Tom Tharp
January 6, 2024 
A convicted sex offender with a disturbing criminal history that dates back decades faced a judge in Canandaigua City Court Friday and remains behind bars after he was arrested three times last month. 54 year old Paul Goodrell is accused of exposing himself to children at several different locations in Ontario County over the course of four days in December 2023. Prosecutors say Goodrell’s rap sheet including dozens of similar incidents dates back to 1989, and they believe there may be other victims out there. Goodrell’s court appearance Friday was initially for a parole revocation hearing, which was adjourned so the defense could review more information in the case. While Goodrell has been released from custody several times in the past, he was unable to post bail this time around.
The man who led police on a manhunt for several weeks after escaping jail in Pennsylvania has been sentenced. Michael Burham has been sentenced in connection to the kidnapping of a couple in Pennsylvania in May 2023 and his escape from Warren County Prison in July. The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General announced Friday that Burham was sentenced to 3 1/2 years to 7 years in prison for his escape from Warren County Prison and sentenced to 21 years and 8 months to 43 years and 4 months in the kidnapping case. He was ordered to serve an aggregate sentence of 25 years and 2 months to 50 years and 4 months.
Starting Monday the Jackson St water project will be connecting the new pipes up with those of Cherry St, Morton Ave, Cone St and Ganson Ave. Work will begin Monday at 8:30 am on Cone and Ganson and will move to Cherry on Tuesday and Morton Ave on Wednesday. Water may be shut off on each street as the connections are being worked on. Discoloration may occur as well. Once again, if you have discolored water do not do laundry or cook with that water. Wait until the water returns to being clear.
Governor Hochul announced an initiative called NY Swims to promote learning to swim for New York children. The initiative will see New York State spending up to 150 million on building new pools in urban areas and connecting New Yorkers to rivers and lakes. Hochul said that drowning is the leading cause of death among 1 to 4 year olds and the 2nd leading cause of death among 5 to 14 year olds and that climate change will make high heat events more common. The State will also spend 30 million dollars to put pop up pools at block parties and other events.
A bill is working its way through committee and will eventually end up in the State Senate; if it were to pass, grocery stores would be allowed to sell wine. Right now a law that dates back to prohibition stops grocers in the state from carrying wine or liquor. As you might already guess…liquor storeowners have been lobbying to keep the law the same for nearly a century saying that changing it would drive many of them out of business; they estimate a loss of up to 40% of their sales. This new bill would only allow sales of wine in regional chains like Tops or Wegmans and would not allow national chains like Wal-Mart to sell wine.
An exploding toilet is the subject of a lawsuit filed in Orlando. A Dunkin’ customer sued the company Wednesday for injuries he suffered when a toilet exploded at a Winter Park location on Aloma Avenue two years ago. Flagler County’s Paul Kerouac claims the explosion left him covered in urine and feces. He’s seeking over a $100,000 in damages for what he calls severe and long-term injuries that left him in need of counseling.
Consumer Reports has found what it calls “widespread” presence of plastics in food. The nonprofit consumer group called on regulators to reassess the safety of plastics that come into contact with food during production. Consumer Reports said on Thursday that 84 of 85 supermarket foods and fast foods it tested recently contained a chemical that’s used to make plastic more durable.
…In 1973, Bruce Springsteen released his first album, “Greetings From Asbury Park.”
The Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office has released information about their investigation of a deadly crash in the Town of Perry. The crash occurred late in the afternoon on December 29 at the intersection of State Route 20A and Silver Lake Road. The sheriff’s office said it was determined that 78-year-old Carolyn Robb of the Town of Perry was driving east on State Route 20A when she drove into the rear of a stopped vehicle that was waiting to make a left turn. According to the sheriff’s office, passing motorists and first responders performed CPR on Robb. She was then transported to Strong Memorial Hospital and later died from her injuries.
The New York State Department of Labor is reminding people that 1099-G forms will automatically be mailed out this year. In the past, residents have been able to opt out of getting those forms in the mail, but that’s no longer the case. A 1099-G is used to document the total amount of money a person received in benefits from the labor department during the year as well as any adjustments made to those benefits. The forms are expected to arrive in mailboxes by the end of the month.
According to Triple A this morning, the national average price for a gallon of regular gas is now $3.10. The state average – always a little higher – is $3.35. In Batavia, we’re paying $3.41; that’s down 3 cents from a week ago and 15 cents from a month ago today. Christmas travel was slightly lower than anticipated on the roads so the hike in gas costs that was predicted failed to appear. Experts are still predicting the prices to stay the same or rise slightly over the next few weeks.
The City of Batavia received 350K in the form of a Community Development Block Grant just before the end of 2023. The funds would enable homeowners to make home repairs with grant and deferred loan funding. Assistant City Manager Erik Fix says that the details are still being worked out and how the money will be allocated and who will receive the grant money will be announced in the next few months.
With exercising more being a top priority for people at the start of the year, the state Division of Consumer Protection is offering tips to help folks avoid gym membership mistakes. It’s recommended that people review any contract before signing it, and to be aware of add-on fees. Knowing termination fees is important if anyone decides to cancel their membership. State law also requires businesses with auto-renewal programs to disclose terms of those offers when consumers are enrolling.
A winter storm is slated to bring snow, rain and wind to the East this weekend. Forecasters aren’t yet sure how much snow the system can be expected to bring, especially for areas near the I-95 corridor. The storm should begin dissipating late on Sunday.
…In 1959, Alaska became the 49th state of the United States. Happy 65th birthday!
…In 1987 Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ On A Prayer” broke into the Top 40 chart.
19-year-old Skarlette Tellier-Wilcox of Batavia has been arrested and is charged with petit larceny. It’s alleged she stole merchandise while in the Batavia Wal-Mart. Tellier-Wilcox was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to return to Batavia Town Court on January 9th. ALSO: 57-year-old Rhonda Schirmer of Batavia, along with 33-year-old Alyssa Rondon and 41-year-old David Fallon, both of Silver Springs, have all been arrested. The multiple charges they face include petit larceny, conspiracy and endangering the welfare of a child. It’s alleged they stole merchandise from Walmart in Batavia; both Schirmer and Rondon had a controlled substance on their person at the time of the arrest. They were released on appearance tickets for Batavia Town Court on January 9th. ALSO: Maranda Button of Batavia was arrested and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle. It’s alleged she was found to have cocaine and was operating a vehicle with a suspended license. It was also found during the same traffic stop that Button had an active warrant for her arrest. She was held at the Genesee County Jail pending arraignment of the warrant and new charges.
It has been almost two years since the start of mobile sports wagering in New York, and fans have bet a lot of money on games. Since 2022, more than $34 billion has been wagered on sporting contests. FanDuel has been the most popular platform used, and nearly $3 billion worth of revenue has been generated. Money has been used for things like funding sports programs for children and treatment and education programs for problem gambling.
2024 is a leap year, giving us an extra day on the calendar. The day gets tacked on to the end of February every four years, with some exceptions, to keep our dates in sync with the seasons. While there are 365 days in a year, it actually takes about 365 and a quarter days for the Earth to travel around the sun. February 29th takes that extra time into account.
…In 1971, George Harrison’s first post-Beatles solo album, “All Things Must Pass,” hit number one on the album chart.
…In 2002 Nickelback’s “How You Remind Me” was named the most played song on radio in 2001, with more than 421,000 spins. Puddle of Mudd’s “Blurry” and Linkin Park’s “In the End” were also among the songs receiving a lot of airplay.
Buffalo police say that an arrest has been made following a reported sexual assault in their city earlier this month. A woman says 28-year-old Rickey Roberts approached her on Hertel Avenue December 9th and claimed he had a gun before forcing himself on her. The woman was able to get away from Roberts and ran for help but she needed treatment for minor injuries. She also told officers that she had no prior contact with Roberts.
Starting next week, the cost of traveling on the New York State Thruway will be going up for Empire State drivers. As of January 1st, E-ZPass rates will increase by five-percent and that will followed by a similar bump in 2027. This new rate marks the first time in 14 years that tolls have risen on the Thruway. Officials say they need the additional funds to help maintain the 570-mile highway.
The Powerball jackpot keeps growing and has now risen to the sixth-largest prize in the history of the game. Whoever is lucky enough to pick all six winning numbers for tomorrow night’s drawing will get at least $760 million. The last time the top prize was claimed was back in October, which is a span of 33 drawings. The odds of hitting the jackpot are one in 292 million. The drawing will be streamed live at powerball.com. Please play responsibly.
Google reportedly has agreed to settle a $5,000,000,000 (billion) consumer privacy lawsuit. Reuters reported on Thursday that the tech giant agreed to settle the suit that claimed Google secretly tracked millions of people who thought they were browsing the Internet privately. The suit argued that Google’s analytics, cookies, and apps tracked their activity even when they set the company’s Chrome browser to “Incognito” mode and other browsers to “private” browsing status.
…In 1973 Jim Croce’s “Time In A Bottle” hit number one on the pop singles chart. He died on September 20, 1973 in a plane crash, eight days before his son’s (A.J. Croce) second birthday. According to officials, the plane did not gain enough altitude and was unable to clear a small grove of pecan trees about 250 feet from the end of the runway, NOLA.com reported. The official report of the crash stated that the 57-year-old pilot, Robert Elliott, had suffered a heart attack during takeoff. Croce had decided that his current tour would be his last so that he could be at home with his wife and young son.
A warning has been issued about scammers posing as Publisher’s Clearing House employees. According to sheriffs, the scammers are targeting people in our region by calling and telling the individual that they have won and are requesting processing fees. The scammer then tries to arrange electronic payment or a meeting place to receive the payment in person. The sheriff’s office says never give out personal information over the phone and to contact the police if you receive a call you think is suspicious. Publisher’s Clearing House Vice President Chris Irving says they will never ask for money from prizewinners in order to claim a prize.
As reported by Tom Tharp this morning: Employees at the University of Rochester Medical Center have voted to accept a 3-year contract. Close to 2,000 union caregivers and service workers with the University of Rochester Medical Center voted yesterday to ratify a three-year contract deal with their employer. The deal includes general wage increases of more than 18%, and will raise the new-hire starting pay rate to $17 per hour starting next year, according to union representatives. By the third year of the contract, the employees will reportedly earn $18.38 per hour. New hires were previously earning $15.45 per hour. This deal comes after the group of workers held a 17-hour strike last week, demanding higher wages and better benefits.
The Bills are preparing to take on the Patriots at home this Sunday in a match up that will be crucial to Buffalo’s playoff hopes. Earlier this season, the postseason seemed like a pipe dream for the Bills. But after falling to 6-6, the team has rattled off three straight wins. Now, if Buffalo beats New England and gets a little help from the rest of the NFL, the team would clinch their fifth straight playoff berth. But that all starts with the Bills taking care of business against a 4-11 Patriots team. The Patriots are coming off an emotional win this weekend against the Broncos. Kickoff at Highmark is at 1:00.
Thousands want Donald Trump’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to be removed. A petition calling on the Los Angeles City Council to withdraw Trump’s star has received more than 4,000 signatures. Trump was awarded the star in 2007 and it has been vandalized and destroyed several times since the 2016 election. A star has never been removed from the Walk of Fame, but councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez told the Los Angeles Times that the council is looking into “what the legal issues may be” and what the process for removing the star would look like.
An asthma treatment that could reduce food allergies in children is one step closer to FDA approval. The antibody injection, sold as Xolair has been on the market since 2003 as a treatment for allergy-induced asthma but early data from a federally funded clinical trial showed that it helps recipients consume more peanuts, eggs, milk and cashews without allergic reactions.
…In 1972, Miami Police cut a Manfred Mann and His Earth Band concert because residents in the neighborhood complained about the volume of the music. When authorities cut the sound to the P.A. system, fans rioted. The melee lasted about two hours.
The spread of the flu virus is still surging in counties across the region. According to the New York State Flu Tracker, the county with the highest number of cases during the week ending December 16th was Monroe with 663. Erie County was second with 613. Ontario County had the third highest total during that time period with 75; Niagara County had 67 and Wayne County, 54. Statewide hospitalizations due to the flu are up 35% from the previous report and over 50,000 people have contracted the illness this season.
The Buffalo Sabres will be back in action tonight as they take on one of the top teams in the National Hockey League. The Sabres are set to host the Boston Bruins at KeyBank Center. Buffalo hasn’t played since Saturday when they were beaten by the New York Rangers 4 to 3 in overtime. Face-off for this evening’s contest is scheduled for 7:30.
Americans spent more during the holidays than they did last year, despite fears they might cut back because of inflation. Results of a survey by Mastercard released Tuesday show retail sales were up 3.1% over last year. Online sales grew 6.3% while sales at brick-and-mortar stores rose over 2.0%.
Home prices posted their biggest gain of 2023 in October. The latest S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller National Home Price Index reported a 4.8% annual increase in October. The jump in prices came despite a sharp rise in mortgage rates. Among the top 20 cities, Detroit reported the biggest annual gain with home prices up just over 8%. San Diego and New York round out the top three with increases of about 7%.
33-year-old Gregory Hamm-Johnson of Batavia has been arrested. He’s charged with harassment, criminal obstruction of breathing and endangering the welfare of a child. It’s alleged Hamm-Johnson struck and hit another individual during the course of a domestic dispute and in the presence of a juvenile. He was taken into custody and held at the Genesee County Jail, pending CAP Court.
Governor Kathy Hochul has vetoed a bill that would have banned non-compete agreements. In a statement, Hochul said the “one-size-fits-all” approach to the bill was not reasonable, and she had tried to work with the Legislature on the matter. Non-compete agreements are used to restrict workers from leaving to take a job with a rival company. The bill was supported by labor and the Federal Trade Commission, while Wall Street and top business groups in the state were opposed to the measure.
Christmas Day 2023 will go down as one of the warmest days in the history of Rochester. Yesterday, the temperature reached 57 degrees — making this year’s Christmas Day the sixth warmest on record for the city, going back to 1871. The warmest day on record for the date was in 1982 — when the temperature hit 66.
As reported by Tom Tharp this morning: Residents in the Town of Bethany will only have one more opportunity to fill up their water totes at the Town Hall as the 6700 gallon tanker will be leaving after Tuesday. Bethany and other towns have been suffering under a drought for the past several months with many families reporting their wells running dry. People have been driving to neighboring towns and even counties to fill up on water so they can cook, clean and bathe. A tanker truck was supplied by the state for filling up a few gallons at specific times. And it hasn’t always been easy with the spigot freezing over on cold days. The Office of Emergency Management is taking the tanker back after turning the town down for an extension. For the moment there is no plan in place for after the tanker leaves.
It’s one of the busiest travel times of the year, and that means big crowds can be expected at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport. The TSA recommends people get to the airport at least two hours before their scheduled flight. That’ll allow them enough time to go through security, and folks can save time while in line by getting out their ID and boarding pass. Any suspicious activity at or near the airport should be reported immediately.
Orchard Park police are continuing to investigate an assault that happened after last weekend’s Buffalo Bills game. They say the attack occurred Sunday on Abbott Road near Highmark Stadium. The victim, whose name has not been released, needed treatment for several broken bones. Police are asking anyone who saw the incident to contact them at 716-662-6444.
The Christmas holiday season can be deadly for some. Research shows more people die of heart attacks in the last week of December than any other time of year. Doctors say it’s usually due to a number of factors, including cold weather that can restrict blood flow, added stress and overindulgence in rich food and alcohol. Heart attacks increase 37% on Christmas Eve. It happens most with people who are over the age of 75 and those with diabetes or who have prior cardiovascular disease.
Santa will be dropping off toys to kids all around the world this weekend and NORAD is going to be tracking his global journey. Starting on Sunday, children can call 1-877-446-6723 or visit noradsanta.org to get the latest updates on Saint Nick’s trip. Until then, kids can download the NORAD Tracks Santa app where they can play games and listen to music. NORAD has been tracking Santa on Christmas Eve for decades.
SiriusXM is being sued for allegedly trapping customers in subscriptions and making it difficult for them to cancel. State Attorney General Letitia James announced the lawsuit after an investigation that found the company “forces its subscribers to call or chat online with an agent to cancel a subscription, then deliberately draws out those interactions as part of its strategy.” James said that the tricky cancellation process is illegal. She added the office also found that the company trains its agency not to take “no” for an answer when customers call to cancel. The investigation began after hundreds of customers reported complaints about the process.
Toyota is recalling more than one million vehicles for potential air bag issues. Toyota Motor announced the recall on Wednesday, saying a short circuit in a sensor could cause air bags to not properly deploy. The recall is for 2020 through 2022 model year vehicles including various Corolla, Camry, Avalon and Sienna Hybrid vehicles. The automaker says it will start notifying owners about the recall in February.
With Christmas just four days away, the Better Business Bureau is providing some tips to help people avoid scams when shopping for last-minute gifts. If you’re getting a gift card, look to see if it’s been tampered with and if so, pick a different card. And, only purchase toys from reputable websites and stores and don’t be fooled by a price that seems unusually low. Also, be careful with any personal information you post online so scammers don’t steal it. For more recommendations, visit 
…In 1620, the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth, Massachusetts, following a 63-day voyage from England aboard the Mayflower.
Updated data from the New York State Flu Tracker shows the spread of the illness is rising across Western New York. During the week ending December 9th, the area with the highest number of cases was Erie County with 425. Monroe County had the second highest with 372. Niagara, Ontario and Livingston Counties each had the third-highest total during that same time period with 39 and Genesee County had 20. Since the start of flu season, over 32,000 Empire State residents have contracted the virus. Ask your Primary Care Provider or pharmacist for information about getting immunized, or visit 
The American Red Cross has issued some simple tips to help people avoid fires caused by decorations. The agency says that December is the peak time of year for such fires, and it’s recommended that if candles are being used that they be kept away from pets, children, and anything that might burn. Also, double check light cords to make sure they are not broken or frayed. Folks who have an artificial tree should make sure it’s labeled as being fire-resistant, while live trees need to be properly watered.
Excelsior Scholarship applications are now open for new applicants ahead of the Spring 2024 semester. The scholarship allows students to attend a SUNY or CUNY school for two years or four years, tuition free. Students who come from homes with federal adjusted gross incomes up to 125-thousand dollars can take part in the program. Applications will be accepted through February 2nd and more details can be found by visiting the state’s Higher Education Services Corporation website.
Officials say a new COVID-19 variant is on the rise this holiday season. The CDC says cases of the new variant, which has been dubbed JN.1, now account for one in five new infections. An official estimated that the new variant would become the dominant strain within a week.
…In 2017, the U.S. Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the first major overhaul of the U.S. tax code in 30 years. The legislation slashed corporate taxes permanently from 35% to 21% and temporarily cut the top income tax bracket from 39.6% to 37%.
28-year-old Emilia Santiago and 31-year-old Ashley Drexinger, both of Buffalo, have been arrested in Batavia. They’re charged with petit larceny, conspiracy and possession of burglary tools. They were stopped leaving Dick’s Sporting Goods; after a search, it was found Drexinger had stolen goods in her bag that she was carrying while leaving the store. She also had pending charges against her with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Santiago was arraigned and released pending another court date; Drexinger was held in County Jail following arraignment.
A former daycare employee is expected to be in court today to face child endangerment charges. According to authorities, 22-year-old Alexis Cleveley is accused of mistreating kids at the Sweet Angels Daycare located in Newfane. Back in September, two other former employees were charged with the exact same crime. The daycare will be shutting down for good effective December 29th.
Jackson Street from Ellicott to Central Ave will be closed for the duration of this week due to construction on the Jackson Street Water project within the City of Batavia.
As reported by Tom Tharp this morning: Lawmakers in Albany are trying to force Chick Fil A to open on Sundays. The restaurant chain has a longstanding commitment to never being open on Sundays but lawmakers are saying this isn’t right now that they have locations on the Thruway; seven Chick Fil A’s have opened at recently renovated rest areas across the state. A bill has been introduced that would require restaurants at rest stops be open every day of the week so travelers can count on a meal when they stop by. The legislation says allowing for a retail space to go unused one seventh of the week or more is a disservice and unnecessary inconvenience to travelers who rely on these service areas.
A new study says Americans eat an extra meal each day just by snacking. Researchers at The Ohio State University studied data from over 20,000 individuals and found that Americans consume up to 500 calories daily from snacks alone, which is often more calories than breakfast but with less nutritional value. A senior author of the study said snacks are contributing “a meal’s worth of intake” to our diets without actually being a meal.
…In 1865, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution abolished slavery in the United States.
The Buffalo Bills are going to be back on their home field this weekend as they look to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Bills will host the Dallas Cowboys at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. Buffalo is coming off of a big 20 to 17 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs last weekend that boosted their record this season to seven wins and six losses. Kickoff Sunday is scheduled for 4:25.
With folks making plans for holiday gatherings, the state Department of Health is reminding people to protect themselves from serious illnesses. The agency says there are currently vaccines available to help keep people safe from the flu, COVID-19, and RSV. The CDC believes low immunization rates could lead to a massive spread of these viruses in the coming weeks. To find a clinic in your area, head to 
Lotto players will be lining up the next couple of days to take their shot at winning a more than half-billion dollar prize. The Powerball jackpot is now at $535 million tomorrow since no one has correctly picked the winning numbers since October. However, the odds of getting the grand prize are one in more than 292 million. The drawing will be streamed live at 
…In 1791, the Bill of Rights, comprising the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, took effect.
…In 1944, a single-engine plane carrying U.S. Army Major Glenn Miller disappeared in thick fog over the English Channel while en route to Paris. The true fate of the plane and its passengers has never been determined.
44-year-old Thomas Culver, Jr. of Batavia has been arrested. He’s charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and traffic violations. It’s alleged that during a traffic stop, Culver was arrested for unrelated charges stemming from a separate incident and was found to be in possession of cocaine and Fentanyl. He was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled for Batavia Town Court on January 9th, 2024.
With a lot of people traveling for the holidays, police across the state will be doing their part to keep them safe on the roads. The latest Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is now underway and runs through January 1st. Law enforcement is going to keep a close eye out for drivers who are impaired by alcohol or drugs while they are behind the wheel. Travelers who see suspicious activity are asked to report it by dialing 911 immediately.
…In 1968, Marvin Gaye scored his first No.1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with “I Heard It Through The Grapevine.” Gaye’s rendition of the oft-covered tune remained at the top spot for five weeks.
A nearby community is finally getting more much needed help to deal with its ongoing water woes. Bethany has been awarded $5 million in state funding through the Water Infrastructure Improvement Program. Right now, there are dozens of people in the town who are either without water or struggling to get it. Bethany previously received a $16 million grant from the USDA before the COVID-19 pandemic.
There is a wind advisory in effect for Genesee and Orleans Counties until 6:00 this evening. The National Weather Service is predicting gusts of up to 50 miles per hour with sustained southwest winds at 20 to 30 miles per hour. Be careful especially when driving high profile vehicles and watch out for debris, tree limbs and unsecured items being blown around and into roadways. Power outages may occur, as well.
A man from Tunisia is awaiting a deportation hearing after he allegedly asked a woman to “purchase” her 5-year-old child in Wyoming County. The woman told officers from the Perry Police Department that the man also attempted to entice the child into his vehicle. Police arrested 64-year-old Monji Jelassi on December 2nd and detained him. His only identification at the time was a foreign-issued international driver’s license. U.S. Border Patrol discovered Jelassi was in the U.S. on an expired visa. He was taken to a federal detention facility in Batavia.
Governor Hochul is launching a public awareness effort to ensure New Yorkers earning minimum wage get the raise they deserve come January 1st. The state’s minimum wage is set to increase to $15 an hour upstate and $16 an hour in Long Island, Westchester County, and New York City. Workers who don’t see a bump in their paychecks can file a complaint with the Department of Labor. Minimum wage in the Empire State will increase each year through 2026 and index to inflation in 2027.
The Buffalo Sabres are back in the win column after picking up a much-needed win on home ice. JJ Peterka, Payton Krebs, Eric Robinson, and Kyle Okposo each had a goal as the Sabres defeated the Arizona Coyotes 5-2 at KeyBank Center last night. Buffalo goalie Devon Levi stopped 21 of the 23 shots he faced in the contest. Up next for the Sabres is a game against the Avalanche in Colorado tomorrow night; face-off is at 10:00.
Most Americans who are living paycheck to paycheck say they expect to spend about the same amount or less this holiday season as they did last year. That’s according to a new Forbes Advisor survey that says close to half say they’ll spend about the same, and nearly one in five said they plan to tighten their belts. Another 30% of those whose paycheck just covers their living expenses with little left over say they’ll spend more.
…In 1955, Bill Haley and the Comets recorded “See You Later Alligator.”
…In 1957, disc jockey Al Priddy of KEX, Portland, Oregon, was fired for playing Elvis Presley’s rendition of “White Christmas.” He had violated the radio station’s ban against the song.
On 12/5/2023, Talia F Joubert (age 21) of Leroy, was arrested for DWAI Drugs. Joubert was charged after an investigation into traffic stop on 8/18/2023, where she was allegedly operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs. While at the Batavia Police Department, it’s alleged that Joubert struck two officers. She was issued appearance tickets and is due in court on 12/20/2023.
According to Triple A this morning, the national average price of a gallon of regular gas is $3.15. The state average is at $3.48. In Batavia, we’re paying $3.54 per gallon; that’s down a penny from a week ago, down 13 cents from a month ago but up 7 cents from a year ago today. The price per barrel of oil has remained at $70 even with OPEC deciding to cut production. Demand is also down heading toward Christmas. More than half of all gas stations in the US are now selling gas for less than 3 dollars a gallon.
A brand-new consumer protection law is now in effect across New York State. This legislation protects credit card holders from losing any credit card rewards that they’ve earned. Companies have to take action to protect consumers from losing those points when any rewards programs are either changed or terminated. That means from the day a company issues a notice of any changes, people will have 90 days to redeem their points.
A Japanese animated film that’s dubbed in English tops this week’s box office. “The Boy and the Heron” took in an estimated $12.8 million to finish just ahead of the “Hunger Games” prequel. “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” was second with $9.4 million. Beyonce came up short in her bid to join Taylor Swift in having a concert film top the box office for two straight weeks. Last week’s number one, “Renaissance: A Film By Beyonce,” dropped to sixth place this week.
…In 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued emergency use authorization for Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine, the first given approval in the United States.
Over $800 million is now up for grabs from the two big lotteries in the United States. Nobody won the latest Powerball drawing, so the jackpot will roll over to Saturday’s drawing when the grand prize will be worth an estimated $468 million. The Mega Millions jackpot, meanwhile, is up to about $395 million. Those numbers will be drawn Friday night. Please play responsibly.
…In 1979, Styx scored their first and only No.1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Babe.” The song was a No.6 hit in the UK.
Organizers of First Night Buffalo have revealed their plans for the upcoming virtual event. It’ll take place December 31st and gives families across the area a chance to celebrate the start of a new year is a safe and festive way. Among the featured performers will be DJ Milk who is going to host a dance party. Party packs are now available at select Tops stores in the area and cost just 25-dollars each. For more information, head to 
…In 1976, The Eagles released ‘New Kid in Town’, which became the group’s third US No.1 in February the following year. The single written by Don Henley, Glenn Frey and J.D. Souther was released as the first single from their fifth album Hotel California.
…In 2014, Pink Floyd’s classic album, The Dark Side Of The Moon made a surprise return to the Billboard chart when it landed at No.13, thanks to ultra-cheap pricing in the Google Play store where the album was discounted to 99-cents. Although it held the No.1 spot in the US for only a week when released in 1973, it remained in the Billboard album chart for 741 weeks.
LeRoy, Stafford, Pavilion, Bergen and Batavia Fire Departments responded to a fire on North Street in LeRoy Tuesday night. A home at 26 North Street had flames coming up through the roof. The firefighters were able to get everyone out and defeat the blaze. The fire reportedly started on the first floor and climbed through the wall into the attic. There is heavy smoke damage.
As reported by Tom Tharp this morning: The Tonawanda Seneca Nation has filed a lawsuit against the federal government in U.S. District Court over the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s approval of a right of way for an industrial wastewater pipeline through the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. The lawsuit asserts that the Nation has standing to sue because the refuge is historically and culturally interrelated with the Nation’s ancestral territory, even though it is outside the boundaries of the Tonawanda Indian Reservation. Orleans County has also sued to stop the pipeline.
ChatGPT might not be a reliable source for medication-related questions. A study by pharmacists at Long Island University found that the free version of ChatGPT provided inaccurate or incomplete answers to some questions about drugs. Other responses didn’t directly address the questions that were asked. A lead author of the study says patients should be wary when using the viral chatbot for drug information and responses should be verified by a doctor or other trusted sources.
…In 1865, the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, abolishing slavery in the United States.
As reported by Tom Tharp this morning: Nine agencies in Genesee County including police, fire and emergency medical services will be participating in a simulated active threat situation on Liberty Street on Thursday. They will be at 114 Liberty Street from 8:00am and 3:00pm and want the public to know that this activity is not a real emergency, but a carefully planned simulation designed to enhance the preparedness and coordination of emergency response teams.
Rochester police are issuing a warning following an ongoing surge in the number of carjacking cases. Authorities say there have been 20 to 25 such crimes in the city since the end of October. It most incidents, the victim is approached by a suspect or suspects who are armed with a weapon before having their vehicle taken. Police say the best thing for people to do is to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity immediately.
The state Gaming Commission’s Division of Lottery is making a request of Empire State residents this holiday season. The agency is asking folks not to purchase scratch-off lottery tickets for kids as gifts, saying that lottery games should only be gifted by adults to adults. The National Council on Problem Gambling says youth gambling is a public health issue. Anyone who is struggling with a gambling addiction can get help by calling 1-877-8-HOPENY.
Another anchor tenant store will be dropping out of the struggling Boulevard Mall in Amherst. H&M has revealed that it’ll be closing up shop at the mall January 6th. The company also has locations at the Niagara Falls Fashion Outlets and Walden Galleria. Currently, there are approximately 50 empty storefronts at Boulevard Mall, which is undergoing a redevelopment process. Plans are in the works to switch the property over to a place featuring retail, residential, and restaurant opportunities.
Oxford University Press is picking its word of the year. “Rizz” was given the honor for 2023, with OUP saying in a release that it was chosen as an “interesting example of how language can be formed, shaped, and shared within communities. Rizz is defined as “style, charm, or attractiveness,” and has become popular online among younger generations.
…In 1964, Lorne Greene star of the NBC TV show ‘Bonanza’ was at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Ringo’, making him the second Canadian (after Paul Anka) to have a US No.1 single. The song was a No.22 hit in the UK.
…In 1973, Paul McCartney and Wings released Band On The Run, his fifth album since his departure from The Beatles. Two hit singles from the album – ‘Jet’ and ‘Band on the Run’ made it McCartney’s most successful album. The majority of Band on the Run was recorded at EMI’s studio in Lagos, Nigeria, as McCartney wanted to make an album in an exotic location. McCartney went into the studio with just his wife Linda and Denny Laine, doubling on drums, percussion and most of the lead guitar parts himself as well as bass.
Gas prices keep going in the right direction…down. According to Triple A today, the national average price for a gallon of regular gas is $3.24. The state average is $3.53. In Batavia, we’re paying $3.55 per gallon; that’s down a penny from yesterday and 21 cents from a month ago today.
Negotiations are continuing on a new gaming compact between the Seneca Nation and New York State. The current deal was scheduled to end this Saturday, but an extension has been agreed upon that will keep talks going until March 31st. A tentative agreement was reached earlier this year, but ended up not going through after officials in Rochester opposed the construction of a new casino in that city. During this extension period, local casinos will run normally and employees won’t be affected.
Governor Hochul says New York State has been awarded over $5 million towards supporting school-based mental health clinics. The governor said yesterday she has talked with students who say they are still feeling the effects of the COVID-19 crisis and that they’re dealing with the grief of losing a loved one during the pandemic. She also believes it’s up to adults to help kids return to some form of normalcy. A list of the new clinics can be found at 
City Police are investigating an incident in Batavia in the area of Oak Street and North Lyons Street. The call came in late last night. Someone drove by in an SUV and fired shots, which hit a home on the 40 block of Oak Street. Police went door-to-door interviewing residents and searching the roads and sidewalks. This is not the first time this area of Oak Street has been hit with gunshots. The last incident was on August 28. No suspects have been named.
With the number of respiratory syncytial virus cases on the rise across the state, the Department of Health is urging people to protect themselves against the illness. The agency says the best way to do that is to be vaccinated against RSV. That is especially important for folks over the age of 60 with medical conditions and people who are pregnant. Right now, there are more RSV cases in the state than flu and COVID-19 cases. Anyone who wants to get vaccinated should contact their doctor.
A California company is one step closer to a medical breakthrough. It’s called Loyal, a fitting name for their mission. Researchers are creating a drug they hope will help dogs live longer, and they just hit a new milestone. The FDA sent a letter saying it agrees with the data provided that shows the drug’s effectiveness. Dogs would get a shot or pill every three to six months. Both could be ready by 2026.
…In 1982, Epic Records released the album Thriller by Michael Jackson.
40-year-old Anthony Morrow of Lockport has been arrested in Batavia. He’s charged with petit larceny after it was alleged he stole a crossbow from Dick’s Sporting Goods. Morrow was issued appearance tickets and is due in Batavia Town Court on December 19th.
The drought conditions and waffling temperatures have kept the snow away until this week. The Town of Wyoming was hit the hardest in our area with an average of 9 inches of snowfall Monday and Tuesday. Warsaw and Attica were next with 6.5 inches each when it was measured Tuesday afternoon. Any new snow will likely fall north or east of Rochester. A typical snowfall for this time of the season would be 7 inches so far. But officially Western NY has only had 1.
A lot of people will be making charitable donations during the holidays, and one state agency has issued tips to help folks avoid scams. The Division of Consumer Protection says one important thing is to check the legitimacy of the charity you want to give money to. Also, designate any donations you make to ensure money will be used for its intended purpose. And never disclose personal information such as credit card or social security numbers when responding to an unsolicited charitable request.
Merriam-Webster’s 2023 word of the year is “authentic.” The online dictionary said this year saw a “substantial increase” in searches for the word. It attributes that to more “stories and conversations about AI, celebrity culture, identity, and social media.”
