaped property and then disappear.  They weren’t seeing things.  Someone has leased the property from Benderson Development but hasn’t gone through the proper channels to open or advertise yet says Town Building Inspector Daniel Lang.  Ali Musa is set to go before the Town Planning Board next week with plans to open a convenience store which will sell cannabis related items. 

The home opener for the Buffalo Bills is coming up Monday and the team has unveiled some of the new food offerings that’ll be available at Highmark Stadium this season.  They include beef sliders, large nacho tables, barbecue mac and cheese, and the Shout! chicken sandwich that’s covered with sauce, provolone cheese, and crispy onions.  There are also some additional drink options that have been added to the Dunn Tire, Toyota and Pepsi clubs at the facility.  Kickoff for Monday night’s contest between the Bills and Tennessee Titans is set for 7:15 p.m.

Buffalo Sabres center Tyson Kozak scored two goals in Thursday night’s Prospects Challenge opener against the Montreal Canadiens, leading Buffalo to a 4-3 win.  Nolan Burke and Josh Passolt tallied the other two goals for the Sabres this evening.  They’ll be back in action on Saturday to take on New Jersey for game two of three this weekend.  Puck drops at 7 p.m. at the LECOM Harborcenter.

Nyejay Braction

Darnell Cleveland

Kanyia Coleman

Craig Lynch, Jr.

City police and the owner of Ken Barrett Chevrolet Cadillac are thankful to a local citizen. The unnamed individual made a call late Monday night that ultimately led to arrests in a burglary attempt. Police said they would not release any information about the caller in case that individual did not want the attention. The County Dispatch Center received a call around 11:50 p.m. Monday. It was reported there were people inside Ken Barrett Chevrolet. Officers arrived and encountered four people trying to run away from the back of the business. Police arrested two of the suspects, 26-year-old Darnell Cleveland and 18-year-old Kanyia Coleman, both of Buffalo, at the scene. The other two suspects, 21-year-old Craig Lynch Jr. and 18-year-old Nyejay Braction, both also of Buffalo, were taken into custody close to the scene. Cleveland provided a false name in an attempt to prevent officers from arresting him on several outstanding warrants, including a parole warrant. Lynch struggled with officers while being detained. No injuries occurred. Cleveland was charged with third-degree burglary and second-degree criminal impersonation. Lynch was charged with third-degree burglary, second-degree obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest. Braction and Coleman were both charged with third-degree burglary. All suspects were arraigned on Tuesday before Judge Durin Rogers in Batavia City Court. In accordance with New York state bail reform, Cleveland and Lynch were released under the supervision of Genesee Justice. However, Cleveland was then remanded to the Genesee County Jail on his outstanding parole warrant. Braction and Coleman were released on their own recognizance. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be placed.

62-year-old Thomas Tacito of Batavia has been arrested and charged with criminal mischief after allegedly throwing a rock through a window at a location on West Main Street Road. Tacito will appear in Batavia Town Court to answer the charge.

Left to right: Gile, Pimentel-Hernandez

A Rochester man has been sentenced to 118 months in prison for selling drugs to a woman who fatally overdosed. 22-year-old Daniel Pimentel-Hernandez was convicted in federal court of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. The charges date back to a year ago June when Pimentel-Hernandez sold fentanyl to Elliot Gile of Batavia and Margo Haddow of Pennsylvania. The couple was later found unconscious and unresponsive in a vehicle parked roadside on Route 490. Gile recovered; however, Haddow never regained consciousness. Pimentel-Hernandez was arrested the next day after selling drugs to an undercover officer.

Kamala Harris in Buffalo

Vice President Kamala Harris has wrapped up her visit to Western New York where she touted the benefits of the recently signed Inflation Reduction Act. Yesterday, the Vice President took a tour of the Grow Energy Center at the University at Buffalo in Amherst before giving a speech at the University at Buffalo Center for the Arts. During her address, the Vice President claimed that the Inflation Reduction Act would help families save money, lower prescription drug costs, raise taxes on corporations and cut the national deficit. She also took time yesterday to meet with family members of the victims of the mass shooting at a Tops store in Buffalo that left 10 people dead and three others hurt.

Governor Hochul says Frederick Douglass-Greater Rochester International Airport is receiving millions of dollars in state funding to make some much-needed improvements. The $18,000,000 will go towards revitalizing the terminal area by installing energy efficient technologies and upgrading security doors. There will also be a new passenger information display system and better Wi-Fi service. Outside of the airport, a longer curbside drop-off and pick-up area will be created and the entrance canopy is going to be extended.

The latest data from the state shows that there’s been a slight increase in the spread of COVID-19 in Western New York. Right now, the 7-day average infection rate is sitting at 12.6%. At this time one week ago, the average infection rate was 12.2%. Officials say the best way for people to prevent themselves and others from getting sick is to be vaccinated, get an updated booster shot and wear a mask while indoors.

The New York State Department of Health says monkeypox vaccine is going to be made available to a wider range of Empire State residents. The agency announced yesterday that all individuals at risk of becoming infected with monkeypox could now get vaccinated. Before this expansion, eligibility was limited to people who were likely exposed to the virus. Plans are also in the works to distribute more than 3800 vials of monkeypox vaccine to counties statewide. The state says that 100 of those vials will go to Monroe County.

National Toy Hall of Fame Nominees, 2022

The Strong Museum in Rochester has revealed the list of toys that could soon be inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame. The latest list of finalists includes bingo, Lite Brite, Pound Puppies, Nerf toys, the piñata, and Breyer horses. People can now cast their ballots online by visiting the museum’s website through September 21st, but it’ll be up to a committee to make the final decision. The winners will be announced on November 10th.

Great Northern Grain Elevator

After months of legal battles, The Buffalo News is reporting demolition of the Great Northern grain elevator in Buffalo will likely begin today. Preservationists have made several attempts to try and prevent the structure from being torn down. The grain elevator, built back in 1897, was severely damaged during a windstorm last year. City officials will be on hand to make sure that the demolition process goes smoothly. They’re also urging people who may want to watch the building come down to stay away from the Ganson Street area for their own safety.

Adam Kreutz

33-year-old Adam Kreutz of Batavia is charged with assault, burglary and coercion. He’s accused of burglarizing an apartment on Ellicott Street and assaulting the person inside that apartment. Kreutz was arraigned in City Court and ordered held in the Genesee County Jail without bail. ALSO:  33-year-old David Fielding of Stafford is charged with falsifying business records and grand larceny. He is accused of stealing tools from his employer on Godfreys Pond Road in Stafford and pawning them for money. Fielding was arrested and transported to the Genesee County Jail and released on appearance tickets.

Residents in the GLOW region have forgotten about or lost nearly $19 million, according to state Comptroller’s Office. The unclaimed money often comes from old bank accounts, utility deposits, checks that were never cashed, insurance claims, stocks and other sources that have been dormant for a number of years. In Genesee County, there are over 15000 accounts with a total value of over $6,000,000 (5,597 accounts valued at $6,267,590). The state Comptroller’s Office invites you to see if you have any unclaimed funds: Go to https://www.osc.state.ny.us. Or call 1-800-221-9311.

Eric Cushman

A former Warsaw man who has served four state prison terms and is on parole after serving time for the brutal beating of his wife, who he married in a public ceremony on radio, is back in jail after another arrest. 51-year-old Eric Cushman of Bliss, was arrested Saturday and charged with second-degree burglary, assault with intent to cause serious injury, criminal mischief and criminal contempt of court. He was committed to Wyoming County Jail without bail and will likely remain there on a parole detainer.

Andrew Cuomo

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has filed an ethics complaint against State Attorney General Letitia James, in which he discussed concerns about the sexual harassment investigation that led to his resignation last year. Cuomo questioned the accuracy and credibility of the investigation’s findings, alleging that James used the probe to tarnish him and further her own political interests. Cuomo believes James’ agenda included her own political motivations and self-interests. At this time, there has been no response from the Attorney General’s office.

The New York State Thruway Authority reports there are over 64 million dollars in unpaid tolls from between 2018 and 2021. The Authority says drivers who owe toll money will receive 4 notices and then their registration will be suspended. Enforcement has been paused since 2018 due to confusion over how to pay because of the tolls going cashless and then the COVID pandemic set collection back even further. Over the past few years the Thruway Authority has taken some steps to clear up some of the confusion such as, putting up signs, simplifying billing statements, offering an amnesty program to help customers settle their past due accounts and increased staffing at call centers.

Public health departments in the four-county GLOW region want you to know that clinics start this week for the new COVID booster vaccine. The eligibility requirements for the Moderna booster include being 18 years of age or older, and at least two months have passed since completing the primary vaccine series or booster. Requirements are similar for the Pfizer booster, but also include children 5-11 years of age as long as it has been at least five months since they completed their primary vaccine. The Genesee County Health Department encourages residents to talk with their primary care provider and/or their pharmacist to discuss questions they have related to the COVID vaccine and boosters.

The Genesee County Health Department is hosting a free drive-thru anti-rabies immunization clinic tomorrow from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia). 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 on Health Department services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call 585-344-2580 ext. 5555.

Vice President Kamala Harris

The White House has announced the details of Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to Western New York today. She’s scheduled to arrive in Buffalo before taking a tour of the Grow Energy Center at the University of Buffalo in Amherst. Afterwards, Vice President Harris will be giving a speech about the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act at the University at Buffalo Center for the Arts. The White House believes the legislation will help lower the high costs families are dealing with, grow the economy and also create jobs.

A 16-year-old girl is in custody in connection with a stabbing at the Buffalo School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management. According to police, she attacked a 17-year-old girl inside of a classroom yesterday at the school which is located on West Huron Street. The victim was taken to Oishei Children’s Hospital where she was last listed in serious condition. Buffalo Public Schools says it takes any offenses that occur on school grounds seriously and that the Code of Conduct will be followed when coming up with disciplinary measures.

Students in the Orchard Park Central School District will be spending less time in their classrooms this coming Monday. District officials have announced a “Buffalo Bills Half-Day” ahead of the NFL team’s home opener against the Tennessee Titans. A lot of traffic is expected around Windom Elementary School and Orchard Park Middle School which both are near Highmark Stadium and an early dismissal will allow students to safely return home. Monday’s game between the Bills and Titans is set for 7:15pm.

Jefferson Avenue Tops location

The application deadline for people who want to receive money from the Buffalo 5/14 survivors fund is coming up later today. The fund was put together after a mass shooting at a Tops store in Buffalo that left 10 people dead and three others hurt. In order to get benefits, individuals must be a legal heir of the victims, have been hit by a gunshot or suffered some sort of physical injury, have been present at the time of the shooting and are dealing with mental trauma or been an associate of the Jefferson Avenue store who was not present on the day of the shooting. The deadline to submit an application is 6:00pm.

Ever see a trailer angled down on the road and wanted to jump it like one of the Duke Boys?  Well it turns out it’s not such a good idea.  At around 3pm Tuesday afternoon Stafford fire responded to a report of a car over a trailer at 6204 Main Road.  Multiple witnesses gave stories about exactly what happened when a large truck was eastbound on Main rd and made a wide turn which somehow forced a red sedan to go to the right onto the shoulder.  A Wyatt Van Buren Tree Service crew was working there with a flatbed trailer angled down to the road and the sedan went right up the trailer and onto the pickup truck.  There were several workers on the trailer at the time and they leapt off.  One suffered a broken leg and another a broken arm.  The whole crew was transported to Strong Memorial by Mercy Ambulance.  No other injuries were reported.  

As the City Council was meeting on Monday to discuss the farm animal law in the city a vandal was apparently suffering from having too much nail polish on hand.  They poured it on a vehicle that was outside the City Hall.  Acetone in nail polish contains chemicals that eat away at a car’s paint.  It takes about an hour to damage a car.  No word yet on the amount of damage suffered or who the car belonged to.  Batavia Police are investigating. 

The Batavia City School District has received 1.4 million dollars from the New York State office of Mental Health to assist with mental health issues as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The amount of learning loss suffered by students during the COVID lockdowns and because of anxiety and other mental health issues caused by COVID and the government response are still being studied.  Rates of suicide and mental health issues have markedly increased.  This grant will go to helping deal with these issues.  Batavia City Schools are reviewing their options and will make an announcement at a later date.

Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo filed an ethics complaint Tuesday against state Attorney General Letitia James, reiterating his oft-repeated concerns about a sexual harassment investigation that led to his resignation last year.  Cuomo questioned the accuracy and credibility of the investigation’s findings, alleging James, a fellow Democrat, used the probe to tarnish him and further her own political interests.  James, who briefly ran for governor after Cuomo resigned, “had her own politically motivated and self-interest driven agenda,” Cuomo said. James’ office declined comment

The New York State thruway Authority is reporting over 64 million dollars in unpaid tolls from between 2018 and 2021 and they are coming to collect.  The authority says drivers who owe toll money will receive 4 notices and then their registration will be suspended.  Enforcement has been paused since 2018 because of confusion over how to pay because of the tolls going cashless and then the COVID pandemic set collection back further.  Over the past few years the Thruway Authority has taken some steps to clear up some of the confusion such as, installing new signage, simplifying billing statements, offering an amnesty program to help customers get back into the black and enhancing technology and increased staffing at call centers.

Former New York State supreme Court Justice John Michalek was sentenced on Tuesday for taking bribes and offering a false instrument.   He was sentenced to pay 5000 dollars and spend 16 months in prison.  Michalek was originally sentenced in July, along with his co-conspirator former Erie County Democratic Chairman Steve Pigeon, but was allowed to walk free from court when the judge stayed the sentencing until September 9 following an oral motion made by his counsel.  Pigeon is facing a possible 25 years behind bars for allegedly raping a child and another 16 months for bribery and organizing illegal campaign donations to former Governor Cuomo’s 2014 election campaign.

The lowest price you would pay for a Monday Night Football Bill’s ticket for next week is 216 for an upper level seat and you’d be lucky to get that.  Stubhub says the tickets are selling out fast, they were under 500 left Tuesday night when usually there would be 1500 to 2000 tickets still available.  The Bills will be playing the Tennessee Titans.  

Cassandra Elmore

30-year-old Cassandra Elmore of Batavia, who twice failed to appear in City Court to answer charges related to her dog overdosing on drugs, has been arrested. Her most recent failure to appear was last Thursday; the judge issued a warrant for her arrest. Elmore is charged with three counts of injuring/torturing an animal as well as two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, two counts of obstruction of governmental administration and two counts of misdemeanor criminal possession of a controlled substance. Some of those charges are related to a traffic stop on August 30 in the city. Elmore was committed to jail over the weekend.

Most recent map of drought conditions – as of 9/13/22

The GLOW region is no longer in a drought, this according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor data. The organization’s latest map shows the entire region classified as “abnormally dry.” That’s an improvement over the previous two months in which portions of Genesee and Livingston counties were shown to be in a moderate drought. The abnormally dry areas include all of Western New York except for Chautauqua County. Additionally, outdoor fire risk for all of New York State is now rated as low, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Color key to the map: Yellow=Abnormally Dry; Light Orange=Moderate Drought; Dark Orange=Severe Drought

Purrrrrrrr…..

It’s unanimous. Last night, the Batavia City Council voted to move forward with the farm animals ban but after much discussion, removed feral and community cats from the list of prohibited animals. Next, the pared down law moves to the September 26 business meeting for vote.

Governor Hochul

New York Governor Kathy Hochul will allow her COVID-19 emergency powers to expire. As of today, there’s no longer an executive order in effect giving the governor’s office the authority to purchase pandemic-related goods and services without a competitive bidding process. The governor says she’ll reinstate emergency orders if there’s a sudden increase in coronavirus cases.

A popular feature that was put in place by Wegmans at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic is being discontinued. The SCAN App allowed customers to scan their own groceries then pay for them when they were done shopping. But, the supermarket chain says that due to the losses the company experienced after the app launched, it will be turned off until improvements can be made. Wegmans says it’ll keep introducing new digital solutions to help streamline the shopping experience for the future.

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection is offering some tips to grandparents about how to avoid being scammed. The agency says older residents are often targeted by scammers who attempt to take advantage of the close relationship grandparents have with their grandchildren. In many cases, the scammer pretends to be a relative and says there’s an emergency in order to get money sent to them. They also often insist that no one be told about the financial transaction. Officials say people should try to verify if what the scammer is saying is true or not. Folks also should not reveal their address or other personal information over the phone to anyone they don’t know.

Governor Hochul has announced that she will allow her COVID emergency powers to expire without renewing them again.  She has renewed them through executive order every time its come up. The latest time being August 13th.  The number of people testing positive across New York State continues to decline.  Last week she decided that New York Mass Transit riders no longer had to mask up.  The CDC has changed their COVID recommendations to make vaccinated and unvaccinated recommendations the same throughout the US.  Republicans such as Gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin say the emergency powers should have been gone “a VERY long time ago.”

Republican Candidate for Governor Lee Zeldin is only a couple points away in the polls from incumbent Kathy Hochul and he wants a debate.  Zeldin tweeted Monday, “It’s September 12 and @KathyHochul still has not accepted ANY debate requests. This is not ok. The contempt Hochul has for being challenged should alone disqualify her. Absentee ballots start going out in less than two weeks. These debates need to start now before voting begins.”  Kathy Hochul has said she is willing to debate, but hasn’t said anything about where or when.  According to a SurveyUSA poll released August 23rd Zeldin is only 4 points behind Hochul but the New York Times cautioned yesterday that democrat poll numbers may be inflated as they have been so many times in the past.  If Zeldin wins it will be the first time a republican has been governor since George Pataki.

Mercy EMS drove 1 driver to Strong Memorial after a crash at the intersection of Batavia Stafford Townline Rd and Rt 5 Monday afternoon.  State troopers say that a red Hyundai pulled out in front of an eastbound silver Ford and was struck on the side.  A broken arm was the only injury reported.  Stafford Fire and Mercyflight responded, the helicopter was canceled.  

Vice President Kamala Harris is set to visit Buffalo on Wednesday, according to Congressman Brian Higgins.  On Monday afternoon Higgins announced a media availability to address the Vice President’s upcoming visit. According to Higgins, the Vice President will be in Buffalo to discuss the Inflation Reduction Act. The act was signed into law by President Biden on August 16.

Oliver’s Candies is 90 years old and they want to celebrate!  September 17th, Olivers will be having a party at their store in Batavia with face paintings, kid’s games, bounce house,  and wine tasting with Autumn Moon Winery.  Also there will be State Troopers, Genesee County Sheriff with K9 Unit, the Batavia Animal Shelter, table raffles and a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds from the table and 50/50 raffles will be donated to the Batavia Animal Shelter.  The first 150 customers to make an in store purchase will receive a Oliver’s Candies swag bag.

This Saturday the great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence is starting it’s Annual Fall Festival which will run every weekend through the end of October.  Opening weekend at the festival will be an armed forces weekend in collaboration with the Clarence Citizens for Veterans. Admission for any active duty, retired military, veterans, police, or fire department personnel will be admitted for free with proper identification. They are also permitted to bring one guest for free as well.  All attractions will be running during the opening weekend, including Vinnie & Teddy the animatronic dinosaurs, the Balloon Experts, and live music.  Original attractions such as amusement rides, hayrides, corn maze, and the pumpkin patch will be available this year as well.

A mobile phone left charging on a bed is the suspected cause of a fire on Big Tree Road in Pavilion. It appears to have started in a second-floor bedroom and residents told investigators that a phone was left on the bed plugged into a charger. A 13-year-old resident smelled the smoke and found the fire. He alerted his father and they shoved the mattress out the window but the fire spread quickly anyway. All residents of the two-unit apartment building escaped safely, which included one adult and two children that lived in each of the apartments. The investigation continues today into whether or not the building is a total loss; however, it was heavily damaged on both floors with heavy flame damage in the front of the second floor. No injuries were reported.

27-year-old Jarrod Fotiathis and 31-year-old Julie Richardson, both of LeRoy, were arrested after an investigation into theft from a motor vehicle. It is alleged they conspired together to steal the victim’s wallet to purchase items at a local business. At the time of the arrest, both Fotiathis and Richardson resisted by attempting to run away. This led to a foot pursuit by police throughout the City of Batavia. Fotiathis eventually turned himself in to police and Richardson was stopped by a local citizen who witnessed the incident. Both Fotiathis and Richardson were issued appearance tickets and are scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court at a later date.

Adult Spotted Lanternfly – wings open

The state Department of Agriculture and Markets says a destructive insect has recently been found in the Western New York region. The spotted lanternfly is known to cause damage to plants and crops that play a key role in the Empire State’s agricultural economy. More than 100 adult insects have already been located and members of the Agriculture and Markets department will be on the lookout for additional bugs in the coming days. Residents who spot the insects are asked to report their location immediately.

Western New York drivers are still feeling less pain at the pump as the cost of gas continues to fall across our region. According to Triple A today, the average cost for a gallon of regular fuel is now $4.04. That’s down a dime from this time one week ago and is 45 cents less than what people were paying a month ago. The state average is now $3.89 and nationally it’s $3.72. In Batavia this morning, the average price per gallon was $4.05; closing the gap even more to what the cost was on this day one year ago, just an 80 cent difference now, $3.25.

Raspberry Rally – new Girl Scout cookie for 2023

The Girl Scouts have unveiled a new cookie for the 2023 sales season; it’s called the Raspberry Rally, but you won’t be able to buy it directly in person. This one particular cookie will be available on-line only. This is an effort to help the girls learn entrepreneurship through their own online business. Cookies will be shipped directly to the customers. Other cookie sales — at booths, via online ordering, and directly from scouts — will remain as they have been. Cookie season varies by council, but runs nationally from January to April. What exactly is a Raspberry Rally? The Girl Scouts describe it as “a thin, crispy cookie infused with raspberry flavor and dipped in chocolaty coating,” dubbing it “the sister to Thin Mints, their best selling cookie. Proceeds raised from in-person and online cookie orders directly benefit local councils and troops.

The Genesee County Health Department will be hosting a free drive-thru anti-rabies immunization clinic this Thursday, September 15th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia). 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 on Health Department services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call 585-344-2580 ext. 5555.

“Whoever said money can’t buy happiness simply didn’t know where to go shopping.” – Bo Derek

Another round of Powerball and Mega Millions drawings have come and gone without a winner and that means both jackpots have risen again. Tonight’s Powerball prize will be at least $193,000,000 dollars and tomorrow’s Mega Millions jackpot has gone up to $231,000,000. The cost of a ticket is $2.00 for each game. Both the Powerball and Mega Millions drawings will be streamed live online. Please play responsibly.

Normal red blood cells with sickle cells

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month and the American Red Cross is looking for donations to help those who are battling the disease. It affects over 100-thousand people nationwide and regular blood transfusions are used to help those individuals deal with pain and life-threatening complications. The Red Cross is offering anyone who donates a free shirt so long as they give blood through September 18th. Here is a link with more information.  https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-types/diversity/sicklecell.html

A fire at a Pavilion apartment home may have been started by a cell phone that was charging on a bed according to investigators.  At around 7pm on Sunday the fire department received a call for a fire on Big Tree Road.  Residents said a 13 year old smelled smoke and found the fire on a mattress.  Him and his father then shoved the mattress out a window but the fire spread through the house.  All occupants escaped safely.  It was unclear if the structure is a total loss, but it was heavily damaged on both floors with obvious heavy flame damage in the front of the second floor.  Pavilion, LeRoy and Stafford fire departments responded, as well as FAST Teams from Batavia and Alexander.

Police are investigating a home invasion that resulted in a dead man in Rochester.  A man in his 20s was found shot in the chest in a home on Kenwood Ave at around 4:30pm Saturday.  The man who called 911 said the deceased broke into his house and he shot him with a shotgun, killing him.  Others attempted to break in and fired several shots into the house before fleeing the scene once the first man was shot.  The Major Crimes Unit responded and conducted the investigation. As a result of the information obtained so far, no charges have been filed at this time.  

The second homicide of the weekend was around 2AM on Sunday when police responded to shots fired at Thomas Ryan Recreation Center on Webster Ave.  They found a 16 year old boy with gunshot wounds to the face and a 17 year old boy dead in a field at the park, shot multiple times in the upper body.  Police say during the preliminary investigation, it has been determined the victims were hanging out in the park at the recreation center with a group of four to six of their friends when a suspect approached and shot 2 of them.  The other boy was taken to the hospital and is in stable condition.   No suspects are in custody.

Western New York drivers are still feeling less pain at the pump as the cost of gas continues to fall across the area. According to Triple A, the average cost for a gallon of regular fuel is now 4.05 in Batavia. That’s down 10 cents from this time one week ago and is 45 cents less than what people were paying a month ago. The state average is now 3.90 and nationally it’s 3.72.

President Biden will give a speech  in the same location where President John F Kennedy promised to send a man to the moon but this speech will be about curing cancer.  Chris Carragio has more.

The VA Hospital in Batavia honored those who were killed on the September 11th terrorist attacks by setting up flags on the lawn for the 2,977 victims.  More than 20 volunteers from the VA, National Fuel and the American legion helped.  The attacks involving 4 hijacked jetliners 21 years ago were remembered across the country with flag raisings, first responder fundraiser events, moments of silence, speeches and ceremonies. 

Lei Ti Campground in Bethany held their annual auction fundraiser for One Soldier at a Time and raised 9,200 dollars.  One Soldier at a time runs three primary programs.  One provides gifts for wives and mothers of military members deployed overseas for Christmas, Valentine’s and Mother’s Day.  Another provides care packages for soldiers on deployment.  And the third, that this donation will benefit, assists veterans who are homeless, impoverished, in PTSD housing or in similar hardships with care products to take care of them from head to toe, from hair-care products to socks and shirts and ties, and for veterans who have passed, suits “so they can be buried with dignity.”

2 more people were murdered in Rochester Friday night.  42 year old Lanard Davis was shot 3 times while in his car on Congress Ave.  A woman and child were in the car with him when he was killed.  Police have not made any arrests though they swarmed the area looking for the shooter.  2 hours earlier 34 year old Cory Dubois was stabbed in a fight on Angle Street and then died in the entryway to St Mary’s hospital.  Mayor Malik Evans called the killings senseless saying “We need people to choose life instead of death, and we also need people to stop solving disputes that are petty and insignificant by taking innocent people’s lives.”

Tired of paying 5 cents a bag for groceries?  According to a post on the Facebook page of Batavia Walmart.  Walmart is done with paper bags come October 1st.  All Walmarts in New York State are apparently discontinuing use of paper bags but will continue to offer reusable bags.  

The spotted lantern fly, an insect that has been wreaking havoc on more than 70 plants and crops downstate, has been found in large numbers in the Buffalo area.  The state agriculture department is concerned with them being so close to New York’s grape producing areas as lantern flies can have a devastating effect on grapevines.  The agriculture department wants the public to report any sightings of the fly and, if possible capture and kill any they find by putting them in a bag and freezing it or putting it in a jar with rubbing alcohol for preservation.  Signs of lantern fly infestation include, sap oozing from wounds on tree trunks, inch long egg masses that are brownish gray, waxy and mud like when new, and honeydew buildup under plants.

Kiwanis club of Pembroke Corfu Darien is hosting the 15th annual Car Cruise and Fall Festival on September 18th at the Pembroke Town Park.  Last year, Genesee County’s premier car show attracted over 300 cars, 65 vendors, food trucks, music and raffles. Family activities include a Kids’ Car Cruise for those 8 and under, face painting, a bounce house, Big Red’s Magic Show and free train rides. Crossroads House will have a Basket Raffle. There will be the Red Cross Blood Drive. The Pembroke Community Band will be performing.  Car registration is 20 dollars.

This Thursday the Genesee County Health Department is holding a free rabies immunization clinic at the Genesee County Fairgrounds.  This is a drive through clinic for dogs, cats and ferrets at least 3 months old.  4 pets per car maximum.  The next ones coming up will be on October 13th at the fairgrounds and October 15th at the Orleans County Fairgrounds.

GCC Foundation announced the date for their Encore Gala to raise funds for student scholarships.  November 19th the theme of the Gala to be held at the William W. Stuart Forum is “A Night in Casablanca.”  Sponsors who give several thousand dollars can reach levels of giving like “We’ll always have Paris,” and “Here’s looking at you kid.”

Eric Motzer

Perry Police tell us that a parolee and Level 3 sex offender who changed his name and fled the state to avoid a state prison sentence was arrested on drugged-driving charges earlier this week. 36-year-old Eric Motzer of Attica was charged with driving while impaired by drugs; he failed field sobriety tests and it was found that he was high on marijuana. He was issued appearance tickets and is scheduled to appear October 11th in Village Court. In 2012, he was sentenced to seven years in prison for rape charges and in 2021 was returned to prison for violating parole because of new drug charges. Motzer was living in Alexander when he was arrested in 2011 and accused of raping a teenage girl. He was convicted after a jury trial and was scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 22, 2011. On September 21, he got married in Genesee County, changed his name to Eric J. Disalvo and, with his new bride, fled to West Virginia. A warrant was issued and he was arrested two weeks later and returned to Wyoming County and sentenced to seven years. He served all seven years. A year later he was jailed for a year for failing to register with the state Sex Offender Registry.

Nicholas Maher

Today 38-year-old Nicholas Maher of Oakfield was sentenced in Genesee County Court to 23 years in state prison, in the death of his father. In May of this year, Maher accepted a plea deal and pleaded guilty to manslaughter. In addition to the prison sentence, Maher was also sentenced to five years of Post Release Supervision and several Orders of Protection were issued.

Park Road – file photo

Here’s a traffic pattern change you should be aware of: The portion of Park Road from Richmond Avenue south to the intersection of Lewiston Road will be reopened to southbound traffic only, as of 5:00pm this afternoon. Motorists approaching Park Road from Lewiston Road are asked to continue to follow the detour along Veteran’s Memorial Drive to Park Road. This traffic pattern will remain in place until the project is completed. Anyone with questions is asked to call the Town of Batavia Highway Department at 585-343-1729, extension 218.

Darien McMillian

Two Rochester men in the Attica Correctional Facility, including one involved in a police shooting, have been indicted on gang assault charges. 30-year-old Randy Love and 28-year-old Darien McMillian are charged with first-degree gang assault and second-degree assault for their involvement in an altercation in the prison on July 13. The most serious charge, gang assault, is a class B violent felony punishable by up to 25 years in state prison. The men were arraigned Wednesday in Wyoming County Court. Both entered not guilty pleas and are to return to court in November. Love remains in Attica Correctional Facility and McMillian has since been transferred to another state prison.

The woman, who was arrested after her dog was found to be overdosed on narcotics has once again failed to show up for her court date. When she missed the first date, Judge Thomas Burns issued a warrant for Cassandra Elmore of Batavia, after a friend called and said she was in the hospital, which couldn’t be verified. The Batavia Police say they never received the warrant and she was never apprehended. She was to be arraigned yesterday but once again failed to show. Court clerks said someone claiming to be an attorney in Pennsylvania but not leaving a phone number, address or filing a motion to change Elmore’s court appointed attorney called her behalf, but again verification was not possible and the judge did not excuse Elmore from appearing. Elmore faces three counts of injuring an animal and multiple charges stemming from a traffic stop late last month. The Judge has issued an arrest warrant and 2 bench warrants for her arrest.

Governor Hochul

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that $475,000,000 in direct payments would be sent out to New Yorkers to help fight inflation. The 1.7 million New Yorkers who received the state’s Empire State Child Credit or Earned Income Credit on their 2021 taxes can expect a check for $270 per person starting near the end of October. Governor Hochul and members of the state legislature approved the Additional NYS Child and Earned Income Tax Payment as part of the 2023 Enacted Budget. Eligible New Yorkers do not need to take any action to receive their checks, as they will be mailed automatically.

Congressman Chris Jacobs

Congressman Chris Jacobs has introduced legislation at the federal level that would override the Farm Labor Bureau’s overtime threshold decision, which if approved, would gradually make it so that farm owners have to pay laborers overtime pay after 40 hours instead of 60. The Protect Local Farms Act, co-sponsored by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, would mandate that states couldn’t set the overtime threshold lower than 60 hours a week. Jacobs noted that farming is not like other industries with a normal workweek and is subject to variables such as the weather. He also says that changing the overtime threshold will cause farms to cut laborers’ hours, leading many workers to leave the state to seek higher wages and more work hours elsewhere.

Josh Allen

The Buffalo Bills lived up to their preseason hype as a team that could win the Super Bowl with a dominating effort on the road. Bills quarterback Josh Allen tossed three touchdown passes and rushed for another score as Buffalo beat the defending Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams 31 to 10 at SoFi Stadium last night. Buffalo’s defense also contributed by picking up several sacks and forcing multiple turnovers. The Bills will be back in action on Monday evening, September 19th, when they host the Tennessee Titans.

Wegmans has found itself on top of a brand-new list that’s been released by Fortune. The popular supermarket chain was ranked number one in the “best workplaces in retail” category among large companies. Fortune praised Wegmans for several things such as having an internal job posting program and flexible scheduling for employees. In second place was the Target Corporation followed by Sheetz.

King Charles-Queen Elizabeth

Flags across the state are at half-staff after the passing of the Worlds longest reigning monarch. Queen Elizabeth the Second passed away peacefully last night. She was 96. Queen Elizabeth reigned for 70 years, appointed 15 Prime Ministers and met 13 of the 14 US presidents who served during her time on the throne. The money in the UK will continue to have her face on it for the time being but the royal song will be changed to “God Save the King” for King Charles the 3rd who is now the monarch of the United Kingdom.

“My wallet is like an onion. Opening it makes me cry.”

The Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots just keep growing and that means there’s a combined $396,000,000 up for grabs the next couple of days. The prize for whoever picks the winning numbers ahead of tonight’s Mega Millions drawing will be at least $210,000,000. And the Powerball jackpot for tomorrow night is currently sitting at $186,000,000. The price of a ticket to play each game is $2.00. Both the Mega Millions and Powerball drawings will be streamed live online. Please play responsibly.

The holidays will be here before we know it and the United Parcel Service is planning to hire over one-thousand people in Buffalo ahead of the season. UPS is offering part-time and full-time seasonal jobs to fill positions such as drivers, driver helpers, and package handlers. Seasonal package car driver positions begin at 21-dollars an hour and seasonal tractor- trailer driver positions begin at 35-dollars an hour. More information can be found online by visiting jobs-ups.com.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced Thursday that 475 million dollars in direct payments would be sent out to New Yorkers to fight inflation.  The 1.7 million New Yorkers who received the state’s Empire State Child Credit or Earned Income Credit on their 2021 taxes can expect a check for 270 dollars per person starting near the end of October.  Governor Hochul and members of the state legislature approved the Additional NYS Child and Earned Income Tax Payment as part of the 2023 Enacted Budget.  Eligible New Yorkers do not need to take any action to receive their checks; checks will be mailed automatically.  

Congressman Chris Jacobs has introduced legislation at the federal level to override the Farm Labor Bureau’s overtime threshold decision which would make it so farms have to pay laborers overtime pay after 40 hours instead of 60.  The Protect Local Farms Act, co-sponsored by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, would mandate that states couldn’t set the overtime threshold lower than 60 hours a week.  Jacobs says that farming is not like other industries with a normal work week and is subject to the whims of weather.  He also says that changing the overtime threshold will cause farms to cut laborers’ hours, leading many to leave the state to seek higher wages elsewhere.

The woman who was arrested after her dog overdosed on narcotics, twice, failed to show at court August 11th and then again on Thursday.  On the 11th Judge Thomas Burns issued a warrant for Cassandra Elmore after a friend called and said she was in the hospital.  They were informed they needed proof and none was given.  The Batavia Police say they never received the warrant and she was never apprehended.  She was to be arraigned Thursday but once again failed to show.  Court clerks said someone claiming to be an attorney in Pennsylvania but not leaving a phone number, address or filing a motion to change Elmore’s court appointed attorney called but the judge did not excuse Elmore from appearing.  Elmore faces three counts of injuring an animal and multiple charges stemming from a traffic stop on the 30th.  The Judge issued an arrest warrant and 2 bench warrants for her arrest.

Flags across the state are at half staff after the death of the Worlds longest reigning monarch.  Queen Elizabeth the Second passed away peacefully Thursday.  She was 96.  Queen Elizabeth reigned for 70 years, appointed 15 Prime Ministers and met 13 of the 14 US presidents who served during her time on the throne.  The money in the UK will continue to have her face on it for the time being but the royal song will be changed to “God Save the King” for King Charles the 3rd who is now the monarch of the United Kingdom.

After an early game with fumbles and interceptions the Bills found their feet and roared ahead to a 31 to 10 victory over the Rams in California Thursday night.  In the first half Josh Allen threw 2 interceptions and rookie James Cook fumbled the ball on his first touch.  In the second half Mackenzie, Allen and Diggs scored touchdowns to win it.  The Bills next game is at home against the Titans on Monday the 19th.

Derek Hagen

A 29-year-old man from Batavia has pleaded guilty in Rochester to possession and production of child pornography. Derek Hagen worked in several Western New York teaching, substitute teaching, and child-care positions, including the Brockport Childhood Development Center, and schools in Batavia, Pembroke and Dansville. While working in schools and childcare he made sexually explicit images of children entrusted to his care from 6 months to 5 years of age. He did this while changing diapers and helping in the restroom. He then shared videos and pictures online and was also found in possession of over 50,000 pictures and videos he received from others. There has been no information released indicating that Hagen exploited children in Batavia. But charges in Genesee and Livingston Counties are anticipated as a result of the investigation. Hagen faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in federal prison with a possible sentence of up to 30 years. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

Wyoming County Emergency Services tell us that the investigation continues today into a fire that destroyed a house on Maxon Road in Bennington. The fire was reported just after 5:30 yesterday afternoon in the basement of the home owned by Robert and Darcie Kozlowski. Firefighters worked for over five hours to control the blaze but the house was ultimately considered a total loss. No injuries were reported. The Red Cross is assisting the three adults who were living in the home.

Nicholas Maher

An Oakfield man who admitted stabbing his father to death is in the schedule to be sentenced to 20 to 25 years in state prison tomorrow in Genesee County Court. 38-year-old Nicholas Maher pleaded guilty May 20 to first-degree manslaughter in a plea arrangement. (worked out by District Attorney Kevin Finnell and Public Defender Jerry Ader) Following the prison sentence, Maher will have five years of post-release supervision. Maher admitted that he stabbed his father to death at the home they shared at 32 Drake Street. 69-year-old Martin Maher was found dead after relatives called Genesee County Sheriff’s deputies to do a welfare check Oct. 17. His son was found and arrested hours later in Erie County and charged with second-degree murder. Finnell said Maher has mental health issues but that he was deemed competent to continue with court proceedings. Maher is set to be sentenced at 10:30 a.m. Friday in Genesee County Court with Judge Michael Mohun of Wyoming County presiding.

According to the latest data from the state, the spread of COVID-19 has increased slightly in our region. Right now, the seven-day average infection rate is sitting at 7.3%. At this time last week, that infection rate was at 6.9%. To help prevent another spike in cases, New Yorkers are encouraged to get the new COVID-19 vaccine boosters that are now being made available. To find out where to get immunized, call 1-800-232-0233 or visit vaccines.gov.

Olga Martinez being arrested

The Greece Central School District has fired a cafeteria worker after she was accused of pointing a loaded gun towards someone in a school parking lot. Officials say that the incident involving Olga Martinez happened after she was involved in an apparent road rage incident yesterday on Mount Read Boulevard. Both vehicles ended up on the property of Odyssey Academy, which is when Martinez allegedly displayed the weapon. The school was briefly placed on lockdown and Martinez was taken into custody. She was arraigned yesterday and has pleaded not guilty to several charges.

A new poll shows that a majority of Empire State residents support President Biden’s plan to cancel student debt. According to Siena College, 56% agree with Mister Biden’s decision to have the federal government eliminate up to $20,000 worth of federal student loans for millions of people compared to 33% who don’t. While 29% of people think that the president’s plan goes too far, 21% believe it doesn’t go far enough, and 39% say the plan is the right approach. Also, 57% believe canceling some student debt will provide a lot of Americans with financial relief that will help both them and the economy.

Josh Allen

The Buffalo Bills will be taking the first step tonight on a journey that they hope ends with the first Super Bowl title in the history of the franchise. The reigning AFC East champions are set to battle the defending Super Bowl champions the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The Bills will once again be led by star players including quarterback Josh Allen, wide receiver Stefon Diggs, and new addition Von Miller who was with the Rams last season. Wide receiver Marquez Stevenson is on injured reserve after a foot injury during training camp. Kickoff for this evening’s contest is set for 8:20.

Blake Shelton

One of the biggest names in country music is bringing his latest tour to Buffalo next year. Blake Shelton is set to take the stage at KeyBank Center on Saturday, March 25th. Shelton, who is known for several hits including “All About Tonight,” “Came Here to Forget,” and “She Wouldn’t Be Gone,” will be joined by special guests Jackson Dean and Carly Pearce. Tickets for the show go on sale a week from tomorrow, Friday, September 16th at noon and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

NY Assemblyman Steve Hawley put out a press release saying he is disappointed in the Farm Laborers Board’s decision to lower the overtime threshold.  During the board’s hearings, the vast majority of testimony provided by farmers and farm workers opposed its implementation, warning that it threatened the livelihoods of both farm owners and laborers.  The concerns expressed by those opposed to lowering the threshold have been corroborated by a number of studies, as a report by Farm Credit East has stated that the total cost of lowering the overtime threshold to 40 hours, coupled with minimum wage increases, would result in an increase in labor costs by over 40 percent for New York’s farms. Another study by Cornell University found that 70 percent of New York farm labor guest workers would not return to New York were the threshold to be lowered and would instead seek work in other states where they have the opportunity to work longer hours.  “Now that the fate of farming as we know it here in New York state has been put in jeopardy by the Wage Board.”

A 29 year old man from Batavia pleaded guilty to possession and production of child porn in Rochester Wednesday.  Derek Hagen worked in several WNY teaching, substitute teaching, and child-care positions in the Western District of New York, including at the Brockport Childhood Development Center, the Batavia City School District, the Pembroke Central School District, and most recently with the Dansville Central School District.  While working in schools and child care he made sexually explicit images of children entrusted to his care aging from 6 months to 5 years.  He did this while changing diapers and helping in the restroom.  He shared videos and pictures of this online while also being found in possession of over 50,000 pictures and videos from others.  There has been no information released indicating that Hagen exploited children in Batavia.

Batavia County Sheriff Sheron says that they need more corrections officers, especially females.  At the Ways and Means committee meeting on Wednesday Sheriff Sheron said that the new jail which is under construction will house both male and female inmates and they need to expand the search for more corrections officers to counties outside Genesee.  He asked legislators for approval of an amendment to allow officers to be from contiguous counties as well as from the desired first choice of Genesee. Less than 40 people took the last Civil Service test, compared to 80 previously. The pool of candidates is growing “leaner and leaner,” he said.  Currently corrections officers must reside in Genesee County to be considered. 

Rehearsals start soon for the Genesee Chorale and the chorale is eager to accept new members into the group.  Rehearsals are Monday evenings starting at 7 p.m. and wrapping up by 9 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church.  The first rehearsal is on Sept. 12.  The chorale is planning its seasonal concert for December.  Singers of all levels of experience are welcome.

The Buffalo Bills will be playing their season opener tonight at 8:20 in California against the Los Angeles Rams Rams.  The Rams are hosting at LoFi Stadium in Inglewood.  The Bill signed Sam Martin to a 1 year contract as punter to replace Matt Araiza who was initially signed and then released after allegations of rape at a Arizona college party came to light.  Wide receiver Marquez Stevenson is on injured reserve after a foot injury during training camp.

A three-person Farm Laborers Wage Board voted 2-1 yesterday in a recommendation that the state reduce the overtime threshold for New York farm workers in a gradual phase-in from 60 to 40 hours a week. New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher cast one of the three votes and he opposed lowering the threshold. Fisher said the report is flawed and doesn’t reflect the data and witness testimony in hearings that he said showed lowering the OT threshold would hurt farms and farm workers. The reduction is proposed to be phased-in over a ten-year period, with reductions of four hours on a biannual basis. The phase-in schedule would begin on January 1, 2024, with the threshold set at 56 hours; on January 1, 2026, with the threshold set at 52 hours; on January 1, 2028, with the threshold set at 48 hours; on January 1, 2030, with the threshold set at 44 hours; on January 1, 2032, with the threshold set at 40 hours. Once the board delivers its report, Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon will have 45 days to review and announce her decision.

The City of Batavia Fire Department has released Community Connect, that’s an application focused on protecting residents and their property in the most effective way possible during an incident or major disaster. Community Connect is a safe, secure online platform. It’s easy to use and allows residents to share critical information about their household in order to aid first responders and emergency service personnel to respond more efficiently and effectively. Community Connect is completely voluntary and residents are individually able to decide which information they are comfortable sharing. Residents simply create a profile and enter critical property and occupant information, which is then made available to public safety agencies at the time of dispatch. To learn more about the program and to create your profile, click the following link.    https://www.communityconnect.io/info/ny-cityofbatavia

This Friday is the day that our local Valu store will begin the process of closing down; that’s the day their inventory liquidation sale starts. Out of 16 stores across the region, the chain decided to close the doors at three under-performing locations. Besides Batavia, the other stores closing are in Chataqua County (Fredonia and Lakewood).

It looks like National Grid customers are going to be handing over a lot more money if they want to stay warm this winter. That’s because the utility company today predicted the average household would pay $943 for natural gas heating during the season, an increase of 39% from last winter. National Grid says this jump is mostly due to record natural gas prices and higher gas delivery rates. The company says people who are worried about paying their bills should check and see if they’re eligible for its Energy Affordability Program or the federal Home Energy Assistance Program.

Governor Hochul removes her mask

Governor Hochul is immediately lifting the mask mandate in several spaces across New York State, including public transit. Yellow signs will be placed at transit hubs notifying people that masks are now optional. The Governor says this was a data driven decision. Masks will no longer be required in shelters or corrections facilities, but a mandate will remain in place for health care centers and hospitals. It comes as health officials report major declines in COVID-19 hospitalizations while pharmacies start rolling out targeted coronavirus boosters, possibly as early as late this week.

Fisher-Price Bills Little People

The Buffalo Bills are once again teaming up with Fisher-Price and Wegmans to help raise money for kids who are being treated at Oishei Children’s Hospital. Fisher-Price has released Little People characters featuring Bills quarterback Josh Allen, head coach Sean McDermott and wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Fans can purchase the Go Bills! pack at Wegmans stores across the region. They cost $19.99 each and all net proceeds will go to the foundation that helps support the hospital.

Wheeler Yuta and Daniel Garcia

One of the biggest professional wrestling companies in the country will be making its debut in Buffalo this evening. The stars of All Elite Wrestling are going to be at the KeyBank Center for a live broadcast of AEW Dynamite and their taped show AEW Rampage that airs on Friday. Among those scheduled to perform is Buffalo native Daniel Garcia who is taking on Wheeler Yuta for the Ring of Honor Pure championship. Tickets for the show are still available and can be bought at the box office or through Ticketmaster.

Monkeypox file photo

The number of monkeypox cases has increased once again Monroe County. The latest data shows that a total of nine people have now contracted the illness since the outbreak started. One bit of good news is that cases in both New York State and nationally have been falling as of late because more people can get vaccinated. Monkeypox is often spread through exposure to an infected individual’s lesions or respiratory droplets. People who develop a sudden rash on any part of their body should contact their doctor and avoid being around others until they can be tested.

30-year-old Cassandra Elmore of Batavia is in trouble again. She’s the individual who was charged over the summer when it was discovered her dog had ingested illegal narcotics. And now, during a traffic stop, it was discovered she was driving with a suspended license. Police also found two sets of metal knuckles in her car with drug paraphernalia. Elmore was charged with criminal possession of a weapon, obstruction of governmental administration, aggravated unlicensed operation, driving an un-inspected motor vehicle, and insufficient tail lamps. She was processed by City Police and released with an appearance ticket.

Members of the Grow NY Farms Coalition which includes many local producers called on the State Department of Labor and governor Hochul to reject the Farm Laborers Wage Board report and keep the 60 hour a week overtime threshold for farm workers.  Lowering the threshold would mean farms would have to pay laborers more overtime and many farmers say that that is money they don’t have.  They also say that the report ignores hundreds of testimonies and letters sent in by farmers requesting that the overtime not be changed.  Once the board delivers its report, Department of Labor Commissioner Reardon will have 45 days to review and announce her decision.

The same woman who was charged with allowing her dog to ingest illegal narcotics is in trouble again.  This time for a traffic violation.  30 year old Cassandra Elmore of Batavia was stopped on August 30th at about 2:40 in the afternoon on Ellicott Street.  She had a suspended license, police found 2 sets of metal knuckles in her car along with drug paraphernalia.  Elmore is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, obstruction of governmental administration, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, uninspected motor vehicle, and insufficient tail lamps.  She was processed and released with an appearance ticket.

Former Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren’s estranged husband has been sentenced for his role in a drug trafficking ring in the city.  Granison pleaded guilty in federal court in April to drug conspiracy. He, and five others, were arrested in 2021, accused of distributing crack cocaine and cocaine in Rochester.  Specifically, Granison admitted intending to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. He was sentenced to 32 months Tuesday.

The Great Batavia Train Show is coming puffing around the bend to GCC again this year.  The GEnesee Society of Model Engineers has set the show for October 16th.  Admission is 6 dollars for adults, 3 for kids under 18, and free for 13 and under.  All forms of model railroad and train-related merchandise will be available. Items offered include all scales of model trains, historic railroad items, books, DVD’s and toys. Modeling demonstrations, and a limited number of portable layouts, will be part of the fun. Free parking.

The anchor store of Valu Plaza on West Main Street Road in the Town of Batavia is closing with a liquidation sale set to start on Friday.  Valu Home Centers, based in Western New York with more than 16 stores in the region, is closing three underperforming stores. Besides Batavia, the other stores closing are Fredonia and Lakewood.