Doug Thompson
May 31, 2022 
United States and Canadian regulators are investigating a hepatitis outbreak that may be linked to fresh organic strawberries. In a joint weekend statement, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Public Health Agency of Canada say at least 27 illnesses have occurred after people ate FreshKampo and H-E-B brand strawberries. The strawberries were purchased between March 5 and April 25 at various retailers, including Aldi, Kroger and Wal-Mart. Of course, the strawberries are past their shelf life, but consumers who froze them to eat later should throw them away. There have been 17 illnesses and 12 hospitalizations reported. Ten cases and four hospitalizations have been reported in Canada. In a statement on its website, Texas grocer H-E-B said it has not received or sold organic strawberries from the supplier in question since April 16. H-E-B said anyone who still has the strawberries should throw them away or return them to the store where they were purchased. Hepatitis A is a virus that can cause liver disease and, in rare cases, liver failure and death. Illness usually occurs within 15 to 50 days after eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and jaundice. Consumers who ate the potentially affected berries in the last two weeks and have not been vaccinated against hepatitis A should immediately consult with a physician, the FDA said.
The Genesee County Economic Development Center Board of Directors will be considering the O-AT-KA Milk Products proposal this Thursday night when they meet: OATKA wants to expand their facility by 3,200 square feet. The $3.1 million proposed investment would be home to two new 18,000-gallon tanks intended to increase capacities of cream-based liquor beverages and future expansions. The project proposal includes a request for a little over $208,000 ($208,109) in property, sales and mortgage tax assistance. Upon completion, it’s estimated to generate $3.5 million in local economic benefits over 10 years, equal to $27 in economic activity for every $1 of public investment.
After dealing with weeks of increases, Western New York drivers are finally seeing steady prices at the gas pumps. According to Triple A, in our region, the average cost for a gallon of regular fuel is $4.88. That’s the same price as last week but is 60 cents higher than this time last month and a $1.85 more than a year ago. The state average is $4.93 a gallon while nationally it’s $4.62. In Batavia, the average price per gallon is $4.83, down a penny from yesterday. Governor Hochul has pledged that the state tax will be suspended starting tomorrow, saving upwards of 16 cents per gallon. Several counties including Erie and Monroe are also dropping their gas tax on top of the state tax for another 12 to 15 cents off. The gas tax relief will be in place until September.
The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming June primary is just a few days away. Folks have until this Friday, June 3rd to register through the state DMV website or in-person at their local Board of Elections office. Anyone who wants to mail in his or her application must make sure it’s postmarked no later than June 3rd and received by the Board of Elections no later than June 8th. The primary is scheduled for Tuesday, June 28th.
NYS Capitol Building
Members of the state Senate and Assembly are back at the Capitol in Albany today as this year’s legislative session winds down. Lawmakers are reportedly planning to address several key issues including guaranteeing access to abortion services and strengthening the state’s gun control laws. They might also vote on a measure that would switch local elections for certain offices outside of New York City to even-numbered years. The legislative session is currently scheduled to end on Thursday.
Mine, all mine...
The Mega Millions jackpot hasn’t been won in a few weeks, and players of the game are hoping to claim a huge prize tonight. The jackpot for this evening’s drawing has grown to at least $170,000,000. The price of a ticket for Mega Millions is $2.00; tonight’s drawing will be streamed live online. Please play responsibly.
Jefferson Avenue Tops
FeedMore WNY has announced it’s going to be holding additional food distribution events for Buffalo residents who have been affected by the ongoing closure of the Jefferson Avenue Tops. One of those distributions will take place on Wednesdays from 3:00pm until 7:00pm at the Resource Council of WNY. Food is also going to be distributed on Fridays from 3 until 7pm at the Johnnie B. Wiley Pavilion. People can also have meals delivered by calling 716-822-2002.
32-year-old Jonathan Little of Batavia has been arrested and faces multiple charges, including possession of a controlled substance and resisting arrest. During a traffic stop, in which he was a passenger, it was determined that Little provided a false name; further investigation found that he had several outstanding warrants from the Genesee County Sherriff’s Office. Little initially resisted arrest and attempted to flee by foot. Little was quickly apprehended, at which time police found several bags of cocaine in his possession. The Genesee County Drug Task Force assisted Batavia police with this arrest.
Niagara County deputies are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to a body being discovered on the shore of Lake Ontario. They say the remains were spotted on Saturday off Maple Avenue, which is located in the Town of Wilson. The name of the individual hasn’t been released. Officials are now waiting for autopsy results to find out how the person died.
As part of Memorial Day Weekend, and for the first time since it opened, veterans, family members, and area residents gathered at the WNY National Cemetery in Pembroke to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of their country. Several hundred people gathered for the ceremony yesterday, which included a 21-gun salute, honor guard flag presentation, and special remembrances.
Many people will be having a barbeque today and the State Division of Consumer Protection has issued some safety tips to keep in mind when grilling. The agency recommends making sure the grill is clean before use and checking the hoses on a gas grill for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks. Also, only use grills outside in a well-ventilated area and keep them away from surfaces that could burn. Finally, have an extinguisher nearby and easily accessible in case of a fire. I smell what you’re cooking and I’m on my way…
Memorial Day observances throughout Genesee County are scheduled for Monday.
New York Attorney General Letitia James has issued warnings to more than 30 online and brick-and-mortar retailers across the state to stop overcharging for baby formula after consumers reported unreasonably high prices. Due to recalls and supply chain disruptions, there has been a nationwide shortage of baby formula. New York’s price gouging statute prohibits merchants from charging excessive prices for essential goods or services during abnormal market disruptions. State residents are encouraged to report potential concerns about price gouging to James’s office by calling: 800-771-7755 or filing a complaint online. 
Western New York residents who are planning to drive to their Memorial Day weekend events are going to be paying a lot of money when it comes time to fill up their vehicles. According to Triple A, the average cost for a gallon of regular fuel is now $4.89. That’s up 5 cents from last week, is 61 cents higher than last month. The state average is $4.93; nationally, it’s $4.60. In Batavia, the average price per gallon is $4.85, up 6 cents from last Friday. And some good news for travelers by car…Governor Hochul is suspending construction-related lane closures through Memorial Day Weekend. The goal is to help minimize traffic congestion and travel delays. She urges motorists to follow all rules of the road, including moving over for maintenance vehicles as well as vehicles experiencing roadside emergency.
With a lot of people hitting the road for the holiday, 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 from today through May 31st. Folks who are planning to drink are urged to make sure they have a safe ride home. Anyone who sees suspicious or dangerous activity while they’re traveling should dial 911 immediately.
The Department of Environmental Conservation reminds boaters and anglers to clean, drain and dry boats and trailers, and also disinfect fishing gear before enjoying the water; this will help to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Watercraft inspection stewards, also known as boat stewards, will be stationed at more than 225 boat launches statewide this weekend to educate and help the public in cleaning their equipment. They can be identified by their blue vests and are there to provide a refresher on how to inspect boats and gear. 
Memorial Day events, May 29 and May 30:
It has taken almost 50 years of talking about a new Genesee County Jail to reach the start of construction.
The Batavia Development Corporation, the city’s economic development agency, has hired a new director.
Sheriff’s offices across the GLOW region are increasing their presence at area schools in the aftermath of Tuesday’s massacre at a Texas elementary school. This response is amid parental concerns as the country experienced its second mass shooting in less than two weeks. Nineteen students and two teachers died in Tuesday’s attack, while 10 people died in the racially motivated supermarket massacre. Genesee County Sheriff William Sheron Jr. said the increased patrols are in addition to the school resource officers already in place at most county districts. Also, Governor Hochul has ordered daily state police check-ins with all schools across the state.
New data from the state shows the spread of COVID-19 is on the decline in our region; this, after 8 straight weeks of increasing numbers. The area’s seven-day average infection rate is 10.5%, which is down from 12.8% percent at this time last week. Health officials are still urging residents to take the proper precautions to protect themselves and others from getting sick. They include receiving a COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot, wearing a mask while indoors and being tested for the virus if they have any symptoms of the illness.
Genesee County’s unemployment rate is going down: The 2.8% documented for April is the lowest early spring rate on record and only slightly higher than the previous low reported in December when it was 2.7 percent. A year ago in April, the rate was 4.6 percent. The pre-pandemic low for April was 3.1 percent in 2019. The NYS Labor Department reports 29,500 Genesee County residents are in the labor force, up from 28,900 a year ago and 200 workers more than a month earlier. According to the data, there are 800 county residents looking for work. A year ago, there were 1,300 residents listed as unemployed. The labor department totaled 22,300 non-farm jobs in Genesee County, up from 21,500 in April a year ago. There are 17,100 private sector jobs compared to 16,400 a year ago. There are now 5,100 government jobs in the county, which is 100 more than a year ago.
Governor Hochul is once again calling for action to be taken on the state’s gun laws following a mass shooting at a school in Texas that took the lives of 19 students and two teachers. The governor said yesterday she wants lawmakers to pass a bill that would raise the purchase age for firearms, such as AR-15’s, from 18 to 21-years-old. Hochul is also promising to order a special session of the Legislature if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the state’s current concealed carry laws. This year’s legislative session is set to end June 2nd.
Well, it’s nothing new but it seems the National Grid scam is rearing its ugly head again. The company encourages its customers to be vigilant and protect their personal information. Customers contacted in this latest scam report that the caller will provide a name, an office location from where they are calling, and an identification number; caller ID might even show that the call is from National Grid. Scammers threaten to terminate the customer’s service immediately unless payment is made, either by providing bank or credit card information, or by purchasing a prepaid debit card. Businesses contacted receive a similar threat but are asked to make Western Union money transfers. National Grid wants you to know they will never threaten an immediate disconnection; nor will they ask for payment by debit card. They recommend you never give them personally identifying information.
The Better Business Bureau has issued a warning involving the sale of fake “Choose Love” shirts online. The shirts are being sold to help raise money for the Buffalo 5/14 Survivors Fund and Buffalo Together Community Response Fund. But the BBB says several misleading ads have been showing up on social media over the last few days and that people should keep a close eye out for them. Legitimate shirts can be purchased for $25.00 by visiting 
Cattaraugus County deputies say no charges are going to be filed in connection with the death of a retired police dog. According to investigators, the dog was shot shortly after it went missing last month. The sheriff’s office says the individual who killed the canine was a farmer who mistakenly thought the dog was a coyote. He told officials that he was trying to protect the other animals on his property.
Memorial Day is coming up on Monday and SPCA Serving Erie County is offering military members and veterans the chance to save money on the purchase of a new animal. As part of the “Vets and Pets” campaign, the SPCA is waiving adoption fees through May 30th on animals that are currently at its shelter on Harlem Road in West Seneca and at other off-site adoption locations. Anyone who wants to take advantage of this opportunity must show their military ID before being allowed to adopt. More information is available online at 
38-year-old Jamian Edwards of Rochester has been charged with the criminal sale and possession of a controlled substance – both class B felonies – after a 6-month investigation into the possession and sale of crack cocaine in and around Batavia. Edwards was taken into custody last week while checking in with Monroe County Probation. He was then turned over to Genesee County Sheriff’s Deputies. Edwards allegedly sold crack cocaine to an agent of the Genesee County Drug Task force here in the city; he was arraigned in Genesee County Court and released under supervision.
The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office is looking into what caused a crash that took the life of a two-year-old child. Deputies say the accident happened yesterday when two SUVs collided at the intersection of Niagara Falls Boulevard and Sy Road in Wheatfield. The two-year-old, who was in one of the vehicles, was taken to DeGraff Memorial Hospital but later died. No other serious injuries were reported and anyone who saw the crash is asked to contact the sheriff’s department.
The Seneca Gaming Corporation and FeedMoreWNY are working together today to hold a food drive to help people affected by the Tops supermarket shooting. Folks are being asked to donate things such as toiletries and infant and child care products. Organizers also say they need food items including cereal, soups, canned tuna , vegetables and peanut butter. Those items can be dropped off from 11 a-m until seven p-m at the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino at Michigan Avenue and Perry Street.
56-year-old David Stephens of Stafford is charged with criminal contempt, obstructing governmental administration and harassment, after he allegedly violated an order of protection by harassing the protected party. When deputies arrived at the scene, Stephens attempted to fight with them. He was arraigned in Stafford Town Court and released on his own recognizance. Stephens is scheduled to return to court on June 7.
The Water Department will be doing line repair today at 9 Olyn Avenue. It is possible the water may need to be shut off on Olyn from Holland to Montclair Avenues. Traffic will be limited to local traffic only while work is being completed. Once water is restored, it may be discolored. Customers should refrain from doing any laundry until the water runs clear.
The State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation tells us that a revitalized Historic Barn Rehabilitation Tax Credit program is now available. The new program allows state taxpayers who rehabilitate their historic barns to earn a state income tax credit. The amount of the credit is equal to 25% of the expenditures incurred to rehabilitate the historic barn. To qualify, a barn must have been built before 1946, and the work must be approved by the Division for Historic Preservation. Taxpayers can begin to claim the credit on their 2022 New York state taxes. Program information and staff contact information can be found on the Division for Historic Preservation’s website 
Students across New York State won’t be taking the U.S. History and Government Regents next month. Education officials have decided to cancel the test following the mass shooting at a supermarket in Buffalo that left 10 people dead. Experts reviewed the exam and determined it had content with the potential to compound student trauma caused by the shooting. The education department didn’t reveal what was in the exam that students may find upsetting. However, officials did say it’s not possible to change the test because it’s already been printed and packaged for shipment to schools.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office reports that deputies were called to Dick’s Sporting Goods for a larceny in progress. They received the call yesterday afternoon and as they arrived saw the suspects driving away. Deputies located the vehicle on River Street, Batavia; following an investigation the suspects were identified as Angela Bennett and Shamya Brown. They allegedly stole $1,726.28 worth of merchandise and were subsequently arrested for grand larceny. Bennett and Brown were issued appearance tickets and are scheduled for June 16th at the Town of Batavia Court.
The New York State Department of Health is recommending that children between the ages of five and 11 years old roll up their sleeves and get a COVID-19 booster shot. The agency says children in that age group should receive their booster five months after completing their initial two-dose Pfizer vaccine series. State Health Commissioner Doctor Mary Bassett believes vaccinations and boosters are the best way for people to protect themselves from serious complications that can arise when they’re infected with COVID-19. There’s no cost for a booster shot and they’re available at locations statewide.
Students who want to pursue careers in fields such as information technology and advanced manufacturing now have a new place where they can go to receive training. Yesterday, a grand opening celebration was held at the Finger Lakes Workforce Development Center, located at Monroe County Community College’s downtown campus in Rochester. The 50,000 square foot facility cost over $11,000,000 to build. Officials say the center will provide people with the tools they need so they can be in line for good job opportunities.
Niagara Falls police are trying to track down witnesses to a crash that took the life of a 41-year-old man from Wheatfield. Investigators say Richard Fiori was riding his motorcycle on Niagara Falls Boulevard between 70th and 72nd streets Sunday when the motorcycle collided with a tow truck that was making a U-turn. Fiori died of his injuries while the tow truck driver wasn’t hurt. No charges have been filed and anyone who saw the accident is asked to call 716-286-4563.
A member of the WWE Hall of Fame will be holding a benefit next month to help out everyone affected by the mass shooting at the Tops store on Jefferson Avenue. Mick Foley says all proceeds from his June 5th “Love for Buffalo” event at Nietzsche’s will be donated to the Buffalo 5/14 Survivors Fund. Contributions to the fund will be given to families of the 10 people who died and those who were at the store and are suffering from psychological trauma. Tickets for the benefit are already on sale and cost 30 to 75 dollars each.
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of the Prison Redevelopment Commission focused on re-imagining closed prisons for innovative redevelopment opportunities across New York State. The closures identified by Hochul last fall are in addition to the more than 20 that have been closed over the last 15 years. The closures provide an opportunity to transform these facilities in more creative and productive ways, paving the way for opportunities to spur investment, job creation and save taxpayers money.
There is another recall to tell you about…this time, it’s JIF peanut butter, both smooth and crunchy due to possible Salmonella contamination. Salmonella is an organism, which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons may become ill as well, with symptoms that include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. The recalled peanut butter was distributed nationwide in retail stores and other outlets. Additional information, including a full list of the recalled products is available here:
A Hilton man is dead following a motorcycle accident. On Saturday afternoon Genesee County dispatchers received a report of a motorcycle accident on North Byron Road. 60-year-old Thomas Hankey was driving a 2013 Victory motorcycle eastbound with a group of 3 other riders when for some unknown reason; he crossed the centerline and continued off the north shoulder of the road. The motorcycle then hit a ditch before striking a farm fence and flipping end-over-end before coming to a rest on the north shoulder. Genesee County Coroners pronounced Mr. Hankey deceased at the scene. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Crash Management Team.
Starting today, police across the State will be taking part in the “Buckle Up New York, Click it Or Ticket” safety campaign. Through June 5th, members of law enforcement will be keeping a very close eye out for drivers who aren’t wearing their seat belt when behind the wheel. During last year’s crackdown, more than 12,000 tickets were handed out for seat belt and child restraint violations. Over 57,000 tickets were also given to people for other infractions such as speeding and distracted driving.
This afternoon, New York Attorney General Letitia James is warning New Yorkers of scams on vacation rentals and offered tips on how to avoid them as summer approaches. She suggests before making a payment, you verify your host and communicate only through the listing site before booking. You should never wire payments. James urges New Yorkers to report any summer scams to her office. Attorney General James recommends consumers take the following precautions before booking their summer getaway:
There’s another recall to tell you about: Ford will soon be asking the owners of 350,000 vehicles to take them to dealers for repairs due to three separate recalls, including about 39,000 that should be parked outdoors because the engines can catch fire in some 2021 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs. But the company says fires can happen even while the engines are off. Ford has reports of 16 fires under the hood, 14 in rental company vehicles. One person was burned. It’s recommending that the SUVs be parked outdoors and away from buildings. The fires appear to start at the back of the engine compartment on the passenger side. Of the 16 fires, 12 happened while the SUV engines were turned off. Ford says they are treating the recalls urgently and will use apps and mail to notify customers as soon as it develops a list of vehicle owners and addresses. The problem will be fixed by dealers or by an online software update; the owners of the recalled vehicles will be notified by letter around May 30.
The deadline is still about a year away; however, The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is urging New Yorkers to apply for a REAL ID or Enhanced ID now to avoid the last-minute rush next year. Starting May 3rd, 2023, a standard license or non-driver ID will no longer be accepted to fly within the United States. The federal REAL ID Act requires customers applying for a REAL ID or Enhanced ID to visit a DMV office to prove who they are and to have a new photograph taken. Before going though, you’re encouraged to use the DMV’s document guide to help determine what you’ll need to bring with you. The guide takes just minutes to complete, with questions designed to help determine what proofs of identification and residency you’ll need to bring. Only original documents, or certified copies of certain documents, will be accepted. A passport is also acceptable as a REAL ID-compliant document. For additional information, visit:
About 300 volunteers went to nearly 30 sites in Genesee County yesterday to work on beautification projects. It was all a part of this year’s United Way’s Day of Caring. Projects included painting, raking, cleaning up parks, planting community gardens, and getting children’s outdoor play areas and summer camps ready for the warm weather. If you were unable to participate in the Day of Caring, there are other opportunities to get involved throughout the year. Find out more at 
The League of Women Voters has announced a lawsuit calling for upcoming primary contests to be held on the same date. The primaries for State Assembly and other statewide races are set for June 28th and the primaries for State Senate and Congressional contests will be August 23rd. The primaries were split up due to the battle over redistricting that’s gone on for months. The League of Women Voters claims holding separate primaries violates the Constitution’s right to freedom of association.
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee is urging riders to be careful while they’re out on the road. According to data from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research, the number of deadly motorcycle crashes were up 50-percent last year compared to 2019. This year alone, there have been several motorcycle fatalities and over 220 injuries reported. The state offers a motorcycle safety program and anyone who wants to take part can visit nysmsp.org to sign up.
The specific dining places that will each occupy a building in the parking lot of the vacant Kmart have not been announced publicly, but the nearly 11,000 (10,700-plus) square-foot project itself has site plan approval from town planners. The board also has approved a negative declaration on the State Environmental Quality Review, which just means there is no significant environmental impact anticipated although traffic continues to be a concern. One question in the Review asked whether the proposal would lead to a harmful change in the existing traffic or existing infrastructure for mass transit, biking or walking. The finding was, that there would be no change or that a small impact may occur. These findings are consistent with findings from a traffic study the town had completed. The town board remained open to future traffic studies, if needed or if circumstances change; for example, if something is done with the Kmart building.
Gerald Brinson Jr., 33, of Rochester, is charged with burglary 2nd, grand larceny 4th, criminal mischief 3rd, criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, endangering the welfare of a child, falsely reporting an incident 3rd, and menacing 2nd. At 9:30 a.m., May 17, Emergency Dispatch received a call of a disturbance and burglary in progress at a residence on Oak Street. Brinson is accused of entering the residence of a woman he knew and attacking her. According to Batavia PD, he was wanted on a gun case in Monroe County. When patrols arrived, officers determined the victim and her year-old son had escaped from the residence but Brinson was still inside, refusing to exit. Officers from the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, NYS Police, and NYS Environmental Conservation arrived to assist. While Brinson Jr was inside the residence, he allegedly called in a fake report of gunfire on Ellicott Avenue. Eventually, Brinson Jr came out of the residence and was taken into custody. Brinson was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $25,0000 bail, $50,000 bond, or $100,000 partially secured bond.
Governor Hochul is taking a series of steps to try and prevent another deadly mass shooting like the one that happened in Buffalo. The governor issued an executive order yesterday calling on the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to establish a new unit that is dedicated solely to the prevention of domestic terrorism. Another executive order will require State Police to file an Extreme Risk Protection Order under the state’s Red Flag Law when they have probable cause to believe an individual is a threat to themselves or others. The governor is also urging lawmakers to tighten up some of the state’s gun laws before the end of this year’s legislative session in June.
The Niagara County District Attorney’s Office says a Newfane man is facing manslaughter and other charges in connection with the death of a pedestrian. Prosecutors say 20-year-old Sean Kelahan has been indicted following an incident that happened March 18th in Lockport. Police arrived at the intersection of Transit Road and High Street and found that 25-year-old Richard Howes the third had been struck by multiple vehicles and killed. Kelahan was ordered held on 100-thousand dollars bail.
The Buffalo Common Council has announced the appointment of 11 new members to the city’s Police Advisory Committee. The group will be responsible for working alongside people in the community and developing policy changes that will be presented to the Buffalo Police Department. The council disbanded the original board that was chosen due to resignations and arguments. The new version of the committee is planning to hold its first meeting in the coming weeks.
A bus monitor with the Greece Central School District is in trouble with the law after being accused of choking a student. According to police, the incident involving 70-year-old Alonzo Peritore and the seven-year-old child happened on Monday. The child’s parents notified police after their son claimed he was choked on his way home from school. The district put Peritore on leave Tuesday. He’s been arrested, released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to face a judge again June 14th.
All Genesee County communities voted to approve next year’s school budget. In Batavia, 409 people voted yesterday and the $54.8 million budget was approved (301-108). The 1% tax levy was also passed. Chezeray Rolle, John Marucci and Korinne Anderson won their school board races. Le Roy’s General budget and library budget passed. Peter Loftus, Jason Karcher and Rachael Greene won their school board bids. Other final tallies include… Byron-Bergen Central School’s budget passed with a vote of 244 to 98. Elba Central’s budget passed by a vote of 100 to 17. Pembroke Central’s budget passed 272 to 98, while a school bus proposition passed 276 to 93. Corfu Public Library election results gave Jessica Doctor the most votes of 336 and John Conti two write-in votes, each for a three-year trustee seat; Matt Steinberg received 334 votes for a two-year trustee seat. Oakfield-Alabama Central’s $23.5 million budget passed 187 to 35.
A Batavia man is in jail this morning, awaiting his next appearance in court. 34-year-old Benito Gay attempted to rob the Subway store on East Main Street early last night. By the time police arrived at the scene, Gay had fled. However, he was taken into custody fairly quickly; police found him at a nearby apartment complex. Gay did not display any weapons during the robbery attempt and is charged with robbery as well as another unspecified charge. He was arraigned in City Court and ordered held without bail and is scheduled to return to court tomorrow afternoon. Gay has other prior arrests in Batavia; most recently in March when he was accused of stealing three beers from the Kwik Fill at Jackson and Ellicott.
Buckeye Partners will be performing maintenance on their pipeline on Creek Road in Batavia beginning next Monday, May 23. The road will be closed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will be reopened every evening to regular traffic. The work is being performed on Creek Road just north of Dorman Road and will last approximately two weeks.
The National Transportation Safety Board has released its preliminary report on a deadly helicopter crash in Elba. The Mercy Flight aircraft was on a training mission last month when it went down, killing 60-year-old James Sauer and 60-year-old Stewart Dietrick who were both onboard. The NTSB report didn’t reveal the cause of the accident but said fractures were found in the helicopter’s steering system consistent with overload. One witness reported hearing a loud bang from the helicopter before the crash while another said they heard a noise coming from the engine. A final report on the crash likely won’t be made public for several months.
All public schools in Genesee County are holding budget votes today…in Batavia, polling places are open until 9 this evening…For residents North of Route 5, go to Robert Morris School to vote, using the Union Street entrance across from Notre Dame; for residents who live south of Route 5, you’ll vote at the High School Library. The 2022-23 budget of $54.8 million, represents an increase of $2.7 million from the current year’s budget. A tax levy of just under $20 million will mean a 1 percent tax increase, which adds 19 cents to the current tax rate of $19.23 per $1,000 assessed property value. Additional information about the budget is available at the school district’s website, 
During the Bidens’ visit to Buffalo, they will meet with Governor Hochul and then pay their respects to those who lost their lives before meeting with families of the victims, law enforcement, community leaders, and first responders. Today is the first time a sitting president has come to Buffalo since Obama’s visit in 2013.
A Rochester man is in serious trouble with the law after being arrested by State Police on multiple charges. Troopers say they spotted 29-year-old Tireek Burden breaking vehicle and traffic laws Sunday night and pulled him over on North Clinton Avenue. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of two illegal handguns and drugs. Burden was taken into custody and sent to the Monroe County Jail.
Governor Hochul announced that flags at state buildings will be lowered to half-staff today in honor of the 10 people who lost their lives during the mass shooting in Buffalo. In a statement, the governor said that an attack on one of us is an attack on all of us and that we must confront white supremacy head on. She went on to say that her heart is with the victims and their families. The governor also says flags should remain lowered until everyone who was killed is laid to rest.
Governor Hochul says resources are being made available to the Buffalo community in the aftermath of TOPS Market tragedy. The governor says $2,800,000 in federal and state funds will be used to provide support to individuals and families affected by the shooting. Staff from the Office of Victim Services are going to be in Buffalo this week to help people start the process of getting that assistance. The National Action Network will also help cover the costs of the funerals for all 10 victims.
The Department of Environmental Conservation reminds us that if you see newborn fawns, it is best not to approach them or try to pick them up. Late spring is the birthing season for deer. Often mother does will give birth in shaded areas and then the fawn will wander a little and then lie down. They spend most of the first couple of days lying in grass, leaves, or sometimes in the open. They don’t have the instinct or strength to run away yet and the mother will leave them alone some of the time. They are usually ok but if a human comes near and stays the mother may be frightened away and not return to nurse. However, if you see a fawn that is obviously injured please call the Department of Environmental Conservation for assistance at (585) 948-5182.
The Darien Alexander Townline Rd bridge, south of Attica Rd in the Towns of Darien and Alexander, will be closed beginning Monday 5/23/2022 for a bridge replacement project. The project consists of replacing the original short span steel structure and abutments, which date back to 1939 with new pre-stressed concrete hollow slab units and new abutments. The current bridge is posted for 12 Tons and once replaced will be open to full legal loads. The project is expected to take 3 and a half months. During this time the road will not be passable to regular traffic or emergency vehicles.
Le Roy Central School is proposing a 0.06 percent tax levy increase for the 2022-2023 school year. The budget is $27,708,988 an amount increased by 3.1 percent, or $839,700. Superintendent Merritt Holly said in a newsletter a good portion of the increase is associated with the rising costs of programs and healthcare. The proposed tax levy is $10,663,025. It is below the tax levy limit. The budget vote is set for Tuesday, May 17th from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Library Media Center at Wolcott Street School. With the Capital Project construction going on the only doors for entry and exit will be the triple doors by Memorial Auditorium
Governor Hochul is addressing one of the nation’s grimmest milestones, one million American lives lost to COVID-19. In a statement, the governor called that total unthinkable and mourned the mothers, fathers, siblings, friends and neighbors who have all succumbed to the virus. She also noted there are tools available to combat COVID-19 and save lives such as vaccines and booster shots. Hochul is also calling on Congress to pass additional funding so America is prepared to respond to the virus moving forward. Flags at all state buildings will be flown at half-staff today in remembrance oft the one million American lives lost to Covid.
The Genesee County Health Department will be hosting a FREE drive-thru anti-rabies immunization clinic next Thursday, May 19th, 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.
State officials are letting parents know there are resources available to help them out during a nationwide baby formula shortage. They recommend contacting a local New York State Women, Infants and Children Office for assistance. Parents can also reach out to their child’s doctor to see if they have any samples of formula available. When trying to find formula, it’s recommended parents visit smaller stores and drug stores. Anyone who wants to buy formula online should only order from well-recognized distributors and pharmacies.
Fans of the Buffalo Bills now have some dates to mark on their calendars after the NFL released the team’s schedule for the upcoming season. The Bills are going to kick off their 2022 campaign on September 8th when they play the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams and that’ll be followed September 19th by their first home game against the Tennessee Titans. The Bills are also going to take the field on Thanksgiving Day against the Detroit Lions. In addition to their AFC East rivals, the Bills will play the Green Bay Packers, Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings.
UR Medicine will open the doors Monday at its new Batavia campus. The new 21,455 square foot medical campus is located at 7995 Call Parkway and will centralize specialty clinics into one location, along with on-site lab services. It will also provide adult and pediatric allergy/immunology, neurosurgery, oncology and audiology, and among other services, Batavia-based primary care practice. Additional services will be added over the next 12 months.
The company that runs David McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena has decided to close at the end of May. Firland Management took over running of the arena in 2006 but report May 31st will be their last day. The city of Batavia is looking for a new management company and will take proposals till May 20th. The Batavia Ice Rink opened in 1978. It consists of a single sheet of ice with a capacity for 480 fans to attend games and events. The ice rink has a warming room, locker rooms, and a refreshment stand. The City of Batavia anticipates that the prospective operator will be able to be profitable while running the rink and will enter into an operation and lease agreement.
Le Roy PD is looking for information leading to the arrest of a suspect in multiple car break-ins. Most occurred in the early morning hours yesterday; surveillance video obtained by police from local residents shows a male subject in a white hoodie and wearing a black backpack attempting to open the doors of vehicles parked in residential driveways. Chief Greg Kellogg said investigators are asking area residents to check their own camera video to see if they captured any suspicious activity and if so, please share the footage with Le Roy PD.
Attorneys will be seeking to have a mental health examination done on a former Attica Correctional Facility inmate who allegedly tried to murder an officer in October. 45-year-old Theodore Brown appeared this week in Wyoming County Court. A grand jury charged Brown with attempted aggravated murder of an officer, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and two counts of promoting prison contraband. District Attorney Donald O’Geen said a not guilty plea was entered for Brown and a mental health exam is likely to be conducted. Brown is now at Auburn Correctional FacilIty and serving a life sentence for a 1998 murder, assault and robbery conviction in Suffolk County. On Oct. 8th, Brown used a sharpened metal tube to attack corrections officer. Brown had just left his cell to receive medication when he grabbed the officer’s arm and repeatedly stabbed him in the chest. A spokesman for the officer’s union said that two pens in the officer’s breast pocket saved his life, a spokesman for the officer’s union said at the time. He said the pen’s blocked the officer’s heart. The officer was treated at Erie County Medical Center and released.
The New York Lottery goofed. They report that human error resulted in the incorrect input of winning numbers from the May 10th drawing, which resulted in incorrect publishing of the Mega Ball number. They are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, the Lottery has temporarily suspended prize payments for all Mega Millions tickets and anyone with a ticket from last night’s drawing should hold on to it until the issue is resolved. The correct winning numbers for the May 10, 2022 drawing are: 15-19-20-61-70 and Mega Ball 9
New York State is making a 35-million-dollar investment to provide direct support to abortion providers in anticipation of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade. Governor Hochul said yesterday that 25-million-dollars will go to providers to help them expand capacity and ensure access for all patients who seek abortion care in the Empire State. Also, ten-million dollars in grants will be available to implement security measures at abortion care facilities. Governor Hochul says New York has always been at the forefront of the fight for abortion rights and she won’t let the state go backwards.
New data from Governor Hochul’s office shows the spread of COVID-19 is continuing to increase in the Finger Lakes. The area’s seven-day-average positivity rate is now sitting at just under 13.4% which is the second highest of any region in New York State. At this point one week ago, the seven-day average positivity rate was 12.9%. Doctors are urging people to get their COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots if they haven’t already. Anyone who has symptoms of the coronavirus is asked to stay home until they get tested.
Wegmans and the Buffalo Bills are teaming up to help out people who suffer from food allergies. From now until May 22nd, customers can donate gluten-free, lactose-free and allergen-friendly foods by placing them in collection bins located in the front of Wegmans stores. An official with the supermarket chain says more customers with allergies are looking for products that are safe for them to eat but that many people have a tough time paying for those items because they cost more than regular food. All of the food collected from this campaign will go to FoodLink.
According to the Red Cross, blood donations are down significantly and they are expecting them to drop off further over the summer months. They are asking for people to come out and donate and as an incentive, through May 19th, the Red Cross is offering people a $10 gift card to the merchant of the donor’s choice for each donation. There is also a drawing for a Travel Trailer Camper that sleeps 8. The next blood drive here will be at the First United Methodist Church in Batavia, on Tuesday, May 17th.
A barn on North Byron Road that had already been partly demolished caught fire yesterday afternoon following a controlled burn. This, according to Byron Fire Chief Bob Mruczek. The homeowner had started to burn a brush pile. However, because of strong winds, it quickly got out of hand and caught the barn on fire. Mruczek noted that the barn was in the process of being torn down and was already being demolished. There were no injuries, it’s unknown at this time if there was anything of value in the barn. The Department of Environmental Conservation and Byron Fire Department are investigating.
A single vehicle, a Dodge pickup truck, driven by a 64-year-old Town of Batavia man, was traveling on West Main Street Saturday afternoon, when it appears the male operator and sole occupant of the vehicle suffered a medical emergency causing him to lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle crossed over all lanes of traffic and left the roadway onto the property of 390 West Main Street, where it struck a fence, coming to rest in a ditch on the property. City Fire, along with Mercy EMS, attempted life-saving measures, however, the operator was pronounced deceased at the scene by the coroner. There were no other vehicles involved. The accident is still under investigation. An autopsy will be performed at the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause of death.
Two people from Georgia were found with loaded handguns during traffic stop in Warsaw. Wyoming County Sheriffs saw the suspect vehicle on Route 20A with no rear license plate and pulled them over. The operator of the vehicle was identified as 39-year-old Renaco Drake and his passenger was 30-year-old Tajia White, both of Stratham, Georgia. After interviewing Drake, police conducted a search of the vehicle and found two, loaded 9mm handguns, which were both found to be possessed illegally. Both Drake and White were charged with criminal possession of a loaded firearm, with Drake also receiving a traffic ticket for no rear license plate. Both subjects were arraigned in the Town of Perry Court. Drake was remanded to the Wyoming County Jail; both driver and passenger are scheduled to appear in the Town of Warsaw court next Monday.
Western New York drivers are really feeling the pain at the pump these days following another big spike in gas prices. According to Triple A this morning, the average cost for a gallon of regular gas is now $4.42. That’s up 11 cents in just the past week and is a dime more than this time one month ago. The state average is $4.51 a gallon while nationally it’s $4.38. In Batavia, the average price per gallon is $4.34; the same as it was yesterday but also up 11 cents since a week ago. One year ago, the average price per gallon here was $2.95. Also, once again according to AAA, the cost for a gallon of diesel gas has soared to an all-time high. On Friday, the average price nationally was $5.51 a gallon, up from $3.10 a year ago. In New York State, the average price was at $6.31 on Friday, up from $3.14 a year ago. By the way, New York has the second-highest diesel price in the country, behind only California at $6.50. As would be expected, the high diesel fuel prices impact businesses that need to transport goods and those that have commercial vehicles.
Mercy Flight has resumed operations in the region following a tragic accident last month that left two people dead. On April 26th, James Sauer and Stewart Dietrick lost their lives when their helicopter went down during a training mission in the Town of Elba, which is in Genesee County. Mercy Flight’s president says that while a piece of the company’s collective heart has changed forever, it’s still the agency’s duty to provide help to people who need it during emergencies. The cause of the crash that killed Sauer and Dietrick is being looked into by the NTSB and FAA.
State Police have released the name of the Buffalo man who died in a wrong-way collision on the Thruway. On Saturday, Troopers saw a vehicle driven by 44-year-old Benjamin Wence going westbound in the eastbound lane in Hamburg and tried to pull it over, but Wence refused to stop. The pursuit continued for a few miles before Wence’s hit a tractor-trailer head-on in Evans. Wence passed away due to his injuries and the tractor-trailer driver wasn’t seriously hurt.
In Batavia and around New York state, gaming providers say they’re making an effort to address the issue of gambling addiction. A discussion group at Batavia Downs yesterday focused on just that – responsible gaming. The New York State Gaming Commission Executive Director Robert Williams, presented signs featuring the industry’s first-ever Quick Response (QR) Code to connect problem gamblers with trained counselors where they live. Once scanned, the QR Code automatically links users to the Council on Problem Gambling’s website (
The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors has accepted an initial resolution for La Fermière’s proposed $25 million project to construct a 50,000 square foot yogurt manufacturing facility in the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park. The proposed project adds to Batavia’s Dairy Hub of the Northeast, which supports over 900 direct jobs, over $500 million of capital investment, and over 1 million square feet of dairy processing facilities. La Fermière has pledged to create up to 68 jobs over the first 3 years of operations in Genesee County. Founded in France, the company has been active in US markets since 2018.
Nearly 80 percent of voters approved the requested tax levy for the 2022-23 Richmond Memorial Library budget. A tax levy increase of nearly $22,000 ($21,865) — the first such increase in three years — fell under the allowable tax cap at a 1.6 percent increase. Yesterday, voters approved the proposition for the Batavia Board of Education to increase the annual appropriation from $1,359,604 to $1,381,469 to benefit the library. Rebecca McGee, who ran unopposed, was elected to a second term on the board of trustees. The school budget vote will be from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17 at one of two sites, depending on what side of the city you reside. For more information, go to: 
A traffic alert to remind you of…Traffic delays will be experienced next week from Monday through Thursday, from 7am until 6pm…Workers will be resurfacing Walnut Street (Rt 98), Law Street, and Chestnut Street (from the City Line to the Traffic Circle to Jackson Street). While work is being performed in this area, the roadway will be reduced to a single lane for all through traffic. Local traffic will be permitted to and from their property but residents 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. Please contact the Bureau of Maintenance at 585-345-6400 Option 1 if there are any questions.
Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) introduced legislation aimed at blocking the development of industrial scale wind farms in the Great Lakes. Jacobs’ legislation would deny the ability for developers to receive federal tax credits to build offshore wind farms in the Great Lakes. Due to the massive capital needed for these projects, without federal tax credits, developing these projects would prove difficult. He noted that the Great Lakes are a regional economic resource and also provides fresh drinking water to millions of people. This legislation is in direct conflict with Governor Hochul’s budget allocation of $500 million for offshore turbine development.
Governor Hochul is anticipating women will come from out of state to get abortion care should the Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade. Hochul says the state will need federal help financially if the state is a safe harbor place for abortions. Hochul added that abortion is on the ballot and believes this issue will energize the Democratic base for the upcoming midterm elections in November. New York requires insurance companies to cover abortions.
Efforts to prevent the USS The Sullivans from sinking appear to be working and hopes are increasing that the historic vessel can be saved. Officials say crews have spent time plugging dozens of holes and removing hundreds of thousands of gallons of water that spilled into the vessel following a massive hull breach last month. The repairs are temporary and permanent fixes will be needed in the future. The Naval Park, where the boat is located, is planning to be back open again for Memorial Day. But, guests will not be allowed inside the Sullivans.
People are already gathering at Highland Park in Rochester for the start of the 2022 Lilac Festival. The free event will goes until 8:30 this evening, and is open from 10:30am to 8:30pm tomorrow and also Sunday. It’ll feature food, vendors, art, live music and of course a close-up look at the city’s lilac gardens. The festival is also taking place this year from May 12th through the 15th, and May 19th through the 22nd. More information can be found online a 
Students who attend Elmwood Franklin School in Buffalo won’t be spending any time in their classrooms today. The school will remain closed due to a growing number of COVID-19 cases. Head of School Doctor Ryan Kimmet says over two dozen teachers and staff members are either isolating due to coronavirus, out sick with symptoms or in Washington, DC on a class trip. Kimmet says as a result, the school has a staffing shortage that can’t safely be covered. There will be no distance learning offered today so everyone who is sick can focus on their recovery.
The New York State Gaming Commission, New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and New York Council on Problem Gambling, which together comprise New York’s Responsible Play Partnership (RPP), today came together with executive management at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel to discuss steps being taken to address problem gambling.
State Attorney General Letitia James is calling on President Biden to fully cancel federal student loan debt. James and other attorneys general have sent Biden a letter, saying that immediate relief is needed for people struggling to make their payments. While James says she does commend the president’s consideration of forgiving 10-thousand dollars per borrower, she believes more decisive action is needed. Right now, student borrowers owe over $1.7 trillion dollars to the federal government.
Halley’s Comet won’t visit the inner solar system until 2061, but you can still catch the meteor shower it produced, the Eta Aquarids this week. The second and final meteor shower of spring is about to peak, and it will present a unique opportunity to enjoy a well-known comet that is billions of miles away from Earth. Most meteor showers are created when the Earth plows through a field of debris left behind by comets orbiting the sun. Most of the debris is small, generally the size of a small pebble or grain of sand, but when it hits Earth’s atmosphere, it burns up and emits a bright flash of light – in other words, a ‘shooting star’. The Eta Aquarid meteor shower will peak in the early hours Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7; and according to the American Meteor Society, on a clear morning, you may count between 10 and 30 meteors per hour between 3 and 5am.
The 124th Lilac Festival in Rochester takes place on three consecutive weekends, starting tomorrow, May 6th through 8th, May 12th through 15th, and May 19th through the 22nd from 10:30am until 8:30pm each day. Visitors can expect to see food, exhibits, a kid’s zone and even a new health and wellness experience. More information can be found online at 
After a month-long investigation, two Rochester residents have been charged after being linked to a statewide series of thefts from Walmart. It began when an Asset Protection employee contacted Wyoming County Sheriffs, reporting that a male and female entered the store with fraudulent receipts, which they used to steal and then return merchandise for cash. The stolen items added up to more than $3600. Deputies charged 38-year-old Rodqrick McGowan on Sunday, as he attempted to return a stolen item at the Warsaw Walmart. Police then discovered a blank roll of Wal-Mart receipt paper, a paper cutter and a powered-up copier/printer in their rental car. McGowan also failed a sobriety test due to smoking cannabis while driving. Many charges were filed against him, including 3rd degree grand larceny; he was committed to Wyoming County Jail without bail due to previous felony convictions in many states. The woman that had been with him, 38-year-old LaShaunda Baker stopped by the Sherriff’s Office to ask about McGowan and was also arrested. Both will be appearing in court at a later date to answer the charges. The investigation continues and more charges are pending.
State Attorney General Letitia James announced this morning that a multi-state investigation has found that Intuit engaged in several deceptive and unfair trade practices that limited consumers’ participation in the IRS Free File Program. The company used confusingly similar names for both its IRS Free File product and its commercial “freemium” product. Intuit also purposefully blocked its IRS Free File landing page from search engine results during the 2019 tax filing season, effectively shutting out eligible taxpayers from filing their taxes for free. Additionally, TurboTax’s website included a “Products and Pricing” page that stated it would “recommend the right tax solution,” but never displayed or recommended the IRS Free File program. As a result, Intuit will now pay $141 million in restitution, of which roughly $2.5 million will be used for administrative fund costs.
A plan to remove a 3500 pound steel pontoon that’s near the brink of the American side of Niagara Falls will finally be put into effect today. The pontoon was one of several that broke off an ice boom in Lake Erie during a windstorm over three years ago. The pontoon will be lifted out of the water by a helicopter this afternoon. While the pontoon doesn’t pose a safety hazard, officials want to remove it so doesn’t cause any damage.
The start of summer is just a few weeks away, and organizers of the Taste of Buffalo festival have announced when it’ll be taking place this year. The event is scheduled for July 9th and 10th and will stretch down Delaware Avenue from Chippewa Street into Niagara Square. Admission will be free and both food and beverage tickets are going to be made available for purchase. A list of participating restaurants will be revealed soon and more details about the festival can be found online: 
Even though the Buffalo Sabres missed the playoffs for an 11th straight year, the team’s general manager and head coach are confident the franchise is heading in the right direction. Yesterday, Kevyn Adams and Don Granato held their end-of-the-season news conference and said a strong end to the year has them feeling optimistic. Granato says that everyone in the Sabres organization is on a mission to make fans proud. Buffalo finished this season in 5th place in the Atlantic Division with 75 points.
Two individuals face multiple charges following a month long investigation into organized retail theft from Wal-Mart Stores. An Asset Protection Associate at Warsaw Wal-Mart contacted the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office late in March. He reported multiple incidents where a male and female had entered the store, produced fraudulent receipts, and utilized the receipts to both steal merchandise and then to return stolen merchandise. The total amount of merchandise stolen by the suspects was over $3600 ($3,680.76). Through investigation, Wyoming County Deputies were able to identify the suspects as Rodqrick McGowan and LaShaunda Baker. Deputies, with the assistance of Asset Protection, also tied both suspects to thefts spanning across the State of New York. The investigation continues. Both individuals have been charged with felonies and will be back in court to answer the charges over the next couple of months.
A traffic alert for you…Traffic delays will be experienced from Monday, May 9th through Thursday, May 12th, from 7am until 6pm…Workers will be resurfacing Walnut Street (Rt 98), Law Street, and Chestnut Street (from the City Line to the Traffic Circle to Jackson Street). While work is being performed in this area, the roadway will be reduced to a single lane for all through traffic. 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. Please contact the Bureau of Maintenance at 585-345-6400 Option 1 if there are any questions.
Money is being made available to help New Yorkers who meet income-eligibility requirements stay cool this summer. Officials have announced expanded eligibility for $15,000,000 in cooling assistance through the state to help low-income residents who don’t have air-conditioning units. The expansion is expected to help thousands of people statewide, and eligibility criteria will vary by house size. The program covers the cost of an AC unit and installation for all New Yorkers who qualify and applications are already being accepted.
Organizers of the upcoming Bark in the Park in Clarence say they still need vendors and volunteers to help make sure the event is a successful one. The gathering is scheduled for Saturday, May 28th from 11 a-m until four p-m at Clarence Town Park. Tickets will cost six-dollars at the gate for adults and kids 12 and under are free. All proceeds go to local groups who help take care of animals. More information can be found online at 
After a US Supreme court draft of a decision in the Dobbs Vs Mississippi case by Justice Alito was leaked to the public and seemed to show the Supreme Court striking down Roe V Wade and Planned Parenthood V Casey, Governor Kathy Hochul sent out a press release saying she was “horrified.” She says “For anyone who needs access to care, our state will welcome you with open arms. New York will always be a place where abortion rights are protected and where abortion is safe and accessible.” Her sentiments were echoed by Kristen Gillibrand “with this fundamental right in jeopardy, it is incumbent upon states like New York, where abortion is safe and accessible, to open our doors to those seeking care.” And many bed and breakfast owners are doing just that by offering discounts to those seeking to come to New York to get an abortion. New York State allows abortions up to the moment of birth and performs roughly 1/8th of all abortions in the US.
The four-game winning streak of the Buffalo Sabres has been snapped following a disappointing loss on the road. The Sabres offense wasn’t able to generate any goals as they lost to the Boston Bruins 5-0 at TD Garden last night. Buffalo goalie Dustin Tokarski struggled and was only able to stop 27 of the 32 shots he faced in the contest. The Sabres finish up their regular season tonight when they host the Chicago Blackhawks at 7:00.
After New York’s highest court threw out new congressional district maps drawn by the state Legislature, the task of redrawing them has fallen to a rural judge and a researcher at Carnegie Mellon University. Democrats’ hopes of crafting an electoral map heavily favorable to their party suffered a big blow Wednesday when the state Court of Appeals ruled that the Legislature’s maps were unconstitutionally gerrymandered. The high court Judge Patrick McAllister has been asked to create a new set of maps— his name may be familiar; he was the lower-court jurist who had initially declared the maps unconstitutional. McAllister got out a little ahead of all this by choosing an independent expert to help him craft the maps, Jonathan Cervas, a postdoctoral fellow at Carnegie Mellon University’s Institute for Politics and Strategy. They now face a tight deadline to come up with new maps, while state officials try to figure out what to do about the state’s primary election, scheduled for June 28. The state may still to hold primaries in the contests for governor and state Assembly on that date, but primaries for congress and state Senate might be moved to August.
The National Transportation Safety Board has released more information on that deadly helicopter crash in Elba. The agency says a preliminary report on the accident will be completed in a few days but the final report on the tragedy won’t be available for months. The Mercy Flight aircraft was on a training mission Tuesday when it went down. Witnesses who were in the area at the time reported hearing a loud boom before the helicopter fell to the ground. Debris from the chopper was spread across an area about 2,000 feet long. The main portion of the wreckage is intact although demolished. The tail rotor and assembly were located about 300 feet from the main wreckage, but it’s not known at what point they broke off. The wreckage will be transported to a facility in Clayton, Delaware where it will be laid out to recreate the helicopter to assist with determining what caused the crash. The two people onboard, 60-year-old James Sauer and 60-year-old Stewart Dietrick, died at the scene.
Police across New York State will be doing their part today to make sure kids get on and off their school buses safely. Officers are going to keep an eye out for dangerous drivers as part of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee’s “Operation Safe Stop” campaign. Anyone who is caught passing a school bus that is stopped and has its red lights flashing is going to be ticketed. The financial penalty for breaking the law ranges from a minimum of $250 for a first violation to a maximum of $1000 for three violations in a three-year period.
The Buffalo Sabres will be taking the ice tonight to play in their final road contest of the season. The Sabres are set to battle the Boston Bruins at TD Garden as they look to extend their current winning streak to five. Buffalo hasn’t had a game since last Saturday when they beat the New York Islanders 5-3. Face-off for this evening’s contest is set for 7:00.
Wahoo Wave is a 60-foot-tall thrill slide. It will be one of the tallest water rides in Hurricane Harbor. That’s the promise from 6 Flags, Darien Lake as a new ride gets installed just in time for the new season. First, riders will barrel down an enclosed tunnel slide, and then go through a hairpin turn, followed by a corkscrew, and then without warning, will plunge down a 30 foot drop. The thrill wave is scheduled to open when the park opens on Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 28.
Le Roy Central School District is planning to increase the tax levy by $66,000 after calculating how much state aid the district can expect to help cover its $27,708,988 spending plan. The tax levy is the total amount of revenue raised through property taxes. The tax rate is the amount per thousand of assessed value that property owners are billed to pay into the levy. State law requires that all property owners in a district share the burden of education equally so a formula will be applied to Le Roy’s tax rate to make it equitable. As it turns out, property owners in the Town of Le Roy will pay the same rate they did this year, $24.14 per $1000 assessed value, because the district’s spending plan is covered by $16,135,963 in state aid, $10,663,025 the tax levy, and $910,000 in local revenues.
Despite the growing number of new COVID-19 cases statewide, Governor Hochul says she has no plans to issue another indoor mask mandate. The governor said yesterday that even though cases are rising, hospitalizations are still far below what they were during the winter surge. Health officials say this latest increase in illnesses is being caused by the spread of omicron sub-variants. The seven-day-average infection rate in the Western NY region is currently sitting at 13.8 percent.
The New York State Department of Health’s last day of COVID-19 contact tracing is this Friday, April 29. One thing that will change is that those who test positive for COVID-19 after April 29 will not receive a text message. State residents who test positive for COVID-19, either with an at-home test or lab-confirmed test, should report their case to the County. The person should isolate for at least five days, with day 0 starting on the day they tested positive. Those who were in close contact with the person who tested positive are not required to isolate, as long as they have no symptoms and they’re vaccinated and boosted. The state recommends wearing a mask around others for ten days following a close contact exposure. If a person is not vaccinated or boosted, they should isolate for five days if they come into contact with someone who is positive. After isolation, they should wear a mask for an additional five days around others. All positive at-home tests should be reported to the Genesee County Department of Health: 585-344-2580
The National Weather Service has confirmed a weak tornado passed through Alexander early in the evening during Monday’s brief-but-intense storms. The tornado touched down at 6:42 p.m. just north of the Alexander Fire Department and Recreational Hall. A pavilion’s roof was damaged, while a trailer on the property was rolled onto its side. The tornado then tore off shingles and shattered windows at residences along Alexander Road, before producing tree damage, just before crossing Tonawanda Creek. It ultimately crossed a field before snapping two very large trees at Alexander Cemetery and damaged historic gravestones. Alexander Cemetery would appreciate donations to support repairing the damaged stones, some of which date back to 1813. (Photo courtesy of our news partner, 
It’s been over two months since someone won Powerball, and that means there’s a big prize up for grabs tonight. The jackpot for this evening’s drawing will be at least 454-million dollars. The last Powerball winner was back on February 14th when a single ticket in Connecticut won more than 185-million-dollars. The cost to play the popular lottery game is just two dollars and tonight’s drawing will be streamed live online at powerball.com. Please play responsibly.
WBTA Breaking News…
The Batavia City School District will propose to voters a $54.8 million budget for 2022-23 at a public hearing May 5. It’s a proposal that includes a $19.7 million tax levy, raising the levy 1%. The district reduced the proposed levy increase from 5.5% to 1% as they put the proposed budget together. The public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, May 5 in the administrative conference room.
Governor Hochul says the Western New York region is going to receive hundreds of millions of dollars to help complete much-needed projects. During a visit to Kleinhans Music Hall in Buffalo yesterday, the governor said funds from the state budget will be used to make investments at several places such as the Buffalo Zoo and Albright-Knox Art Gallery and to help create a Hispanic Heritage Center in Buffalo. Money will also go towards improving the area’s infrastructure and to build a brand new stadium for the Buffalo Bills.
Recently released results from a Siena College Poll suggests 2 things: The first, that New Yorkers don’t want the state to spend tax dollars on the Buffalo Bills Stadium, and second, that they are liking Governor Hochul less and less. Researchers found the funding for the stadium is opposed by at least 55% of every demographic group, and upstate New Yorkers approve less than voters downstate. Hochul is down 10 points in approval since just last month and 19 points from the beginning of the year. 45 percent of respondents say they would vote for someone else if Hochul was on the ballot. Only 29 percent say she has fulfilled promises to make people trust the Albany government.
Western New York Congressman Joe Morelle has announced that he’s tested positive for the coronavirus. In a statement, the 25th District Democrat said he thought he was only experiencing seasonal allergies, but instead he was dealing with symptoms of COVID-19. Morelle also said he’s fully vaccinated and that his illness appears to be mild. He will continue to isolate until it’s safe to resume his official duties.
Another candidate has officially entered the race to become the next governor of New York State. Syracuse native Howie Hawkins, a national leader of the Green Party, has launched his fourth bid for that office. He’ll be joined on the campaign trail by his 2010 running mate Gloria Mattera. Hawkins says his message to voters will be focused on inclusive democracy and public policy that addresses climate change and economic insecurity. The 69-year-old Hawkins has run for public office multiple times but has never been elected.
A judge is holding former President Trump in contempt for failing to comply with subpoenas for business documents. It’s part of an investigation into the Trump Organization’s finances that’s being conducted by State Attorney General Letitia James. Trump has called the investigation politically motivated and his lawyers recently argued he doesn’t have documents relevant to the investigation. But until he complies with the AG’s office, Trump will be fined 10-thousand dollars per day. James says that this ruling clearly demonstrates no one is above the law.
Six Flags is still looking to hire workers ahead of the start of the 2022 season at Darien Lake. The company is holding a national hiring week event through May 1st in hopes of boosting the number of employees at the popular Western New York amusement park. There are several positions that need to be filled including ride operators, food service, games and lifeguards. For more information and to put in an application, visit 
The Batavia City Council Conference Meeting is scheduled for this evening. It starts at 7 in the Council Board Room on the second floor of Batavia City Centre. Following this meeting, the Council will conduct its first budget workshop.
Western New York drivers are paying a little bit less money when it comes time to fill up their vehicles. According to Triple A this morning, the average cost for a gallon of regular gas is $4.28. That’s down a penny in the past week and is 10 cents cheaper than this time last month. Right now, the state average is $4.23 a gallon while nationally it’s $4.12. In Batavia, the average price per gallon is $4.21, up one cent from both yesterday and a week ago; down 14 cents from a month ago. Last year at this time, we were paying $2.88 a gallon.
They may be ‘magically delicious’; however, they’ve become the subject of an investigation by the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA is looking into reports that Lucky Charms cereal is causing illness in customers. No recall has been issued at his point. However, an alert was issued by the Livingston County Department of Health advising people that if they or a family member becomes ill with nausea, vomiting or diarrhea after eating the cereal, they should contact their health care provider and local health department. The investigation was prompted after more than 100 calls were received by the FDA about people becoming sick after eating the cereal. General Mills makes Lucky Charms and said that an internal investigation failed to find evidence that the cereal was related to reported illnesses. They added that breakfast cereal rarely results in foodborne illness because the baking process typically kills bacteria. But acknowledged products can become contaminated after baking, such as when glazes are added or during packaging. Locally, anyone who becomes ill after eating Lucky Charms may contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580.