WBTA STAFF
September 23, 2022 
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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!
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 
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 
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 
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 
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.
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.
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.
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 
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. 
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.
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has launched a brand new online service aimed at making it easier for customers to access important records. The Records Request Navigator allows people to both request and pay for records that they need rather than having to make a request to the DMV through the mail. In addition to requesting registration and title record abstracts, folks can also ask for other information such as traffic violation tickets, crash records, and license and registration suspension orders. The records navigator can be found online at 
With kids across the Empire State heading back to school over the next few days, the New York State Division of Consumer Protection has issued some tips parents should follow. The agency recommends parents protect any documents with their child’s personal information on it and to ask how after-school programs and sports clubs secure their records. Parents should also discuss Internet safety tips with their children. Anyone with questions or concerns can contact the Consumer Assistance Helpline at 1-800-697-1220.
24-year-old Jacob Bedard of Albion is charged with aggravated harassment (2nd degree), after allegedly harassing a victim via electronic communication with no legitimate purpose, causing alarm and annoyance after being specifically instructed to cease all communication with the victim. The incident occurred on September 3, 2022, at 11:00a.m. He was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and a stay away order of protection was issued. Bedard will re-appear in Batavia Town Court next month (on October 11, 2022). AND 41-year-old Courtney Hewitt of Oakfield is charged with harassment (2nd degree), after allegedly striking a person in the head with a lamp. Hewitt was released on an appearance ticket and will appear in the Town of Oakfield Court next week (on September 12, 2022, at 6:30p.m.).
Police across the state are warning drivers to be on the lookout for students crossing streets and getting on and off the bus. Drivers are urged to stay alert, put aside all distractions, and never try to pass a stopped school bus when the stop sign is out and lights are flashing. The safest option is to wait for the bus to turn off its lights and retract the stop sign. Failure to stop could lead to fines, jail time, injury or death.
Food poisoning incidents, thought to be caused by bad lettuce at Wendy’s restaurants, have now spread into New York State, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The new cases raised the number of states where diners have fallen ill to six. A total of 97 people nationwide have been infected with an outbreak strain of E. coli after dining at Wendy’s. The agency has not confirmed the cause of the outbreak but said many sick people reported eating sandwiches with romaine lettuce before falling ill. Officials did not specify where in New York State the illnesses occurred.
With Election Day just a few weeks away, a new poll shows the race for New York governor is getting closer. According to a survey released by the independent Trafalgar Group, Governor Hochul is just over four points ahead of her Republican challenger, Long Island Congressman Lee Zeldin. Other recent polls have shown Hochul with a double-digit lead in the contest. She’s hoping to win a full-four year term in November and Zeldin is looking to become the first Republican to be elected New York governor since George Pataki.
The fun comes to an end today as the New York State Fair in Syracuse wraps up its run. The gates will shut down at 9:00 tonight. Today’s featured concerts are Night Ranger on the Chevy Court stage at 4:00 and Dire Straits Legacy 6:00. For a full list of today’s events, head to the official fair website at nysfair.ny.gov.
With a lot of people getting behind the wheel over the next couple of days, police across New York State are going to be keeping a very close eye out for drunk drivers. It’s part of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee’s STOP-DWI campaign that runs through September 5th. People who are planning to drink alcoholic beverages are being urged to make sure they have a safe ride home. Anyone who sees suspicious or dangerous activity on the road should dial 911 immediately.
Governor Hochul today announced that temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on state highways will be suspended until Tuesday, September 6, to ease travel throughout the Labor Day holiday weekend. Suspension of roadside construction during a weekend of increased traffic also helps protect the safety of highway workers. Motorists should be aware that some work might continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs.
People who have accounts at M&T Bank won’t be able to access their accounts for part of this weekend. Both mobile and online banking are going to be down for 36 hours starting tomorrow as the chain completes systems integrations of People’s United Bank and M&T. It’s important to note that customers can still use ATM services and their debit cards. Anyone with questions can contact M&T Bank at 1-800-724-2440.
No one has won the Mega Millions or Powerball in a while and that means both jackpots are still growing. The prize up for grabs in tonight’s Mega Millions drawing is at least $169,000,000. And whoever is lucky enough to pick the winning numbers for Powerball tomorrow night is going to be $148,000,000 richer. The cost of a ticket for each game is $2.00. Both the Mega Millions and Powerball drawings will be streamed live online. Please play responsibly.
Despite a late legal challenge, brand new gun permit and gun carrying laws are now in effect across New York State. Yesterday, a federal judge denied a motion for a preliminary injunction filed by Gun Owners of America to block the legislation from taking effect today. The measures passed in July include rigorous steps to obtain a conceal-carry permit including a social media check, classroom training, and live-firing exercises. There are also areas where guns are banned for ordinary citizens including schools, churches, and hospitals. Governor Hochul says the state will continue leading the way forward and implement common sense gun safety legislation.
The Erie County Department of Health says the presence of the West Nile Virus has been detected in the area. According to officials, mosquitoes with the illness were collected during recent surveillance pool testing. While most people who contract West Nile won’t exhibit any symptoms, there are others who experience health issues including a fever, headache, and vomiting. Residents should remove standing water in their yards to curb the mosquito population. They should also wear insect repellent while outdoors to prevent from potentially getting sick.
The Buffalo Sabres will be sporting a throwback look when they take the ice for 12 home games during the upcoming season. The NHL franchise announced that its alternate jersey is going to be black and red, which are the colors the team wore from 1996 to 2006. The actual jersey itself won’t be officially revealed until November 23rd when the Sabres take on the Saint Louis Blues.
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for this afternoon, through 7pm this evening. The effected counties include Genesee, Orleans and Livingston, which could experience heat that feels like the mid-90’s. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity increases the chances that heat illnesses could occur. People are advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Additional information: Muscle cramping is usually the first sign of heat-related illnesses (heat exhaustion or heat stroke). Symptoms of heat exhaustion include nausea, vomiting, cold/pale/clammy skin, heavy sweating, fast and weak pulse, weakness or fainting and fast and shallow breathing. Victims of this illness should be moved to a cool place, be cooled using any method available such as ice packs; cool, wet cloths, or by applying water to the body, and sip on water. If a victim is continuously vomiting or loses consciousness, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. If heat exhaustion is not treated it may progress to heat stroke. Symptoms of heat stroke include hot body temperature, hot/red/dry/moist skin, rapid and strong pulse and possible unconsciousness. Victims of this illness should be treated in the same ways as those with heat exhaustion but do not give fluids. Also, 911 should be immediately called, as heat stroke is a medical emergency.
The Scribner Road homeowner whose property is uninhabitable due to damage that occurred starting August 7th, is hoping Pembroke will have an independent investigation completed as to why that damage happened. Gene Nati, spoke after the Town Board meeting last night; he noted that the contractor working at the local quarry, named One County Line Stone Company, Incorporated, was going to conduct an inquiry into the matter of why the damage to his home occurred; but Nati prefers someone independent of the quarry be brought in to investigate noting that unless someone independent does the investigation, he’s not sure how results will help local residents. The Town Board indicated they would look into the cost of an independent investigation.
No Kid Hungry New York is issuing an important reminder to parents ahead of the upcoming school year. The agency says parents have to submit an application so their kids can receive free or reduced-price meals at school. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, federal child nutrition waivers allowed schools to provide free meals for children but that provision has now expired. Application forms can be found both online and at schools.
Lotto players are hoping they’ll have money to burn after winning two big jackpots that are going to be up for grabs over the next couple of days. The prize for whoever picks all the winning Mega Millions numbers ahead of tonight’s drawing will be at least $135,000,000. Meanwhile, tomorrow night’s Powerball jackpot is sitting at $115,000,000. The cost of a ticket for each game is $2. The Mega Millions and Powerball drawings will both be streamed live online. Please play responsibly.
Following an investigation by police, 39-year-old Donald Cooper of LeRoy has been arrested and charged with three counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Cooper will return to the Town of LeRoy Court at a later date.
Rochester police are continuing their investigation into another shooting in their city that left one person dead. According to officials, the victim was hit by gunfire last night in the area of North Street. The name of the individual who was killed hasn’t been released. Anyone with information on this shooting is asked to dial 911 immediately.
A new poll from Siena College shows there are a lot of New Yorkers who aren’t happy with the way their lives are going. Just 27% of people said they are more satisfied with their life than they were a year ago while 33% are less satisfied. However, many folks say they are satisfied with things like their family and friends, spiritual life, health, and even where they live. But 75% of those surveyed are either not very or not at all satisfied with the world as a whole.
Governor Hochul announced Wednesday that there have been over 6000 illegal guns seized in New York State since January. She says that is 20 percent higher than last year. The state seized 76 ghost guns in July, which is more than what was seized in all of 2021. Hochul said the key to their success is collaboration with other state governments. She used the example of gun shows where people purchase guns in Pennsylvania and then traffic them to New York where they are illegal.
It appears New York State Republican Committee Chairman Nick Langworthy is one step closer to heading to Capitol Hill. Langworthy has declared victory over Carl Paladino in the Republican primary for the newly-redrawn 23rd District. But, Paladino’s campaign has released a statement saying its seeing statistical irregularities in a number of counties that will be looked into in the coming days. In the newly created 24th District, Republican Congresswoman Claudia Tenney defeated challengers Mario Fratto and George Phillips. Tenney is now going to face Steven Holden, who is the nominee of the Democratic Party.
The Carlton Fire Company tells us that a vehicle was found partially submerged in Lake Ontario early Tuesday morning. The car had driven over an embankment from the Lakeside Beach Park and landed upside down in Lake Ontario. A single occupant was found inside the vehicle by first responders. The occupant was quickly extricated from the car and transported to the hospital with only minor injuries.
ARC GLOW has announced Monday that they sold their waste collection business to Casella Waste Systems. Casella will continue using the same property and staff at the West Main Street waste transfer station. Arc GLOW will use the money from the acquisition to invest in programs and services to meet the needs of those they support. They said the reason for the sale was that they had been losing money on their trash collection services for years, the fleet of garbage trucks was old and would have been very expensive to replace. Casella promised to hire on anyone who wished to stay; however, the number of people being helped by employment with the trash collection and transfer station was shrinking. ARC GLOW anticipates the move out of the transfer station will take place over the next 6 months.
Police across the state will be taking part in the latest “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” STOP-DWI campaign. Police are going to be increasing patrols through September 5th in an effort to get drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol off the roads. According to data from the University at Albany the number of police-reported impaired driving crashes went up by 11% between 2020 and 2021.
In Attica, the Department of Public Works has shut down Exchange Street just south of the rodeo driveway entrance thru this Friday, August 19th. Residents and visitors can access Exchange from Main Street. Anyone with questions or concerns is encouraged to call the Village Office at 585-591-0898.
According to a preliminary report from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), an earthquake occurred Monday in Genesee County. It happened early in the morning today. The quake’s epicenter was located east of Batavia, north of the Stafford County Club, between Prentice Road and Randall Road. Overall, it wasn’t a powerful earthquake, only registering a magnitude of 1.2 on the Richter scale. USGS says it was five kilometers deep.
People who will be hitting the road this week are going to want to keep an extra close eye on their vehicle’s speedometer. That’s because police across the state will be increasing patrols through this Sunday in an effort to make sure everyone is following the correct speed limit. Preliminary data from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research at the University at Albany’s Rockefeller College shows unsafe speed contributed to 353 deadly crashes last year, an 11-percent jump from 2020. During last year’s Speed Awareness Week, law enforcement gave out over 23-thousand speeding tickets.
Western New York drivers are still seeing lower prices at the pump when it comes time to fill up their vehicles. According to Triple A, the average cost for a gallon of regular fuel is now $4.45. That’s down eight cents in the past week and is 34 cents less than this time last month. Currently, the state average is $4.34 a gallon while nationally it’s $3.96. In Batavia, the average price per gallon this morning was $4.40, down 28 cents from a month ago today.
With the number of drug overdoses rising across the Empire State each day, action is being taken to try and save people’s lives. Starting today, naloxone can be dispensed at pharmacies in New York without a prescription under an order issued by state Health Commissioner Doctor Mary Bassett. Naloxone is used to block the effects of opioids and helps a person regain consciousness and resume regular breathing if they’ve overdosed. New Yorkers who are struggling with addiction can get assistance by calling the state’s 24-hour hotline at 1-877-846-7369.
You may already have heard, at $3.98, the national average price for a gallon of gas has now dropped to under $4, for the first time since March. The New York State average is $4.38 (down 5 cents since Monday, and 11 cents since last week). Average prices for the four-county GLOW Region remain above the state average, and Orleans County – with an average price of $4.66 – is among the highest in New York State. Only New York County, at $4.80 per gallon, and Delaware County, at $4.67 per gallon, was higher than Orleans County. The lowest prices in New York were found in Suffolk County, $4.15 per gallon. In Batavia, Triple A tells us the average price per gallon this morning is $4.42, down a nickel since last week and 30 cents from a month ago.
The Buffalo Bills will continue their preparation for the upcoming season when they host a preseason game tomorrow afternoon. The Bills are going to be taking on the Indianapolis Colts at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. The Bills are coming off of a season that saw them win another AFC East title but once again fall to the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs. Kickoff for tomorrow afternoon’s contest is scheduled for 4:00.
Both the FAA and Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office are looking into a plane crash that left two people injured. According to WKBW, the individuals onboard the aircraft were conducting training exercises last night when the plane went down in a wooded area near Baker Street Extension in the town of Harmony. The victims were treated at the scene and taken to a hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania. There’s no word on their conditions.