Local News

A pair from Rochester were stopped in Bergen and found to be driving a stolen car Thursday.  39 year old Ryan Bufano and 35 year old Jenna Psomiadis, both from Rochester, were caught driving a stolen 2009 Chevy Impala. They were charged with criminal possession of stolen property over 3000 dollars and criminal possession of a controlled substance as it is alleged that several bags of cocaine were found in the car as well.  They were taken to Genesee county jail to await arraignment. 

Senator George Borello along with 14 other republicans are asking Governor Hochul to drop the electric bus mandate for public schools or to give the schools all the money they need to make the switch.  In a letter sent to the governor Friday the senators argue that schools can’t possibly meet the cost of replacing their entire fleet of buses by 2027.  An electric schoolbus costs 3 times as much as a gas powered bus and it is estimated the cost to replace the entire fleet of 45,000 school buses across the state would cost 15 billion dollars more than schools have budgeted for buses over the next 4 years.  Borello says that the state has announced 100 million dollars in grants for buses, which won’t even cover 1 bus for each school district.  He also points out that during the winter the buses will have dramatically reduced range as cold temperatures mean less charge in the batteries and that the buses are too heavy for many bridges.  

Are you ready for some Christmas music?  Check out 2 churches doing cantatas this Sunday.  At 10:30 in the morning East Bethany Presbyterian Church is having their program, “A Simple Christmas” and invites everyone to join them.  A coffee hour will follow the program.  Emmanuel Baptist Church in Batavia is having their Annual Christmas Cantata “The First Noel” at 2pm on Sunday with the church choir and friends from the community.  There will be a half hour hymn sing and a free dinner after the performance.  All are welcome to come, sing and eat as Debbie Prosser Music Ministry knows how to put on a show and a spread.

The water construction project that began in mid-November along a portion of downtown Bank Street is expected to be completed by the end of December, except for pavement restoration which will be on hold through the winter and be done in the spring.  The project included the installation of 932 linear feet of new 8-inch water main to replace existing 4- and 6-inch water mains on Bank Street from East Main Street to Washington Avenue.  This updated infrastructure will service the future police station to be built at the corner of Bank Street and Alva Place.

Rotary Club are doing their annual raffle fundraiser to win a Chevy Corvette.  The raffle raises money for United Memorial Medical Center, the YMCA and the YWCA and other local charities.  Tickets are $50 each or 3 for $100 with donations fully tax-deductible. The first prize is a new 2024 Chevrolet Corvette or $50,000 cash with ten additional prizes of $500 also being awarded. Only 4,500 tickets will be sold. The drawing will be held on January 19.  Tickets can be purchased from any Batavia Rotarian or online at www.bataviarotaryraffle.com.

Robert Morris will become a modern early childhood center. Photo: Doug Thompson, WBTA News

Batavia City School District’s $45 million capital improvement project is approved. Last night’s vote means that the capital project will proceed in 2024 to install two synthetic turf fields for the high school, a baseball and softball field each, and upgrades for every school building within the city school district. Also included in the work will be Robert Morris School, which will be converted into a “modern early childhood education center” according to Superintendent Jason Smith.

As reported this morning by Tom Tharp: Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent announcement of a $479 million investment in water infrastructure projects across New York brings significant benefits to Genesee County, including a substantial $30 million allocation for the third phase of the County’s critical water supply project. This funding is part of New York State’s $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022. Part of the money is going to help villages like Bethany to expand public water to people who’s wells have dried up in this Fall’s drought conditions.

Terry Brayman

The remains of fallen airman Terry Brayman will be returning to the region today. The Pittsford resident was one of eight military members who lost their lives when their helicopter went down off the coast of Japan last month. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

13WHAM file photo from September 2023 – Jakubonis (right) leaving court house with his attorney

The man who attacked former Long Island Congressman Lee Zeldin has found out the punishment for his crime. Yesterday, a judge ordered David Jakubonis to spend three years on probation. Jakubonis admitted to being under the influence of alcohol when he approached Zeldin during a campaign stop in Perinton last year. Zeldin, who was running for New York governor at the time, wasn’t hurt. He released a statement saying he hopes Jakubonis is progressing towards getting his life back on track.

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 vaccines.gov.

ELSEWHERE…

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 powerball.com. Please play responsibly.

Jimmy Kimmel (right) could have been responding to Santos’ demand for money.

Former New York Congressman George Santos is now launching a subscription page on the social media platform X. The Republican who used to represent parts of Long Island and Queens is promising he’ll divulge details regarding Congress, the media, and some celebrities to users who pay seven dollars a month for his content. It comes after the ousted congress member started making customized videos on the Cameo platform, which late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel later used for new segment called “Will Santos Say It.” Santos is now threatening a lawsuit if Kimmel doesn’t pay him $20,000 for it.

One of the many reasons I avoid roller coasters.

Dozens of people were left dangling upside down over 100 feet in the air after a roller coaster got stuck at a Japanese amusement park. Universal Studios Japan in Osaka says 32 people were riding on the Jurassic Park-themed Flying Dinosaur on Thursday when it got stuck at its highest point about 130 feet high. No one was injured and the park says all the passengers were guided to safety.

Chewy is one of many companies identified by the FDA that sells unapproved animal antibiotics.

The FDA is accusing Chewy and eight other pet product companies of selling unapproved animal antibiotics. The agency alleged on Thursday that the retailers violated federal law by selling unapproved medications containing penicillin and amoxicillin, which could help create drug-resistant “superbugs.” A letter from the FDA says the products in question were targeted at birds and fish, and they’re threatening legal action if the companies don’t address the alleged violations within 15 days.

Today is Friday, Dec. 15, the 349th day of 2023 with 16 to follow.

The moon is waxing. Morning stars are Jupiter, Uranus and Venus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Mercury, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Venus.

December 15 in history…

…In 1791, the Bill of Rights, comprising the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, took effect.

Sitting Bull (circa 1883)

…In 1890, Sioux Indian leader Sitting Bull was killed in a skirmish with U.S. soldiers along the Grand River in South Dakota.

December 15, 1939 (Atlanta): Policemen line up in front of the entrance to Loew’s Grand Theater for the gala premiere of Margaret Mitchell’s ‘Gone With the Wind.’

…In 1939, the film version of Gone with the Wind premiered at the Lowe’s Grand Theater in Atlanta. Mayor William B. Hartsfield declared a citywide holiday, and a crowd of 18,000 gathered outside the theater to catch a glimpse of the film’s stars. In attendance were lead actors Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable, a portrait of both is visible in the picture above the theater’s entrance.

…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.

A black-faced Grace Slick appears with the Jefferson Airplane on the Smothers Brothers show (CBS Photo)

…In 1968, Grace Slick appeared in blackface when Jefferson Airplane appeared on the Smothers Brothers TV show on CBS.

John Lennon performs in London for UNICEF.

…In 1969, John Lennon gave his last live performance in England. It was a UNICEF benefit in London.

John Paul Getty, III (Rolling Stone photo)

…In 1973, John Paul Getty III is found alive at a gas station outside of Naples, Italy, more than four months after he was kidnapped. Graphic details of Getty’s ordeal are included in a Rolling Stone interview the following year. Warning: Some readers may find the story disturbing.
https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/j-paul-getty-iii-exclusive-1974-interview-with-kidnapped-oil-heir-120637/

Rochester Police are looking for the driver who was behind the wheel of a vehicle that crashed into two patrol cars Thursday night.  Around 8:30 p.m., officers were investigating a report of shots fired in the area of Norton Street and Joseph Avenue when they spotted a “suspicious” vehicle on Bremen Street.  As officers approached, the vehicle fled in a “reckless manner,” striking two police vehicles in the process, and nearly running over an officer who was nearby. Nobody was injured at the scene of the crash.  Police said the vehicle involved in the incident was recovered a short time later on Moulson Street, but the driver remains at-large.

Rochester Police are warning city residents to keep their doors locked after circulating a video of a man going door to door and checking to see if they are open.  They are calling the man seen on the RochesterNYPD X account a serial burglar.  He has been accused of burglarizing several homes that he found unlocked.  Police don’t have an id on the suspect.

Just over 130 people in the village of Arcade will be out of a job in the spring as API Airtech has decided to shut down it’s location there.  The heat transfer company made the announcement late last week.  The company has a larger facility in Cheektowaga and operations in Wisconsin, Germany, and China.  In a news release, the company says it will be providing financial and other transitional assistance for the employees affected.

Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent announcement of a $479 million investment in water infrastructure projects across New York brings significant benefits to Genesee County, including a substantial $30 million allocation for the third phase of the County’s critical water supply project.  This funding is part of New York State’s $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022.  Part of the money is going to help villages like Bethany to expand public water to people who’s wells have dried up in this Fall’s drought conditions. 

For the second consecutive week, the Seneca Park Zoo is celebrating the birth of a new giraffe.  Iggy, one of the zoo’s female Masai giraffes, gave birth to a calf late Wednesday night.  The birth came one week after the zoo’s other female Masai giraffe, Kipenzi, gave birth to a calf.  Both calves were fathered by Parker, who died earlier this year. The calf born last week is a male and will be named Parker Junior. The new calf does not have a name yet.  The zoo’s stable of giraffes now includes six members, with the two new calves joining Iggy, Kipenzi, Olmsted and JD — the latter of whom recently transferred from a zoo in Ohio.

The community voted to approve the Batavia City School District’s 45 million dollar capital improvement project Thursday.  The vote means that the capital project will proceed in 2024 to install two synthetic turf fields for the high school, a baseball and softball field each, and upgrades for every school building within the city school district.  Also included in the work will be Robert Morris school which will be converted into a “modern early childhood education center” according to Superintendent Jason Smith. 

James Sauer – Provided photo

The National Transportation Safety Board has released its final report on the deadly crash involving a Mercy Flight helicopter. The NTSB says the aircraft went down in Elba last April, and the cause of the accident was likely due to pilot error. The tragedy took the lives of pilot James Sauer and flight instructor Stewart Dietrick. The two were on a training exercise when the accident occurred.

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.

Matthew Grant is safe

Weeks after his disappearance, a missing Rochester Institute of Technology student has finally been found. Officials say 22-year-old Matthew Grant walked into a police station in Pennsylvania yesterday, saying there may have been a missing persons report filed for him. He was right; Grant is the Rochester Institute of Technology student reported missing to police a few weeks ago. His vehicle had been located Tuesday in a parking lot used by people who hike the Appalachian Trail. Grant’s mother ended up going to the police station so she could pick him up and bring him home.

Le Roy Junior-Senior High School – photo from the school district’s website

An English teacher at LeRoy Junior-Senior High School has resigned. According to Superintendent Merritt Holly, John Becker is the subject of police investigation after he sent texts and used social media to message students about things unrelated to school. This is a violation of the schools anti-fraternization polices. No additional information has been released on what the communications were about or whether or not criminal charges will be filed.

In this still photo from security cam footage, William Collins is seen damaging a tire

A member of the Niagara County Legislature has been arraigned for allegedly slashing a person’s tire. According to prosecutors, William Collins damaged the tire outside of the Attitudes Bar and Grill on West Avenue in Lockport this past October. If he’s found guilty, Collins is facing the possibility of having to spend up to a year in jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for January 10th.

Matt Araiza (NBC News Photo)

As reported by Tom Tharp this morning: Former Buffalo Bills punter Matt Araiza is being dropped from a lawsuit filed by a woman who alleged she was raped by San Diego State University football players in 2021. The woman agreed to dismiss Araiza from the lawsuit she filed last year while Araiza agreed to dismiss his defamation counter suit against her, and no money will be exchanged. Araiza says he wants to return to the NFL after he was released from the Bills over the lawsuit. Earlier this year, the New York Jets hosted Araiza for a workout at the team’s facility, six days after a San Diego State investigation found no wrongdoing by him in connection with the alleged rape.

Elderly man in dramatization of his receiving a scammers call

The Erie County Sheriff’s Office is issuing a warning to residents about an ongoing scam. The agency has received reports from people across our region saying they’ve been contacted by scammers who says a warrant has been issued for them. The scammers use the name Sergeant Franklin and claim to be from warrants and citations. Anyone who gets a call like this should never give out any personal information over the phone.

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.

Unidentified mailman making deliveries in an undated file photo

The United States Postal Service is reminding people about upcoming shipping and mailing deadlines for cards and packages. To ensure delivery by December 25th, items in states other than Hawaii and Alaska need to be sent via USPS Ground Advantage and First Class Mail by December 16th, Priority Mail by December 18th and Priority Mail Express by December 20th. There also won’t be any holiday surcharges this year. More details can be found at usps.com.

ELSEWHERE…

Hmmm…

Doritos lovers can now enjoy a nacho-flavored alcohol. Doritos has teamed up with Empirical to create an alcohol that tastes like the chip’s classic nacho cheese flavor. It’s made by using actual Doritos chips. It’ll be available for a limited time. They say it can be used in cocktails or sipped neat over ice. Doritos recommends using it make a bloody Mary or margarita. The drink will be sold online for $65 a bottle.

Andrew Miller

A nine-year-old Conesville, Ohio boy who is battling cancer is sending thanks after he received thousands upon thousands of cards and gifts. Andrew Miller is battling two types of stage-four cancer, and for his birthday and Christmas he had a goal of receiving 2,000 cards, as he said he loves getting mail. Over the last few weeks, Andrew has received more than 13,000 cards and gifts from all across the country. His parents say they cannot believe how much this has lifted Andrew’s spirits while Andrew says, “it shows how much people appreciate me.”

It’s back-to-school for whole milk.

Whole milk could soon be headed back to school lunchrooms. House lawmakers on Wednesday overwhelmingly voted for the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow the National School Lunch Program to serve whole milk. Whole milk was phased out more than a decade ago as part of an effort to fight childhood obesity.

Today is Thursday, December 14, the 348th day of 2023 with 17 to follow.

The moon is waxing. Morning stars are Jupiter, Uranus and Venus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Mercury, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Venus.

December 14 in history…

…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.

Michael shakes Ed’s hand during the family’s first appearance on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’, today in history.

…In 1969, The Jackson 5 made their first network television appearance in the US when they appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show. During their performance, the family group sang Sly and the Family Stone’s “Stand,” Smokey Robinson’s “Who’s Loving You,” and their first hit single, “I Want You Back,” as well as “ABC.”

In a photograph taken by Shannon Hicks, police and teachers lead children away from Sandy Hook Elementary.

Close-up shows Officer William Hull covering for the children, parents and staff as they leave the school.

…In 2012, a gunman killed 27 people, including 20 children at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., then killed himself. Police said the black-clad attacker, Adam Lanza, 20, killed his mother before going to the school. The close-up photo shows Officer William Hull in the background, providing cover for the students, parents, and school staff as they leave the building.

…In 2017, the Federal Communications Commission repealed Obama-era net neutrality rules, loosening regulations on Internet service providers.

Matthew Grant, the 22-year-old Rochester Institute of Technology student who went missing last month, has been found and is safe, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.  He was found roughly 300 miles away from RIT’s campus in Palmerton, Pennsylvania, and had no idea about the efforts to find him until Wednesday afternoon.  Matthew originally went missing Monday, Nov. 20, when he left his off-campus home in Henrietta.  His car was found in Delaware Water Gap which is about halfway between New York City and Scranton, and police organized a grid search.  Grant says that he heard about the search and went to the police station to call his mother.

A group of student activists from several area colleges held a protest at the University of Rochester Wednesday, speaking out against what they call “anti-Palestinian censorship” on their respective campuses.  The protest follows an incident on the U of R campus Monday, when the school said the group “Students for Justice in Palestine” held an unauthorized event on campus. Despite repeated warnings to disperse, the group did not.  The U of R said a public safety officer was hit in the head by a student during the incident. That student was reportedly arrested on scene. The officer involved received medical attention and was not seriously injured.

A teacher is out in LeRoy after they violated the schools anti-fraternization policies according to Superintendent Merritt Holly.  The teacher, John Beckler, resigned, and his conduct is being investigated by police after he sent texts and used social media to message students about things unrelated to school.  No information has been released on what the communications were about or if they ventured into criminal territory.  

The National Transportation Safety Board has released its final report on the crash of the Mercy Flight helicopter in April of 2022 just north of the Thruway.  The helicopter was being used in a training flight when it went down, killing both occupants, an instructor from Texas, and a veteran and State Police civilian pilot from Churchville.  The report shows that they were practicing recovering from what’s called a vortex ring state when one of the pilots moved the controls in a way that caused the main rotor blade to hit the tail and caused the helicopter to break up and crash.  No mechanical or system faults were found and marks on the wreckage supports this finding.  

Former Buffalo Bills punter Matt Araiza is being dropped from a lawsuit filed by a woman who alleged she was raped by San Diego State University football players in 2021, it was announced Tuesday.  The woman agreed to dismiss Araiza from the lawsuit she filed last year while Araiza agreed to dismiss his defamation countersuit against her, and no money will be exchanged, attorneys for both sides told various media outlets.  Araiza says he wants to return to the NFL after he was booted from the Bills over the lawsuit.  Earlier this year, the New York Jets hosted Araiza for a workout at the team’s facility, six days after a San Diego State investigation found no wrongdoing by him in connection with the alleged rape.

Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Batavia Police Department and the Village of LeRoy Police Department will be participating in a coordinated effort with the Genesee County STOP-DWI program to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving yesterday through January 1st.  More police cars will be out in high traffic areas especially at times when people like to enjoy a little alcoholic refreshment.  The campaign is designed to increase awareness of police and make people think twice before drinking and driving. 

Zachary McCaa showed very little reaction during his sentencing. (13WHAM Photo)

A Livingston County man was sentenced to 22 years to life in prison Tuesday for killing his infant son. Prosecutors said Zachary McCaa’s 2 1/2-month-old son died in June 2022, seven days after McCaa, then 26, threw him and caused blunt force injuries to the head. Investigators said McCaa also violently shook the baby on more than one occasion. In September, a jury convicted McCaa of murder, manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child.

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.

The New York State Court of Appeals (File photo)

As reported by Tom Tharp this morning: New York’s highest court on Tuesday ordered the state to draw new congressional districts ahead of the 2024 elections, giving Democrats a potential advantage in what is expected to be a battleground for control of the U.S. House. The 4-3 decision from the New York Court of Appeals could have major ramifications as Democrats angle for more favorable district lines in the state next year. Republicans, who won control of the House after flipping seats in New York, sought to keep the map in place. The state’s bipartisan Independent Redistricting Commission will now be tasked with coming up with new districts, which will then go before the Democrat-controlled Legislature for approval. The court ordered the commission to file a map no later than February 28, 2024.

Angelica Nappi

Brand-new legislation is now on the books in New York State that’s aimed at protecting people from dangerous and reckless motorists. It’s called Angelica’s Law and lowers the number of prior license suspensions required before a driver can face a felony charge for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. This bill is named after 14-year-old Angelica Nappi, who died after being hit by a driver with previous license suspensions. Governor Hochul says the goal of the law is to prevent a similar tragedy.

Transportation Security Administration photo of Buffalo-Niagara Airport checkpoint.

The holiday travel season is about to kick into high gear, and the Transportation Security Administration says it’s prepared. According to the agency, the busiest travel times will be around the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. It is recommended people arrive to the airport at least two hours before their scheduled flight to make sure they have time to get through security. Also, travelers should know what they can and can’t bring onboard their flight to help the screening process move smoothly.

Recalled

The New York State Office of Cannabis Management is recalling one lot of cannabis gummies. The lot, sold under the name Jenny’s Zee Zee Gummies by Jenny’s Baked at Home Company, did not undergo the required testing for consumer safety and product quality, according to the state. The gummies were distributed Sept. 4-Nov. 1 at licensed cannabis dispensaries in New York state. The OCM said the recall was issued as a precaution and there have been no reports of adverse effects from the gummies. Anyone who bought the gummies should contact the dispensary where they purchased it.

Ball Arena in the foreground; the Denver skyline in the background.

The Buffalo Sabres will be kicking off their three-game road trip tonight as they look to win their second consecutive contest. The Sabres are taking on the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena in Denver. Buffalo last played Monday when they beat the Arizona Coyotes at home by a final score of five-to-two. Face-off this evening is set for 10:00.

ELSEWHERE…

A lock of George Washington’s hair.

Hair samples from three former U.S. Presidents are heading to deep space. The samples from John F. Kennedy, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and George Washington will be on board a rocket launched by Celestis early next year. The company specializes in sending remains and DNA to outer space, claiming off-world storage preserves the samples for thousands of years without degradation. Celestis says the DNA of late presidents could help people in the future learn more about U.S. history. Regarding Washington’s hair, Union College in Schenectady report they found the surprising item inside a long-forgotten book with documentation. By the way, the notion that he wore a wig is a myth; Washington was a redhead powdered his long hair.

Geminid Meteor Shower – NBC News Photo

The peak to the Geminid Meteor Shower is coming overnight tonight into Thursday morning with peak viewing time beginning at approximately 8:30pm. The Geminid Meteor shower began on November 19th and will continue until December 24th. Earthsky.org states the meteors radiate near the star Castor in the Gemini constellation. Best viewing will be under a dark sky with no moon. Optimal viewing will allow for 120 Geminid meteors to be seen per hour.

You never know what you’ll find in a store’s bargain bin…

A Scottish woman who picked up a first-edition copy of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” in a bargain bin for around 12-dollars sold it at auction this week for $69,000. The hardcover book, titled “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” in the U.S., was one of 200 printed that went to bookstores back in 1997. It was the first in the series by author J.K. Rowling. The woman kept it for years, thinking it was worthless without a dust jacket, but then learned it never had one in the first place.

Studies are suggesting elevated risks for babies when their Mom’s used marijuana during pregnancy.

Marijuana use during pregnancy is being linked to low birth weight. A study published Tuesday by the American Medical Association looked at over 9,000 pregnant women across the U.S. and found that cannabis use was associated with an increased risk of unhealthy outcomes, including low birth rate, elevated anxiety and hyperactivity.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell (Associated Press file photo)

Federal Reserve rate cuts could come as soon as June. That’s according to the latest CNBC Fed Survey. More than half of the 35 experts asked built in a rate cut by June 2024, with that number rising to nearly 70% by July.

Today is Wednesday, Dec. 13, the 347th day of 2023 with 18 to follow.

The moon is waxing. Morning stars are Jupiter, Uranus and Venus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Mercury, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Venus. Watch for Geminid Meteor Showers tonight around 8:30pm (keep fingers crossed for clear skies!).

December 13 in history…

Provident Institution Savings Bank

…In 1816, the United States’ first savings bank, the Provident Institution for Savings, opened in Boston.

The Battle of Fredericksburg

…In 1862, Union troops suffered a major defeat in the Civil War battle of Fredericksburg. An estimated 12,000 northern soldiers were killed or injured, about three times the toll suffered by Confederate forces.

Billy Preston, George Harrison and President Ford have lunch together, today in history.

…In 1974, George Harrison had lunch with U.S. President Gerald Ford at the White House.

Prince performs on ‘Letterman’. The host angered Prince to the point of his refusing to sit with the host afterward.

…In 1994, Prince performed the song “Dolphin” on the David Letterman show. And in case you missed it: He was not a fan of Letterman. Prince sang a song called “Dolphins” from his new album “The Gold Experience” and changed the entire ending of the song to incorporate a fake gunshot to the head so that he didn’t have to talk to David Letterman or shake Letterman’s hand.
“It was crazy because he told me he said, you know David is a smart alec and, and he just didn’t want to shake his hand that night. You know, Prince had an unpronounceable name at the time. And so David had to do everything with this symbol. So every commercial break he just made a joke about it. And Prince didn’t think it was funny. He’s watching in that green room and he’s, he’s pissed off man. He’s hot as cayenne peppers. We’ve rehearsed it, we know how it’s gonna go, he get’s to the door and he just says, um, do you have the gun sample? I’m like, um, I can get it. He said well okay, put that on. I’m gonna do like this (holds fingers to head) at the end of the song when I pull the trigger, you shoot the sample and Coco our big bodyguard’s gonna come grab me and drag me off the stage and I won’t have to shake his hand. And we gonna cut out the second verse, go straight to the bridge…and no mistakes. The entire performance of Prince singing the song “Dolphins” on David Letterman in 1994. The ending is eerie with Prince pretending to shoot himself in the head with a pretend gun. His bodyguard carries him off stage when he fake collapses. He edited the ending of the song and through in the gunshot and fake death scene to that he didn’t have to shake David Letterman’s hand. He’s like I don’t care, I’m over it. And so he just said, we gonna make a lil edit and I’m gonna do this thing and bam, just like that. He didn’t shake, David came out and he, let me tell you, David was thirty-eight too. After it was over, he was walkin’ through the halls swearing like…Prince can never come back to this show again. He was super hot. You know, ’cause he knew what had happened and that it was a slight. He was very upset about the whole deal too.” -Prince’s longtime keyboardist and musical director Morris Hayes

Saddam Hussein, after he was ‘cleaned up’ shortly after being found.

…In 2003, a bearded and apparently disoriented Saddam Hussein, the deposed Iraqi president, was captured by U.S. troops in a small underground hideout southeast of his hometown of Tikrit, ending an eight-month manhunt.

The Town of Bethany got some good news Tuesday afternoon in the form of a 5 million dollar grant to complete Water District 5 and extend public water to over 400 households.  The town has been enduring dozens of dry wells for home, business and farm owners the last several weeks, with one large farm hauling 60,000 gallons of water a day and residents making weekly treks for water to sustain their household needs. A tanker from the state Office of Emergency Management and generous donations from private companies have helped fill the gap as the town anxiously waited for news about a second application for the grant.  The work will bring water to 2 3rds of the population.  Residents are still showing up at the town hall for twice-weekly water fills, at the rate of 2,000 gallons every two hours. It is estimated that the 6,700-gallon tanker might be empty again by Thursday, which will be the second time so far. Genesee County has been transporting the tanker for refills.

A Livingston County man was sentenced to 22 years to life in prison Tuesday for killing his infant son.  Prosecutors said Zachary McCaa’s 2 1/2-month-old son died in June 2022, seven days after McCaa, then 26, threw him and caused blunt force injuries to the head.  Investigators said McCaa also violently shook the baby on more than one occasion.  In September, a jury convicted McCaa of murder, manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child.

New York’s highest court on Tuesday ordered the state to draw new congressional districts ahead of the 2024 elections, giving Democrats a potential advantage in what is expected to be a battleground for control of the U.S. House.  The 4-3 decision from the New York Court of Appeals could have major ramifications as Democrats angle for more favorable district lines in the state next year. Republicans, who won control of the House after flipping seats in New York, sought to keep the map in place.  The state’s bipartisan Independent Redistricting Commission will now be tasked with coming up with new districts, which will then go before the Democrat-controlled Legislature for approval. The court ordered the commission to file a map no later than Feb. 28, 2024.

A wind-driven three-alarm fire damaged seven structures in the area of Urban Street and Fougeron Street around 3:15 a.m. on Tuesday.  Fire crews said three structures were fully engulfed upon arrival — a carriage house located behind 77 Urban Street, a residential structure at 78 Fougeron Street and a garage located behind 81 Urban Street.  The high winds caused embers to trigger fires involving four additional structures nearby.  According to fire officials, the damage is estimated in total at $550,000 including $200,000 in damage to 77 Urban Street and $160,000 in damage to 78 Fougeron.  Fire officials said two firefighters were taken to ECMC to be treated for various injuries.  The Red Cross is assisting four adults and two children.  The investigation is ongoing.

The Flower City is being recognized for its convivial atmosphere.  A new Readers’ Choice Awards survey from Condé Nast Traveler lists Rochester as the second friendliest city in the United States.  The report cites the city’s historical sites, restaurants and “incredible” museums as its main attractions, aside from its “friendly population.”

The full list reads:

First place: Greenville, South Carolina, 

Rochester, New York 

Lexington, Kentucky

Indianapolis, Indiana

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Charleston, South Carolina

Pensacola, Florida

Savannah, Georgia

Alexandria, Virginia

The New York State Office of Cannabis Management is recalling one lot of cannabis gummies.  The lot, sold under the name Jenny’s Zee Zee Gummies by Jenny’s Baked at Home Company, did not undergo the required testing for consumer safety and product quality, according to the state.  The gummies were distributed Sept. 4-Nov. 1 at licensed cannabis dispensaries in New York state.  The OCM said the recall was issued as a precaution and there have been no reports of adverse effects from the gummies.  Anyone who bought the gummies should contact the dispensary where they purchased it.

Nathalie Ann Smith

A woman has been charged for allegedly stabbing her boyfriend during an incident in Orleans County. Just before 8:00am yesterday morning, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home on Oak Orchard Road in the town of Barre for a domestic incident involving a knife. Deputies found 59-year-old John Dunn suffering from multiple stab wounds. He was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital, where he’s listed in stable condition, according to deputies. Dunn’s girlfriend, 57-year-old Nathalie Ann Smith was arrested in connection to the incident. She’s charged with felony assault with intent to cause serious physical injury with a weapon and misdemeanor criminal possession of a weapon with intent to use.

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.

Wendy Jerome

A new trial date is now set for Timothy Williams, the man accused of raping and killing 14-year-old Wendy Jerome in Rochester on Thanksgiving 1984. Three days of testimony in Williams’ initial trial were complete when the judge declared a mistrial last Wednesday, citing juror misconduct. Attorneys reconvened in court yesterday, agreeing to start the new trial with jury selection beginning February 27th. Multiple witnesses had traveled to Rochester to testify in the trial. They will likely need to be brought back in. The District Attorney says jury selection will be done differently this time to avoid another issue. The new trial will come nearly 40 years after Jerome’s body was found in an alcove outside School No. 33.

The University of Rochester Medical Center

Plans are moving forward for members of a union at the University of Rochester Medical Center to go on strike. Workers will walk off the job for 17 hours beginning at 6:00am tomorrow. The hospital and union are trying to work out a deal on a new labor contract that addresses issues like higher wages and improved benefits. The previous agreement expired back on October 31st.

Ryan Piazza (Photo released by his family)

Joseph Sawicki (Photo released by his family)

The names of two people killed in a weekend accident in Buffalo are now being made public. Officials say 20-year-old Joseph Sawicki was riding a motorcycle near South Park Avenue and Aldrich Place Saturday when he struck 33-year-old Ryan Piazza. Piazza lost his life at the scene, and Sawicki later died at Erie County Medical Center. Just what caused the tragedy is still being looked into.

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.

ELSEWHERE…

Kate Cox

The Texas mother at the center of a lawsuit over the state’s abortion ban has left the state to get healthcare somewhere else. The Center for Reproductive Rights says Kate Cox’s unborn baby was diagnosed with a fatal condition, but her doctors refused to end the pregnancy over fears of prosecution. Last week, a court ruled in Cox’s favor, but that was immediately paused by the state Supreme Court.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Hughes Entertainment Photo)

More Americans are traveling on planes or by car this holiday season. Travel is still on the upswing after the COVID-19 pandemic. Triple-A predicts over 115-million Americans will travel at least 50 miles over the last 10-days of the year. It’s the highest projection since 2019. Triple-A’s senior vice president of travel said in a news release that this year’s holiday prediction is two-point-five million more than last year. She said “more Americans are investing in travel, despite the cost, to make memories with loved ones and experience new places.”

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.

Today is Tuesday, Dec. 12, the 346th day of 2023 with 19 to follow.

The moon is new. Morning stars are Jupiter, Uranus and Venus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Mercury, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Venus.

December 12 in history…

Guglielmo Marconi

…In 1901, Italian physicist and radio pioneer Guglielmo Marconi sent the first radio transmission across the Atlantic Ocean.

Reverend Flanagan with Boys Town kids and Santa, December 1926

…In 1917, the Reverend Edward J. Flanagan, a 31-year-old Irish priest, opened the doors to Boys Town, a home for troubled and neglected children in Omaha. He lived by the adage, “There is no such thing as a bad boy.” It graduated its first class of girls in 1983.

…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.

There is a wind advisory in effect for Genesee and Orleans Counties from 7am till 6pm today.  The national weather service is expecting gusts of up to 50 miles per hour on top of winds from 20 to 30 miles per hour going southwest.  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.

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 Dec. 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.

A public safety officer at the University of Rochester was struck during an unauthorized event at the campus Monday.  The U of R reported that a group called “Students for Justice in Palestine” held the unauthorized event, and were previously advised against gathering.  Public safety officers asked them to disperse, when one of the students hit one of the officers, according to the school.  That student was arrested, and charges are pending.  In related news Police are looking for suspects after property near the Shema Yisrael Messianic Jewish synagogue on Edgewood Avenue was vandalized.  Officers said someone painted a bush red some time last week.

A new trial date is now set for Timothy Williams, the man accused of raping and killing 14-year-old Wendy Jerome in Rochester on Thanksgiving 1984.  Three days of testimony in Williams’ initial trial were complete when Judge Tom Moran declared a mistrial Wednesday morning, citing “juror misconduct.”  Attorneys reconvened in court Monday morning, agreeing to start the new trial with jury selection Feb. 27.  Multiple witnesses had traveled to Rochester from afar to testify in the trial. They will likely need to be brought back in.  The new trial will come nearly 40 years after Jerome’s body was found in an alcove outside School No. 33.

A woman has been charged for allegedly stabbing her boyfriend during an incident in Orleans County Monday morning.  Just before 8 a.m., the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home on Oak Orchard Road in the town of Barre for a domestic incident involving a knife.  Deputies found 59 year old John Dunn suffering from multiple stab wounds. He was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital, where he’s listed in stable condition, according to deputies.  Dunn’s girlfriend, 57 year old Nathalie Ann Smith was arrested in connection to the incident. She’s charged with felony assault with intent to cause serious physical injury with a weapon and misdemeanor criminal possession of a weapon with intent to use.

Drivers in the Rochester area are being caught speeding in work zones at a staggering rate, based on data from a new New York state pilot program.  The state launched a program in April that uses 30 automated monitoring devices to capture photographs of vehicles caught speeding in work zones.  The cameras are stationed on highways across the state and can change locations from week to week. A device is currently stationed on State Route 104 near Portland Avenue.  Notices of liability have been to issued to 32,758 drivers in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region so far. Long Island is the only region with more, at 41,709.  The Buffalo region was among the lowest at 849.  Fines are $50 for the first violation, $75 for the second, and $100 for further violations. The state said unpaid fines may result in a vehicle registration hold and drivers will not be able to renew their registrations without first paying their fines.

Batavia Downs has announced the lineup for their 7th annual Rockin The Downs Concert Series this coming summer.  The kick off headliner is multi platinum record selling Smash Mouth on June 21st.  They have a new frontman, Zach Goode after the death of Steve Hartwell earlier this year. Next up on Friday, June 28th is Barracuda – America’s Heart Tribute.  Then on July 5th Canadian Rockers April Wine take the stage.  July 12th is Country Music Star, Clay Walker.  On July 19th, Batavia Downs welcomes Peace Frog – A Tribute to the Doors.  The Bacon Brothers make their first appearance at Batavia Downs on Friday, July 26th with the Landsharks a Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band opening.  On Friday, July 29th 38 Special will bring the music.  A twin bill of tribute bands next as Rumours & Practically Petty will perform on Friday, August 2nd.  Closing out the concert series will be a triple bill of Rock with Tommy DeCarlo, Jason Sheff and August Zadra.

For the first time this season, a pediatric death due to the flu has been reported in Erie County. No other information about the victim has been released, but the latest data from the state shows there were 322 cases of the virus in the county during the week that ended December 2nd. Concerns are growing in Monroe County, as well, with 274 cases reported there. That represents a 103% increase from the week before. The spread of the flu is considered prevalent in the area and also the rest of the Empire State; doctors report the spread of the virus is a bit quicker this year than it has been in the past. Folks who haven’t received their flu shot yet are urged to do so soon.

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.

On 11/29/2023, Brian C Johnson (age 26) of Cheektowaga, was arrested for Harassment 2nd, Criminal Mischief 4th, and Obstruction of Governmental Administration 2nd. Johnson allegedly engaged in a physical altercation with staff at UMMC, while being treated in the emergency department. He then tried to flee when police attempted to take him into custody. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in court on 12/19/2023.

On 12/2/2023, Wayne D Potter (age 40) of Batavia, was arrested for Criminal Obstruction of Breathing and Harassment 2nd. Potter was arrested after an investigation into an incident on 11/4/2023, where he allegedly engaged in a physical altercation, with another person. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on 12/19/2023.

On 11/16/2023, Cornelius Welch (age 44) of Batavia, was arrested for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th and Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia 2nd. Welch was arrested after police stopped him on a bicycle, for a traffic violation. During the investigation, Welch was allegedly found in possession of narcotics. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in court on 12/5/2023.

In other news…

NBC News Photo of Rainbow Bridge crash aftermath

There is a new development in the ongoing investigation into a crash in Niagara Falls that took the lives of two people. Authorities say they’ve recovered the damaged data recorder from the vehicle involved in the accident on the Rainbow Bridge back on November 22nd. The vehicle slammed into a customs booth, killing both Kurt Villani and his wife Monica. Just what caused the tragedy is still being looked into.

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.

Mark Poloncarz (file photo)

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz has announced that he isn’t going to be running for Congress. A seat in the 26th District will be vacant in February once incumbent Democrat and Congressman Brian Higgins resigns so he can take over as president and CEO of Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo. In a statement, Poloncarz said he’ll continue to work hard for the people of Erie County during what he has promised will be his final term. A special election for Higgins’ spot hasn’t been set yet.

Kadarius Toney is offsides; he couldn’t have chosen a better play, either. (NFL Photo)

The Buffalo Bills remain in the hunt for the playoffs after picking up a big win over the defending Super Bowl champions. Bills quarterback Josh Allen threw a touchdown and also had a rushing score as the Bills topped the Kansas City Chiefs 20 to 17 at Arrowhead Stadium yesterday. Buffalo’s record improved to 7 and 6. Their next game is Sunday at home against the 10 and 3 Dallas Cowboys. Kickoff is at 4:25.

ELSEWHERE…

Please play responsibly.

Mega Millions says two winning jackpot tickets in Friday’s drawing were both sold at the same Los Angeles-area location. A news release on the Mega Millions website said both winning tickets were sold at a Chevron station in Encino. The release did not say if that’s happened before or what the odds are of two jackpot winners coming from the same location. A jackpot of $395 million or a cash value of $189 million will be shared by the two winners. Friday’s jackpot is the tenth winner this year, the most since there were eleven jackpot winners in 2013. Meanwhile, The Powerball jackpot is still on the rise, and now starting to approach the $500 million mark. The lucky lotto player who picks the winning numbers for tonight’s drawing will receive at least $477 million. The last time someone correctly chose all six winning numbers was in October when a massive $1.7 billion prize was claimed. Tonight’s drawing will be streamed live online at powerball.com. Please play responsibly.

Former President Trump (file photo)

Former President Trump now says he won’t testify in his civil fraud trial today in New York. Trump posted his decision on Truth Social Sunday, noting that he has already previously testified. Trump was set to make his second appearance on the witness stand to be questioned by his own attorneys as the final witness for the defense.

Map of Ukraine in the colors of their flag.

Ukrainian President Zelensky is set to arrive at the White House on Tuesday. President Biden invited Zelensky for a meeting to “underscore” the U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine. An aid package for the country remains stalled in Congress, with the visit coming less than a week after Senate Republicans blocked a bill to give aid to Ukraine and Israel in their respective fights against Russia and Hamas. Zelensky will also meet with House Speaker Mike Johnson.

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.

Today is Monday, Dec. 11, the 345th day of 2023 with 20 to follow.

The moon is waning. Morning stars are Jupiter, Mars and Uranus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Venus.

December 11 in history…

B-17 Flying Fortresses in flight over Europe

…In 1941, four days after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States.

Joe DiMaggio

…In 1951, Joe DiMaggio announced his retirement from baseball.

Eugene Cernan salutes flag with Apollo Lunar Module and Lunar Land Rover in the background December 11, 1972.

…In 1972, Apollo 17 landed on the moon. It was the final Apollo lunar landing. Ron Evans was the command module pilot and Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt walked on the surface during the mission. Cernan was the last to re-enter their lunar module — the last man on the moon.

Ace Frehley was nearly electrocuted in Florida, today in history.

…In 1976, Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley was nearly electrocuted during a concert in Lakeland, Florida when he touched a short-circuited light. The guitarist was carried from the stage but returned 10 minutes later to finish the show.

2011 file photo of Simon Cowell

…In 2008, Simon Cowell said he was “very embarrassed” after contracts signed by this year’s “X Factor” contestants were leaked to the Daily Mirror newspaper. The 80-page document, which is enforceable “anywhere in the world or the solar system” was signed by all 12 finalists before the live shows began. It included a clause that prevents them from saying anything “unduly negative, critical or derogatory” about Cowell. Also the show claimed the prize as a “million dollar recording contract”, but the contestants’ contract said the prize money was $100,000.

…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.

Two shootings in Rochester: Officers responded to the intersection of Buffalo Road and Glide Street around 5:00 Sunday evening for the report of a person shot. Police say that a 30-year-old Rochester man was robbed and shot in his upper body. He was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital where he is being treated for what is believed to be non-life-threatening injuries. No arrests have been made. Police are also investigating a homicide that happened on Sunday evening around 7:40 on the city’s northwest side.  Police responded to Robin Street, finding a 37-year-old man fatally shot in the upper body.  Robin Street between Emerson and Glenwood was closed while officers investigated.

Niagara Falls police have recovered the data recorder in the car that crashed into the Rainbow Bridge Customs and Border Protection booth last month, according to a city spokesperson.  Police say they found the “black box” but it has been severely damaged and officers are working to recover any information.  In the November 22 crash, a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed crashed into a median on Niagara Street, went airborne, and crashed into a booth at the bridge. Two people in the car, a couple from Grand Island, both died.  The car manufacturer says subpoenas are required to release any documentation and records on the particular vehicle, which the Niagara County District Attorney’s Office is working to secure.

Governor Kathy Hochul issued a letter Saturday to the presidents of colleges and universities across the State of New York saying calls for genocide made on college campuses are a violation of New York State Human Rights Law as well as Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This letter follows the Congressional Hearing on Antisemitism where several university presidents failed to clearly and unequivocally denounce antisemitism and calls for genocide on college campuses.  The Governor assured New York State will enforce violations of the State Human Rights Law and will refer violations of Title VI to federal officials. Calling for genocide would be considered a direct violation of the State University of New York and the City University of New York’s Code of Conduct, and Governor Hochul made clear that all colleges and universities in the state are expected to apply the same standard, and to have a clearly defined and well publicized mechanism for individuals to report complaints.  

State Police are looking for a person involved in the theft of a Brimar Dump Trailer in the Town of Pembroke. Trooper Brian Pritchett said there has been a series of trailer thefts in the area recently.  This one occurred on Nov. 22 at 1:39 a.m.  The suspect appears to be a white male wearing a white hoodie. The truck appears to be a possible older black diesel Dodge pickup with a white Blizzard Plow on the front.  Anyone with information is asked to call the State Police at 585 344 6200.

AAA Gas Price Update: Prices continue to fall.  The average price of a gallon of regular gas in Batavia is 3.52 which is 4 cents down from last week and 18 cents down from last month.  The New York State average is 4.48 which is 6 cents down from last week and 19 cents down from last month.  The national average is significantly lower at 3.16 a gallon.  The price per barrel of oil is hovering right at 70 dollars 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. 

The Bills pulled out a crucial win in Kansas City Sunday, taking down the Chiefs 20-17 to move to 7-6 and keep their playoff hopes alive.  It was a quiet game for Bills receivers. Stefon Diggs had just four catches for 26 yards, and Gabe Davis didn’t catch a pass. Linebacker A.J. Epenesa and safety Micah Hyde  were both forced out of Sunday’s game. Their status heading into next week is unknown at this time.  The Bills will be back in Buffalo next Sunday for a 4:25 in the afternoon game against the Cowboys. 

Deputies are searching for a group of suspects in a violent carjacking in Monroe County early Friday morning.  Just before 4 a.m., deputies responded to the Wegmans on Chili Avenue, where they say a woman in her 50s was confronted by a group of teens. One of them threw the woman to the ground before the group got into her car and fled the location, according to MCSO.  A short time later, deputies say they found the car being driven erratically with no lights on in the area of Campbell Street and Ames Street in Rochester. When they attempted to stop the vehicle, it fled west on Route 490.  A handful of law enforcement agencies joined the pursuit, which stretched into the towns of Greece and Brighton. However, the suspects evaded authorities and remain at-large, according to deputies.  The suspects are described as two teen boys and two teen girls, and the stolen car is reportedly a 2010 white Toyota Corolla with NYS license plate JAU-4222.

A man is now awaiting sentencing after being convicted in a shooting involving a Monroe County deputy at a restaurant last year.  A jury found 35 year old Alonzo Jones guilty of several charges in the incident, which took place at the Carrabba’s Italian Grill on West Henrietta Road the night of June 2, 2022.  After deputies responded to a report of a man with a gun in the bar, Jones reportedly picked up a revolver and attempted to shoot one of the deputies in the head while they were trying to de-escalate the situation. Prosecutors said the bullet narrowly missed the deputy, and other responding authorities returned fire at Jones before arresting him. Nobody was hurt during the incident.

2nd Amendment rights advocates celebrated a small victory Friday as the Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that several parts of the Concealed Carry Improvement Act passed in 2022 would be struck down.  Specifically the court struck down the requirement that concealed carry applicants disclose all social media accounts, prohibited carrying permitted firearms onto private property without express permission, and said it is unlikely that the state’s law prohibiting guns from all religious institutions is constitutional but didn’t strike it down. The court left many of the “sensitive location” rules in place and disagreed with the trial court judge who last year ruled the majority of the act unconstitutional.  Governor Hochul and Stage AG Letitia James labeled this a victory for gun control and common sense gun reform while 2nd amendment advocates said all these restrictions do is make law abiding people less safe from those who break the law anyway.

A lockdown at the Attica Correctional Facility has been lifted 10 days after it went into effect.  This comes after a string of violent incidents, including a correction officer who was stabbed multiple times in the arm, and others who were assaulted. The state said it all happened after violence between two inmates quickly escalated.  During the lockdown, correction officers searched every inmate, cell and other areas of the maximum-security prison to recover any contraband.  According to the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, the number of attacks in prisons statewide have increased 96 percent from 2013 to 2022.

Kimberly Brodsky

Tanner Wiley

A high speed early morning chase started in Batavia when 32-year-old Kimberly Brodsky of Batavia and 35-year-old Tanner Wiley of Henrietta sped away during a traffic stop on West Main Street. It happened yesterday morning around 1:00am as the pair sped toward Pembroke. Police were able to get ahead of them and deploy spike strips, which caused their car to go off the side of the road. Wiley ran from the vehicle but was apprehended in the woods. Wiley and Brodsky are each charged with criminal possession of a weapon, and multiple counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance with the intent to sell. Wiley was additionally charged with unlawful fleeing an officer in a motor vehicle, obstruction of governmental administration, aggravated unlicensed operation and various other traffic charges. Both were held at the Genesee County Jail pending CAP Court arraignment.

34-year-old Stacy Moss of Medina has been arrested in Batavia. He faces multiple charges, including criminal possession of a controlled substance and traffic violations. Moss was issued traffic tickets and was scheduled to appear in CAP Court.

Mazurkiewicz (inset) and Kelvin Vickers in court (September 2023 file photo)

Sentencing for the man convicted of killing a Rochester police officer has been delayed after prosecutors received a last-minute email that contained new information on the case. Kelvin Vickers was found guilty of killing Rochester police officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz and seriously injuring his partner, Officer Sino Seng, last year. An attorney for Vickers says the new information came from a potential witness that could affect Vickers’ sentencing. Attorneys have until mid-February to determine whether there is an issue with the case.

Shoplifting dramatization

Despite overall crime dropping across much of the country, retail theft is on the rise, and in Western New York, more organized crime rings are targeting local stores. Shoplifting-related calls in Cheektowaga — home of the Walden Galleria and several large shopping plazas — went from between 800 and 900 per year from 2018 to 2021 to over 1200 a year in 2022 and 2023, spiking over the past two years. It’s unclear how much of that is due to organized theft, but authorities say that problem is worsening. The Retail Council of New York State says retail theft hit $4.4 billion last year, and a significant portion of that is attributed to organized groups.

Genesee County has reached a new agreement with the Deputy Sheriff’s Association. This 3 year deal will give raises of between 3 and 7.5 percent over the next 3 years and will have a budget impact of $480,546 for items such as overtime salaries, hourly on-call, holiday and special pay, social security and Medicare taxes, and retirement expenses. The agreement was negotiated with the county Legislature, Sheriff’s Office and Deputy Sheriffs’ Association. The Ways & Means Committee agreed to pass it onto the full Legislature for a final vote next week. More information is available in Joanne Beck’s detailed story in The Batavian: https://www.thebatavian.com/jfbeck99272012/genesee-county-strikes-three-year-deal-with-deputy-sheriffs-union-for-raises-of-3-to

Right wing Tage Thompson (center) celebrates with line mates after scoring second period goal last night in Boston. Mandatory photo credit: Bob DeChiara, USA Today Sports)

The Sabres ended a four-game losing streak with a 3-1 win over the Bruins in Boston last night. J.J. Peterka opened the scoring early in the second period, while Tage Thompson doubled-up Buffalo’s lead later in the period. Brad Marchand lit the lamp for Boston before the middle frame ended, but Victor Olofsson put the game on ice with a goal in the third period. Devon Levi made 29 saves. The Sabres are seventh in the Atlantic Division with 24 points and host the Montreal Canadiens tomorrow night; the puck drops at 7:00.

Sean McDermott during press conference, apologizing for the 9-11 reference (NFL Photo)

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott has apologized for comments he made about the 9-11 terrorists during a team meeting. At a news conference yesterday, McDermott responded to a report from a former “Buffalo News” reporter who now writes an online newsletter. The report claimed McDermott called the 9-11 hijackers a — quote — group of people who were able to get on the same page to orchestrate attacks to perfection. The incident is said to have happened during a pre-season team meeting four years ago. McDermott didn’t deny the comments yesterday and said he immediately apologized to the team after the meeting for using the 9-11 hijackers as an example. He said the initial goal of his comments was to get the players to understand the idea of good team communication.

ELSEWHERE…

“Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, let’s welcome your 2024 Color of the Year!”

The Pantone Color Institute is revealing the color it thinks will define 2024. Peach Fuzz has been chosen as the 2024 Color of the Year. The hue is described by Pantone as “a velvety gentle peach whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body and soul.” This is the 25th anniversary of Pantone choosing a Color of the Year. Last December, Pantone named Viva Magenta as 2023’s Color of the Year.

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.

Shireen Abu Akley, a Palestinian-American journalist, recently killed by Israeli forces.

More than 90 journalists have been killed worldwide this year while covering the news. The International Federation of Journalists said today that 94 journalists have been killed, and that the Israel-Hamas war has claimed more journalists than any conflict in 30 years. The group said 68 journalists have died covering the war over the past two months.

Today is Friday, Dec. 8, the 342nd day of 2023 with 23 to follow.

The moon is waning. Morning stars are Jupiter, Neptune, Uranus and Venus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Mercury, Neptune, Saturn and Uranus.

December 8 in history…

…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.

Yoko and John arriving at The Hit Factory, a recording studio in New York City (August 22, 1980)

…In 1980, John Lennon was shot and killed outside of the Dakota building in New York City, where he lived with his wife, Yoko Ono, and youngest son, Sean. His 25-year-old killer, Mark David Chapman, initially approached the former Beatle for an autograph. At the time of his death, the 40-year-old musician was in the middle of a highly successful solo career, while he and Ono had released their fifth studio album, Double Fantasy, weeks earlier. The following day, the newly-widowed Ono publicly declared, “John loved and prayed for the human race. Please do the same for him.”

President Reagan delivers his ‘Tear down this wall’ speech, directed at Russian Leader, Mikhail Gorbachev, today in history.

…In 1987, U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev signed the first treaty between the two superpowers to reduce their massive nuclear arsenals.

The new Daddy and proud Mama in 2016.

…In 2016, Sir Mick Jagger became a father again at the age of 73, after his 29-year-old girlfriend, American ballerina Melanie Hamrick, gave birth to a boy in New York City. The singer already had seven children, whose ages range from 17 to 45 and he became a great-grandfather in 2014. His oldest child, daughter Karis Jagger, was born in 1970.

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed the confessed mastermind of 9-11 attacks.

…In 2008, the suspected mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States and four co-defendants told a military judge at Guantanamo Bay that they wanted to confess to all charges of murder and war crimes.

A high speed chase started in Batavia early in the morning Thursday when 35 year old Tanner Wiley and 32 year old Kimberly Brodsky both of Batavia sped away from a traffic stop on West Main Street.  The pair blew town at a high rate of speed heading for Pembroke at around 1am.  Police were able to get ahead of them and deploy spike strips which caused their car to go off the side of the road.  Wiley ran from the vehicle but was apprehended in the woods.  Wiley and Brodsky are each charged with criminal possession of weapon 3rd degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th degree and criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd degree with intent to sell.  Wiley was additionally charged with unlawful fleeing an officer in a motor vehicle 3rd degree, obstruction of governmental administration 2nd degree, aggravated unlicensed operation 1st degree and various NYS Vehicle and Traffic charges.

Firefighters found a man’s body inside a vacant home on the city’s northwest side that caught fire Thursday morning.  Crews responded to the home on Fulton Avenue just before 7 a.m. and made the discovery after putting out the fire.  Firefighters said the home was recently boarded and the man who died had broken in and was squatting at the home.  Crews said the fire started inside the home and the man unsuccessfully tried to escape.  Investigators are working to determine who set the fire and whether it was intentional.

The man convicted of killing Rochester Police Officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz was scheduled to learn his sentence Thursday afternoon, but the proceeding was adjourned.  Kelvin Vickers, 22, was convicted Oct. 13 of all 26 charges against him — including murder, attempted murder, reckless endangerment, arson and criminal possession of a weapon — for the July 21, 2022 shooting that killed Mazurkiewicz and injured Officer Sino Seng.  Thursday’s sentencing was called off after the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office was alerted to an email with information regarding a witness.  Defense attorney Michael Schiano said the email claimed a witness who was on the porch with Vickers before Mazurkiewicz was shot may be able to provide relevant information.  The new proceedings in the case will be February 16th.  

Despite overall crime dropping across much of the country, retail theft is on the rise, and in Western New York, more organized crime rings are targeting local stores.  Shoplifting-related calls in Cheektowaga — home of the Walden Galleria and several large shopping plazas — went from between 800 and 900 per year from 2018 to 2021 to over 1200 a year in 2022 and 2023, spiking over the past two years. It’s unclear how much of that is due to organized theft, but authorities say that problem is worsening.  The Retail Council of New York State says retail theft hit $4.4 billion last year, and a significant portion of that is attributed to organized groups.

Genesee County has reached a new agreement with the Deputy Sheriff’s Association.  This 3 year deal will give raises of between 3 and 7.5 percent over the next 3 years and will have a budget impact of $480,546 for items such as overtime salaries, hourly on-call, holiday and special pay, social security and Medicare taxes, and retirement expenses.  The agreement was negotiated with the county Legislature, Sheriff’s Office and Deputy Sheriffs’ Association. The Ways & Means Committee agreed to pass it onto the full Legislature for a final vote next week.  To see a breakdown of how much is being spent where, check out our news partner the Batavian.  

The Buffalo Sabres defeated the Boston Bruins 3 to 1 last night at the TD Garden ending their losing streak after 4 losses.  JJ Peterka, Dylan Cozens, and Victor Olofsson scored for Buffalo.  Former Sabres goalie Linus Ullmark was pressed hard making 33 saves. The Sabres will be back home in Buffalo Saturday night at 7pm. 

Wendy Jerome with her Dad

Timothy Williams listens to opening statements on November 29 (13WHAM Photo)

As reported by Tom Tharp this morning:  After experts were flown in from Florida and South Africa, lab techs drove from Albany and 40 years of waiting for justice for the 14 year old Wendy Jerome, the judge declared a mistrial. Judge Thomas Moran dismissed all the jurors and said they had done exactly what he told them not to. Throughout the course of the trial, Moran gave several instructions to jurors, including not to research or attempt to research any facts or law related to the case. Jurors were also told not to discuss the case among themselves or with anyone else. The judge noted as the jury was dismissed that, “nobody pays attention to rules anymore.” The man accused of raping and murdering the 14-year-old girl in 1984 on Thanksgiving day, Timothy Williams, gets a brief reprieve before a new jury will be brought in and the trial will start back at the beginning.

File photo of Clyde-Savannah Junior-Senior High School

The cases of three of the four defendants accused of being involved in a sexual assault at Clyde-Savannah High School will be staying in youth court. The victim was assaulted in a locker room at the school back in October, and video of the incident later circulated on social media. Two of the defendants are 16-years-old and the others are 15 and 17-years-old. They’re all expected to face a judge again next month.

James Pardo

A third person is now under arrest in connection with a shooting at Buffalo’s Club Marcella. Authorities say 28-year-old James Pardo has been charged with gang assault. A 30-year-old man was shot in the bathroom of the Michigan Avenue business Sunday morning and is still recovering. Police say the shooting was gang-related and they are asking any witnesses to reach out to them immediately. The club remains closed indefinitely.

Von Miller mugshot

Buffalo Bills General Manager Brandon Beane says star defensive player Von Miller is still eligible to take the field this weekend. Miller was arrested in Texas last week after being accused of assaulting his pregnant girlfriend. Beane revealed yesterday that there have been talks with Miller, his agent, and also the NFL as the investigation into the incident moves forward. The 6-6 Bills travel to Kansas City to take on the 8-4 Chiefs Sunday afternoon at 4:25.

The Buffalo Sabres will be on the road tonight as they look to snap their current four-game losing streak against one of the top teams in the NHL. The Sabres are set to battle the Boston Bruins at TD Garden in Beantown. Buffalo last played Tuesday when the Detroit Red Wings came out on top, 5 to 3. Face-off this evening will be 7:00.

Dramatization of package theft

The Better Business Bureau has put out a list of tips to help people avoid having their packages stolen during the holiday season. The agency says never leave any packages you’re expecting unattended for long periods of time. Also, use a security camera so that if a package is taken, there is video evidence to give to police. If possible ask for signature delivery confirmation on any orders so you can physically receive the item as soon as it arrives at your home.

ELSEWHERE…

The GOP hopefuls

Former President Trump was a major topic of discussion at the fourth primary debate in Alabama. On the NewsNation debate, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie slammed former Trump for being what he called “an angry bitter man.” He claimed every other GOP hopeful is making a mistake by defending Trump. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said Trump is basically too old for the job, but Christie challenged that DeSantis is afraid to slam Trump directly. (Pictured from left to right: Chris Christie, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy)

The famous hex nut, preparing to travel

The world’s largest hex nut will soon be on display at a bolts and fasteners company in Humble, Texas. JK Welding Company is constructing “Big Tex: The Incredible Hex,” which is expected to break the current record of largest hex nut, held by a company in Slovenia. A company spokesman says the enormous steel nut will measure 16-feet from flat side to flat standing, and 18-feet from point to point. When it’s finished, which may be as soon as Friday, the nut will be on display at Patriot Bolt and Fasteners in Humble.

NBC News photo at the University of Nevada, following the shootings

The shooter who killed three people at the University of Nevada Las Vegas on Wednesday was apparently a college professor. Authorities have not publicly identified the shooter, who was killed on campus during a confrontation with police, but law enforcement sources say the suspect was a 67-year-old career college professor who had unsuccessfully applied for a job at the school.

Ghost Kitchen on opening day in a Rochester Walmart, 2021 (13WHAM Photo)

Ghost kitchens, which were expected to turn the restaurant industry on its head, are now crashing. Kitchen United announced last week it would sell or close all of its locations. Ghost Kitchens, which are commercial kitchens with no dine-in option, typically fulfill online orders from delivery apps. Now, after booming during the pandemic, some customers say they feel “catfished” by ghost kitchens.

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 firstnightbuffalo.org.

Today is Thursday, Dec. 7, the 341st day of 2023 with 24 to follow.

The moon is waning. Morning stars are Jupiter, Neptune, Uranus and Venus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Mercury, Neptune, Saturn and Uranus.

December 7 in history…

Leo Baekeland

…In 1909, Leo Baekeland patented the process for making Bakelite, the world’s first fully synthetic plastic, giving birth to the modern plastics industry.

During Pearl Harbor attack: The USS Shaw is hit

…In 1941, Japan launched a sneak attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, catapulting the United States into World War II. The attack killed 2,403 people, wounded hundreds, destroyed 188 planes and crippled the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The following day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt called Dec. 7 “a date which will live in infamy.”

…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.

David Bowie during his last public appearance. This is reported to be one of the last photos taken of him.

…In 2015, David Bowie made his last public appearance when he attended the opening night of the Lazarus production at the New York Theatre Workshop in Manhattan. Tickets to the entire run of the musical (which ran until 20th Jan 2016), sold out within hours of being made available.

After experts were flown in from Florida and South Africa, lab techs drove from Albany and 40 years of waiting for justice for the 14 year old Wendy Jerome, the judge declared a mistrial.  Judge Thomas Moran dismissed all the jurors and said they had done exactly what he told them not to.  Throughout the course of the trial, Moran gave several instructions to jurors, including not to research or attempt to research any facts or law related to the case. Jurors were also told not to discuss the case among themselves or with anyone else.  The judge exasperatedly told the jury as they were being dismissed “nobody pays attention to rules anymore.”  The man accused of raping and murdering the 14 year old girl in 1984 on Thanksgiving day, Timothy Williams, gets a brief reprieve before a new jury will be brought in and the trial will start back at the beginning. 

A woman is alive today thanks to a good Samaritan on the I-190 in Buffalo.  According to the Erie county Sheriffs Office, just before 5 p.m. on Tuesday, there was a single-vehicle crash into the center median on the I-190 in the area of Niagara Street.  A Buffalo Public School Basketball Coach stopped and called 911 and then did CPR on the driver until a detective arrived.  The coach, James Damon, was called a good Samaritan by the Sheriffs Department.  State troopers and an EMT unit arrived on scene and continued life saving measures including the administration of Narcan.  The woman was revived and taken to ECMC.

No one was hurt in a crash Wednesday morning on Interstate 490 involving a school bus and two other vehicles.  It happened on 490 East near Penfield Road around 6:45 a.m.  New York State Police said the bus was in the middle lane when a car in the left lane lost control and spun around, doing a 180. The bus was not able to avoid it.  A third vehicle then hit the car and the bus, which had several students onboard.

Licensed cannabis retailers are now free to open new businesses once again.  On Dec. 1, the State Supreme Court lifted an injunction that paused the operations and the processing of new licenses.  On Wednesday, the Office of Cannabis Management held a town hall meeting to discuss the steps moving forward.  Following the lift of the injunction, the Office of Cannabis Management has resumed approvals for the opening of cannabis businesses. Since Monday, 11 new businesses have been approved to open.

Zookeepers announced Wednesday that Kipenzi, a female Masai giraffe at the Seneca Park Zoo who was diagnosed with cancer over the summer, gave birth to a calf early in the morning.  The zoo announced last month that Kipenzi was pregnant. Doctors discovered the pregnancy while treating Kipenzi for a cancerous tumor in her jaw, which she was diagnosed with following a high-risk procedure in August.  In Wednesday’s statement, the zoo said Kipenzi continues to eat well and behave normally as she is being monitored closely.  The calf is the third Masai giraffe born at the zoo. The gender is not yet known.

Tonight and Tomorrow night you can go back in time to a Vintage Christmas at Northgate Free Methodist Church on Bank Street Rd.  There will be a campfire, movies on an outdoor screen, cookies, crafts, a live nativity and a prayer walk.  Festivities start at 6pm and go to 8 with a tree lighting at 7.  The event and everything involved is free. 

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.

Ah-chooo

Some brand-new data shows that the flu is now widespread in the Empire State. According to the state Department of Health, cases have risen by over 25% in the last week and hospitalizations have surged by 30%. The counties with the highest amount of cases in our region are Monroe, Wayne, and Ontario. Folks who haven’t received a flu shot yet are urged to get one soon.

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.

Captain Terrell Brayman

A Pittsford native has been identified as one of the eight airmen killed in a helicopter crash off the coast of Japan. The U.S. Air Force says 32-year-old Captain Terrell Brayman was on the aircraft when it went down last week. Brayman served as a pilot and flight commander, and graduated in 2009 from Pittsford Mendon High School. The helicopter crashed during a training mission and the cause of the tragedy remains under investigation.

13WHAM Photo

In the wake of Rochester Police advocating vigilance when in their cars, Flower City police have announced an arrest in connection with a carjacking in their city. According to authorities, 30-year-old Tramieke Austin threatened a woman at gunpoint Monday night outside the RTS Transit Center on Saint Paul Street. The victim got out of her vehicle, and Austin drove off before the car was tracked to a parking lot on North Clinton Avenue and he was taken into custody. Austin is now facing multiple charges.

Joshua Eisen

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is going to face a challenge for her seat on Capitol Hill next year. Westchester County entrepreneur and Republican Josh Eisen has now launched his U.S. Senate campaign. The 51-year-old Eisen has called Gillibrand a do-nothing senator, and claimed that she and her fellow Democrats have failed to deal with important issues. A Gillibrand spokesperson says Eisen’s history of things like racism, misogyny, and harassment prove he’s not fit for office.

Unidentified woman in file photo donating blood.

The American Red Cross has unveiled another incentive aimed at getting people to roll up their sleeves and donate blood. Anyone who donates through December 17th will get a 10-dollar Amazon gift card sent to their email. They’ll also be entered in a drawing for a prize package that includes a one-thousand-dollar Amazon gift card and a 65-inch Amazon Fire TV. To find a donation clinic in your area, head to redcrossblood.org.

The Sabres lost to the Red Wings last night 5 to 3. This was Detroit’s 3rd straight win and the Sabres 4th straight loss; they’re now 10-14-2 for the season. Rasmus Dahlin, Casey Mittelstadt and Jeff Skinner scored for Buffalo and Eric Comrie made 22 saves. The Sabres travel to Boston to take on the Bruins tomorrow night; the puck drops at 7:00.

ELSEWHERE…

The impacted area from February 2023 earthquake

A new theory suggests that today’s earthquakes may actually be aftershocks of quakes that struck in the 19th century. According to a study by researchers with the US Geological Survey, seismic activity today can be traced back to earthquakes in the 1800s, even though there were no seismographs back then. The researchers say there are plenty of written accounts of where quakes struck and how strong they felt. They say that understanding earthquakes from two hundred or more years ago will help us prepare for large earthquakes to come.

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.

Denny Laine in 1981

A co-founder of the Moody Blues and Wings has passed away. Denny Laine helped form the Moody Blues in 1964 and scored an early hit with their cover of Bessie Banks’ “Go Now.” He left the group in 1967 and later joined Paul McCartney in forming Wings in 1971. Denny Laine passed away this week at the age of 79.

Stephen Colbert (CBS Photo)

Late night talk show host Stephen Colbert is extending his hiatus after a health emergency. The 59-year-old New Jersey resident continues to recover from a ruptured appendix over the Thanksgiving holiday and won’t be taping shows for another week.

Baby diagnosed with fetal fentanyl exposure syndrome

Doctors say a new syndrome that’s been identified in some newborn infants may be related to fentanyl exposure. The recently-published findings show that at least ten babies who were born to mothers who had used fentanyl have been identified with distinctive birth defects. All of the infants were noted to have atypical features, such as cleft palate and unusually small heads. No common genetic cause has been uncovered; however, all were born to mothers who said they’d used street drugs, particularly fentanyl, while they were pregnant. In addition to cleft palate, the 10 infants have unusually small bodies and heads. They tend to have drooping eyelids. Their noses tend to turn upward, and their lower jaws are often undersized. Their feet may point down and inward, and two of their middle toes are webbed. Baby boys may have genital irregularities. Some have trouble feeding, and their thumbs may not be fully formed. The study’s co-authors added that much more work is needed to confirm the findings.

Today is Wednesday, December 6, the 340th day of 2023 with 25 to follow.

The moon is waning and 38% illuminated. Morning stars are Jupiter, Neptune, Uranus and Venus.

December 6 in history…

…In 1865, the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, abolishing slavery in the United States.

A 1933 celebration. Don’t forget to tip your bartenders and waitresses…

…In 1933, following the repeal of Prohibition, Americans crowded into liquor stores, bars and cafes to buy their first legal alcoholic beverages in 13 years.

Emperor Hirohito during a 1988 public appearance in Japan (NBC News photo)

…In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt sent a message to Japanese Emperor Hirohito expressing hope that gathering war clouds would be dispelled. Japan attacked Pearl Harbor the next day.

Aerial shot of Altamont concert

…In 1969, the Altamont Speedway Free Festival was held in Northern California, with estimated attendance of 300,000 to 500,000. The counterculture rock concert is best remembered for a number of violence incidents and accidents that left four people dead and dozens injured. The Rolling Stones, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and Jefferson Airplane performed. It was largely thought that the ‘peace, love and music’ era ended with this concert.

Michael Jackson during rehearsal for an HBO special; two days later, on December 6, 1995, he collapsed

…In 1995, Michael Jackson was hospitalized after collapsing on stage while rehearsing for an HBO special. Paramedics said he had low blood pressure.

Bob Dylan

…In 2013, the electric guitar played by Bob Dylan at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival was sold at auction in New York for a record $965,000. The Fender Stratocaster had been in the possession of a New Jersey family for 48 years after Dylan left it on a private plane.

Rochester Police are looking for whoever shot a 19-year-old man early Tuesday morning in the 19th Ward.  Officers were called to Judson Street around 3:30. On their way, they discovered the victim had driven himself to a location on West Avenue.  Police found the victim had been shot multiple times. Officers also found an SUV riddled with bullet holes.  The victim was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Police have not released his identity.  Investigators are processing two crime scenes.

A man faces charges following a carjacking at the RTS Transit Center around 9 p.m. Monday.  The victim told officers she was waiting for a friend to get off the bus when a man approached her vehicle, displayed what appeared to be a handgun and demanded her vehicle and cell phone.  Police said the victim exited the vehicle before 30 year old Tramieke Austin stole it and fled the scene, also taking the victim’s phone.  Officers found the vehicle in a parking lot on North Clinton Avenue. New York State Police helped Rochester police take Austin into custody. He was taken to Monroe County Jail, charged with robbery and grand larceny. The victim recovered all the stolen property.

LeRoy, Stafford, Pavilion, Bergen and Batavia Fire Departments responded to a Fire on North St in LeRoy Tuesday night. A home at 26 North Street had flames coming up through the roof according to a caller.  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.

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.

Artificial Intelligence may save Genesee County valuable time says Highway Superintendent Tim Hens.  He is proposing that the County contract with the AI company Dynamic Infrastructure to analyze all the reports on the 374 bridges and culverts in the county to find which ones need work.  He says the work would take over a year for his department as each bridge and culvert has a 20 plus page report attached to it and the AI can sift through the thousands of pages of reports and pictures in a short amount of time where a human would have to sit and read it for hours or even days and they have other projects they are working on at the same time.  The contract costs 30,000 dollars and the proposal has been approved and moved to the Ways and Means Committee before going before the legislature for a vote.  

The FDA is proposing a ban on a product that’s been popular in the Black community for years, used both at home and at salons: chemical relaxer with formaldehyde.  Chemical relaxer is a cream applied to curly hair textures that changes the chemical bonds to make hair straight. It’s known to tingle and give burning sensations when applied.  The FDA says the formaldehyde can cause cancer.  People who have used hair relaxers say that over years of use their hair will slow and stop growing, their scalps become damaged, and their hair becomes brittle.  They say they notice an immediate bounce back as soon as they stopped using it.  This is still a proposal, so after public comment, the FDA will make a decision.  If the proposal becomes a rule, it will take effect in April 2024.

The City of Buffalo and Buffalo Public Schools have partnered with “Bus Patrol America” to hold drivers accountable when passing a school bus with stop lights flashing and arms extended.  Hundreds of buses in Buffalo will soon have stop-arm artificial intelligence cameras installed.  Software like artificial intelligence named “Ava” will be installed on more than 600 school buses.  Bus Patrol America says the cameras will be up and running in a few months.

The Sabres were defeated by the Red Wings last night 5 to 3.  This was the Red Wings 3rd straight win and the Sabres 4th straight loss.  Rasmus Dahlin, Casey Mittelstadt and Jeff Skinner scored for Buffalo and Eric Comrie made 22 saves.  The Sabres will be out to Boston to take on the Bruins Thursday night.  Puck drop is at 7pm.

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.

Matthew Grant and surveillance still shot of his vehicle on the Thruway

New details have been released involving the ongoing search for missing Rochester Institute of Technology student Matthew Grant. Monroe County deputies have been able to get surveillance footage from a gas station between Exit 39 and Exit 41 on the Thruway from November 20th, the night Grant disappeared. Grant didn’t appear to be in any danger and his vehicle later went through an EZPass scanner near Syracuse. Tips on his whereabouts can be submitted by dialing 911.

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.

Club Marcella, file photo

More information has been released involving a weekend shooting at Club Marcella in Buffalo. Officials say Sunday’s gunfire at the Michigan Avenue establishment was targeted and the result of gang violence. A 30-year-old man was shot in the bathroom and brought to a hospital for treatment. Now, 20-year-old Yeramell Benitez and 29-year-old Ramon Lopez have been charged, and other arrests are expected. The police have already shut down the club.

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.

Aerial file photo of KeyBank Center

The Buffalo Sabres will be back in action tonight as they look to snap their current three-game losing streak. The Sabres are hosting their rivals, the Detroit Red Wings at KeyBank Center. Buffalo last played on Sunday night when the Nashville Predators came out on top, 2 to 1. This season, the Sabres have earned 22 points in their first 25 games. Face-off this evening is 7:30.

ELSEWHERE…

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.

Dennis Brown

A family in Florida is suing Panera Bread over a man’s death. Their lawsuit alleges 46-year-old Dennis Brown died from drinking Panera’s Charged Lemonade drink. Each drink has almost 400 milligrams of caffeine. That’s the FDA’s suggested daily maximum intake. Brown reportedly had three the day that he died.

The Powerball jackpot continues to grow after no grand prizewinner in Monday’s drawing. That means Wednesday’s drawing will be worth at least $435 million. Please play responsibly.

Today, December 5, the 339th day of 2023; there are 26 days left in the year.

The moon is 22 days old and is in the Waning Crescent phase of its lunar cycle. It is 47% illuminated.

December 5 in history…

The Beatles in Germany, 1960. Left to right: Pete Best, George, John, Paul and Stuart Sutcliffe.

…In 1960, Paul McCartney and Pete Best were arrested for pinning a condom to a brick wall and then igniting it. The two were told to leave Germany and The Beatles returned home, discouraged.

…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.

O.J. Simpson is sentenced, today in history.

…In 2008, former NFL star O.J. Simpson was sentenced to up to 33 years in prison for holding up two sports memorabilia dealers at gunpoint in a Las Vegas hotel. He was released in October 2017.

On the heels of an armed carjacking on Oliver Street late Sunday, police say carjackings are on the rise in the city. Police say that the carjackings are mostly the same. Someone approaches the car and menaces the driver with a handgun and then steals the car when they get out. Some 20-25 carjackings have happened on the city’s east side since late October.  Police said that there have been 7 arrests and 6 of those people have been released and then went on to steal cars again. They say the public should be aware of their surroundings and only park in well lit areas. 

9 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 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. They plan on being there from 8am to 3pm.

Funnyman Jim Gaffigan has announced dates for his Barely Alive tour and one of the stops is in Buffalo at Sheas Performing Arts Center. The show in Buffalo is one of five additional dates that were announced on Monday, it is scheduled for February 10 at 5 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. This show is in addition to the three shows the comedian already had scheduled at Shea’s. The other shows are: February 8th and 9th at 7 p.m. and February 10th at 8 p.m.

Crossroads House raised 2500 dollars selling Christmas Ornaments for a tree at Eli Fish.  Supporters of Crossroads House were invited to hang an ornament on a Christmas tree to display at Eli Fish for the holiday season, with the tree being lit in a ceremony at the tavern in Batavia on Saturday.  Pinecone ornaments cost $25 each.  This is a first-year event for Crossroads House, which provides hospice care at no cost to people in their final stages of life in Genesee County.

USS The Sullivans, a decommissioned United States Navy Fletcher-class destroyer, began sinking at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park on Buffalo’s waterfront in April 2022. Naval park leadership reported a major breach in the hull caused the ship to take on water.  Within days senate majority leader Chuck Schumer was in Buffalo pledging federal money. He said he got 7.5 million to fix up the ships.  That money has not been released by the city yet. According to a spokesperson the city has yet to file the proper paperwork to send the money to the historic park.  Also, after a survey of the ships it is estimated that another 13 million dollars is needed to restore them. 

The 9th annual Genesee County Sheriffs, Batavia and Leroy Pd shop with a cop is coming up Saturday December 9th at Walmart in Batavia. School Resource Officers and School Officials from each school in Genesee County select children from local schools.   The Children will be provided funds and their own personal Police Officer / Deputy to accompany them on a Christmas shopping trip at our local Walmart. Grant money from Walmart, donations The City of Batavia Police Benevolent Association, City of Batavia Civil Employee’s Association (CSEA), the City’s “Jeans for Friday” program, and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Employee Association make this event possible. People can donate to make it so more children can participate. Donations can be brought to 10 W. Main St. Batavia N.Y. (Attn Detective DeFreze) or 165 Park Rd. Batavia N.Y. (Attn Sgt. Sanfratello).

The Muckdogs announced that there is a change in coaching staff for the upcoming season. A new assistant manager has been hired on.  Cooper French who comes to Batavia from Kentucky where He found a great deal of success in the Commonwealth Collegiate Baseball League of Kentucky, leading his team to an 18 & 2 record, league championship, as well as winning the Coach of the Year Award. He works pitchers and outfields as assistant manager for the Hanover College Panthers in Indiana during the regular season & has learned a great deal from the entire Hanover staff. While coaching he plans on studying to achieve his MBA.

Buffalo Bills Tight End Dawson Knox announced big news during the Bills bye week. He popped the question to his girlfriend and she said yes.  Knox made the announcement via instagram on Sunday night. He said in the post that he knew just a couple of months in that she was the one.  The engagement happened November 30th.

Shawna Lamont

On 11/22/2023, Shawna L Lamont (age 34) of Perry, was arrested and charged with Bail Jumping 2nd. It’s alleged that Lamont failed to appear in court, after being released on a charge of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 5th. She was arraigned and is due in Batavia City Court at a later date.

John Cabrera

On 11/24/2023, John A Cabrera (age 56) of Batavia, was arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd, Menacing 2nd, Resisting Arrest, Obstructing Governmental Administration 2nd, and Harassment 2nd. It’s alleged that Cabrera threatened another person with a handgun, during an altercation on Washington Ave. He then fought with police, when they attempted to take him into custody. While being booked into the jail, Cabrera was allegedly found in possession of contraband. He was additionally charged with Promoting Prison Contraband 1st. He was arraigned and is due back in Batavia City Court at a later date.

On 11/28/2023, Benjamin G Evans (age 35) of Batavia, was arrested on three bench warrants. Two of the warrants are related to incidents where Evans allegedly stole packages from porches. The other is related to a trespassing complaint on Swan St on 9/19/2023. Evans was arraigned in CAP Court and released. He is due back in Batavia City Court at a later date.

On 11/27/2023, James L Dart (age 70) of Batavia, was arrested for Harassment 2nd. Dart allegedly spit on another person, during an altercation on Tracy Ave. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in court on 12/12/2023.

On 11/18/2023, Carla L Spikes (age 33) of Batavia, was arrested for Harassment 2nd. It’s alleged that Spikes punched another person in the face, during an altercation on Hutchins St. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in court on 11/28/2023.

On 11/16/2023, Trevon L Armstrong (age 38) of Batavia, was charged with Criminal Mischief 4th. Armstrong allegedly damaged a window at a residence on Denio St. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in court on 11/28/2023.

On 11/28/2023, Haley M Larnder (age 24) of Batavia, was arrested on two counts of Bail Jumping 3rd. The charges stem from two separate cases where Larnder was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th. She allegedly failed to appear for a scheduled court appearance. Larnder was issued appearance tickets and is due in court on 12/6/2023.

On 11/14/2023, Daniel N McDaid (age 40) of Tonawanda and April J Conley (age 39) of Lewiston, were arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th. McDaid and Conley were charged following a traffic stop on Ross St, where they were allegedly found in possession of narcotics. Conley was additionally charged with Tampering with Physical Evidence, after she allegedly attempted to hide evidence. Both were issued appearance tickets and are due in Batavia City Court on 12/5/2023.

On 11/21/2023, Allyson P Lawrence (age 29) of Batavia, was arrested for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th. The arrest stems from on incident on 11/26/2022, where Lawrence was allegedly found in possession of narcotics, while being arrested on an unrelated warrant. Lawrence was arraigned and released on her own recognizance. She is due back in court on 12/6/2023.

On 11/12/2023, Russell H Blumer (age 51) of Batavia, was arrested for Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Harassment 2nd. It’s alleged that Blumer punched another person, during an altercation at a residence on Thorp St, while a child under 17 was present. He was arraigned in CAP Court and released. He is due back in court at a later date.

On 11/22/2023, Alex P Brasky (age 32) of Batavia, was arrested for DWI. Brasky was arrested following a traffic stop on South Jackson St, where he was allegedly found to be operating a vehicle while intoxicated. He was arraigned in CAP Court and released. He is due back in court on 12/12/2023.

On 11/26/2023, Jerome W Amesbury (age 58) of Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant. The warrant stems from a traffic stop on Ellicott St on 6/23/2023, where Amesbury was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 3rd and several traffic violations. The warrant was issued after he failed to appear in court. Amesbury was arraigned in CAP Court and released.

On 11/23/2023, Trevawn O Wright (age 23) of Leroy, was arrested on an arrest warrant. Wright was initially charged on 8/16/2023, with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 2nd, after he was involved in a traffic accident on South Main St. The warrant was issued after he failed to appear in court. He was arraigned in CAP Court and released.

In other news, the Sheriffs have made arrests:

27-year-old Michael Hawkins of Attica has been arrested. This followed a property damage accident; he’s charged with speed not reasonable and prudent and unsafely moving from lanes. It’s also alleged Hawkins possessed a large quantity of controlled substances. He was transported to the Genesee County Jail pending CAP Court arraignment.  ALSO:  26-year-old Samuel Baudanza of Bergen has been arrested. He’s charged with assault and criminal mischief, stemming from an incident on Saturday, November 25th. Deputies were called to the restaurant Ralph and Rosie’s for a complaint of a male being disorderly. Baudanza allegedly was involved in a physical altercation with two individuals and broke merchandise in front of the restaurant. He was arraigned on the 26th and released.

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.

Timothy Williams mugshot and Wendy Jerome

More testimony will be heard today in the murder trial of Timothy Williams. Jurors will listen to a former Rochester Police Department officer who looked into the death of 14-year-old Wendy Jerome back in November 1984. Williams is accused of brutally killing the teen, but wasn’t charged until a few years ago. An autopsy revealed that Jerome died of massive blunt force trauma.

Investigations are still underway into homicides that happened in Irondequoit and Rochester. On Friday, 30-year-old Jose Torres was gunned down at the Popeye’s restaurant located on East Ridge Road in Irondequoit. Saturday, a 23-year-old man tragically lost his life after being hit by gunfire on Glenwood Avenue in Rochester. So far, arrests haven’t been announced in connection with either case.

Matthew Grant

Matthew Grant

It’s now been two weeks since the disappearance of Rochester Institute of Technology student Matthew Grant. He hasn’t been seen since November 20th after telling his roommates he was going out to meet a friend. The 22-year-old was wearing a green jacket and blue jeans and was driving a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. It was last recorded by EZPass near Syracuse, on the New York State Thruway. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact police.

File photo of Club Marcella

The Buffalo Police Department has shut down a nightclub following the fourth violent incident in and around the establishment in less than a year. Officers were called to Club Marcella on Michigan Avenue yesterday after a 30-year-old man was shot in the bathroom. He was taken to a nearby hospital and last listed in stable condition. So far, there’s no word if an arrest has been made in this case. Witnesses are asked to contact police at 716-847-2255.

The Buffalo Sabres are on a three-game losing streak after the team dropped their latest contest at home. Victor Oloffson had the lone goal for Buffalo in last night’s 2 to 1 defeat at the hands of the Nashville Predators at KeyBank Center. Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 27 of the 29 shots he faced. Buffalo’s next game is at home tomorrow against the Detroit Red Wings; face-off is at 7:30.

ELSEWHERE…

The Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots are still on the rise and have reached a combined $789 million. The top prize up for grabs tonight in Powerball is $412 million. And whoever is lucky enough to pick the winning numbers for Mega Millions tomorrow will get at least $377 million. Each drawing will be streamed online. Please play responsibly.

The orbiting tool bag

Stargazers might start spotting another object in the night sky. A tool bag that drifted away from astronauts during a space walk outside of the International Space Station is now slowly orbiting around Earth. The bag is estimated to remain in orbit until spring to midsummer next year before it disintegrates above the Earth’s surface. The astronomy news site EarthSky says the bag can be seen with a pair of binoculars.

Letchworth State Park – Photo credit: Patrick Donovan, Getty Images

National parks in the U.S. will be free to visit for six days next year. The free entry days include three holidays: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Veterans Day and Juneteenth. National parks will also be free on April 20th, August 4th and September 28th. There will still be fees for some activities, like camping and fishing, and parks that are operated in partnership with other parties could charge other types of fees.

Giant Golden Mole

A species of super-hearing mole thought to be extinct has been rediscovered. Scientists in South Africa announced they recently found new populations of the De Winton’s golden mole, a blind animal thought to have been lost to science for nearly 90 years. The Endangered Wildlife Trust and the University of Pretoria scoured over eleven miles of its habitat every day for two years before making the discovery. Here is detailed information:

https://a-z-animals.com/animals/giant-golden-mole/

Today is Sunday, Dec. 4, the 338th day of 2023 with 27 to follow.

The moon is waning. Morning stars are Jupiter, Neptune, Uranus and Venus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Mercury, Neptune, Saturn and Uranus.

December 4 in history…

President Wilson’s arrival in France

…In 1918, President Woodrow Wilson became the first sitting U.S. president to travel to Europe. He lead the U.S. delegation to a peace conference ending World War I.

The first Burger King opens in Miami, today in history

…In 1954, the first Burger King fast-food restaurant opened — in Miami.

The Million Dollar Quartet – 1956

…In 1956, Elvis Presley stopped by Sun Record Studios in Memphis, Tennessee and found Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash watching Carl Perkins in the studio. The four ended up having an impromptu jam session and the resulting recording went unreleased until 1981 when parts were issued in Europe as The Million Dollar Quartet.

Terry Anderson is freed

…In 1991, American Terry Anderson was freed by his pro-Iranian captors after six years.

Amanda Knox on her way to prison after being found guilty of murder in Italy

…In 2009, an Italian jury found U.S. exchange student Amanda Knox and her Italian boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, guilty of murdering her roommate, Meredith Kercher. Knox and Sollecito were acquitted in 2011.

Police are investigating a homicide at Popeyes on East Ridge Road in Rochester.  Reports of a shooting at the restaurant came in around 7 p.m. on Friday night.  Police said one man, identified as 30 year old Jose Centeno Torres, was shot multiple times in the upper body. He was taken to Rochester General Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.  Police said the incident was not random and the suspect fled the scene.  They report that an argument between 3 or 4 men grew into guns being drawn and shots fired.  They are still searching for the suspect.  Rochester police assisted Irondequoit police near the scene.

Buffalo Police are investigating a shooting incident that took place just after 2:30 a.m. Sunday at Club Marcella on Michigan Avenue.  Police say a 30-year-old Buffalo man was shot inside a bathroom at the club. According to police, the man was transported to ECMC and is described as stable.  This is the third shooting at Club Marcella in less than a year. On January 29, a security guard was shot in the parking lot. Two weeks later on February 12, one person was killed and two others were injured in a shooting inside the club.  As a result of this most recent attack the Buffalo Police Commissioner has ordered the immediate shutdown of the nightclub.

An investigation has begun after a woman was found dead on Ketchum Street in Rochester Sunday morning.  At around 2:30 a.m., officers were dispatched for a report of a deceased woman.  Once there, they located a deceased adult woman who was outside.  The cause of death is unknown and the investigation is ongoing.

Several organizations, including Stop the Violence Coalition, are calling out officials after they were promised at least $4 million of American Rescue Plan funds.  The City of Buffalo received $331 million in ARP funds.  Murray Holman, of Stop the Violence, says officials have not given the organizations a response.  Mayor Byron Brown’s spokesperson says that they are trying to get the funds to programs and organizations in need but city councilman Rasheed Wyatt says that only those with connections to the Mayor’s office are getting the money.  Congressman Brian Higgins office says that the money was given by the Federal Government to help these organizations but the City Government is ultimately responsible for distribution. 

26 year old Samuel Baudanza of Bergen was arrested and charged with assault and criminal mischief on Saturday the 25th of November.  Deputies were called to the restaurant Ralph and Rosie’s for a complaint of a male being disorderly in the restaurant. Baudanza allegedly was involved in a physical altercation with two individuals and broke merchandise in front of the restaurant.  He was arraigned on the 26th and released. 

The Rochester City School District Board of Education has shared new details on the special lottery for students who are currently in schools that will close next school year.  The lottery system comes after the board approved a reconfiguration plan last month to close 11 schools that is meant to address a decline in enrollment.  Families can visit the special lottery page on the district’s website to learn how they can start making selections. There will be scheduled open houses for families in different zones to check out new schools.  The reconfiguration plan is kicking off the district’s “Invest in Tomorrow” strategy to improve learning opportunities for students.

Genesee County Park and Forest invites people to ring in the new year with a hike through the woods.  On New Year’s Day 2024, ACORNS (Association for the Conservation of Recreational and Natural Spaces) is offering a First Day Hike at the Genesee County Park & Forest  Hike starts at 10 am at Pavilion B on Raymond Road at the Genesee County Park & Forest. This casual recreational event offers 2 hiking options! Hike 1 is approximately 3 miles over rolling hills with moderate terrain. Hike 2 is approximately 1.5 miles over easy terrain. Both hikes begin and end at Pavilion B and feature time in the forest, beautiful natural scenery and snacks by a fire in an enclosed pavilion. Trails are not stroller friendly and may have tree branches overhead. All ages welcome, dogs also welcome and must be on a leash at all times.

AAA Gas Update:  Gas is getting cheaper in Western NY.  A gallon of regular gas in Batavia is currently 3.56.  This is down 8 cents from last week and 21 cents from last month.  The New York State Average is a bit lower at 3.54 which is only 4 cents down from last week.  The national average is significantly lower than NY at 3.23, just 1 penny down from last week. The cost of oil is creeping higher as demand falls.  If oil goes higher prices may level out but if they fall again we may see below 3 dollar prices soon.

Bethany residents, still dealing with drought conditions that have dried up wells across Western New York, got a little water in the form of pallets of bottled water delivered Friday morning.  The water was donated by Casella Waste Systems operations manager Eric Santos and his crew.  The town of Bethany will start distributing these cases to the residents on the list whose wells have gone dry on Tuesday morning during normal office hours during the week and on Tuesday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. during tote fill time and Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m.  Bethany residents in need who have not yet called the town hall for help are asked to call 585-343-1399, Ext. 202 to leave your name, phone number and address to be put on the list for the town supervisor.  Bethany is not alone, Pembroke residents can get their approved water containers filled up by appointment at the Town Highway Garage.  To make an appointment call 5855994892 extension 102 or 103.   

A woman died Friday morning 24 hours after being hit by a vehicle in a Wegmans parking lot.  Deputies responded to the store on Route 31 in Perinton just after 10:30 a.m. Thursday for a report of a crash involving a pedestrian.  Police said the woman had just exited her car when she was hit by a vehicle entering a parking space.  EMS provided aid to the woman before an ambulance took her to the hospital in critical condition.  The driver cooperated with the investigation. Deputies determined sun glare was a contributing factor, while drugs, alcohol and speed were not.

The Erie County Sheriff’s Office and Buffalo Police Department announced Friday the arrest of a City of Buffalo employee.  50-year-old Bernard Brown, who works with the City of Buffalo Department of Public Works, was arraigned Friday morning in Buffalo City Court.  He is facing the following charges and is being held without bail: first-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, three counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and two counts of second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia.  If convicted, Brown could face a maximum of 20 years in prison.  Authorities say it took eight months to nail down what they call a ladder investigation and that they believe he was a significant dealer in Buffalo.

Congressman George Santos has been booted from the house but Governor Hochul is drawing fire because she says she can appoint his replacement.  She can’t.  Federal law states that, in the event of a House vacancy, a governor’s sole responsibility is to issue a proclamation for the required special election within 10 days. The election must then be scheduled for 60 to 70 days from the date of the proclamation. She said on X that she would fill the seat herself for the now vacant 3rd district.  X added the context that voters must elect the representatives.  The special election is anticipated to be key for New York Republicans, who made unexpected gains in the Empire State during last year’s midterm elections.

The Seneca Nation of Indians announced it has reached an agreement with New York State on a short-term extension of the current gaming compact.  The current compact was set to expire on December 9. The extension runs through March 31, 2024, and the state said it will automatically renew unless one of the parties decides not to renew it or a new gaming compact is agreed upon.  The first casino gaming compact was signed 21 years ago, allowing the Seneca’s to operate Class III gaming casinos in Niagara Falls, Salamanca, and downtown Buffalo.

The Batavia Police are seeking your assistance. Late in the afternoon on Wednesday, November 29th, they responded to a shots fired incident in the area of Oak and North Lyon Streets. It was reported the shots came from a black SUV that was last seen heading north on Oak Street. The incident appears to have been targeted and no injuries were reported. No additional details are available at this time due to the ongoing investigation. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Batavia Police at 585-345-6350. The confidential tip line is: 585-345-6370.

The City of Batavia has issued a warning about the temporary shut-off of water access today to repair a water main break. Homes in the Richmond Avenue area, specifically between Verona Avenue and Oak Street, will not have access to water during the repairs. The city has also informed residents that when the water supply is restored, it may appear discolored. They are advised to refrain from doing laundry until the water runs clear.

Robert Evans

A man in Gainesville has been arraigned on allegations of child sexual abuse against a child under 11 years old. Robert Evans is accused of sexually abusing a child from August of 2017 to May of 2023 and is charged with one count of Sexual Conduct Against A Child. Based upon the fact that Evans has a prior felony child abuse conviction out of the state of Virginia, the maximum sentence he faces on this new indictment is 7 years in prison followed by up to 15 years of Post Release Supervision. The arraignment followed an 8-month investigation.

Unidentified and undated file photo of Rochester nurses

Union members who work at the University of Rochester Medical Center have announced when they’ll be going on strike. Roughly 1,800 employees are planning to strike on December 13th between the hours 6:00am and 11:00pm. The union and hospital held another negotiating session yesterday as they try and work out a new contract. The major issues that need to be addressed include staffing levels and improved wages and benefits.

Von Miller mugshot

Von Miller of the Buffalo Bills has been released on bond after being accused of assaulting his pregnant girlfriend. According to investigators, Miller was involved in an argument with the victim in Texas Wednesday, which led to the woman being attacked. Miller and the woman have been together for seven years and have children together. The Bills said yesterday they’re aware of the incident and are gathering more information. Buffalo’s next game is December 10th against the Kansas City Chiefs.

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 governor.ny.gov.

Examples of lethal dosages of each.

Some brand new data shows just how severe the opioid crisis is in our region of the state. Each month, 30 people are dying from drug overdoses after ingesting narcotics like cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin. Last year, there were a total of 406 drug overdoses, which was a 14% increase from 2021. The State Department of Health notes that addiction is often a chronic illness that many people struggle with. Anyone who needs assistance can dial 1-877-8-HOPENY. And in a related story: Erie County officials are sounding the alarm following a fatal overdose that happened a few weeks ago. They say a resident’s death back in September has been connected to a opioid that is 100 times more powerful than fentanyl. It is called carfentanil, and is commonly used to help large animals undergo medical procedures. This year there have already been more than 370 suspected or confirmed opioid-related overdose deaths in Erie County, which is the highest total ever.

“Did you remember to close the windows on the car?” “Yes, of course.”

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown says the city’s snow plan will be provided earlier next year. That means the Common Council will get a look at the proposal on April 1st, after receiving this year’s a few weeks ago on November 1st. That date was criticized by council members, who said that they did not have enough time to look at this plan and make any major changes. Brown says this is the most comprehensive snow plan that’s ever been put together for the city.

The Buffalo Sabres fell to the St Louis Blues 6 to 4 Thursday Night. JJ Peterka scored 1 goal and Rasmus Dahlin, Peyton Krebs and Zach Benson each had a goal and an assist for the Sabres who are now 10 and 11 and 2 on the season and were 3-1-1 their previous five games. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen allowed six goals on 20 shots after allowing a total of five in his previous three starts. The Sabres started off down by 3 and then rallied but it wasn’t enough. The Sabres will be on the Hurricane’s ice Saturday at 7:00.

ELSEWHERE….

Unidentified children in an undated file photo are happy to receive gifts.

The annual statewide toy, coat, and school supply drive to help New Yorkers in need during the holidays is kicking off today. The New York State Office of General Services has set up drop-off locations at the State Police barracks on Scottsville Road in Rochester and Electric Tower, 535 Washington Street, Buffalo. Donations are being accepted through December 15th. Once the items have been collected, they’ll be distributed to families in underserved communities. Packages ordered online can be shipped to the following location:

Empire State Plaza
P1 South Dock J
Albany, New York 12242
NYS Holiday Drive

The new Sandy Hook School (New York Times Photo)

Sandy Hook School in Newtown, Connecticut was locked down yesterday after a threat was made against the facility. The threat was against the replacement building for the school where 20 children and six educators were killed in a 2012 mass shooting. Police searched the building out of an abundance of caution, and found no credible threat.

The Tesla Cybertruck

Delivery of Tesla’s Cybertruck is underway following an invitation-only event at their Texas manufacturing plant. The cheapest model will cost around $61,000 and won’t be available until 2025. Meanwhile, the top of the line version called the “Cyberbeast” will cost just under $100,000.

Former president is once again silenced.

A New York appeals court is reinstating a gag order against former President Donald Trump in his civil fraud trial. Trump and his attorneys are once again prohibited from making public statements about the courtroom staff in the ongoing $250 million civil fraud trial.

This is Friday, Dec. 1, the 335th day of 2023 with 30 to follow.

The moon is waning. Morning stars are Jupiter, Neptune, Uranus and Venus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Mercury, Neptune, Saturn and Uranus.

December 1 in history…

James Naismith

…In 1891, the game of basketball was invented when James Naismith, a physical education teacher at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts, put peach baskets at the opposite ends of a gym and gave students soccer balls to toss into them.

The first gas station to open to the public

…In 1903, the world’s first drive-in gasoline station opened for business in Pittsburgh.

Hugh Hefner proudly holds the first issue of Playboy, today in history

…In 1953, the first Playboy magazine was published. Marilyn Monroe was on the cover. The magazine temporarily ended the practice of including nudity in its pages in 2016, but reintroduced it one year later.

Rosa Parks mugshot

…In 1955, Rosa Parks, a Black woman, was arrested in Montgomery, Alabama, for refusing to give up her seat to a white man on a city bus, signaling, along with its resulting bus boycott and related events, the birth of the modern civil rights movement.

Ed Sullivan with Buddy Holly (1957)

…In 1957, Buddy Holly and the Crickets made their debut on The Ed Sullivan Show, performing “That’ll Be The Day” and “Peggy Sue.” The evening also featured an appearance from another music star, Sam Cooke, who performed “You Send Me.”

Marquee Club in London and promotional poster

…In 1964, The Who played their first of 22 consecutive Tuesday night gigs at The Marquee Club in London. The venue was famous for hosting residencies from acts that would go on to change the course of rock music, including The Rolling Stones, the Yardbirds, Led Zeppelin, King Crimson, Yes, Jethro Tull, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Pink Floyd, and more.

A man in Gainesville was arraigned Wednesday on allegations of child sexual abuse against a child under 11 years old.  Robert Evans is accused of sexually abusing a child from August of 2017 to May of 2023 and is charged with one count of Sexual Conduct Against A Child in the 2nd Degree.  Based upon the fact that Mr. Evans has a prior felony child abuse conviction out of the state of Virginia, the maximum sentence he faces on this new indictment is 7 years in prison followed by up to 15 years of Post Release Supervision.  This indictment stems from an 8-month investigation led by members of the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department and members of the Wyoming County Child Protective Services.

Buffalo Bills player Von Miller is in trouble after allegedly assaulting his pregnant girlfriend.  The linebacker turned himself in to police in North Texas yesterday. Dallas ABC affiliate WFAA reported that Miller posted a $5,000 bond and was released from a Texas jail.  In an arrest warrant affidavit the victim accuses Miller of choking, pushing and grabbing her and in the 911 call said she was bruised, he had choked and hit her and pulled her hair out but in a text to the news station in Dallas she said it was taken out of context and they were “fine”.  The Bills said they are aware of the incident and are gathering information.  Miller is listed as active on the Buffalo roster.

New York State police are investigating a deadly crash on I-90 near the Silver Creek exit.  The crash occurred around 10:45 p.m. on Wednesday. Police said a tractor-trailer traveling east drifted from its lane and struck a tractor-trailer that was stopped on the shoulder to switch drivers.  According to police, the tractor-trailer that was traveling east jackknifed and overturned multiple times before it became engulfed in flames.  The driver of the tractor-trailer that overturned was pronounced dead at the scene. The two occupants of the tractor-trailer that was stopped were not injured.  The crash caused the closure of the eastbound I-90 for some time overnight.

New York authorities continue to crack down on unlicensed Cannabis operations with a raid on a store in Canandaigua Thursday.  Authorities say Jaydega was selling cannabis without a license.  The shop was issued a violation notice earlier this year.  Authorities say they seized large quantities of cannabis flower, edible products and cannabis concentrate.  Estimates are that several hundred thousand dollars worth of illegal cannabis was seized.  Authorities say the shop owner is not facing criminal charges. However, the store is closed while the owner awaits a court hearing.

New York is taking charge of maintaining mental health for students across the state.  Governor Hochul announced on Thursday that school districts are receiving more than $5 million to boost mental health programs.  This will help enhance the role of guidance counselors and train other staff.  Mental health in kids has become a concern since the COVID pandemic.  The governor cites a loss of social connection during the pandemic as one of the root causes in mental health issues over the past few years.

The unions representing more than 1,800 caregivers and service workers at the University of Rochester Medical Center are moving forward with plans to strike.  They have set a date and time for the strike: December 13th from 6am to 11pm.  Negotiations have been ongoing since August 2022. The unions are seeking higher wages and better staffing. Union leaders say they are prepared to return to the bargaining table.

ConnectLife announced it is teaming up with the Buffalo Sabres and all blood donors in December will receive a voucher to redeem online for two tickets to an upcoming Sabres home game.  According to ConnectLife, it’s a partnership to bring in donors at a time when blood supply is hit hard.  In addition, ConnectLife also said all donors in December will also be entered into a raffle for a Sabres Game Day Experience — which includes four 100-level tickets and passes to the hallway where the players walk out, two Zamboni rides, and a prize pack including an autographed mini helmet.

The Buffalo Sabres fell to the St Louis Blues 6 to 4 Thursday Night.  JJ Peterka scored 1 goal and Rasmus Dahlin, Peyton Krebs and Zach Benson each had a goal and an assist for the Sabres who are now 10 and 11 and 2 on the season and were 3-1-1 their previous five games. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen allowed six goals on 20 shots after allowing a total of five in his previous three starts.  The Sabres started off down by 3 and then rallied but it wasn’t enough.  The Sabres will be on the Hurricane’s ice Saturday at 7pm. 

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.

Attica Correctional Facility (13WHAM file photo)

The maximum-security prison of Attica is on lockdown “following several acts of violence,” according to the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. The violence at Attica Correctional Facility in Wyoming County allegedly began with incidents pitting inmates against other inmates, leading to staff members being assaulted — including one being stabbed multiple times. DOCCS said it is working with police to pursue prosecution. The facility, infamous for a deadly 1971 uprising that gained national attention, is undergoing a full search that is expected to take several days.

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.

Wendy Jerome with her father

Timothy Williams in court during opening statements yesterday. (13WHAM Photo)

Now that opening statements have been heard, testimony is scheduled to begin today in the Timothy Williams murder trial. Prosecutors told the jury yesterday that Williams is the man responsible for killing 14-year-old Wendy Jerome in Rochester back in 1984. But the defense countered, claiming that no one believes Williams is capable of committing a crime like this. Williams wasn’t charged until 2020 after he was connected to the case through DNA evidence.

NYSDOT file photo of snowplow during a storm.

The New York State Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to be cautious near snowplows, following a close call in the Rochester area. NYSDOT shared video on social media Wednesday of a car apparently trying to outrace a plow as lanes merged on an expressway on-ramp. The plow ended up hitting the red sedan. No injuries are reported. Plows can’t go as fast or slow down as fast as normal traffic and they have reduced visibility while at work. And, most likely, if you hit a plow the plow will be fine but the same can’t be said for your vehicle.

Buffalo Sabres right wing John-Jason Peterka (77) celebrates his goal against the New York Rangers with center Dylan Cozens (24) and left wing Victor Olofsson (71) during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory photo credit: Danny Wild, USA TODAY Sports.

The Buffalo Sabres are on the road again tonight as they look to pick up a second straight victory. The Sabres are set to take on the Saint Louis Blues at the Enterprise Center in Missouri. Buffalo is coming off a dominant 5-1 win Monday over the New York Rangers and the team has earned 22 points so far this season. Face-off is at 8:00.

ELSEWHERE…

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.

Henry Kissinger (NBC News Photo)

Legendary diplomat Henry Kissinger is dead at the age of 100. Kissinger served as National Security Advisor to the Nixon administration from 1969 to 1975, and was best known for guiding American foreign policy during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1973 after negotiating a ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Vietnam.

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton’s “Rockstar” album is number one on this week’s Top Rock Albums chart. The new album by the 77-year-old country music icon debuts at number three on this week’s Billboard 200 album chart. The 30-track album consists primarily of covers of rock classics, and features guest artists like Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.

Crash Test Dummies engaging in unsafe behaviors behind the wheel (AAA Photo)

Six in ten U.S. drivers admit to unsafe behaviors behind the wheel, according to a survey out this week from the Triple-A Foundation for Traffic Survey. Nearly 23% admitted excessive speeding, with the survey finding that speeding has the lowest perceived social disapproval.

Today is Thursday, Nov. 30, the 334th day of 2023 with 31 to follow.

The moon is waning. Morning stars are Jupiter, Neptune, Uranus and Venus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Mercury, Neptune, Saturn and Uranus.

November 30 in history…

Charlie Chaplin (PBS Photo)

…In 1913, Charles Chaplin made his screen debut in Mack Sennett’s short film Making a Living.

Elizabeth Hodges and her doctor show the bruise, following her being struck by a meteorite.

…In 1954, a meteorite crashed through the roof of a house in Sylacauga, Alabama, striking Elizabeth Hodges, who was sleeping on a couch, in the hip. The space rock was a sulfide meteorite weighing 8.5 pounds and measuring 7 inches in length.

…In 1982, Epic Records released the album Thriller by Michael Jackson.

James Brady looks on as President Clinton signs the Brady Bill into law.

…In 1993, President Bill Clinton signed the Brady Bill into law, the most far-reaching nationwide gun control measure enacted in a decade. It was named after White House press secretary James Brady, who was injured in an assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan.

Alex Trebek with Ken Jennings, early in Ken’s run as champion.

…In 2004, Ken Jennings lost on the U.S. game show Jeopardy! after winning 74 games and $2.5 million. In case you missed it, here’s the rest of the story:

The Final Jeopardy answer that tripped him up? “Most of this firm’s 70,000 seasonal white-collar employees work only four months a year.” Jennings guessed Federal Express, but it was, in fact, tax preparer H&R Block. Ventura, Calif., real estate agent Nancy Zerg guessed correctly, unseating Jennings with a final score of $14,001 to $8,799.

Backstage before the show, Zerg told the AP, she repeated the mantra: “Someone’s got to beat him sometime, it might as well be me,” she said. “It was a big relief to me that I lost to someone who played a better game than me,” Jennings told the Associated Press. “There were no recriminations or remorse.”

The final irony of Jennings’ losing question: David Byers, senior vice president for tax operations for H&R Block, released a statement offering Jennings the tax help he’s sure to require for his newfound wealth. By Byers’ calculations, he’ll have to pay just over $1 million in taxes.

Police responded to a shots fired incident in Batavia in the area of Oak St and N Lyons St Late wednesday evening.  Apparently 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.

The New York State Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to be cautious near snowplows, following a close call in the Rochester area.  NYSDOT shared video on social media Wednesday of a car apparently trying to outrace a plow as lanes merged on an expressway on-ramp.  The plow ended up hitting the red sedan.  No injuries are reported.  Plows can’t go as fast or slow down as fast as normal traffic and they have reduced visibility while at work.  And, most likely, if you hit a plow the plow will be fine but the same can’t be said for your vehicle.

Two men face charges after police said they discovered illegal cannabis sales at two smoke shops in Greece.  Police executed search warrants Nov. 14 at the GSpot Smoke Shop locations on Dewey Avenue and Stone Road. They also searched a warehouse on River Street in Rochester and a home in Greece.  Detectives recovered more than 150 pounds of cannabis, along with cash, cannabis-infused ingestible products and equipment used to make edibles.  28 year olds Anthony Gingello of Greece, and Charles Infantino of Rochester, are charged with criminal possession of cannabis. They were arraigned and issued appearance tickets.

The maximum-security prison of Attica is on lockdown “following several acts of violence,” according to the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.  The violence at Attica Correctional Facility in Wyoming County allegedly began with incidents pitting inmates against other inmates, leading to staff members being assaulted — including one being stabbed multiple times.  DOCCS said it is working with police to pursue prosecution.  The facility, infamous for a deadly 1971 uprising that gained national attention, is undergoing a full search that is expected to take several days.

There is a new effort to bolster the healthcare industry in Western New York, as a special class of “graduates” celebrated the beginning of a new chapter in their careers Tuesday night.  Catholic Health’s first Nurse Residency Program graduation will bring in 12 new nurses into the workforce.  In November 2018, the Department of Labor stated that the Buffalo-Niagara Falls Metro Area had more than 15,000 hospital workers, however, that number dropped sharply during the pandemic; in no small part due to high rates of burnout among nurses.  Early in the fall of 2021, the industry lost 2,000 workers, before it rebounded.  Since March 2022, the number of hospital workers has steadily risen but there are still 1,300 fewer hospital workers now than there were five years ago.

Savarino Companies may have gone under and left the Ellicott Station unfinished, but that doesn’t absolve them of their responsibilities.  The City of Batavia wants it’s money back.  Genesee County Economic Development Center officials have severed their ties with Savarino Companies and asked for more than $1 million of tax benefits back according to Senior Marketing and Communications Director Jim Krencik.  One of Savarino’s Ellicott Street properties was also fined for neglected property maintenance, along with a number of others, for an extra $30,000 for city cleanups of grass, weeds and debris.  Savarino halted work on the project this summer after shutting down his company due to financial issues stemming from New York State refusing to pay for a construction project at SUNY Alfred State after much work was done.  He is currently suing for damages.

Christmas in the City — an annual festive tradition that happens the first weekend in December — will be bringing the usual favorites of Santa Claus, hot cocoa, a parade down Main Street and cheery carolers, along with some new additions.  The main event at Batavia City Centre runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and will offer gift-giving shoppers plenty of options with 42 vendors and 64 tables so far throughout the concourse.  The Great Lakes and Attica Regional Railroad model train club will be joining the action this year. The club will have three train boards set up with various displays, including a Christmas village and town theme.  Santa will be there from 1 to 5pm.  Shops on Main Street will also be providing special treats for shoppers.  The Christmas Parade will start at 6pm and run from near the City Centre down West Main Street.  And finally, the little big band, Serendipity Swing, will be performing at the Main St Theatre at 7:30.  Tickets at the door are 20 dollars.

Another Chick-fil-A is headed to Western New York, this time in Niagara Falls.  According to reporting by Buffalo Business First, the sixth franchise will be built in the Esporta Plaza on Niagara Falls Boulevard.  According to Business First.  Benderson Development, the owner of the plaza, has filed site plans with the Niagara County Planning Board for the 6610 Niagara Falls Blvd. property.  The developer plans to build a 5,000-square-foot location, with 51 parking spaces.  If approved, this new location would run adjacent to the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls.

Germayne Fifer

Elijah Davis

Tyrese Heard

BATAVIA CITY POLICE BLOTTER: On 11/9/2023, Germayne D Fifer (age 19) of Inkster, Michigan, Elijah A Davis (age 22) of Inkster, Michigan, and Tyrese I Heard (age 19) of Ypsilanti, Michigan, were all charged with Grand Larceny 3rd and Conspiracy 5th. The charges stem from an investigation into an incident on 11/9/2023, when police responded to Speedway, for a larceny complaint. The clerk stated that the suspects had used a credit card scam and stolen over $5,000 in gift cards. Officers located and stopped the suspects’ vehicle on Oak St. All three were arrested and arraigned in Batavia City Court. They were released and are due back in court, on 11/20/2023.

Jimmy Ramirez

On 11/4/2023, Jimmy Ramirez (age 41) of Rochester, was arrested for Felony DWI. The arrest follows a civilian complaint of a possibly intoxicated driver on Lewiston Rd. Officers located the vehicle and found that Ramirez was allegedly operating while intoxicated. He was issued several traffic tickets and is due in court on 11/15/2023.

On 11/15/2023, Edwin L Bethel (age 57) of Rochester, was arrested and charged with Assault 3rd, two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Criminal Mischief 4th, and Petit Larceny. Bethel was arrested following an investigation into a disturbance on South Main St on 11/11/2023. It’s alleged that he caused injury to another person, damaged property and stole the victim’s car keys all while in the presence of two children, under seventeen years old. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released. He is due back in court on 12/7/2023.

On 11/14/2023, Kate J Long (age 39) of Batavia, was arrested for Harassment 2nd. It’s alleged that Long sent numerous unwanted e-mails to the Batavia City School Board of Education, for no legitimate purpose. Long was issued an appearance ticket and is due in City Court on 12/5/2023.

On 11/16/2023, Stephanie L Coley (age 41) of Lockport, was arrested on an arrest warrant. Coley was initially charged on 9/24/2021 with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th. A warrant was issued, after she allegedly failed to appear in court. She was arraigned and released under the supervision of Genesee Justice. She is due back in court on 12/7/2023.

On 11/15/2023, Michael J Torres (age 40) of Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant. Torres was initially charged on 4/12/2023, with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd (Intent to Sell) and Obstructing Governmental Administration 2nd, after allegedly fleeing a traffic stop on a bicycle. He was arraigned in CAP Court and is due back in City Court at a later date.

On 11/16/2023, George J Budzinack (age 43) of Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant. He was initially arrested on 9/27/2023, after an investigation into the larceny of a bicycle, on East Main St. The warrant was issued after he allegedly failed to appear in court. Budzinack was arraigned in CAP Court and is due in City Court at a later date.

On 11/13/2023, Christine M Caplis (age 43) of Elba, was arrested for Criminal Tampering 3rd. It’s alleged that Caplis tampered with the security cameras at an apartment building on Liberty St. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on 11/28/2023.

On 11/14/2023, Thomas A Griffin (age 36) of Batavia, was arrested for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs. Griffin was charged in relation to an incident on 10/10/2023, where he was allegedly found to be operating a vehicle, while impaired by drugs. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on 11/28/2023.

On 11/2/2023, Timothy M Pendleton (age 38) of Batavia, was arrested for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th, Obstructing Governmental Administration 2nd, and several traffic violations. Pendleton was arrested following a traffic stop on East Ave, where he was allegedly found to be in possession of narcotics. Pendleton then engaged in a physical altercation with police, when they attempted to take him into custody. He was issued appearance tickets and is due in Batavia Coty Court on 11/21/2023.

On 11/15/2023, Dorian D Batchelor (age 56) of Williamsville, was arrested for Criminal Contempt 2nd. It’s alleged the Batchelor violated an order of protection, by entering the protected party’s residence. He was arraigned and is due back in court at a later date.

On 11/3/2023, Ameriquay J Scott-Whitaker (age 18) of Rochester, was charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 3rd, Reckless Endangerment 1st, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Possession of Burglar’s Tools, and Unlawfully Fleeing Police in a Motor Vehicle 3rd. The charges stem from an incident on Clinton St, where Batavia Police attempted to stop a vehicle that had been reported stolen out of Rochester. The vehicle, allegedly operated by Scott-Whitaker, failed to stop and led police on a pursuit. State Police were able to successfully deploy spike strips, in the area of Rt 33 and Rt 19. Scott-Whitaker along with four juveniles were taken into custody a short time later. Scott-Whitaker was arraigned and is due in Batavia City Court at a later date.

On 11/8/2023, Jamie S Kraft (age 38) of Bath, was arrested on an arrest warrant. Kraft was initially arrested on 9/13/2023 and charged with Aggravated Harassment 2nd, Obstructing Governmental Administration 2nd and Falsely Reporting an Incident 3rd. Kraft allegedly made numerous 911 calls in which he falsely reported that people had been struck by lightning. He then threatened to stab police. Kraft was arraigned and released on his own recognizance. He is due in Batavia City Court on 11/30/2023.

On 11/9/2023 Benjamin G Evans (age 35) of Batavia, was arrested on three warrants from Batavia City Court. Two of the warrants were related to separate Petit Larceny charges. The other resulted from charges of Trespass and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th. He was arraigned in CAP Court and is due in Batavia City Court at a later date.

On 11/9/2023, Jeanine D Fuller (age 37), was arrested on an arrest warrant. The arrest stems from an incident where Fuller was allegedly found inside the vacant Days Inn Motel on Oak St on 8/23/2023. She was arraigned in CAP Court and released. She is due back at a later date.

On 11/6/2023, Marcus A King (age 22) of Rochester, was arrested for Harassment 2nd. King was charged after an investigation into an incident on Pearl St, where he allegedly struck another person in the face. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in court on 11/14/2023.

On 11/10/2023, Gregory M Wansha (age 23) of Batavia, was arrested for Criminal Mischief 4th. It’s alleged that Wansha slashed the tire on another person’s car on State St. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on 11/21/2023.

On 11/6/2023, Terrance L Falk (age 25) of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant from Batavia City Court. The original charges stem from an incident on Washington Ave, where he allegedly threatened another person with a knife. He was arraigned and remanded to the Genesee County Jail. He is due back in court on 11/29/2023.

On 11/17/2023, Adam J Kaczanowski (age 22) of Eden, NY, was arrested on a warrant. Kaczanowski was originally charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 3rd, after being involved in a motor vehicle accident, on 9/26/2023. He was issued an appearance ticket, but allegedly failed to appear in court. Kaczanowski was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released on his own recognizance. He is due back in court, on 12/19/2023.

On 11/20/2023, Krystal L Frye (age 33) of Jamestown, was arrested on a bench warrant. Frye was initially arrested on 4/2/2019 and charged with Grand Larceny 4th, after an investigation into an incident where she allegedly stole a debit card. A warrant was issued after Frye allegedly failed to appear for a court appearance. She was arraigned in CAP Court and released on her own recognizance. She is due back in court at a later date. On 11/13/2023, Kenneth B Jordan (age 31) of Albion, was arrested on a warrant. Jordan was originally charged on 1/16/2023 with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 3rd, after a traffic stop on River St. Jordan was issued an appearance ticket, but allegedly failed to appear in court. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released. He is due back in court on 11/29/2023.

On 11/9/2023, Heidi S Kollarik (age 51) of Oakfield, was arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated. Kollarik was charged following a traffic stop on East Main St, where she was allegedly found to be operating a vehicle while intoxicated. She was issued traffic tickets and is due in court on 11/21/2023.

IN OTHER NEWS…

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.

Timothy Williams’ mugshot and victim, Wendy Jerome

The defense and prosecution will be taking part in a second day of jury selection in the Timothy Williams murder trial today. Yesterday, 10 members of the panel that will decide Williams’ fate were picked. Williams is accused of killing 14-year-old Wendy Jerome in November 1984 and leaving her body behind School 33 in Rochester. Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley says she expects Jerome’s mother to testify.

Undated file photo

As reported by Tom Tharp this morning: A 12-year-old boy is in critical condition after a crash Monday in the Town of Wales that involved 10 vehicles and 18 people. The Erie County Sheriff’s Office responded to the accident on Route 20A around 4:40pm. Deputies reported near-whiteout conditions and heavy snow at the time of the crash. After the crash, authorities say people were leaving their cars to get off the road due to oncoming traffic striking their vehicles. Investigators say the 12-year-old boy who was traveling with his family was then hit by another vehicle as he was trying to get off the road. The boy was taken to Oishei Children’s Hospital where he is listed in critical condition as of Tuesday afternoon.

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.

Undated file photo of Mayor Brown

A new report says that Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown is seriously considering a run for Congress. According to The Buffalo News, Brown has his eye on the 26th District seat that is being held by fellow Democrat and Congressman Brian Higgins. Higgins is leaving Capitol Hill soon so he can become the next president and CEO of Shea’s Performing Arts Center in February. The only Democrat to enter the race so far is State Senator Tim Kennedy.

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.

ELSEWHERE…

Sebastian Maniscalco on stage

One of the most popular comedians on the planet is bringing his tour to Rochester next year. Sebastian Maniscalco will perform at the Blue Cross Arena on November 15th, 2024. Maniscalco is known for his stand up specials, and also his roles in films including “The Super Mario Brothers movie” and “The Irishman.” Seats for his show go on sale this Friday morning at 10:00.

The Miller Lite beercracker

It looks like a nutcracker, but it opens your beer. That’s the best way to describe Miller Lite’s new beercracker. The company is offering the limited time bottle opener/decoration for the holiday season. The traditional nutcracker has been replaced with a mouth that opens beer bottles, and a removable hat that opens beer cans. There’s even a small gift-wrapped box of Miller Lite at the beercracker’s feet. You can get them at Miller Lite’s online store tomorrow, Thursday, and Friday only.

Two of the twelve hostages released by Hamas (NBC News photo)

Twelve more hostages have been released by Hamas as part of an extended ceasefire deal with Israel. Yesterday’s swap came after a temporary pause in fighting was extended an additional two days. In exchange, 30 additional Palestinian detainees were released from Israeli prisons.

File photo of Derek Chauvin in court (NBC News Photo)

The FBI is investigating after the former Minneapolis police officer convicted for killing George Floyd was stabbed in prison. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison says the FBI will look into what led up to Derek Chauvin being stabbed last week.

Mark Cuban on the set of “Shark Tank” (ABC Photo)

Mark Cuban says he’s ready to leave “Shark Tank.” On the Showtime podcast “All The Smoke,” Cuban said the next season of the ABC series would be his last. Cuban first made a guest appearance on “Shark Tank” in season two, and will leave season 16.

Today is Wednesday, Nov. 29, the 333rd day of 2023. There are 32 days left in the year.

November 29 in history…

Enos appears ready to orbit the Earth

…In 1961, Enos the chimp was launched from Cape Canaveral aboard the Mercury-Atlas 5 spacecraft, which orbited earth twice before returning.

John and Yoko during his arrest in October, 1968

…In 1969, John Lennon was convicted of possession of cannabis and fined $360 in London. Yoko Ono, who was arrested with Lennon on October 18, was cleared of charges.

Jerry Lee Lewis, mugshot in 1976

…In 1976, Jerry Lee Lewis shot his bass player, Norman “Butch” Owens, twice in the chest while trying to hit a soda bottle. Lewis was charged with shooting a firearm within the city limits.

Natalie Wood with husband Robert Wagner (Getty Images)

…In 1981, film star Natalie Wood drowned at age 43 while boating off California’s Santa Catalina Island with her actor husband Robert Wagner and actor Christopher Walken.

Monday marked one week since anyone has seen or heard from Matthew Grant, a fourth-year student at Rochester Institute of Technology.  He left his home near RIT’s campus Nov. 20 around 10 p.m. after his family said he searched maps in the Adirondacks, North Country and Appalachian Trails.  He told his roommates he was going to meet a friend, but he instead went east. His car, a 2014 Jeep Cherokee with a Michigan license plate, ESR-8141, was last tracked to Exit 36 just outside Syracuse.  From there, it is unclear if he went north or south.  Grant is co-captain of the wrestling team at RIT. His family was hoping that if he went off somewhere, he would be back for wrestling practice on Monday. He has a big tournament coming up this weekend and his family can’t think of any reason he would not be here to get ready for it.  Deputies with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office are working with law enforcement in Syracuse and other areas. A tip over the weekend to search outside New York state did not go anywhere.

A 12-year-old boy is in critical condition after a crash Monday in the Town of Wales that involved 10 vehicles and 18 people.  The Erie County Sheriff’s Office responded to the accident on Route 20A around 4:40 p.m. Deputies reported near-whiteout conditions and heavy snow at the time of the crash.  After the crash, authorities say people were leaving their cars to get off the road due to oncoming traffic striking their vehicles.  Investigators say the 12-year-old boy who was traveling with his family was then hit by another vehicle as he was trying to get off the road.  The boy was taken to Oishei Children’s Hospital where he is listed in critical condition as of Tuesday afternoon.

If you took advantage of a COVID policy to renew your drivers license you may be running out of time to avoid suspension.  New York drivers who renewed their licenses between March 1, 2020 and Aug. 31, 2021 and self-certified their vision test must provide proof their vision meets state DMV requirements by Friday or they could have their license suspended.  It is estimated that over 50,000 drivers in NY need to do this or lose their license.   There are three ways to provide proof your vision meets the DMV’s requirements:  Visit a local vision registry, eye care provider or use an online test provider, Have your vision screened by a doctor and have them complete a MV-619 form, or Visit a DMV office and have a vision screening performed.

A typical snowfall for this time of the season would be 7 inches so far.  But officially Western NY has only had 1.  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 little girl in Ogden is using her platform to raise money for the Pirate Toy Fund.  Mariana Lippincott-Diaz has raised over a thousand dollars for them so far and wants to keep going.  The 7 year old’s platform is selling beverages outside her house.  Over the summer she raised money by selling lemonade but now has switched to hot chocolate.  The Pirate Toy Fund came to visit Mariana when she was sick, so she knows all about the joy the toys bring.

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments are alerting residents to rising cases of syphilis and congenital syphilis. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that is most often spread through sexual contact. Congenital syphilis is a preventable disease that occurs when a mother with syphilis passes the infection on to the baby during pregnancy. In 2020, there were 12.1 confirmed cases of syphilis per 100,000 population and to date in 2023, there have been 33.3 cases per 100,000 population, which include confirmed cases and probable cases pending investigation. With a rise in cases, particularly among women, GO Health has also seen a rise in congenital syphilis cases.  It is a bacterial infection that can be treated if it is detected.  Many people do not notice any symptoms but can still be contagious and develop serious issues later when it is harder to fight.  For more information on Syphilis and other Sexually Transmitted Infections, visit the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention website.

On Friday, Dec. 1  the Genesee Amateur Hockey Association Ramparts Mite Division will host their first annual “Merry Mitemas Tournament at the David McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena on Evans Street, Batavia. The Opening game will  begin 5 p.m.  Eighteen teams from the Rochester and Buffalo area are participating.  Also featured during the Tournament will be a Basket Raffle and 50/50 Drawing on Saturday along with donut sales, and T-shirt sales on Saturday and Sunday (until sold out).  The teams participating in this Mite Tournament will be playing half-ice; there will be two games played at the same time.  Volunteers are still needed.  If you’d like to volunteer please contact Allyson Valyear at Avalyear5@gmail.com.

Do you have 15 million dollars burning a hole in your pocket?  That’s what you would need to buy the most expensive house ever sold in Erie County.  The Cabin is a 17,000 square foot home sitting on 180 acres of land with its own 4 acre private lake, an indoor basketball court, 26 horse stables, an indoor equestrian arena, six luxury bedrooms and 7 full baths.  It is located on Warner Hill Rd in South Wales.  It is being sold by Canaan realty.

File photo of shoplifting dramatization

Governor Kathy Hochul is under fire for vetoing a retail crime task force as retailers in the state report a loss of billions of dollars to shoplifting. The bill, which had received bipartisan support, would have created a panel of experts to outline ways to respond to retail theft in New York State. Hochul rejected the bill last week, sparking outrage from retailers and lawmakers statewide. Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have criticized Hochul for the move, arguing that passing the bill would have brought “relief” to store owners.

Matthew Grant

The search for a missing Rochester Institute of Technology student is now being expanded. Matthew Grant has not been seen since last Monday when he left his house near the school’s campus. He told his roommates he was going to visit a friend but his vehicle was last tracked near Exit 36 of the Thruway in Syracuse. Monroe County deputies are working with Syracuse police and other law enforcement agencies to find any clues involving Grant’s whereabouts. Tips can be submitted by dialing 911.

File photo of school bus

The driver of a school bus for the Wellsville Central School District was seriously hurt in a crash Monday morning on State Route 19 in Allegany County. New York State Police say bus 156 was hit by another vehicle as it was transporting students to the Wellsville Secondary School. Eighteen passengers were on board at the time. None of the students was seriously hurt. The driver, however, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Jones Memorial Hospital. Students were also taken to the same hospital as a precaution for further evaluation and have all since been reunited with their families. An investigation into the crash is underway. State police are not releasing any additional information at this time.

Timothy Williams mugshot and 14-year-old victim, Wendy Jerome

Jury selection is expected to begin today in the murder trial of Timothy Williams. He is the man accused of sexually assaulting and killing 14-year-old Wendy Jerome back in November 1984. Williams ended up being extradited back to Rochester in 2020 after being linked to Jerome’s death through DNA evidence. Williams and Jerome didn’t know each other, but they did live in the same area at the time of the homicide. There’s no word how long the trial will take.

Joan Wozer

New information has been released on a weekend fatal three-alarm fire at a house in Clarence. The Erie County Sheriff’s Office says the person who was found dead following Sunday’s blaze on Spaulding Drive has been identified as 62-year-old Joan Wozer. No other injuries were reported.

Pothole on one street in need of repair (undated file photo)

With the cold winter months just around the corner, New York State is releasing $100 million to improve the safety of roads that are affected by severe weather. Repaving projects will take place at over 60 locations statewide, including locally in Monroe, Genesee, Ontario, and Wayne counties. In recent years, there has been a focus on making highways and roads safer and more efficient. Governor Hochul says these new investments will ensure roads are resilient in the face of extreme weather.

The Buffalo Sabres have avoided a second straight loss after picking up one of their biggest wins of the season on the road. Alex Tuch scored twice and Casey Mittelstadt, JJ Peterka and Kyle Okposo had a goal each as the Sabres defeated the New York Rangers 5-1 at Madison Square Garden last night. Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 25 of the 26 shots he faced in the contest. Buffalo’s next game is Thursday in Saint Louis against the Blues. Face-off is at 8:00

ELSEWHERE…

Jason Aldean

One of the biggest stars in the world of country music is bringing his tour to Western New York next year. Jason Aldean is scheduled to perform at the Darien Lake Amphitheater on August 1st. Aldean is a multi-time Grammy Award nominee and is known for several hits such as “Dirt Road Anthem,” and “Night Train.” Tickets will go on sale Friday at 10:00am on the singer’s official website.

“Drew Ortiz”, an AI creation of Sports Illustrated

Sports Illustrated says it has deleted several articles from its website after publishing them under fake names and author headshots created with artificial intelligence. The existence of the articles was revealed in a report from Futurism, which couldn’t find any evidence of the authors’ existence and found the headshots for sale on digital marketplaces.

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.”

Today is Tuesday, Nov. 28, the 332nd day of 2022. There are 33 days left in the year.

November 28 in history…

Mars craters, 1964 (NASA Photo)

…In 1964, the United States launched the space probe Mariner 4 on a course toward Mars, which it flew past in July 1965, sending back pictures of the red planet.

Willie Nelson at the Grand Ole Opry, today in history

…Also in 1964, Willie Nelson made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry.

Elton John and John Lennon, 1974

…In 1974, Elton John and John Lennon sang a duet of “I Saw Her Standing There” at Madison Square Garden in New York. The show was John Lennon’s last stage appearance.

Firefighters battle Ringo’s rented home as the drummer looks on

…In 1979, Ringo Starr’s rented home in Los Angeles, CA, burned.

Jeffrey Dahmer in court

…In 1994, serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer was slain in a Wisconsin prison by a fellow inmate.

Wyoming County and the Southern Tier is under a Lake Effect Snow Warning through 7:00am Wednesday. National Weather Service officials are warning of accumulations of 8-16 inches and possible local amounts of 20 inches. Winds may gust up to 35 miles per hour, which could produce white out conditions and drifts. Conditions could impact morning and evening commutes. Heaviest snows are expected this morning.

The driver of a school bus for the Wellsville Central School District was seriously hurt in a crash Monday morning on State Route 19 in Allegany County.  New York State Police say bus 156 was hit by another vehicle as it was transporting students to the Wellsville Secondary School. Eighteen passengers were on board at the time. None of the students was seriously hurt. The driver, however, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Jones Memorial Hospital.  Students were also taken to the same hospital as a precaution for further evaluation, the district said. They have all since been reunited with their families, the district said.  An investigation into the crash is underway. State police are not releasing any additional information at this time.

Retailers in New York are dealing with several billions of dollars in losses due to retail crime and Governor Hochul is drawing the ire of both lawmakers and retail chains because she used her veto power to stop a bill which would have created a retail crime task force.  The bill, which had bipartisan support, would have created a panel of experts to outline ways to respond to retail theft in New York State. Hochul rejected the bill last week. Retailers and law enforcement from the Capital Region have stressed the need for a statewide response to theft, noting that it is having a “devastating effect” on communities. Republican and Democratic lawmakers condemned Hochul for the move, arguing that passing the bill would have brought “relief” to store owners.  Organized retail crime is growing into a substantial threat for store owners throughout the U.S. Stores have lost a combined $112 billion in sales in 2023.

The prisoner swap between the country of Israel and the Hamas terrorist organization was good news for one upstate New York family. A Doctor at University of Rochester Medical Center David Siegel’s brother and sister in law were kidnapped in the October 7th raid on southern Israel.  His sister in law Adrienne, has been freed, but not his brother Keith, her husband.  Hamas drew criticism for the prisoner exchange where they deliberately separated children from parents, wives from husbands, and siblings, keeping family members and not freeing whole family units.  The cease fire has been extended as Hamas is promising to release more prisoners as long as the cease fire continues.

More legal cannabis dispensaries could soon be opening across New York state.  Monday, the NY Cannabis Control Board approved a settlement agreement to allow for more license applications through the Conditional Adult Use Retail Dispensary program, which has been on hold.  The NYS Supreme Court now must approve the agreement, which would allow 426 temporary CAURD licensees to open storefronts if their applications are confirmed, to officially lift that hold.  CAURD is open exclusively to individuals who own a profitable, qualifying business and who have previously been incarcerated through outdated marijuana laws.

The HE Turner and Company, Bohm Calarco Smith and Burdett and Sanford Funeral Homes Annual Service of Prayer and Remembrance will be held at Northgate Free Methodist Church on Wednesday December 6th at 7pm.  Anyone who has lost a loved one can call and reserve a candle by December 1st.  One candle will be provided per deceased loved one and will be given to participants at the service.  The number to call is 585 344 4295.  It does not matter what funeral company took care of the arrangements all are welcome to participate.

Tempers were high during the Buffalo Bills game against the Eagles on Sunday with fans close to the field apparently hurling insults and threats towards the Buffalo team.  This culminated in players Jordan Phillips and Shaq Lawson getting into a confrontation with an Eagles fan near the sidelines.  In a video circulating social media the players can be seen getting in the fans face and then Lawson appears to shove the fan away.  After the incident the players said the fan was making life threatening remarks toward them and the Buffalo team.  The fan was not removed from the stadium.  A Bills spokesperson said the team continues to look into the incident.

If you’re a Genesee County resident in need of a winter coat, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee may be able to help. The nonprofit has winter coats for people of all ages and sizes. They are free for low income families, and only require some simple paperwork to be completed.  People may select their coats through 4 p.m. Monday or from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday this week.  As for donations, they are always in need of new or gently used coats and clothing.  Community Action is at 5073 Clinton Street Road, Batavia.

Wyoming County and the Southern Tier is under a Lake Effect Snow Warning through 7:00am Wednesday. National Weather Service officials are warning of accumulations of 8-16 inches and possible local amounts of 20 inches. Winds may gust up to 35 miles per hour, which could produce white out conditions and drifts. Conditions could impact morning and evening commutes. Heaviest snows are expected tonight and Tuesday morning.

47-year-old Robert Newton of Darien has been arrested. He’s charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment. This followed an investigation after a domestic disturbance complaint. Newton was arraigned in Genesee County CAP Court and released on his own recognizance.

Gas prices continue their slow drop. According to Triple A today, the national average price of a gallon of regular is $3.25. The state average is $3.57. In Batavia, we’re paying $3.59; that’s down a nickel from last week; 17 cents from a month ago today and 4 cents from a year ago. Gas demand is down as the price per barrel remains down as well.

Folks who live in Genesee County and are currently dealing with dry wells have a place where they can go tomorrow to get water. The Town of Bethany has received a shipment of water and is ready to start giving it out to people hard hit by the drought conditions. Farmers are allowed to come and fill up to 500 gallons at a time. The distributions are scheduled for tomorrow from 5pm to 7 pm and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm. Residents have been driving to other towns and other counties to get water. A 500 gallon fill up can mean a week or less for regular households.

File photo of Albion Fire Department truck

Several crews put out a heavy fire at an auto shop in Orleans County. The call came in around 8:00am yesterday morning. Albion firefirefighters responded to a structure fire at Frank’s Auto Center on Telegraph Road. Firefighters were unable to get into the building due to downed power lines blocking their path. As a result, it took more than an hour to put out the fire. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation. The extent of the damage done to the shop is unclear at this time. Firefighters in Albion were later dispatched to another fire at approximately 11:15am at 312-314 West Park Street, a house owned by Vickie Golisano. Two residents there were momentarily trapped but were able to safely get out. The cause of that fire also remains under investigation.

Thousands of New Yorkers are facing an important deadline this week from the state Department of Motor Vehicles. Anyone who had their license expire and renewed it online between March 1st, 2020 and August 31st, 2021 must submit proof of an in-person vision test by Friday. Drivers who fail to do so will end up having their license suspended. The DMV has posted a list of places to get a vision test on its website at dmv.ny.gov.

File photo of Josh Allen; he wore the same facial expression last night.

The Buffalo Bills have suffered another tough loss after coming up short on the road. Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles scored in overtime as his team beat the Bills 37 to 34 at Lincoln Financial Field yesterday. Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen tossed two touchdown passes and rushed for two more for the Bills, whose record this season is now 6 wins and 6 losses. The next game for Buffalo is December 10th against the Chiefs in Kansas City. Kickoff is at 4:25.

ELSEWHERE…

File photo of unidentified “Gen Z-er”

Some members of Generation Z might not be able to make it home for the holidays this year. A recent Credit Karma survey found many Gen Z Americans with student debt won’t be able to afford traveling home for the holidays on top of their student loan payments. Nearly a third of Gen Z survey participants say they’re relying on their parents to pay for their travel expenses. A consumer financial advocate at Credit Karma says holidays can cause a lot of financial stress for people who are struggling to make ends meet.

BBC News photo of A23a iceberg (in red)

For the first time in more than three decades, the world’s largest iceberg is on the move. The Antarctic iceberg called A23a is about 1,500 square miles, roughly three times the size of New York City. The huge chunk of ice has been stuck on the floor since 1986, but now it’s traveling about three miles away from Antarctica every day. Scientists say they are closely monitoring the iceberg’s trajectory.

For that price, you’d think you could get fresh scotch…

A rare bottle of scotch whiskey has sold for a record-breaking $2.7 million. The 1926 Macallan Adami single-malt whiskey is one of only 40 that were ever bottled and is described as “the most sought-after” whiskey in the world. After an intense bidding war, it sold for nearly $3 million, shattering the previous record for a single-malt bottle.

It’s Cyber Monday and time to look for those hidden sales. Amazon has some, like a 32-inch high definition TV for 80 bucks. There’s also vacuum cleaners, pillows, airpods, mattresses, furniture and plenty of other electronics at huge discounts. Analysts say beware of scams though and do your research.

Derek Chauvin

The former Minnesota police officer who was convicted of killing George Floyd is expected to survive after he was stabbed in prison. Derek Chauvin is serving over 20 years in a federal prison for Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis in 2020. He was seriously injured Friday after being stabbed by another inmate.

Today is Monday, Nov. 27, the 331st day of 2023. There are 34 days left in the year.

November 27 in history…

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, 1931

…In 1924, Macy’s first Thanksgiving Day parade — billed as a “Christmas Parade” — took place in New York.

Paul McCartney with Alistair Taylor

…1967: The Beatles’ single “Hello, Goodbye” backed with “I am the Walrus” was released in the US. On the same day, the first promo for the single premiered on The Ed Sullivan Show, featuring the band in their Sgt. Pepper outfits and accompanied by hula dancers. Paul McCartney later said that “Hello, Goodbye” originated when, in response to a question from Beatles aide Alistair Taylor about songwriting, McCartney sat down at a harmonium and asked Taylor to say the opposite of whatever he said.

Asylum Records Photo

…1978: The Eagles released their cover of the Charles Brown song “Please Come Home for Christmas.” It was the first song by the group to feature Timothy B. Schmit on bass and peaked at #18 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the first Christmas song to reach the top 20 since “Pretty Paper” by Roy Orbison in 1963.

President Clinton with Monica Lewinsky (NBC News Photo)

…In 1998, answering 81 questions put to him three weeks earlier, President Bill Clinton wrote the House Judiciary Committee that his testimony in the Monica Lewinsky affair was “not false and misleading.”

…In 2000, a day after George W. Bush was certified the winner of Florida’s presidential vote, Al Gore laid out his case for letting the courts settle the nation’s long-count election.

Wyoming County is under a Lake Effect Snow Warning from 10am today till 7am Wednesday.  National Weather Service officials are warning of accumulations of 8-16 inches and possible local amounts of 20 inches.  Winds may gust up to 35 miles per hour which could produce white out conditions and drifts.  Conditions could impact morning and evening commutes.  Heaviest snows are expected tonight and Tuesday morning.  

The Town of Bethany has received a shipment of water and is ready to start giving it out to people hard hit by the drought conditions.  Farmers are allowed to come and fill up to 500 gallons at a time.  The distributions are Tuesday from 5 to 7 pm and Thursday from 6 to 8pm.  Residents have been driving to other towns and even counties to get water.  A 500 gallon fill up can mean a week or less for regular households. 

Gas Price Update: The price of a gallon of Regular is roughly the same as it was last week at 3.64 which is just a penny less than 7 days ago. The New York State Average is a bit better being 3 cents below last week at 3.58.  The national average is much lower at 3.25.  The national average has either fallen or stayed flat for 60 days.  Gas demand is down and the price per barrel remains down as well. 

A teenager is hospitalized following a shooting in Buffalo.  Police say a 14 year old boy was attacked while walking down the street along Richlawn Avenue.  This happened just before three o’clock Sunday morning.  The victim is recovering at ECMC with what police are calling non life threatening injuries.  Police are still looking for a suspect.

Buffalo police are investigating after a man died as a result of a construction accident. Police say a 37-year-old Buffalo man fell off the roof of St. John’s Parkside Church on Seneca Street just before noon on Thursday. He was pronounced dead at the scene.  The victim’s name has not been released.  The accident remains under investigation.

Several crews put out a heavy fire at an auto shop in Orleans County Sunday morning.  At 7:58 a.m., Albion fire responded to a structure fire at Frank’s Auto Center on Telegraph Road.  Firefighters were unable to get into the building due to downed power lines blocking their path. As a result, it took more than an hour to put out the fire.  No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation. The extent of the damage done to the shop is unclear at this time.

The Buffalo Bills are now 5 and 6 as they lost to the Philadelphia Eagles 37 to 34 Sunday in Overtime.  Allen threw for 339 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 81 yards and two scores for the Bills, who are in danger of missing the playoffs after winning the AFC East the past three years.  Allen used a 15-yard scramble and a 15-yard roughing the passer penalty on the first drive of OT to put the Bills in position for the win.  The Bills have a bye before playing at Kansas City on Dec. 10.

Perhaps they should switch places with the Buffalo Bills.  The Pembroke Dragons shut out their opponent to win their second straight season Championship at Cicero North Syracuse High against Moravia.  Dragon Tyson Totton ran for 401 yards and finished the season with over 4000 yards and 70 touchdowns.  The Dragons went undefeated 13 wins and no losses.  The final score was 36 to 0.

Kurt Villani and Son giving turkey 2014 Thanksgiving

Niagara Falls Police have identified the two people who died in the Rainbow Bridge crash on Wednesday as Grand Island residents Kurt Villani and Monica Villani.  Both 53 years old.  They were apparently returning home after trying to attend a KISS concert in Canada which was canceled due to band member illness.  Witnesses to the fatal explosion said that their white Bentley was “fish-tailing” out of control at “over 100 miles an hour” ahead of a checkpoint before hitting a barrier, “flying” 30 feet in the air and exploding in “a ball of fire.”  The Rainbow Bridge reopened Thursday evening.  Niagara Falls Police are still investigating the crash.

Governor Hochul signed legislation Friday which makes it mandatory for youth sports programs and summer camps to have an Automated External Defibrillator on hand and have staff trained in their use.  The legislation will require camps and youth sports programs with five or more teams participating to establish an AED implementation plan. Such plans will detail how AEDs will be made available or reasonably accessible at every camp, game or practice. The plans will also detail how the camps and programs will ensure that when practicable at least one employee, volunteer, coach, umpire or other qualified adult who has successfully completed a training course in the operation of an AED is present.  The legislation is supported by Bills player Damar Hamlin who had a cardiac arrest on the field in Cincinnati playing against the Bengals last year.

Calling it a “failure of the governor’s office and her team,” State Sen. George Borrello voiced his frustration earlier this week with New York’s inability to forge a new gaming agreement with the Seneca Nation of Indians.  The contract, officially known as the Seneca Nation Compact, expires on Dec. 9 — just 15 days away.  Gov. Kathy Hochul and Seneca Nation leadership thought they had a preliminary deal five months ago, but that was quashed by state lawmakers when it was learned – after the fact — that the new compact terms included placement of a Seneca Nation-operated casino in Rochester.  Borrello said that once the deadline passes, Seneca Nation has no obligation to pay out any funds to the state because the contract will have expired.  Per the original compact, the Seneca Nation pays 25 percent of its revenues on slot machines and other games to the state in exchange for the right to offer gaming west of Route 14.  Borrello, noting that the original compact was signed in 2002, said New York State “changed the rules of the game and pulled the rug out from underneath the Seneca Nation when they created three state-run casinos.”

A record number of runners came out to support those with Cystic Fibrosis in Wyoming County Thanksgiving morning.  The 11th annual Turkey Trot drew 500 participants this year which is a record.  The race raises money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disorder where the lungs and airways and other parts of the body become clogged up by a buildup of mucous causing difficulty breathing and metabolizing and also causing people to get infections easily.  There is no known cure for Cystic Fibrosis and it results in a much shortened lifespan for those suffering from it.  The race director, Carrie Bartholomew, started the race after her second child was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.

The Buffalo Sabres beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 3 to 2 on Friday night on their home ice.  Alex Tuch, Jeff Skinner and Kyle Okposo scored goals for the Buffalo team.  The sabres fell behind early and rallied in the Third.  Coach Don Granato credits Kyle Okposo’s impassioned speech to the team during the second intermission for the win.  The Sabres play the Devils in New Jersey Saturday at 7 and then the Rangers Monday at 7 in New York. 

The Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls has reopened after two people were killed in a crash and vehicle explosion on Wednesday.  Just before 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed crashed into a median on Niagara Street, went airborne, and crashed into a U.S. Customs and Border Protection booth at the bridge and the vehicle and booth exploded.  On Wednesday evening the governor said: “At this time, there is no indication of a terrorist attack. Let me repeat that, at this time there is no indication of a terrorist-involved attack here at the Rainbow Bridge.”  The FBI has said there were no explosive materials or terrorism nexus identified.  Two people in the vehicle died.  The two people killed in the crash were a couple from Grand Island. Investigators are not releasing any information on the victims at this time.  The U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer suffered minor injuries, went to the hospital out of an abundance of caution and was treated and released.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office reports that on Wednesday at 11:12 am, they began an investigation into a two car motor vehicle crash on State Route 31A in the Town of Clarendon. Two people from one vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene.  The dead are identified as 22 year old Autumn Dercqu of Medina and 32 year old Justin Christmas of Rochester.  The female operator from the other vehicle was transported to Strong Hospital in Rochester with multiple injuries. The preliminary investigation indicates that the east bound vehicle attempted to pass a vehicle that had slowed to make a right turn into a private driveway. The eastbound vehicle then collided with a west bound vehicle. This portion of Route 31A is a no passing zone, with a double solid line, on a curve.

The town of Bethany has been suffering from an extreme drought which is causing residents to be completely without water in their wells.  The town released a statement advising that all activities at the Town Hall are canceled because of the lack of access to water.  On Wednesday a Tanker truck full of water arrived in Bethany from the New York State Office of Emergency Management.  Residents can call the Town hall at 585 343 1399 extension 202 to make an appointment to get water.  

Assemblyman Steve Hawley recently received an excellent ranking in the New York State Conservative Party’s legislative session ratings report, which was released Tuesday. Hawley received a conservative rating of 92 out of 100 with the average score for Assembly Republicans being 88.  The report took into account members’ positions on issues such as criminal justice, Second Amendment rights and tax policies. Hawley said he is proud to have received this high rating and is committed to supporting pro-business policies and working to lower the cost of living across the state.

Lawsuits filed under New York State’s Adult Survivors Act allege sexual contact by eight Catholic priests and two religious brothers in Western New York.  Those accused are Frs Lawrence Connors, Donald Joyce, Paul Keeling, Joseph Rogliano, Arthur Smith, James Spielman, Kennth Ward, William White, Brothers Augustine Towey and Richard Prange. The dates of alleged sexual misconduct range from 1964 to 2010.  The suits were made possible by the year-long suspension of the legal time limit to sue over sexual assaults against adults in New York. The lookback window closed Thursday.  Of the accused only Keeling and Rogliano are living.  More than 250 priests and nuns in the Buffalo Diocese have been accused of sexual misconduct. Over 1,000 Child Victims Act lawsuits were filed in Western New York, with the majority being against the Diocese of Buffalo.

Police in Buffalo are warning shoppers to be on their guard against crimes of opportunity while they go about their Christmas shopping.  Some tips for being on guard while shopping.  Don’t leave your purses or wallets in your carts while you are away from them.  Don’t leave items visible in the car while you go into the store.  Out of sight out of mind works with car windows and thieves.  Try to put things in the car between stores and not carry all your purchases at the same time when you can’t be in control of them.  Officials also encourage people to shop local and support small businesses.

Ruby Gordon Home, the beloved family-owned furniture store with locations in Greece and Henrietta, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.  According to Furniture Today, as cited in the Rochester Business Journal, Ruby Gordon filed for bankruptcy on Monday in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court Western District of New York.  The filing comes as Ruby Gordon is marking 87 years in business. Founder Frank Ruby established the business in 1936 and, years later, partnered with Ted Gordon to expand. In addition to furniture, the store also sells beds, dining sets, and kitchen storage.  In July, President Janetta Ruby and CEO Aaron Ruby said that the Ruby Gordon in Henrietta was closing temporarily because of supply chain and shipping issues since the pandemic.

The Buffalo Sabres will be back on their home ice tonight at 6pm to play against the Pittsburgh Penguins.  The Sabres lost to the Capitals at the Capital One Arena on Wednesday night 3 to 4.  The Sabres started the game with a quick 2 goals by JJ Peterka and Dylan Cozens and then a third goal which Cozens put in.  The Capitals tied the game and pushed it into overtime where they scored with 8 seconds left to win. 

With a lot of people traveling to and from their Thanksgiving destinations in the coming days, police across the state will be on the lookout for impaired and reckless drivers. Their latest safety initiative kicks off today and runs through Sunday. During last year’s Thanksgiving holiday travel period, over 210 people were arrested for DWI and more than 4,000 speeding tickets were handed out. Anyone who sees suspicious or dangerous activity out on the roads should dial 911 immediately.

Matthew Grant

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is asking for assistance from the public to help find a 22-year-old RIT student. Matthew Grant of Henrietta was last seen Monday night around 10:00pm driving a 2014 gray Jeep Cherokee with Michigan license plate ESR-8141, and wearing a green jacket and blue jeans.

Former Chief of Police Fabian Rivera

Members of the Macedon Town Board have voted to accept the resignation of now former police chief Fabian Rivera. On Monday, Rivera was involved in a crash, and his blood alcohol content was more than three-times the legal limit when he was taken into custody. Rivera is now facing multiple charges including DWI. Sergeant Adam Husk is leading the department on an interim basis until a permanent replacement is found.

Niagara County deputies are continuing their investigation into the death of a pedestrian. According to authorities, the 29-year-old woman was in the area of Military Road and Lockport Road in Lockport last night when she was struck by a vehicle. She was taken to a nearby hospital but could not be saved. No charges have been filed and witnesses are asked to reach out to the sheriff’s department.

As reported by Tom Tharp this morning: GO Health is alerting residents that cases of respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV, are rising throughout Genesee and Orleans Counties. An increase in the presence of RSV in wastewater throughout both counties is also noted. RSV is a common respiratory virus that can be mild for most people, but can be very harmful and serious for very young children, older adults, people with medical conditions, those born premature, or with underlying lung conditions. Symptoms of RSV include fever, fatigue, decreased appetite, coughing, sneezing, and runny nose. A vaccine is available to prevent and protect against RSV for adults aged 60 and older, infants and young children, as well as pregnant people to protect their unborn child.

Governor Hochul says steps are being taken to crack down on what she says is a growing amount of hate speech online. She’s sent a letter to social media companies, asking them to increase monitoring of content that may lead to violence. The governor has also asked her administration to create a media literacy toolkit to help educators teach kids how to spot misinformation online. Money will also go to expand threat assessment and management training at all colleges and universities statewide.

The Buffalo Sabres will be on the road once again tonight as they look to win their second straight game. They’ll visit the Washington Capitals at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Buffalo hasn’t played a game since Sunday when they beat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2. Face-off for this evening’s contest is set for 7:00.

ELSEWHERE…

“I’m worth how much?”

Hawaii is no stranger to high prices. The Aloha State ranks number one when it comes to states with the most expensive Thanksgiving turkeys. According to a study from Finance Buzz, the cost for a 15-pound turkey in Hawaii is $52.85. Alaska ranks second with the price being $42.35. Louisiana and Kansas are the least expensive state for a Thanksgiving turkey, where they cost just $27.30 on average.

The world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange is paying over $4 billion in penalties following a years-long Justice Department probe. Attorney General Merrick Garland says Binance and its founder have agreed to plead guilty to money laundering violations, unlicensed money transmitting and sanctions violations.

Mexican migrants walking toward the border with hopes of crossing over into the United States. (Reuters Photo)

A new poll is suggesting more American voters support funding for U.S. border security than for foreign conflicts. The NBC News national poll that found 74% of voters supported more funding for security at the U.S. southern border as opposed to 58% that supported more funding for humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife former first lady Rosalynn Carter sit together during a reception to celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary Saturday, July 10, 2021, in Plains, Ga. Rosalynn Carter, the 96-year-old former first lady, is in hospice care at home, the Carter Center says. (Associated Press file photo)

President Biden is ordering flags to be flown at half-staff to honor former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. The wife of former President Jimmy Carter passed away Sunday at the age of 96. Flags at U.S. government buildings and military bases will be flown at half-staff from Saturday until sunset on November 29th, the day Rosalynn Carter will be laid to rest.

Today is Wednesday, November 22nd, the 326th day of the year.

November 22 in history…

…In 1954, the Humane Society was founded.

Moments before President Kennedy was assassinated.

…In 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated while riding in a motorcade in Dallas, Texas. Governor John Connelly was seriously wounded. Vice President Lyndon Johnson was sworn in as President a short time later. Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested for the shooting a few hours later.

…In 1967 George Harrison began recording sessions for the film soundtrack “Wonderwall,” which was also his first solo album.

Mike Wallace introduces the Jack Kevorkian segment on ’60 Minutes’ (CBS Photo)

…In 1998, CBS’ “60 Minutes” aired a videotape of assisted-suicide advocate Dr. Jack Kevorkian injecting lethal drugs into terminally ill patient Thomas Youk. Kevorkian was later convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to prison. He received parole in 2007 and died in 2011.

…In 2018, as a part of the ongoing 20-year project to stabilize the Leaning Tower of Pisa, its tilt is reduced by four centimeters.

The Lockport Police Department is investigating a deadly shooting that occurred on Spalding Street on Monday.  According to police, officers responded to 166 Spalding Street for the report of a man who had been shot, he was taken to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. The victim was identified as 26-year-old Michael Hathaway.  Police said the investigation is ongoing.

Nearly 2,000 caregivers and service workers at URMC’s Strong Memorial Hospital and River Campus overwhelmingly voted Tuesday to authorize a two-day strike.  99 percent of voting members represented by the union were in favor of a strike, which could cost URMC hundreds of thousands of dollars per day. A date for the strike has not yet been set.  Union members held informational pickets last week demanding higher wages, citing a lack of staff, after their previous contract agreement expired Oct. 31.  Both sides have been negotiating a new contract agreement for some time, and are now set to resume negotiations Nov. 28.  URMC has said it continues to bargain in good faith

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments are alerting residents that cases of respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV, are rising throughout Genesee and Orleans Counties. GO Health has also seen an increase in the presence of RSV in wastewater throughout both counties.  RSV is a common respiratory virus that can be mild for most people, but can be very harmful and serious for very young children, older adults, people with medical conditions, those born premature, or with underlying lung conditions.  Symptoms of RSV include fever, fatigue, decreased appetite, coughing, sneezing, and runny nose.  A vaccine is available to prevent and protect against RSV for adults aged 60 and older, infants and young children, as well as pregnant people to protect their unborn child.

Rochester Police are investigating a shooting that killed one person and injured another Tuesday morning.  Two officers on patrol heard gunfire in the area of St. Paul and Mortimer streets just before 7:45 a.m.  Police found two men who had been shot near the bus station. One was dead at the scene. The other was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital in stable condition.  Officers took a person of interest into custody on East Main Street and recovered a gun. He remains in custody with charges pending.  This is Rochester’s 51st homicide of the year.  Last year there were 82.

Oakfield fire responded to a structure fire at 2993 Oakfield Townline Rd at around 4:45pm yesterday.  One occupant and two dogs were rescued from the structure safely.  No other occupants were in the home.  Oakfield Fire along with Batavia and East Pembroke Fire departments had the fire out by 7:30pm.  The occupant of the home was checked by medics and had no apparent injuries.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Radon gas exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, if you smoke and live in a home with high radon levels, your risk of developing lung cancer increases.  Testing your home for radon is the only effective way to know if you and your loved ones are exposed to toxic levels of this poisonous gas.  Radon is odorless and tasteless and invisible.  It is naturally occurring and comes up out of the ground.  Free radon testing kits are available from Go Health.  If you would like to get one call 585 344 2580 extension 5555.  

St Paul Lutheran Church is hosting a vendor and craft fair at the church on Saturday November 25th from 10 am to 3 pm.  The church is located at 31 Washington Ave in Batavia.  A variety of vendors and crafters will offer items such as Tastefully Simple and Norwex. There will also be hand-crafted items such as quilts, blankets, baby items, indoor signs, home decor, kitchen items, seasonal/holiday gifts and decorations, and much more.

A marine from Rochester performed a physical feat for charity on Tuesday.  William Robertson did 2,500 chin ups to raise funds for St Judes Children Research Hospital.  He credits his girlfriend’s mother’s nutrition advice for being able to do so many chin ups at a time.  He drank pickle juice, ate mustard and hamburger meat and prepared by doing 500 pull ups a day. 

Wyoming County is under a wind advisory until 11:00pm. Winds from 20-35 miles per hour with gusts of up to 50 miles per hour are predicted to come in from the southeasterly direction. The strongest winds will be at the tops of hills and hitting north facing slopes. Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few isolated power outages may result. Use extra caution when driving especially high profile vehicles.

As reported by Tom Tharp this morning: The clock is ticking for survivors of sexual abuse or misconduct who have not yet filed a suit under the Adult Survivors Act as the window closes Friday. The Adult Survivors Act, signed into law last year by Gov. Kathy Hochul, created a one-year look back window for survivors of sexual misconduct to take legal action. More than 2,500 suits were filed statewide in the past year, empowering survivors even if the statute of limitations normally would have passed in their case. Many of the suits filed involve abuse at local jails. Eleven suits were filed against Erie County and the Office of Sheriff in the last month. A resolution could take 2-5 years if a case goes to trial.

The Medical Center at University of Rochester

Union members at the University of Rochester Medical Center will be voting today to decide if they want to go on strike. The union and hospital have been trying to work out a new contract, but issues including staffing and wages have prevented an agreement from being reached. The current deal expired back in October. If there is a strike it wouldn’t start until after a 10-day notice is issued.

The results of a new poll show just how Empire State residents are feeling about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. According to the Siena College survey, 75% of people asked said the level of anti-Semitism has increased since Hamas attacked Israel last month. And, about 60% of respondents said those attacks are an unspeakable crime that should be condemned. Also, 54% said they are against the killing of innocent civilians in Gaza.

Buffalo police are expressing concern following a recent spike in the number of deadly drug overdoses. Six people have died due to suspected overdoses in the past few days, including four within a 24-hour period this past weekend. At five of the overdose scenes, authorities found what they believe was powder and crack cocaine. They are now waiting for test results to see of those drugs were contaminated with xylazine or fentanyl.

The chief of the Macedon Police Department is on the other side of the law after being arrested on a DWI charge. According to authorities, Chief Fabian Rivera was involved in a crash yesterday on Waterford Road near the Ganada Parkway. Investigators later determined that he was under the influence of alcohol and he was taken into custody. No one was hurt and Rivera will appear in court at a later date.

The U.S. government is offering to send another round of four free at-home COVID-19 tests ahead of the typical surge in cases during the winter holiday season. Anyone who did not order a batch of four COVID-19 tests in September can secure up to eight of them this time around starting Monday at COVIDtests.gov. The U.S. Postal Service will deliver them for free.

With energy costs expected to rise during the winter months, the state Division of Consumer Protection is offering recommendations to help people save on their bills. Folks should often check their thermostat, since each degree it’s lowered can decrease fuel consumption by about three-percent. And, weatherize and insulate your home to help it retain heat. Finally, make sure your heating system is in good shape so it can run efficiently.

ELSEWHERE…

Belly fat could be linked to early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. A new study found that those in their 40s and 50s with more hidden belly fat had a higher amount of an abnormal protein in the part of the brain where dementia occurs. The study’s senior author said men have a higher relationship between belly fat and the brain. The research also showed a relationship between belly fat and brain atrophy, which is important since the brain wasting away is a biomarker of Alzheimer’s.

Undated file photo of happy family on plane.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has launched a push aimed at keeping families together on commercial airlines. Schumer says that airlines often charge parents fees just so they can sit next to their children. His proposed legislation would put an end to that practice by creating fee-free family seating. Schumer believes caregivers shouldn’t have to pay for wanting to keep their kids safe while flying.

A gag order hearing involving one of former President Trump’s federal cases is over. The limited gag order from the judge in his 2020 election subversion case was frozen until the three-judge panel considered how to balance Trump’s free speech rights. Prosecutors claim the order is necessary to protect witnesses, prosecutors and court personnel from intimidation. Trump claims the Obama-appointed judge had inserted herself into the 2024 race by restricting his ability to speak freely.

Napoleon’s pricey hat.

A hat belonging to Napoleon Bonaparte is going up for auction. The authentic black beaver felt hat is valued around $700,000 and will be put up for auction in Paris on Sunday. Historians say the iconic hat was a part of Napoleon’s brand, and he wore it sideways to be more recognizable in battle. The French military commander owned over 120 similar hats throughout the years, but only around 20 are thought to still exist.

And please, no political talk between bites!

Most Americans are hoping to avoid politics at the Thanksgiving dinner table. A Quinnipiac University national poll shows that more than 60% of Americans would rather not talk about the subject. On the other hand, just under three in every ten said they look forward to discussing politics this holiday. A news release from the university’s polling analyst says “a healthy dose of ‘zip it’ will be on the menu” this year.

Today is Tuesday, November 21st, the 325th day of the year.

November 21 in history…

Elvis Presley on stage in 1955

…In 1955 Sun Records sold Elvis Presley’s contract to RCA for $40,000.

Sylvester Stallone as ‘Rocky’ – United Artists Photo

…In 1976, The movie “Rocky” starring Sylvester Stallone opened in theaters on this date.

David Cassidy

…In 2017, actor David Cassidy died at the age of 67. Cassidy was known for playing Keith Partridge on the 1970’s musical-sitcom “The Partridge Family.”

The clock is ticking for survivors of sexual abuse or misconduct who have not yet filed a suit under the Adult Survivors Act as the window closes Friday.  The Adult Survivors Act, signed into law last year by Gov. Kathy Hochul, created a one-year lookback window for survivors of sexual misconduct to take legal action.  More than 2,500 suits were filed statewide in the past year, empowering survivors even if the statute of limitations normally would have passed in their case.  Many of the suits filed involve abuse at local jails. Eleven suits were filed against Erie County and the Office of Sheriff  in the last month.  A resolution could take 2-5 years if a case goes to trial.

Wyoming County is under a wind advisory today from 11am to 11pm.  There will be wind blowing 20-35 miles per hour and gusts of up to 50 miles per hour blowing in a southeasterly direction.  The strongest winds will be at the tops of hills and hitting north facing slopes.  Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few isolated power outages may result.  Use extra caution when driving especially high profile vehicles.

A ruling from the State of New York Court of Appeals upheld a decision that stripped Rochester’s Police Accountability Board of any disciplinary powers.  Voters approved the board’s formation in 2019. A judge ruled in favor of the Rochester Police Locust Club — the union for the city’s police officers — in 2020 that the board’s disciplinary powers conflicted with state law.  Monday’s ruling upheld that decision.

A strike authorization vote is scheduled today for some 2,000 University of Rochester Medical Center caregivers and service workers at Strong Memorial Hospital.  Union members will decide whether to wage a two-day strike as both sides work towards agreeing to a contract extension.  If a strike authorization is approved, the union would have to give ten-days notice.  The group held informational pickets last week seeking higher wages.

Apparently no one had a good defense in the Pembroke Dragons/Frankfort-Schuyler Maroon Knights Section 3 game.  The Dragons walked away with the victory at 107 to 64.  Massively high scores for both teams.  Tyson Totten ran the ball for 626 yards and 10 touchdowns.  The Dragons are taking their 12 and 0 undefeated season to the State championship game in Cicero on Friday.  There they will play the also undefeated Moravia Blue Devils.

Batavia Downs Gaming President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek presented representatives from the Rochester Veterans Treatment Court with a check for $7,000 to help support their efforts of assisting Veterans within the court system.  On Oct. 21, a Vets night dinner was held at Batavia Downs in conjunction with a night of live racing.  Proceeds from live and penny auctions were collected in support of the Rochester Veterans Treatment Court.

Tony Award-winning choreographer Garth Fagan is stepping down from his leadership role at his namesake dance company.  Garth Fagan Dance announced Monday — on the company’s 53rd anniversary — that 83 year old Fagan will no longer lead the company but will continue to choreograph dances.  The company said Fagan has tapped Natalie Rogers-Cropper, longtime principal dancer, to serve as executive director and school director.  Norwood Pennewell, longtime principal dancer and choreographer, will become artistic director.  Fagan, who won a Tony Award in 1998 for his choreography of “The Lion King,” will be titled founder and distinguished artistic director emeritus.

If you have flown any time recently and wanted to sit with your family you may have been hit with what’s called a “Junk Fee.”  A Junk Fee is an extra fee the airlines charge for things like choosing to sit with your party, check bags, change flights or many other things.  Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was in Buffalo Monday to announce legislation that would prevent airlines from charging you so-called “junk fees.”  Schumer announced the “Families Fly Together Act”.  The US government has been pushing airlines and other companies to get rid of extra fees and show the consumer the total bill up front.  6 out of 10 airlines have refused to disclose all fees.

Michael Torres

40-year-old Michael Torres of Batavia has been arrested during a traffic stop. He’s charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. It’s alleged that Torres was arrested pursuant to an active warrant and was found to be in possession of cocaine and buprenorphine. He was held at the Genesee County Jail pending arraignment in CAP Court.

Fred finds a full service station.

According to Triple A today, the national average cost for a gallon of regular fuel is now $3.31. The state average is now sitting at $3.61. In Batavia, we’re paying $3.64 per gallon; that’s down 2 cents from a week ago and 7 cents from a year ago today.

Governor Hochul has signed off on a brand-new law aimed at helping stop the opioid crisis in the Empire State. It’s called Matthew’s Law, and expands access to fentanyl testing supplies by allowing them to be given out by pharmacists and health care professionals. The Office of Addiction Services and Supports has already started a new system that has led to the order of 2 million fentanyl test strips. Anyone who needs help battling addiction can call 1-877-8-HOPENY.

An elderly woman has tragically lost her life after being hit and killed by a vehicle over the weekend. According to authorities, the 97-year-old victim was in the area of Hertel Avenue and Saint Florian Street in Buffalo Saturday when she was struck. The woman, whose name hasn’t been released, was taken to Erie County Medical Center and pronounced dead. No charges have been filed in connection with this incident.

Rochester police continue to be on the lookout for the suspect involved in a weekend carjacking. A 72-year-old man says he was sitting in a car near Saint Paul Street and Norton Street yesterday when he was approached by someone and punched. The suspect then drove away with the victim’s vehicle, and the man needed treatment for an injury.

The Bills are now 6 and 5 after a 32 to 6 win against the Jets Sunday night. The Bills have been struggling and many fans were incredibly disappointed after last week’s 12 men on the field flub which saw a victory go up in smoke in the last few seconds of the game against the Broncos. Bills offense sacked Jets Quarterback Zack Wilson 5 times causing 2 fumbles. Allen went 20 of 32 for 279 yards and 3 touchdowns. Injuries in the Bills secondary continued to pile up, with Dane Jackson with a concussion, Taron Johnson also suffering a concussion and Taylor Rapp hurting his neck. The Bills will hit the road to face the 8-1 Eagles in Philadelphia. Kickoff is set for 4:25 on Sunday.

File photo

It’s one of the busiest travel weeks of the year, and the TSA has issued some simple tips for people flying out of Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport. It’s recommended folks get to the airport at least two hours before their scheduled flight, and know what items can be in their carry-on bag. Travelers should take advantage of time they spend in the security checkpoint line to get out their ID and boarding pass. And, people who see anything suspicious should report it immediately.

ELSEWHERE…

Thanksgiving foods that are hitting the road (TSA Graphic)

From jiggly jello molds to green bean casseroles, the TSA is dishing on which Thanksgiving foods can fly with you this holiday. While most foods can be carried through airport checkpoints, some need to be checked into baggage. TSA officials say if it’s a solid item like baked goods, meats, stuffing or casseroles, it can go through a checkpoint. If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it or pour it and it’s larger than 3.4 ounces, then it should go in a checked bag. That means pack the cranberry sauce, gravy and apple cider in the checked luggage.

A man who won the $1.35 billion Mega Millions jackpot is suing his ex-girlfriend for telling his family members about the lottery win. The Maine resident who anonymously claimed the jackpot earlier this year filed a lawsuit claiming that his ex-girlfriend, who is also the mother of his child, breached an agreement that they had to keep the win confidential. The lawsuit says his ex signed an NDA but ended up telling his father and stepmother about the jackpot win. The man is asking her to name every person she’s told and pay a $100,000 fine for each NDA violation.

The holiday season is bringing an increase of viral illnesses, as people are getting ready for gatherings. While flu activity is still at low levels overall, an official with the CDC says there’s going to be many weeks of increasing flu activity and estimates that nearly 780,000 people have had it so far this season. The director of the CDC says these are the months when flu likes to spread, especially since everyone travels for holidays.

Today is Monday, November 20th, the 324th day of the year.

November 20 in history…

Walters with Sadat at the Egyptian Embassy, 1977 (ABC News Photo)

…In 1977, Barbara Walters interviewed Egyptian leader Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin in Washington, D.C.

Remember when these were just 20 cents each?

…In 1984, the 50-billionth McDonald’s hamburger was made. The milestone was celebrated at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City.

Michael Jackson’s mugshot

…In 2003, in the glare of the media spotlight, Michael Jackson surrendered to authorities in Santa Barbara, California where he was arrested on child molestation charges stemming from accusations made by a 12-year-old boy. The pop star posted $3 Million bonds and returned to Las Vegas where he was shooting a music video.

Spector in court (NBC News Photo)

…Also in 2003, legendary producer Phil Spector was formally charged with murder in connection with the death of actress Lana Clarkson. He pled not guilty during his arraignment, and was allowed to remain free on the $1 million bail he’d posted after his initial arrest ten months earlier.

The birthday boy

…In 2022, Joe Biden turned 80-years-old making him the first octogenarian to serve as President of the United States.

Buffalo police are investigating after a 97-year-old woman was struck by a vehicle Saturday afternoon.  The incident happened at about 4 p.m. Saturday near Hertel Avenue and St. Florian Street.  Police say a vehicle was turning onto St. Florian Street, from Hertel Avenue, when it struck an elderly woman attempting to cross the road. The 97-year-old Buffalo woman was taken to ECMC where she later died.  Investigators believe the glaring sun could have played a role in the incident.

Governor Hochul signed legislation on Sunday to provide more testing for fentanyl and attempt to fight the opioid epidemic.  Fentanyl testing strips were difficult to access across large parts of New York State. Matthew’s Law expands on the state’s ongoing efforts to provide access to test strips. Both the New York State Department of Health and the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports fund initiatives for providers to obtain and distribute fentanyl and xylazine test strips, as well as naloxone.  Matthew’s law is named for Matthew Horan who died of an accidental Fentanyl overdose in 2020. 

Gas Price Update: The current average price for a gallon of gas in Batavia is 3.65 which is 2 cents from last week and 13 cents from a month ago.  The New York State average is 3.61 which is down 5 cents from last week.  The US Average is 3.31.  10 state snow have below 3 dollar average gas.  Demand is down from 9.5 million barrels a day to 8.95 million.  If trends continue Holiday travel will be cheaper this year. 

A Rochester man is bringing awareness to autism by running 144 miles around Monroe County.  Clement Chung’s son was diagnosed with autism at age three.  Now, he’s connecting others to the mission of Autism Up, a parent-led organization.  Chung’s personal goal was to raise $14,400 by completing the county lap in just 44 hours.  He surpassed that goal on Sunday, raising over $27,000.  Autism Up has served more than 3,000 families living with autism in the greater Rochester area.

The Bills are now 6 and 5 after a 32 to 6 win against the Jets Sunday night.  The Bills have been struggling and many fans were incredibly disappointed after last week’s 12 men on the field flub which saw a victory go up in smoke in the last few seconds of the game against the Broncos.  Bills offense sacked Jets Quarterback Zack Wilson 5 times causing 2 fumbles.  Allen went 20 of 32 for 279 yards and 3 touchdowns.  Injuries in the Bills secondary continued to pile up, with Dane Jackson with a concussion, Taron Johnson also suffering a concussion and Taylor Rapp hurting his neck.  The Bills will hit the road to face Jalen Hurts and the 8-1 Eagles in Philadelphia. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. on Sunday.

The holiday spirit is in the air at the Genesee Country Village and Museum.  The holiday market is open and preparations for winter in the historic village are underway.  Western New Yorkers will have the opportunity to step back in time to the 19th century to experience what winter preparations were like back then.  This year, organizers collected non-perishable donations through Cameron Community for Families this Thanksgiving.

A 39-year-old woman was injured Friday morning after her 2018 Toyota left the roadway on Oak Orchard Road near Federal Drive and struck a utility pole, causing the vehicle to overturn.  The woman was the sole occupant of the vehicle. She was ejected from the vehicle. The State Police have not released her name or where she is from.  The woman was flown to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy Flight for treatment of serious injuries.  NYSP says this is an ongoing investigation.

A Carlton woman has been found guilty of neglecting 10 horses on a property in Orleans County.  69 year old Elaine Bute pleaded to a one-year conditional discharge. She cannot own horses during that time and was ordered to pay restitution to Lollypop Farm, which cared for the horses after they were seized.  Lollypop Farm Humane Law Enforcement officers responded to the property July 26, 2022 after Orleans County Animal Control received reports of horses being kept in poor conditions.  Investigators found a thin Palomino with overgrown hooves standing on at least 2 feet of packed manure.  After obtaining a warrant to search the property, investigators returned and found a total of 10 horses living on the property. Multiple horses were found covered in their own feces in stalls packed down with manure and old straw. Several horses had overgrown hooves that made it difficult for them to bear weight. Investigators also found insufficient water in the areas used to house the horses.  Lollypop Farm said three of the horses were euthanized, including two as a result of their neglect. One horse is in foster care, while the rest have been adopted.

New York’s Cannabis Control Board did not vote on adult-use marijuana licenses at its monthly meeting on Friday.  The board was expected to vote but it was removed from the meeting agenda at the last minute, with the executive director saying the item was not ready to go before the board.  During the public safety portion of the meeting, several individuals spoke about their frustrations with communication with the Office of Cannabis Management.  They applied for and were granted marijuana retail licenses months ago but still have not been allowed to open.

The Buffalo Sabres lost to the Winnipeg Jets 3 to 2 Friday night at the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg.  Alex Tuch and JJ Peterka scored for Buffalo but couldn’t make up the last point as the game came to a close.  The Jet’s goalie stopped 25 shots to keep the score 1 up for them.  The Sabres will stay on the road, next up they play the Blackhawks in Chicago on Sunday at 7pm.

The civil service exams may stay at no cost after a bump in the number of applications following the fee waiver this year. The normal price of $25 had been in place since 2011. This year it was decided to waive the fee to see if more people would come take the test. And they did. The number of applicants was up 31 percent this year. The county has struggled to attract candidates for several departments over the last couple of years, including the sheriff’s office, which is growing with a new, larger jail facility in progress, and the mental health department. The no-fee trial period started June 1, 2022. The Ways & Means Committee has agreed to keep it in place through 2025.

The State Attorney General’s Office has opened up an investigation into a fatal shooting involving a New York State Trooper. On Wednesday, the Trooper responded to a call on State Route 64 in East Bloomfield after getting a report that someone was threatening to kill another person. When the Trooper interviewed a 17-year-old, the teen reportedly pulled out a knife and charged at the Trooper, leading to the officer opening fire and killing him. The AG’s office will now determine if the Trooper did anything wrong.

John Flynn (File photo)

Erie County District Attorney John Flynn has made an important decision about his political future. Flynn says he’s not going to seek re-election in 2024 and may actually decide to leave office before his current term is up. Flynn says he is currently working to return to a private law practice, but is still searching for a firm that’ll hire him. He has been district attorney since 2017, and First Deputy District Attorney Michael Keane could end up replacing Flynn.

National Grid is taking action to update its substations across the region ahead of what could be another snowy winter. When a deadly blizzard hit the region last December, high winds caused snow to pile up in some of those substations, which made power restoration efforts even more difficult. The company is installing new vents and shutters that’ll help keep snow out of buildings. The hope is all of this work will be done in the next few weeks.

The Drought continues in western NY with the amount of precipitation being significantly lower than most years. It is harder to notice it in the cold of late fall but western NY is roughly 4 inches below normal for this time of year. With fewer crops in the ground the need for water isn’t enough to spur any use advisories.

The Buffalo Sabres will be on the road tonight to take on an opponent from the Western Conference. The Sabres are set to play the Winnipeg Jets at the Canada Life Centre. Buffalo has not played a game since Tuesday when the Boston Bruins defeated them, 5 to 2. The Sabres have earned 15 points this season and face-off this evening is set for 8:00pm.

The Buffalo Bills are hoping they’ll be able to snap their current two-game losing streak in front of their home crowd. The defending AFC East champions will play host to the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. When these teams battled back in September, it was the Jets who won 22 to 16 in overtime. Kick-off Sunday afternoon is scheduled for 4:25.

ELSEWHERE…

David DePape (NBC News file photo)

A jury has found the man who attacked the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi guilty. The jury began deliberating Wednesday afternoon and they reached a verdict late Thursday morning. David DePape was convicted on attempting to kidnap a federal official and assaulting an immediate family member of a federal official. He faces up to 50 years in prison.

Today is Friday, November 17th, the 321st day of the year.

November 17 in history…

1790’s Washington Capitol oil painting

…In 1800, after a ten-year stay in Philadelphia, the Senate of the Sixth Congress convened in the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., for the first time.

…On November 18, 1883, the United States and Canada adopted a system of Standard Time zones established by the railroads — Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific.

1903 Teddy Bear

…On November 18, 1902, Brooklyn toy maker Morris Michtom named the teddy bear after the 26th President of the United States, Teddy Roosevelt. Michtom got the idea from an editorial cartoon depicting the president sparing the life of a bear cub.

Big news in 1928

…In 1928, after 23 years, Notre Dame loses a home football game.

…In 1962 The Four Seasons started a five week run at number one on the US singles chart with ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry.’

…On November 18, 1985, the comic strip “Calvin and Hobbes” debuted in newspapers. For a look at the first one, click here: https://www.reddit.com/r/calvinandhobbes/comments/14b4jeq/nov_18_1985_first_comic/

The Eagles two CD set “Long Road Out of Eden” – 2007

…In 2007 The Eagles were number one on the US album for the first time since 1979.

A trooper shot and killed a 17-year-old boy during an investigation Wednesday night in Ontario County, New York State Police confirmed Thursday morning.  The trooper responded to a home on State Route 64 around 6:40 p.m. to investigate an anonymous tip received by the Department of Homeland Security alleging someone at the home was talking about killing someone.  Police said the trooper began to interview the 17-year-old on a side porch, but the teen immediately pulled a knife and lunged toward the trooper, causing both of them to fall to the ground.  The suspect allegedly charged at the trooper with the knife in his hand, prompting the trooper to shoot the suspect.  The New York State Attorney General’s Office is investigating the incident.

Police are searching for suspects in a violent robbery on Rochester’s northwest side.  Just before 6 p.m. Thursday, officers responded to a store front in the 1100 block of North Goodman Street for the report of a robbery with gunshots heard inside the store.  Once there, police found evidence of gunfire, but said nobody was struck. However, at least two suspects, who police believe are men, started fighting the store’s clerk before stealing some items and fleeing the scene, according to police.  Officers said the store employee sustained minor cuts and scrapes during the incident.  No arrests have been made.

The CEO of a company that recently halted construction of a new hub just outside Rochester said the decision to put the project on pause happened quickly, amid escalating costs and “complex financing.”  Li-Cycle announced a $375 million loan commitment from the U.S. Department of Energy in February to help finance the construction of a lithium-ion battery facility at Eastman Business Park in Greece. The facility was projected to bring 270 new jobs to the Rochester area. The company abruptly stopped construction last month.  CEO Ajay Kochhar said Thursday that the cost to build the facility quickly became much higher than expected.  Construction workers said they had no warning that they would be out of a job — showing up to work one day and being told the project was on pause.  Kochhar said the company still plans to open a facility at the site, using a revised plan. He hopes to share an update on the project’s future by February.

The civil service exams may stay at no cost after a bump in the number of applications when they were waived this year.  25 dollars was the normal price and had been since 2011.  This year it was decided to waive the fee to see if more people would come take the test.  And they did.  The number of applicants was up 31 percent this year.  The county has struggled to attract candidates for several departments over the last couple of years, including the sheriff’s office, which is growing with a new, larger jail facility in progress, and the mental health department.  The trial period was to run from June 1, to Dec. 31, 2022, and is current through all of 2023. The Ways & Means Committee agreed on Wednesday to push it onward through 2024 and 2025.

A Muckdogs player has signed a contract to move to sunnier climes and continue his career toward the Major Leagues.  Jack Keeler, who played with the Muckdogs for 6 games last season as pitcher, has signed on with the Missoula Paddleheads, affiliated with the Arizona Diamondbacks.  Keeler won four of his six games & finished with a 2.06 ERA. 6’3 and weighing 210 pounds, Jack Keeler is a pitcher from the University of Fort Lauderdale. Keeler, in his sophomore season, made some giant improvements lowering his ERA from a 4.63 to a 2.41.

The Drought continues in western NY with the amount of precipitation being significantly lower than most years.  It is harder to notice it in the cold of late fall but western NY is roughly 4 inches below normal for this time of year.  With fewer crops in the ground the need for water isn’t enough to spur any use advisories.  Time will tell what rain or snow we get moving into the holidays.

Jennifer Shaffer

On 11/7/2023, Jennifer M Shaffer (age 41) of Batavia, was arrested for Aggravated Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs (Leandra’s Law). The arrest is the result of an investigation into a traffic stop on 10/10/2023, where it’s alleged that Shaffer was operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs, with a child in the car. She was issued several traffic tickets and is due in court on 11/29/2023.

Nicole Trapp

On 11/1/2023, Nicole M Trapp (age 21) of Buffalo was arrested for Grand Larceny 4th. Trapp was arrested as part of an investigation into an assault that took place on 5/30/2022, on Law St. It’s alleged that she stole property from another person, during the incident. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released under the supervision of Genesee Justice. She is due back in court on 11/21/2023.

On 11/7/2023, Kathleen M Zemke (age 58) of Perry, was arrested for DWI. Zemke was arrested after officers responded to a complaint from Zemke’s employer that she had shown up to work intoxicated. She was issued several traffic tickets and is due in court on 11/29/2023.

On 11/6/2023, Phillip P Heale (age 45) of Batavia, was arrested for Harassment 2nd. It’s alleged that Heale struck another person in the face, during an altercation on East Main St. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in court on 11/21/2023.

On 10/18/2023, Dean D Root (age 42) of Batavia, was arrested for Driving While Ability Impaired by Alcohol. Root was arrested during a traffic stop on East Main St where he was allegedly found to be operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol. He was issued traffic tickets and was additionally charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th. He is due in court on 11/8/2023.

On 11/3/2023, Aaron R Hatfield (age 39) of Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant. Hatfield was initially arrested on 8/14/2023, for Petit Larceny and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th, after allegedly stealing merchandise from Tops. He was issued an appearance ticket, but failed to appear in court. A warrant was issued on 9/26/2023. He was arrested on the warrant on 10/6/2023. He was arraigned in CAP Court and released. He again failed to appear in court and another warrant was issued on 10/19/2023. He was arrested on 11/3 and arraigned in CAP Court. He was released and is due back in court at a later date.

On 11/2/2023, Caitlyn A Heidenreich (age 26) of Batavia, was arrested for DWI. Heidenreich was arrested after officers responded to a motor vehicle accident on Harvester Ave, shortly after 7:30pm on 11/2. It’s alleged that Heidenreich was operating a vehicle, while intoxicated, and crashed into a parked car. She was issued several traffic tickets and released. She is due back in court on 11/14/2023.

On 10/28/2023, Zachary D Kaczor (age 29) of Buffalo, was arrested for Aggravated DWI. Kaczor was arrested following a traffic stop on Ellicott St, where he was allegedly found to be operating a vehicle, while intoxicated. He was issued traffic tickets and is due in court on 11/15/2023.

On 10/30/2023, Patricia M Anderson (age 38) of Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant. Anderson was initially arrested on 4/9/2023, for Petit Larceny, after allegedly stealing merchandise from Seven-Eleven. She was issued an appearance ticket, but allegedly failed to appear. A warrant was issued on 5/16/2023. She was arrested on the warrant on 8/9/2023. She was arraigned and released. She again failed to appear and another warrant was issued on 10/10/2023. Anderson was arraigned in Batavia City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail on $2,500 cash bail, $5,000 bond, and $10,000 partially secured bond. She is due back in court on 11/15/2023.

IN OTHER NEWS TODAY…

Kamela Lockhart

Kamela Lockhart, the teenager from Batavia who had been missing since November 6th, has been located in Rochester and is safe. The Batavia Police thank the Rochester Police Department and the public for their assistance.

Bedbug

According to frustrated employees, the Tesla Gigafactory in the south of Buffalo is infested with bedbugs. One Tesla employee shared a video on X – which is also owned by Tesla owner Elon Musk – of a bedbug she says was crawling on the floor near her workspace. Workers say the outbreak began last Thursday. An OSHA spokesperson shared that the agency has actually received dozens of calls regarding bedbugs inside the South Buffalo factory. OSHA says that it’s investigating all of this but doesn’t have any specific workplace standards for bedbugs. Tesla says they sprayed for the bedbugs but the complaints continue along with new complaints of chemical exposures.

Some of the recalled applesauce products

The Niagara County Health Department says a child is being treated after testing positive for lead poisoning. The child ate a pouch of cinnamon applesauce that’s part of a nationwide recall due to concerns it could contain lead. Lead poisoning has been known to trigger serious medical problems like brain damage that can lead to behavioral and developmental issues. Anyone with concerns can call 716-439-7430.

New information has been released about a sexual assault at a high school in Wayne County. Officials say four people who were involved in the incident are members of the Clyde-Savannah High School varsity football team. The victim was assaulted in a locker room last month and video of what happened was shared on social media. Two of the defendants were in court yesterday and the other two will face a judge today.

PepsiCo Incorporated is now facing a lawsuit that’s been filed by New York State Attorney General Letitia James. The lawsuit claims single-use plastic packaging that is produced by the company is causing environmental problems along the Buffalo River. As a result, pollution is leading to the contamination of drinking water and putting the safety of wildlife at risk. James wants the company to pay restitution for the damage caused and to end its environmentally unsafe practices.

Aftermath Tremont Street crash in Rochester involving 15-year-old who stole a KIA. (13WHAM Photo)

A 15-year-old boy has been arrested after police say he allegedly crashed a stolen Kia in Rochester. According to authorities, the teen was trapped inside the vehicle when crews got to the scene on Tremont Street yesterday. The boy was taken to a hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries. He was later charged, and the teen’s name is not being released due to his age.

Roswell Park is offering men the opportunity to get themselves screened for prostate cancer later today. An event is taking place at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. Data shows one in eight men will have to battle prostate cancer at some point in their lives. To sign up for an appointment, head to roswellpark.org/onegoal.

Tage Thompson following the injury in question (Photo by Micheline Veluvolu; Rochester Americans Photo)

One of the best players on the Buffalo Sabres is going to be missing some games after suffering an upper-body injury. Head coach Don Granato said yesterday Tage Thompson is week-to-week after getting hurt while blocking a shot in his team’s loss to the Boston Bruins on Tuesday. So far this season, Thompson has 12 points in the 16 games he’s played. Buffalo will be back on the ice tomorrow to take on the Winnipeg Jets.

“Let’s eat!”

Thanksgiving is just a week away, and a new report shows the cost of a holiday meal will be higher for New Yorkers this year. According to the New York Farm Bureau, the average total price of a 16-pound turkey and other common food items will be $70.70. That’s a roughly six percent jump from last year. Data also revealed that the Northeast was the highest region in the country for food prices.

ELSEWHERE…

Tom Turkey in file photo of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (NBC Photo)

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is coming up next week, and organizers say it is going to feature six new floats. They include a Willie Wonka-inspired chocolate float and also a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-themed creation. A new Snoopy float will also debut that’ll show Woodstock and friends looking out for wild turkeys.

A new poll is suggesting that over half of all American voters want other candidates to join the 2024 presidential race. Over a dozen candidates have joined the race to the White House, but a new Quinnipiac poll says 52% of voters would like more options, including 72-percent of independents and 58-percent of Democrats.

2021 NBC News photo of Derek Chauvin in court

The former Minneapolis police officer that killed George Floyd is trying to get his conviction overturned. Derek Chauvin filed a motion earlier this week claiming he never would have pleaded guilty if he knew about the theories of a forensic pathologist from Kansas. That pathologist does not believe Chauvin killed Floyd in 2020.

Unidentified postal worker in undated file photo delivers package

The U.S. Postal Service is down $6.5 billion this year. The service had hoped for a financial turnaround and predicted it would actually break even in the fiscal year ending September 30th. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy blamed it on inflation upping operations costs and skyrocketing printing prices.

Today is Thursday, November 16th, the 320th day of the year.

November 16 in history…

Dr. Samuel H. Sheppard, 30-year-old osteopath charged with the slaying of his wife, Marilyn, sits moodily at a court hearing in Cleveland, August 2, 1954 where his bid for temporary freedom through writ of habeas corpus was denied. Dr. Sheppard, who pleads innocent to the charge, answers many questions with: “On advice of counsel, I can’t talk about it.” His attorney, William J. Corrigan, has told Sheppard the only way he could be convicted was through his ‘Own Mouth.’ (Associated Press Photo)

…In 1966, Dr. Sam Sheppard was acquitted in his second trial of charges he murdered his pregnant wife. His story was the subject of the television show and the film “The Fugitive.”

…In 1974, “Whatever Gets You Through The Night” lands John Lennon a number one spot on the U.S. singles chart.

September 1982 Newsweek cover (Photo by Newsweek)

…In 1982, a 57-day-old NFL strike came to an end after an agreement was reached.

2012 photo of The Beach Boys in concert. Most certainly, they’ve made back the $1,000,000 by now.

…In 1988 Former Beach Boys manager Stephen Love was sentenced to five years in probation for stealing almost one million dollars from the group’s account.

NBC News photo of Nathanial Abraham on the stand in court.

…In 1999, 13-year-old Nathaniel Abraham, the youngest murder defendant in U.S. history, was convicted of second-degree murder in Michigan for shooting a man with a rifle when he was eleven.

People Magazine photo of Bono

…In 2014 U2 singer Bono was involved in a bicycle accident in New York. He had to undergo five-hours of surgery.

…In 2020, Moderna releases its early data on its COVID-19 vaccine, saying the shot is nearly 95% effective.

A tractor-trailer driver has a “severe” arm injury after a crash Wednesday morning on the Inner Loop in Rochester.  New York State Police responded just after 7 a.m. near the St. Paul Street exit for a report of a crash with some trapped. Multiple police and fire crews responded, along with a hazmat team.  Police said the tractor-trailer was eastbound when it struck a guardrail and overturned. The Rochester Fire Department reported “heavy entrapment” at the scene. The 64-year-old male driver was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital for his injury.

A 15-year-old is charged after being pulled from a stolen vehicle that crashed early Wednesday in the city of Rochester. Police responded to a report of a crash with a person trapped on Tremont Street around 3 a.m.  When officers arrived, they discovered a disabled Kia SUV with a teen in the driver’s seat. The Rochester Fire Department arrived to extract the teen from the vehicle. The teen was taken to a local hospital with a non-life-threatening lower-body injury. Police said the driver lost control of the stolen vehicle, striking a telephone pole and another vehicle before stopping on the opposite side of the street.  The teen is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

O’Lacy’s Irish Pub and restaurant is closed.  Owner Roger Christiano closed O’Lacy’s on School Street in Batavia Wednesday, 18 months after he took over the popular public house in 2022 from former owner Kent Ewell.  He posted a sign on the door saying that he couldn’t devote the time and effort necessary to run the restaurant because of his wife’s declining health. He said he is closing the pub with a heavy heart and that he hopes the restaurant can reopen again under new ownership in the future. 

New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against PepsiCo Inc. James announced the lawsuit Wednesday at Canalside in Buffalo alongside state and local leaders.  The lawsuit alleges that hundreds of PepsiCo products have been found along the Buffalo River and caused public harm in the city.  In addition, the lawsuit charges PepsiCo with failing to warn consumers about the potential environmental and health risks of its single-use plastic packaging.  James said that “no company is too big to ensure their products do not damage our environment and public health.”  A study found that Pepsi product packaging was the most plentiful plastic waste in the Buffalo River. Microplastics have been detected in the City of Buffalo’s drinking water. The water is sourced from Lake Erie, which runs less than a mile from the Buffalo River.

According to frustrated employees, the Tesla Gigafactory in the south of Buffalo is infested with bedbugs. One Tesla employee shared a video of a bed bug she says was crawling on the floor of her work space Monday on X which is also owned by Tesla owner Elon Musk.  Workers say the outbreak began last Thursday.  An OSHA spokesperson shared that the agency has actually received dozens of calls regarding bed bugs inside the South Buffalo factory.  OSHA says that it’s investigating all of this but doesn’t have any specific workplace standards for bed bugs.  Tesla says they sprayed for the bedbugs but the complaints continue along with new complaints of chemical exposures.  

The Village of LeRoy has a new ambulance. Since 2021 the LeRoy Ambulance Service has been fundraising for a new vehicle and, because of fundraisers and an anonymous donor, they were able to take delivery of a shiny new ambulance on Wednesday.  The new ambulance is a 2023 Chevy G-4500 Chassis that has been converted to an ambulance by Medix Specialty Vehicles using their MSV II 170 ambulance box. The ambulance was purchased from Gorman Emergency Vehicles and had a final price in excess of $200,000.  An anonymous donor gave 100,000 dollars to the company and they fundraised the rest over the last 2 years. 

Matthew Fisher

A former school administrator at the Gow School in South Wales is looking at a possible 20-year prison sentence after being arrested and charged with possession of child pornography. 50-Year-old Matthew Fisher was arrested after the school’s I.T. department found that he had accessed web pages with pictures and videos of naked young boys performing sexual acts on each other. The information was provided to the FBI. The images have timestamps that range from January 2019 through September 2023 and some of the images allegedly appear to be from a covert camera and depict clothed, male children in a bedroom believed to be on campus of The Gow School. Fisher has been terminated from his position. He has made an initial court appearance and is being held pending a detention hearing on Friday.

Khairullah Hasein

An arrest has been made in connection with a deadly hit-and-run that happened near Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. Authorities say 32-year-old Khairullah Hasein was working as an Amazon delivery driver on Monday night when he struck a 65-year-old Rochester man and left the scene. The victim was rushed to a hospital but couldn’t be saved. Hasein is facing multiple charges and officials say there’s no evidence that speed, drugs or alcohol were factors in this tragedy. Police say that the only reason Hasein is being charged is that he fled the scene of the accident. If convicted, he could face up to seven years behind bars.

Hyundai is going to be installing anti-theft software in vehicles later this week in Rochester. Owners can get the software from 8:00am until 5:00pm both Friday and Saturday in Lot D across from Innovative Field. There is no cost to attend the event, which is part of a push by Hyundai to prevent its vehicles from being stolen due to not having proper theft protection. The installation is expected to take about 30 minutes.

Governor Hochul (File photo)

Governor Hochul has declared November to be Adoption Awareness Month in New York State. She also revealed yesterday an additional $7 million in state funding is being made available to support adoption-related services. Money will be used by the state’s Office of Children and Family Services for things like recruiting adoptive parents. The governor says, as a mother herself, she understands how important a stable household is for a child’s development.

Joe Brady

The Buffalo Bills have made a change to their coaching staff after announcing Ken Dorsey has been replaced as offensive coordinator. The move was made yesterday, just hours after the Bills suffered a disappointing 24 to 22 home loss to the Denver Broncos. Quarterbacks coach Joe Brady will serve as interim offensive coordinator until a permanent hire is made. The Bills have a record of five wins and five losses this season and their next game is Sunday against the New York Jets.

Victor Olofsson (File photo)

The Buffalo Sabres are now on two-game losing streak after being beaten at home by one of the best teams in the NHL. Victor Olofsson scored both of Buffalo’s goals as the Sabres fell to the Boston Bruins 5 to 2 at KeyBank Center last night. Sabres goaltender Devon Levi stopped just 13 of 18 shots before being pulled from the game. Buffalo’s next contest is on Friday in Winnipeg against the Jets. The puck drops at 8:00.

ELSEWHERE…

Aerial shot of aftermath from yesterday’s crash in Ohio.

Six people are dead and 18 more are injured after a crash involving a charter bus carrying high school students in Ohio. The Ohio State Highway Patrol said crash happened Tuesday morning on Interstate-70 when the bus was rear-ended by a semi-truck east of Columbus. Five vehicles, including the bus, were involved.

Unionized Starbucks baristas are planning to hold a major strike this week. Thousands of employees across the nation will hit the picket lines Thursday on the company’s so-called Red Cup Day, a popular promotional event when Starbucks gives out holiday-themed reusable cups. Workers are accusing the company of refusing to fairly negotiate at cafes that voted to organize. Starbucks claims it’s the union that is not bargaining in good faith.

The Beatles are making chart history again. The Fab Four have a new song on the Billboard charts, called “Now and Then.” It debuted at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100, making it their 35th track to hit the top ten. It also extends their record as the group with the most top ten hits (with the Rolling Stones in second place with 23 top ten hits).

The Federal Reserve will likely make deep cuts to interest rates this spring. That’s according to a new estimate from UBS Investment Bank. The cuts could come as early as March. UBS said easing inflation could pave a way for a 2.75% decrease in the interest rate over the year. That would almost halve the current nearly 5.5% rate.

Today is Sunday, November 12th, the 319th day of the year.

November 15 in history…

NBC Radio Red Network logo

…In 1926, the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) debuted with a network of 24 stations.

Vice President Charles Curtis sits in front of a fan to cool off, prior to air conditioning (July 1929)

…In 1937, air conditioning was used in the U.S. House and Senate chambers for the first time.

Johnny and the Moondogs in 1959

…In 1959 Johnny and the Moondogs, who later became known as The Beatles, auditioned for the British Show, The TV Star Search in Lancashire. They advanced from the first round, but had to go home and not perform the second day because they had no money for a hotel room.

…In 1939, President Franklin Roosevelt laid the cornerstone of the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C.

An arrest has been made in connection with a deadly hit-and-run that happened near Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. Authorities say 32-year-old Khairullah Hasein was working as an Amazon delivery driver on Monday night when he struck a 65-year-old Rochester man and left the scene. The victim was rushed to a hospital but couldn’t be saved. Hasein is facing multiple charges and officials say there’s no evidence that speed, drugs or alcohol were factors in this tragedy.  Police say that the only reason Hasein is being charged is that he fled the scene of the accident.  If convicted, he could face up to seven years behind bars.

A former School Administrator at the Gow School in South Wales is looking at a possible 20 year prison sentence after being arrested and charged with possession of Child Pornography.  50 Year old Matthew Fisher was arrested after the Gow School IT department found that he had accessed web pages with pictures and videos of naked young boys performing sexual acts on each other.  The IT department turned the information over to the head of the school who then called the FBI.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office said the images have timestamps that range from January 2019 through September 2023 and some of the images allegedly appear to be from a covert camera and depict clothed, male children in a bedroom believed to be on campus of The Gow School.  Fisher has been terminated from his position at the school. He made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and is being held pending a detention hearing on Friday.

Police are investigating a shooting on the city of Rochester’s northeast side Tuesday afternoon.  Officers said a 16-year-old boy was shot on Melville Street in Rochester just before 1 p.m. He was taken to the hospital and is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.  No arrests have been made.

New York State Senator Tim Kennedy has announced that he’s going to be seeking a seat in Congress. Kennedy says he wants to fill the spot in the 26th District that’s going to open up when Congressman Brian Higgins leaves office in February. Kennedy, a Democrat, says if elected he’ll work to keep guns off the streets and continue the fight for abortion. It’ll be up to Governor Hochul to announce when a special election in the district will be held.

The Buffalo Bills have made a change to their coaching staff after announcing Ken Dorsey has been replaced as offensive coordinator. The move was made yesterday, just hours after the Bills suffered a disappointing 24 to 22 home loss to the Denver Broncos. Quarterbacks coach Joe Brady will serve as interim offensive coordinator until a permanent hire is made. The Bills have a record of five wins and five losses this season and their next game is Sunday against the New York Jets.

The Buffalo Sabres are now on two-game losing streak after being beaten at home by one of the best teams in the NHL. Victor Olofsson scored both of Buffalo’s goals as his team fell to the Boston Bruins five-to-two at KeyBank Center last night. Sabres goaltender Devon Levi stopped just 13 of 18 shots before being pulled from the game.  Buffalo’s next contest is on Friday against the Winnipeg Jets.

Joshua Watkins

New York State police are investigating a deadly crash that occurred in Orleans County. Troopers say 32-year-old Joshua Watkins was traveling on East Barre Road in Barre early on Sunday morning when his vehicle went off the road and flipped several times before it ended up in a field. Watkins was ejected because he was not wearing a seatbelt and passed away at the scene. No one else was hurt and the cause of the accident is under investigation.

Joanna Larnder

30-year-old Joanna Larnder of Batavia has been arrested following an investigation into the possession, transportation and sale of crack cocaine in and around Genesee County. Genesee County Sheriffs took her into custody on a sealed indictment warrant. It’s alleged Larnder sold a quantity of crack cocaine to an agent of the Genesee County Task Force in the City of Batavia. She was ineligible for release on her own recognizance because of previous bail-jumping charges. Larnder is now committed to the Genesee County Jail.

34-year-old Michael Lanham of Lockport has pleaded guilty to production of child pornography with a prior offense, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 25 years in prison. Back in 2010, he was convicted of rape of a victim less than 17 years of age and is a registered sex offender. In September 2020, he took a sexually explicit photo of a minor on his cell phone. Lanham then distributed the image in a private online message to an undercover law enforcement officer on the Kik application. Sentencing is scheduled for March 2024.

As reported by Tom Tharp this morning: Major changes have been proposed to New York’s current guidelines for students to graduate from high school. A panel laid out its recommendations yesterday, and they included replacing three diploma types with just one diploma type, ensuring access to career and technical education, and also creating more tailored requirements for certain groups of students. Right now, students need to pass multiple Regents exams to get their diploma. It’s unlikely any changes will go into effect for at least a year.

Josh Allen’s facial expression tells the story.

The struggles of the Buffalo Bills continue as the team drops its second game in a row. The Bills gave up a 36-yard field goal as time expired and lost to the Denver Broncos 24 to 22 at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park last night. Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen tossed a touchdown pass and had a rushing score but also threw two interceptions and his team’s record this season is now five wins and five losses. Their next game is Sunday against the New York Jets.

ELSEWHERE…

Drake in concert

One of the biggest names in the music industry is going on tour, and he’ll be making a stop in Western New York. Drake is scheduled to perform at Buffalo’s KeyBank Center on February 27th, 2024 at 8 p.m. The five-time Grammy Award winner will be joined at the concert by J.Cole. Tickets for this show will go on sale to the public this Friday at 11 a.m. through Ticketmaster.

McDonald’s crocs, available starting later this week.

McDonald’s is releasing custom-designed Crocs. The clogs will cost between $70 and $75 and become available on Tuesday. The companies are teaming up to offer Crocs based on the mascots Grimace, Hamburglar and Birdie, as well as a classic red and yellow colorway. There are also matching socks for each pair for $20. They’ll be available at Crocs retail locations and wholesale partners.

Unidentified family in file photo on their way to an adventure.

More than 55 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more for Thanksgiving this year. That’s according to a Triple-A projection. It’s an increase of a little more than 2% from last year and the third-highest forecast for the holiday since Triple-A began tracking it in 2000. Most will drive to their destinations, nearly 2% more compared to 2022. And 4.7 million travelers will fly, an increase of more than 6.5% compared to last Thanksgiving.

Marijuana users say cannabis helps them get a good night’s sleep more than medications. Washington State University helped lead a study that compared marijuana to sleep aids like melatonin or benzodiazepines. More than 80% of pot users say smoking joints helped them get better sleep.

Today is Tuesday, November 14th, the 318th day of the year.

November 14 in history…

U.S. troops on the ground in Vietnam.

…In 1965, the U.S. government sent 90,000 soldiers to Vietnam.

Students in an English Literature class at Yale (1970).

…In 1968, Yale introduced it’s plan to educate both men and women.

…In 1969 “Sugar Sugar” by the Archies went number-one on the UK singles chart.

TV Guide promotional ad, from 35 years ago today.

…In 1988, “Murphy Brown” with Candice Bergen debuted on CBS.

Don Shula in 1993 (Sports Illustrated photo)

…In 1993, Don Shula became the coach with the most wins in NFL history with career win number 325.

Debbie Rowe and Michael Jackson

…In 1996 Michael Jackson married Debbie Rowe in Sydney, Australia. The couple divorced nearly three-years later on October 8th, 1999.

The boots.

…In 2015 A pair of white boots worn by Elvis Presley during his famous Comeback TV Special performance in 1968 were auctioned off for nearly $45,000.

New York State police are investigating a deadly crash that occurred in Orleans County on Sunday.  The crash occurred around 5:30 p.m. on East Barre Road in the Town of Barre. Police said 32-year-old Joshua Watkins of Albion was traveling west and exited the road into a field, his vehicle overturned multiple times and he was ejected. He was pronounced dead at the scene.  Police said Watkins was the only occupant in the vehicle and was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. 

A man is charged with murder in connection to the deadly beating of a man on the city’s west side over the summer.  Police arrested 39 year old Quintel Crockton for allegedly killing 61 year old Terran Felder the night of Wednesday, Aug. 23.  Investigators determined Crockton began assaulting Felder outside the mini-mart at 1218 Jay Street, before the incident spilled over into the store, where officers found Felder. Crockton is charged with second-degree murder and was arraigned in Rochester City Court Monday morning.

Local families of murdered loved ones met with NYS senators and police on Monday to speak out against a state parole reform bill.  Several people said that having a cap on the age of prisoners would be an insult to the memories of those who had been murdered. The proposed legislation would allow an incarcerated person aged 55 and older to be considered for the possibility of parole if they have served at least 15 years of their sentence.  There are no exceptions for the seriousness of the crime.

Major changes have been proposed to New York’s current guidelines for students to graduate from high school. A panel laid out its recommendations yesterday, and they included replacing three diploma types with just one diploma type, ensuring access to career and technical education, and also creating more tailored requirements for certain groups of students. Right now, students need to pass multiple Regents exams to get their diploma. It’s unlikely any changes will go into effect for at least a year.

The struggles of the Buffalo Bills continue as the team drops its second game in a row. The Bills gave up a 36-yard field goal as time expired and lost to the Denver Broncos 24 to 22 at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park last night. Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen tossed a touchdown pass and had a rushing score but also threw two interceptions and his team’s record this season is now five wins and five losses. Their next game is Sunday against the New York Jets.

The Buffalo Zoo announced it has started its winter operating hours.  Beginning Monday and continuing through March 28 the zoo will be closed to the public every Monday through Thursday and open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The zoo will be open during the week from December 26 through December 29 on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Presidents Day.

43-year-old Carrie Stewart of Attica has been arrested. She’s charged with petit larceny. It’s alleged she shoplifted from Old Navy in the Town of Batavia. Stewart was released on an appearance ticket returnable to Batavia Town Court next month.

Rochester Pipeline, Incorporated will be mobilizing equipment in preparation for construction on the Bank Street Water project within the City of Batavia. Construction on this project is scheduled to begin this week and will include the installation of 932 linear feet of new 8-inch water main and appurtenances to replace the existing 4-inch and 6-inch water mains along Bank Street (East Main Street to Washington Street). Traffic delays are to be expected; however, no street closures are anticipated at this time.

As reported by Tom Tharp this morning: Some possible bad news for the STAMP site in Genesee County near Alabama. The Plug Power company currently building a hydrogen fuel cell plant at the site declared in an SEC filing that it has not been able to raise enough money through investors and may not have enough capital to continue within a year. The Latham-based company started selling public stock in 1999 and has never reported a profit, which is not unusual for early-stage start-ups. The company is working on several options to raise more capital. The CEO said that the report is not final and he has hope for the company’s future. According to reports in early October, Plug Power is considered a strong contender for a portion of $7 billion in federal grants for alternative energy projects. In 2019, the federal government committed $4 million to the company.

Some good news regarding the per-gallon price of regular gas. As of this morning, the national average price is $3.37. The state average is 3.65. In Batavia, we’re paying $3.66 per gallon, that’s down 4 cents from a week ago and 13 cents from a year ago today. Recent decreases in the price of oil may bring the price at the pump down even more. Oil has dropped over $10 per barrel in just a week.

The University of Rochester Medical Center

Starting today, over 1000 employees at the University of Rochester Medical Center will begin an informational picket. Service workers and caregivers say they want to be paid fair wages and for attempts to be made to recruit and train more people to address staffing shortages. The workers are still going to be on the clock for their regular shifts and will picket in their time off. Their current contract with the hospital expired last month.

File photo of Congressman Higgins

Western New York Congressman Brian Higgins has confirmed that he’ll be leaving Capitol Hill next year. Higgins is planning to resign in February so he can become the next president of Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo. The 26th District Democrat says that Congress isn’t the same place as it was when he first took office, and that less time is being spent serving the American people. A special election will be needed to fill the rest of his term.

Today, proposed changes to high school graduation requirements are going to be revealed at the state Board of Regents meeting. Right now, high school students need to pass four specific Regents exams to get their diploma. Recommendations may include getting rid of those exams or allowing kids to have more of a say in what they must do to graduate. It’ll be up to the board to decide how and when these changes are made.

applesauce recall

The state departments of health and agriculture and markets are urging residents not to buy or eat certain apple puree and applesauce products. Recalls have been issued for Schnucks Applesauce pouches, WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches, and Weis Apple Cinnamon Fruit pouches due to concerns they could contain high levels of lead. The state is now working to see if any children have elevated lead levels in their blood. Anyone who has bought these products should throw them out.

The Buffalo Bills will be back in the national spotlight tonight as they take the field for Monday Night Football. The Bills are set to host the Denver Broncos at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. Buffalo is coming off of a 24 to 18 loss last Sunday night against the Cincinnati Bengals that dropped their record this season to five wins and four losses. Kickoff this evening is set for 8:15.

ELSEWHERE…

The tree has arrived

The Rockefeller Center Tree arrived in New York City Saturday and is now standing. The 80-foot tall Norway Spruce was cut down from Vestal, New York Wednesday morning. The traditional 80-year-old, 12 ton Norway Spruce made a roughly 200 mile journey to be the star of New York’s holiday season. The tree’s decorations includes five miles worth of more than 50,000 LED lights, and is topped with a nine foot, 900 pound Swarovski star adorned with three million crystals. The tree lighting will be on Wednesday, November 29th.

Dinosaur tracks found in Texas thought to be around 110 million years old

Scientists in Texas have discovered a new species of dinosaur. While a small fossil from the animal was discovered in 2020, more bones were found near Lake Grapevine this week and scientists confirmed it was an entirely new species. The small herbivore’s Latin name translates to “Cohen’s Grapevine Jaw,” a combination of Murray Cohen who first made the discovery, and the place it was found. The dinosaur was likely about six-feet long and between 20 to 60 pounds.

A Dickinson, North Dakota woman has been handed a big surprise at Lottery headquarters in Bismarck. The woman was cashing in what she thought was a Powerball ticket worth $600 this week. At the Lottery office she was told it was actually worth $150,000. The drawing was October 7th.

Today is Monday, November 13th, the 317th day of the year.

November 13 in history…

1941 Fantasia promotional movie still

…In 1940, the Walt Disney animated feature “Fantasia” premiered in New York.

Duane Allman

…In 1971 Duane Allman of the Allman Brothers Band was killed when he lost control of his motorcycle.

Karen Silkwood

…In 1974, nuclear power plant employee and political activist Karen Silkwood died at the age of 28. She was killed while on her way to meet with a “New York Times” reporter. They planned to discuss evidence she had uncovered about faulty fuel rods at the plant. The story was the basis for the 1983 film “Silkwood.”

Paula Jones and President Clinton

…In 1998, President Clinton agreed to pay Paula Jones $850,000 to drop her sexual harassment lawsuit and end the four-year legal battle that triggered the impeachment proceedings against him.

Michael Jackson

…In 2009 Forbes Magazine reported that Michael Jackson had earned about $72 million since his death in June.

Another shooting involving a vehicle in Buffalo.  Buffalo police are investigating after a man was shot and killed early Sunday morning on Broadway and Lathrop Street.  Ferry-Fillmore officers were called to Broadway and Lathrop Street just after 3:15 a.m.  Police say a 32-year-old Buffalo man was shot multiple times inside a vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police.

A man is expected to survive a shooting that happened on Hudson Avenue in Rochester on Saturday morning.  At around 9:21 a.m., officers responded to the intersection of Hudson Avenue and Durnan Street for a report of a person shot.  When officers arrived on scene, they found a 55-year old man, city resident, who was shot multiple times in the upper body.  Police say the victim is an employee at the Durnan Mini Market.  He was transported to Strong Hospital for non-life threatening injuries.  The shooting is under investigation and there are no suspects in custody.

Police say a man attempted to rob a store in Rochester with a hatchet Saturday night.  Around 9:15 the Family Dollar on Waring Road had an incident where a man came in and demanded money.  Employees confronted him and he went to the door and displayed a hatchet and then fled.  No one was injured. There are no suspects in custody at this time.  An investigation is underway.

Some possible bad news for the STAMP site in Genesee County near Alabama.  The Plug Power company currently building a hydrogen fuel cell plant at the site declared in an SEC filing that it has not been able to raise enough money through investors and may not have enough capital to continue to be a “going concern” within a year.  The Latham-based company started selling public stock in 1999 and has never reported a profit, which is not unusual for early-stage start-ups.  The company is working on several options to raise more capital.  The CEO said that the report is not final and he has hope for the company’s future.  According to reports in early October, Plug Power is considered a strong contender for a portion of $7 billion in federal grants for alternative energy projects.  In 2019, the federal government committed $4 million to the company.

Gas Price update!  According to AAA the average price of a gallon of gas in Batavia is 3.67.  This is down 5 cents from a week ago and 13 cents from a month ago.  The New York State average is 3.66 which is down 4 cents from last week and 17 cents from last month.  The national average is 3.37.  Recent drops in the price of oil may make the price of gas start going down faster.  Oil has gone down over 10 dollars per barrel in just a week.  It is possible New York could see sub-3 dollar prices if the trend continues.

High lead found in applesauce.  If you have WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouches, Schnucks Applesauce Pouches or Weis Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches you may want to take them back to where you got them or throw them away.  These products were sold and distributed by multiple retailers, including Sam’s Club, Amazon, and Dollar Tree.  5 states have reported finding elevated lead levels in each of the products and at least 4 kids have gotten sick after eating them.  New York State is working with local health departments to determine if there are any cases in New York of children with elevated blood lead levels connected to the recalled product.

New York State police are investigating after a man was struck and killed while getting his mail in the Town of Stafford.  The incident occurred just before 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. Police said a GMC Sierra was traveling west on State Route 5 and entered the turn lane at Batavia-Stafford Townline Road and struck 74-year-old James R. Ehmann while he was getting his mail.  According to police, paramedics attempted life-saving measures at the scene and transported Ehmann to United Memorial Medical Center.  He was pronounced dead at the hospital.  Police are investigating the possibility that the driver was impaired or distracted.

A 26-year-old man is recovering after he was shot on Rochester’s north side Friday night.  Around 7 p.m., police responded to Bernard Street, where they found the victim with at least one gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital and is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries, according to Rochester police.  No arrests have been made.

The Lockport Police Department has announced it has completed its investigation into the deadly Lockport Cave boat tour incident and has determined no criminal charges will be filed.  One person was killed and 11 others were injured after a boat capsized during a Lockport Cave tour on June 12.  On the day of the incident, Lockport Fire Department Chief Luca Quagliano said the boat became unbalanced and capsized at the end of the cave. Quagliano said the boat can safely hold 40 people and 29 were on board at the time of the incident, 28 visitors and one staff member.  Investigators said 65-year-old Harshad Shah of Niagara Falls died at the scene after life-saving measures were attempted. 11 others were taken to area hospitals for minor injuries.

Deer season is here, and AAA of Western and Central New York is urging drivers to buck up and watch for animals on the roads.  AAA analyzed New York crash data and found that in 2022 New York State reported 36,743 animal-related crashes state-wide. That number was a 7% increase from 2021 and the equivalent of an animal-related crash every 15 minutes.  AAA has tips to avoid accidents, slow down and obey speed limits, scan the road and shoulders, and, if a collision is unavoidable, do not swerve to avoid the deer as doing so could cause more damage.  

Two funeral home companies in Batavia have announced a merger.  H E Turner and Gilmartin are coming together after signing a deal this week.  H E Turner’s Steve Johnson said staffing issues, a change in how funeral homes are doing business, and trends moving together for the businesses made the move make sense.  Customers have been informed, and all of the prior licensed funeral directors will remain in place, including Turner’s other acquisitions of Marley Funeral Home and Eaton-Watson.

Judith Purdy

Students and staff in the Rochester City School District continue to mourn the tragic death of a teacher. Genesee County deputies say 58-year-old Judith Purdy was driving on Route 19 in LeRoy yesterday when her vehicle collided with a deer. Purdy was on her way to work at Abraham Lincoln School Number 22 when this accident occurred. Counseling is being made available to everyone affected by her loss. (Assistant Fire Chief Joshua Pfendler provided the following statement to WHEC News10 from the Le Roy Fire Department: “The Le Roy Fire Department was saddened by the sudden passing of Judy Purdy. She was a former member of our department and a great supporter of all emergency responders. Judy served our community for many years and enjoyed teaching fire safety to local students. As a volunteer firefighter she was always willing to help and had a passion for helping others. Our thoughts go out to Judy’s family and friends during this difficult time.” – Photo provided by Joshua Pfendler)

Michael Fratini

A former postal worker is facing up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to a child pornography charge. The U.S. Attorney’s Office says 30-year-old Michael Fratini asked a woman he met on a dating app for illicit photos of her daughters. The woman reported the request to law enforcement, and Fratini was taken into custody after traveling to a hotel where he thought he was going to meet the woman. Fratini will be sentenced in March.

40-year-old Marlene Cruz of Rochester has been arrested. She’s charged with the delay or destruction of mail and theft of mail by a postal employee. The charges carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Multiple complaints were filed by postal customers in January 2022 that their mail had been tampered with. Investigation revealed that Cruz, a fulltime mail carrier, had opened envelopes and parcels, removed items such as ticket stubs, cash, lottery tickets and gift cards on multiple occasions. Cruz will return to court at a later date.

Trameir Garner

A person of interest in a deadly shooting on Interstate 190 in Buffalo has been arrested in connection with a different case. Officials say that 19-year-old Trameir Garner is charged with criminal possession of stolen property in Cheektowaga. On October 26th, 22-year-old Keyshawn Gault and two other employees of with the Buffalo Sewer Authority were shot, and Gault lost his life. Garner hasn’t been charged in that incident and anyone with information is asked to come forward.

Erie County Fair

People who want to get their hands on 12-day passes for the 2024 Erie County Fair can do so right now. They’ll cost $60 and are good for admission to the fair which will run from August 7th through the 18th. It is likely the passes are going to sell out in advance, so it’s recommended that fairgoers purchase them soon. There is a limit of four passes per household and more details can be found at ecfair.org.

Did the boy catch the fish or did the fish catch the boy?

The final free fishing day of 2023 is taking place across the Empire State tomorrow. That means no license is required for those who want to take part in the popular outdoor activity. The free fishing day program started in 1991 and helps support management of the state’s fisheries by encouraging people to buy a fishing license. While no license is required for tomorrow, all other freshwater fishing regulations remain in effect.

The Sabres are back on home ice tonight.

The Buffalo Sabres are back on  home ice tonight as they hope to avoid a second straight loss. They’re hosting the Minnesota Wild at KeyBank Center. Buffalo is coming off of a 3-2 overtime defeat at the hands of the Carolina Hurricanes Tuesday night and so far this season the team has earned 13 points. Face-off this evening is scheduled for 7:00.

ELSEWHERE…

Unidentified youngster in undated file photo appears quite brave before receiving a vaccination.

School vaccine exemptions for kindergarteners are at the highest on record. CDC data looking at immunization programs for measles, mumps and rubella, tetanus, polio and chickenpox shots show that fewer children are getting them now than pre-pandemic.

Friendly, aggressive or ambiguous?

A new study suggests cats are not really all that aloof and are actually quite expressive. Researchers at UCLA began studying felines in 2021 to learn more about how they communicate, and found that cats displayed at least 276 different facial expressions. About 46% of those were friendly, 37% were aggressive and 17% were ambiguous. The study’s co-author says she’s considering creating an app that would allow people to record their cats’ facial expressions to determine what feelings they’re expressing.

This tree will soon be on its way to New York City.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is being cut down this morning. It’s an 80-foot tall, 12-ton Norway Spruce being donated by the McGinley family just outside of Binghamton, New York. The tree will be brought to Rockefeller Center on a huge flatbed truck and hoisted this Saturday. As part of an annual tradition, the tree lighting which draws huge crowds will take place November 29th in New York City.

Robert Card, the Maine mass shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

An independent probe is being launched into the mass shooting in Maine that left 18 dead last month. Maine Governor Janet Mills says the seven-member commission will have the authority to look into all aspects of the shooting, including how the gunman was able to carry out the attack despite showing obvious warning signs regarding his mental health.

Today is Friday, November 10th, the 314th day of the year.

November 10 in history…

…In 1775, the Continental Marines was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It became recognized as the United States Marine Corps in 1798.

“Dr. Livingstone, I presume?”

…In 1871, explorer Henry Stanley found missing Scottish missionary David Livingstone living in central Africa. That’s when Stanley allegedly delivered his famous greeting, “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?”

The tradition started today in history.

…In 1908, a Gideon Bible was placed in a room at the Superior Hotel in Iron Mountains, Montana. The action started a long-standing tradition at hotels around the world.

…In 1967 The Moody Blues released the single “Nights in White Satin.”

“Sesame Street” cast in 1969.

…In 1969, “Sesame Street” debuted on PBS.

…In 1979 The Eagles were at number one on the US charts with “Heartache Tonight” the groups 5th and final number one.

Several arrests were made after a woman was assaulted in Rochester Thursday night.  Officers responded to the 400 block of Oxford Street around 7 p.m. for the report of a robbery. Officers found that a 33-year-old woman was reportedly pulled from her vehicle by a group of suspects who threw her on the ground, assaulted her and stole her smartphone. She was injured but did not need to be taken to the hospital, RPD said.  Police said one of the suspects appeared as if they were going to get into the driver’s seat and steal the victim’s vehicle, but then decided to flee the scene.  Later on, officers said they found several suspects nearby with the help of police K-9s and took them all into custody.

A former postal worker is facing up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to a child pornography charge. The U.S. Attorney’s Office says 30-year-old Michael Fratini asked a woman he met on a dating app for illicit photos of her daughters. The woman reported the request to law enforcement, and Fratini was taken into custody after traveling to a hotel where he thought he was going to meet the woman. Fratini will be sentenced in March.

A person of interest in a deadly shooting on Interstate 190 in Buffalo has been arrested in connection with a different case. Officials say that 19-year-old Tramier Garner is charged with criminal possession of stolen property in Cheektowaga. On October 26th, 22-year-old Keyshawn Gault and two other employees of with the Buffalo Sewer Authority were shot, and Gault lost his life. Garner hasn’t been charged in that incident and anyone with information is asked to come forward.

2 more shootings in Rochester on Thursday night.  Police are looking for suspects after a teen was shot on the 500 block of Lyell Ave around 8:30 pm.  Police found the victim, a 17-year-old, who was bleeding profusely from gunshot wounds. The victim was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.  No arrests have been made.  Another man was seriously injured in a shooting in Rochester’s 19th Ward, according to police.  Around 6 p.m., the victim, a 20-year-old man from Rochester, arrived at Strong Memorial Hospital by private vehicle. He’s currently being treated for critical but non-life-threatening injuries, police said.  Investigators believe the man was shot on Arnett Blvd.  No arrests have been made.

Western New York Congressman Brian Higgins is planning to resign from his office on Capitol Hill. According to several reports, Higgins is going to leave his position in the coming weeks so can be the next president of Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo. Right now, the 64-year-old Democrat represents the 26th District and was last re-elected in 2022. If he does step down, Governor Hochul would call for a special election to fill the rest of his term.

Buffalo State Athletics announced the launch of the new women’s wrestling program at the university. It is the first school in the SUNY school system to launch a women’s wrestling program and the fifth college in New York State with a team. The sport was recognized as an emerging sport by the school in 2022 which paved the way for the program’s creation.  Buffalo State has already locked in seven commits to the program as recruitment began immediately after the school announced the program’s addition to its athletic department.  Women’s wrestling is one of the fastest-growing sports in America across both high school and college levels. 41 states now recognize it as an official championship sport at the high school level with 17 of those states recognizing the sport within the last three years. In 2022, the New York State Public High School Athletic Association called the sport an emerging sport.

The Genesee County Sheriffs Office is investigating a one-car motor vehicle accident that occurred on Route 19 in the Town of Le Roy. A little after 7:00am this morning, a car driven by 58-year-old Judith Purdy of Le Roy, was driving northbound. A deer entered the roadway from the east shoulder of the road and her vehicle struck it. As a result of the collision Purdy suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Unidentified children fishing (file photo)

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that New York will honor veterans on the year’s sixth and final Free Fishing Day of 2023 this Saturday, November 11. On Free Fishing Days, the state waives the requirement for a freshwater fishing license, offering the perfect opportunity for beginners to try out the sport for the first time or for skilled anglers to bring along friends and family to experience the sport and the state’s waterways.

47-year-old Brian Kennedy of Batavia has been arrested. He’s charged with petit larceny, possession of burglar tools and conspiracy. It’s alleged he entered Dick’s Sporting Goods and removed a security tag from a coat and exited the store passing all points of sale without paying. Sheriffs later located Kennedy in Walmart. He was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court for a later date.

Kamela Lockhart

UPDATE: KAMELA HAS BEEN LOCATED IN ROCHESTER AND IS SAFE. BATAVIA POLICE THANK THE ROCHESTER POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE PUBLIC FOR THEIR HELP. The Batavia Police Department continues to seek public assistance in locating a missing 14-year-old girl. Kamela Lockhart was last seen on November 6 in Batavia. She was wearing a thin black sweatshirt, a red t-shirt, red pants, and multi-colored crocs. Kamela is about 5’04” and 180 pounds with black hair and hazel eyes. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call the Batavia Police Department at 585-345-6350 or the NYS Missing Persons Clearinghouse at 1-800-346-3543.

Sarah-Elizabeth Tierney with fallen Buffalo firefighter Jason Arno and their daughter

The widow of a Buffalo firefighter who lost his life in the line of duty has filed a wrongful death lawsuit. The legal action taken by Sarah-Elizabeth Tierney names four defendants including the City of Buffalo, the fire department and the owner of the Main Street building where her husband Jason Arno died while battling a blaze back in March. Investigators say the fire was started by a blowtorch that was being used by workers before it ignited combustible materials. No criminal charges were filed.

State Attorney General Letitia James (file photo)

New York State Attorney General Letitia James says she’s been able to secure $450,000 from a medical company that failed to protect the personal data of patients. James says US Radiology Specialists, which has six offices in Western New York, did not make the proper upgrades to keep its network secure. That ended up causing a cyberattack that affected over 92,000 people. The AG says the company has promised to take action to prevent something like this from happening again.

Unidentified individual vaping

As reported by Tom Tharp this morning: If two state lawmakers get their way, no one will be doing any kind of vaping at school. They are proposing a bill that would ban all vaping at all schools – including colleges and universities. Right now, the state’s Public Health Law prohibits smoking and vaping in several indoor areas, like educational buildings. This bill would expand those guidelines to include “outdoor areas contained within a public or private school.” Republican Assemblymen Scott Gray and Ken Blankenbush introduced the legislation requiring a complete ban of e-cigarettes on public and private school and college campuses and for schools to educate communities about the health risks associated with vaping while posting no-vaping signs.

William Collins

The Niagara County legislator accused of slashing a person’s tire has surrendered to police. William Collins turned himself in yesterday after allegedly slashing the tire at the Attitudes Bar and Grill in Lockport October 26th. The incident was caught on surveillance camera and Collins faces up to a year in jail if convicted. Collins has been given an appearance ticket and is set to be arraigned November 29th. By the way, Collins’ challenger for the Niagara County Legislative post, Democrat Carla Speranza, came out on top but by a very slim margin over Collins.  Because the race shows she won the election by only 19 votes (1027 to 1008), today there is a recount.

TSA file photo

For the sixth time since the start of the year, a loaded weapon has been found at Buffalo Niagara International Airport. The gun was spotted in a carry-on bag while it was going through an X-ray machine on Tuesday. The weapon had 10 bullets inside and there was also an additional magazine discovered with 10 more bullets. The owner had a valid permit for the gun and turned it over to security. He now could be fined up to $15,000.

File photo of snowmobilers enjoying a winter day

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is reminding snowmobile enthusiasts to make sure that their snowmobiles are registered for the season. Registrations must be renewed annually and the process can be completed either online through the DMV website or by visiting a DMV office. Snowmobilers are required to carry their registration and proof of insurance when they ride. There are over 10,000 miles of trails in the Statewide Snowmobile Trail System.

ELSEWHERE…

The new fall season of television shows may start soon.

The Hollywood actors strike is over. SAG-AFTRA says the strike officially ended today after union members unanimously approved a deal. The deal now has to be approved by the SAG-AFTRA national board. The strike lasted 118 days, making it the longest actors strike in U.S. history.

The blue diamond. I don’t believe I’d offer more than $43 million; how about you?

The largest blue diamond to hit the auction block is being sold. It sold for more than $44 million at Christie’s Auction House. The more than 17-carat blue royal ring is now the most expensive jewel sold at auction this year. It had been part of a private collection for 50 years and will now be handed over to another collection.

Two of the pandas that will soon be off to China; I guess the third one was busy packing.

The three National Zoo giant pandas are headed back to China. Today marks the end of more than five decades of pandas calling the Washington, D.C. zoo their home. Zoo Atlanta will now be the only zoo in the country to feature Chinese pandas — and they may be gone soon too. Atlanta’s contracts for their four bears are up next year and there hasn’t been any word about an extension. China first gave two giant pandas two the U.S. in 1972 as a symbol of diplomacy after President Nixon visited the country.

Today is Thursday, November 9th, the 313th day of the year.

November 9 in history…

Charles Sifford

…In 1961, the Professional Golfers Association eliminated their “Caucasian only” rule and opened its door to all races. Charlie Sifford became the first African American member of the PGA Tour.

Brian Epstein was watching The Beatles play during this gig at The Cavern Club in Liverpool today in history.

…Also in 1961 Brian Epstein saw The Beatles playing live for the first time during a lunchtime session at The Cavern Liverpool. He later went on to be the groups manager.

The effected areas

…In 1965, the great northeast blackout shut down several states and parts of Canada. The largest power failure in U.S. history left more than 30-million people in New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and parts of Ontario without power for most of the night.

The first cover with John Lennon

…In 1967, the first issue of “Rolling Stone” magazine was published.

Billy Joel’s “Piano Man” album cover

…In 1973, Billy Joel released his breakthrough album, “Piano Man.” The title song became his first hit single.

The Berlin Wall comes down

…In 1989, the Berlin Wall came down after communist East Germany opened its borders to allow its citizens to travel to West Germany. This historic event signaled the end of The Cold War for American people.

The Eagles album everyone seemed to have.

…In 1999, the Recording Industry Association of America declared the Eagles’ “Greatest Hits 1971-1975” the best-selling album of the century. “Candle in the Wind 1997,” by Elton John was declared the 20th century’s biggest single.

Unidentified teenager receives Covid vaccine.

…In 2020, drug makers Pfizer and BioNTech announced their COVID-19 vaccine is over 90% effective in a first review of their phase three trial results that involved about 44,000 people. On the same day, the U.S. recorded its 10,000,000th COVID-19 case, with the death toll at the time at roughly 237,000.

Police in Rochester are looking for suspects in a shooting on the city’s north side Wednesday night.  Around 8 p.m., officers responded to the area of Jewel and Carthage streets in Rochester for the report of a person shot. Once there, they found the victim, a 17-year-old from Rochester. He was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.  The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain unknown as the investigation continues.

Monroe County Deputies are investigating an attempted robbery Wednesday night.  The victim was shot at an address on Crockett Drive in Henrietta, and was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.  Deputies said it appears to be an isolated incident and there is no threat to the public, and did not say if any arrests have been made.  Around the same time a man was shot on Rochester’s north side, according to police.  Around 10:15 p.m., officers responded to Kosciusko Street for the report of a man shot.  Once there, they learned the victim, a 25-year-old man from Rochester, was being taken to the hospital by private vehicle. He’s being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.  No arrests have been made.

Michael Scott faces charges following a fatal shooting on the city of Rochester’s west side over the summer.  21 year old Michael Scott Jr. allegedly shot and killed 22 year old Demetrius Rucker on Aug. 4th as Rucker was walking down Henion Street.  Police said a stray bullet went through a home on neighboring Clifton Street and hit a TV.  A woman and three children were watching the TV at the time but were not hit.  U.S. Marshals saw Scott leaving his home on Buffalo Road Wednesday and took him into custody. He’s charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon.  Police said Scott was previously arrested Sept. 23, 2022 with two illegally possessed handguns and plead guilty in October but was released from custody. Charges for that incident were pending when he allegedly shot and killed Rucker.

If two state lawmakers get their way, no one will be doing any kind of vaping at school. They are proposing a bill that would ban all vaping at all schools – including colleges and universities.  Right now, the state’s Public Health Law prohibits smoking and vaping in several indoor areas, like educational buildings.  This bill would expand those guidelines to include “outdoor areas contained within a public or private school.”  Republican Assemblymen Scott Gray and Ken Blankenbush introduced the legislation requiring a complete ban of e-cigarettes on public and private school and college campuses and for schools to educate communities about the health risks associated with vaping while posting no-vaping signs. 

The four lion cubs at the Buffalo Zoo are drawing quite the crowd, Asali, Briggs, Denny and Saúl, are now five months old and weigh about 60-70 lbs.  The cubs are spending their days either cuddled up next to their mom and siblings or horsing around and being cooed over by crowds of admirers.  You can check out the cutest new residents of Buffalo daily from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Buffalo Zoo.

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is reminding snowmobile enthusiasts to make sure that their snowmobiles are registered for the season. Registrations must be renewed annually and the process can be completed either online through the DMV website or by visiting a DMV office. Snowmobilers are required to carry their registration and proof of insurance when they ride. There are over 10-thousand miles of trails in the Statewide Snowmobile Trail System.

Kamela Lockhart

The Batavia Police Department is seeking public assistance in locating a 14-year-old girl. Kamela Lockhart was last seen on November 6 in Batavia. She was wearing a thin black sweatshirt, a red t-shirt, red pants, and multi-colored crocs. Kamela is about 5’04” and 180 pounds with black hair and hazel eyes. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call the Batavia Police Department at 345-6350 or the NYS Missing Persons Clearinghouse at 1-800-346-3543.

Louis Carusone

A former Brighton High School physics teacher is now awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography involving prepubescent minors. 45-year-old Louis Carusone of Webster uploaded the material in an online file-sharing network late in 2022. An undercover officer downloaded the files and found more from Carusone’s IP address. Investigators then searched Carusone’s home recovering more than 2,000 images and videos of child pornography — some of which depicted children as young as 5 years old, as well as children being subjected to violence and sexual abuse. Carusone also recorded and photographed children in public — including students in his classroom, though none of the recordings were pornographic — and at a waterpark, where he recorded them in bathing suits. Carusone faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for February 21, 2024.

That fish is almost as big as he is…

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that New York will honor veterans on the year’s sixth and final Free Fishing Day of 2023 this Saturday, November 11. On Free Fishing Days, the state waives the requirement for a freshwater fishing license, offering the perfect opportunity for beginners to try out the sport for the first time or for skilled anglers to bring along friends and family to experience the sport and the state’s waterways.

File photo of Eastway Wegmans on Empire Boulevard (13WHAM Photo)

A former Wegmans employee is heading to prison for accumulating more than half a million dollars in fraudulent refunds for herself through a program used to fill customers’ prescriptions. 48-year-old Alicia Torres of Webster, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Prosecutors said she used the Enterprise System between 2014 and February 2023 to process approximately 350 credit card refund requests worth a total of $568,021.69 in store customers’ names. Torres worked at Wegmans for 27 years, including the last 15 as a pharmacy technician at the Eastway store on Empire Boulevard. Prosecutors said Torres also used Wegmans gift cards to steal $10,922.17 from the company between 2020 and February 2023. A judge sentenced Torres to one year in prison and ordered her to pay restitution totaling $578,943.86.

The recovered Mercedes Benz

U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents are in the process of returning a stolen vehicle that was seized at the Peace Bridge. A Mercedes-Benz with a value of $50,000 was on a commercial car carrier that attempted to enter the United States on Monday. An investigation revealed the Vehicle Identification Number and paperwork associated with the Mercedes were counterfeit. The vehicle was recently reported stolen out of Ontario.

Mark Poloncarz celebrates his win

Election results are in across New York State. Some of the big ones in Western NY: Democrat Adam Bello remains the Executive of Monroe County for a second term with 61 percent of the vote. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz has made history by being elected to serve a fourth term in office. The incumbent Democrat fought off a challenge from Republican Chrissy Casilio and will serve another four-year term. Poloncarz won with 58 percent of the vote. Republican Alex Renzi was elected to the State Supreme Court with 37 percent of the vote. In Batavia Republicans swept the board running unopposed for County Clerk, County Coroner, and several legislator and town council positions.

“Yay! I hope they spend some of the money on treats!”

Five-million-dollars is being made available to help animal shelters and humane societies statewide make needed improvements to their facilities. It is part of the Companion Animal Capital Fund that launched in 2017 and so far has helped pay for dozens of projects. The money can be used for things such as renovations and also lowering operational costs. The deadline to apply is January 29th.

NHL Photo of Rasmus Dahlin celebrating his score with teammates

The Buffalo Sabres have come up short in their bid to win a second straight game after suffering a tough loss on the road. Rasmus Dahlin and Alex Tuch each scored as the Sabres fell to the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 in overtime at PNC Arena last night. Buffalo goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 24 of the 27 shots he faced in the contest. On Friday, the Sabres host the Minnesota Wild. The puck drops at 7:00.

ELSEWHERE…

YMCA file photo of previous Buffalo Turkey Trot

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and registration is still underway for the 128th YMCA Turkey Trot in Buffalo. The event will kick off at 9:00am on November 23rd and roughly 14,000 runners and walkers are expected to take part. The race starts on Delaware Avenue and will wrap up at the Buffalo Convention Center. Money raised from registration fees will help support YMCA programs in the area. To sign up, head to ymcabn.org.

Bear in Florida apparently thought UberEats made a mistake with his delivery.

A hungry bear is blamed for ruining a Florida family’s dinner. Longwood residents Laidy Gutierrez and Daniel Bula ordered dinner, through UberEats, from Taco Bell last week. The family’s doorbell camera shows the driver dropping off the food before a black bear wanders onto the porch and takes it. The couple’s niece says the bear even took the soda. UberEats issued the family a refund.

Not any more, Homer…

Homer Simpson will no longer choke his son Bart. The producers of the animated, longest-running TV show have confirmed its policy shift. The last time Homer choked Bart on an episode of The Simpsons was three years ago but now Homer will take a stand against child abuse. In episode three of season 35, Homer tells a new neighbor that he won’t be choking his son anymore. The word is out on social media and fans are split about the decision. Some are cheering the move and others see it as a mandate from Disney, which owns the animated series.

They may soon be putting away their signs.

The actor’s strike could soon come to a close. According to Deadline, SAG-AFTRA and motion picture and television studios have reportedly reached an agreement on the use of artificial intelligence. The use of AI to recreate actors’ likenesses has been a major topic in negotiations, as well as revenue sharing. The union’s lead negotiators and studios met on Tuesday in what could be the final phase to sealing a new deal and the end to the more than three-month strike.

Unidentified woman with credit card in  dramatization

Americans owe over a trillion dollars on their credit cards. That’s according to a new report on household debt from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. It found that credit card balances spiked by over $150 billion year over year. It’s the largest increase this century. Credit card delinquency rates also went up, especially among millennials.

Today is Wednesday, November 8th, the 312th day of the year.

November 8 in history…

Elijah Craig

…In 1789, bourbon whiskey was first distilled from corn by Reverend Elijah Craig in Bourbon County, Kentucky.

1958 Edsel Cruise

…In 1956, Ford Motor Company decided to name their new car “Edsel” after Henry Ford’s only son; the first Edsels were available in 1958.

John Kennedy and Richard Nixon

…In 1960, John F. Kennedy defeated Richard Nixon in the run for the office of President of the United States.

“Julie” and “Tom” pose in 1956 during filming of the first show.

…In 1965, the soap opera “Days of Our Lives” debuted on NBC.

John and Cynthia during happier times

…In 1968 Cynthia Powell Lennon is granted a divorce from John Lennon after 6 years of marriage.

David Bowie with Cher on her 1975 show.

…In 1975 David Bowie debuted “Fame” on the Cher CBS TV show.

Ace Frehley of Kiss is unmasked in 1980

…In 1980 Kiss kicked off their eleven-day “Unmasked” Tour in Australia and New Zealand.

…In 2020, global COVID-19 cases passed 50-million. The death toll at that point was over 1.2 million.

Governor Hochul is sworn in 2021 to replace Former Governor Cuomo

…In 2022, Kathy Hochul became the first elected female Governor of New York.

Kamela Lockhart

The Batavia Police Department is seeking public assistance in locating a 14-year-old girl. Kamela Lockhart was last seen on Nov. 6 in Batavia.  She was wearing a thin black sweatshirt, a red t-shirt, red pants, and multi-colored crocs.  Kamela is about 5’04” and 180 pounds with black hair and hazel eyes.  Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call the Batavia Police Department at 585-345-6350 or the NYS Missing Persons Clearinghouse at 1-800-346-3543.

A former Brighton High School physics teacher is now awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography involving prepubescent minors.  Prosecutors said 45 year old Louis Carusone of Webster, shared the material in an online file-sharing network Oct. 10 of 2022. An undercover officer downloaded the files and found more from Carusone’s IP address over the next few days.  Investigators searched Carusone’s home Oct. 21 of 2022, recovering more than 2,000 images and videos of child pornography — some of which depicted children as young as 5 years old, as well as children being subjected to violence and sexual abuse.  Prosecutors said Carusone also recorded and photographed children in public — including students in his classroom, though none of the recordings were pornographic — and at a waterpark, where he recorded them in bathing suits.  Carusone faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 21.

Election results are in across New York State.  Some of the big ones in Western NY: Democrat Adam Bello remains the Executive of Monroe County for a second term with 61 percent of the vote.  Democrat Mark Poloncarz stayed for his 4th term as Erie County Executive with 58 percent of the vote.  Republican Alex Renzi was elected to the State Supreme Court with 37 percent of the vote.  In Batavia Republicans swept the board running unopposed for County Clerk, County Coroner, and several legislator and town council positions.  

A former Wegmans employee is heading to prison for accumulating more than half a million dollars in fraudulent refunds for herself through a program used to fill customers’ prescriptions.  48 year old Alicia Torres of Webster, pleaded guilty earlier this year to wire fraud. Prosecutors said she used the Enterprise System between 2014 and February 2023 to process approximately 350 credit card refund requests worth a total of $568,021.69 in customers’ names.  Torres worked at Wegmans for 27 years, including the last 15 as a pharmacy technician at the Eastway store on Empire Boulevard.  Prosecutors said Torres also used Wegmans gift cards to steal $10,922.17 from the company between 2020 and February 2023.  A judge sentenced Torres to one year in prison and ordered her to pay restitution totaling $578,943.86.

Five-million-dollars is being made available to help animal shelters and humane societies statewide make needed improvements to their facilities. It is part of the Companion Animal Capital Fund that launched in 2017 and so far has helped pay for dozens of projects. The money can be used for things such as renovations and also lowering operational costs. The deadline to apply is January 29th.

The Buffalo Sabres have come up short in their bid to win a second straight game after suffering a tough loss on the road. Rasmus Dahlin and Alex Tuch each scored as the Sabres fell to the Carolina Hurricanes three-to-two in overtime at PNC Arena last night. Buffalo goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 24 of the 27 shots he faced in the contest. The next game for the Sabres is on Friday when they play the Minnesota Wild.

63-year-old Gerald Steven Pigeon of Niagara Falls, pleaded guilty in State Supreme Court to one count of first-degree sexual abuse ahead of a jury trial that was scheduled to begin next month.  Pigeon is a former Erie County Democratic Chairman.  According to the district attorney’s office, on a date between November 2016 and December 2016, Pigeon subjected a child, who was younger than 11 years old to sexual contact at a location in Erie County. The victim was known to Pigeon. He was arraigned on a six-count indictment in the case in December 2021.  Pigeon is scheduled to be sentenced on December 22, he faces a maximum of seven years in prison. He continues to be released on his own recognizance and a temporary order of protection issued on behalf of the victim remains in effect.

The general election is today.  Polls opened at 6am and will close tonight at 9pm.  If you don’t know where you can vote you can visit voterlookup.elections.ny.gov or call 585 815 7804 to find your polling place.  Today is also the last day to postmark your ballot. The Board of Elections must receive it by Nov. 14. Military/Special Federal absentee ballots must be received by Nov. 20.  All registered voters are allowed to vote today.  There are 2 propositions on the ballot.  1 is for an increase in the debt limit for small city school districts.  2 is for removing the debt limit for sewage projects.  Byron Bergen Voters also have prop 3 which is adding an annual tax to support the public library.  

One suspect is in custody after a theft at Dicks Sporting Goods on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia. Deputies were dispatched to the area following the report of two men stealing coats.  The men reportedly fled on bicycles.  They were described as white, one wearing a black sweater, baseball cap, and jeans and the other in blue jeans and gray sweater.   They were reportedly seen headed toward Walmart before officers arrived. 

The City of Batavia Water Department will need to temporarily turn off water in the Jackson Street area today for the duration of the day to replace a valve. The following streets will be without water: Chestnut Street, Kibbe Avenue, Elmwood Avenue, South Jackson Street, from Jackson Street to Liberty Street, and Jackson Street, from Central Avenue to South Jackson Street.  Surrounding streets may be affected as well.  As always, when the water is restored, it may be discolored.  Refrain from doing any laundry until the water runs clear.

New York State is attempting to tackle maternal and infant mortality rates.  Governor Hochul on Monday announced legislation to create a community directory of Doulas who are birthing experts that provide physical and emotional support for expectant parents. New funding has also been allocated for Peri-Natal Centers. Also, Doula services will be covered for all Medicaid recipients, starting January 1st.  

General Motors plans to invest $300 million into the Tonawanda engine plant, the United Auto Workers union confirmed Monday.  It’s one of three additional investments that was secured by the union through recent negotiations. The deal must still be ratified by a simple majority of the union’s 46,000 members with the automaker.  The investment would be used for drive-unit production for electric vehicles. Other locations included for EV investment are the Lansing and Fairfax plants