Monday Afternoon News Brief
Written by WBTA STAFF on February 3, 2025
Governor Kathy Hochul says New Yorkers will pay an economic price for the tariffs imposed Saturday on Canadian goods by President Trump. The governor says Canada and New York State are part of a single region and have long been economically intertwined, calling it a “synergy.” She tells MSNBC it is “critically important” for New York farmers and manufacturers to be able to get goods across the border with ease. Hochul also says it is not surprising that Canada quickly imposed retaliatory tariffs on imports coming from the US. She adds that if the aim of the President’s tariffs is to stop the flow of fentanyl into the US, New York is already working to do that.
The Batavia City School District is now accepting registration applications for universal pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs for the 2025-26 school year. For more information, call 585-343-2480 or visit bataviacsd.org/registration. The deadline to register is May 1st.
46-year-old Richard Burdick of Batavia has been arrested by the Genesee County Sheriffs. He’s charged with criminal possession of a narcotic drug with intent to sell, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle. It’s alleged that Burdick was in possession of approximately 62 grams of cocaine during a traffic stop. He was held at the Genesee County Jail pending arraignment.
Western New York drivers are seeing steady prices at the pump when it comes time to fill up their vehicles. Triple A says the national average cost for a gallon of regular fuel right now is $3.10. The state average for gas is sitting at $3.17 per gallon. In Batavia, the average figures out to $3.18 a gallon, which is down two cents from a month ago and is seven cents lower than it was a year ago today.
A teacher at Amherst Central High School was arrested on Friday for sex crimes against children. New York State Police said 45-year-old Geoffrey Testa was arrested on a warrant for multiple felony child exploitation charges out of Fairfax, Virginia. He was processed and taken to Erie County Holding Center on the arrest warrant awaiting extradition. Testa’s also been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. School officials are working with State Police on this incident.

Unidentified postal carrier and dog in undated file photo.
Folks interested in a career with the United States Postal Service should check out two hiring events happening this week. The first job fair is Wednesday at the USPS Rochester Processing and Distribution Center on Jefferson Road from 9:30am until 12:30pm. The second event is taking place Thursday from 9:00am until noon in Canandaigua at the post office next to the Wegmans on Eastern Boulevard. There are multiple positions available including carrier assistants and rural carrier associates.
Fans of the Buffalo Zoo will be happy to hear that the zoo received a $9 million grant from the state on Friday. The funding will be used to support projects aimed at improving safety, animal welfare and the overall enhancement of the visitor experience. Lisa Smith, the President and CEO of the Buffalo Zoo, said the funding would help them preserve the historic structures while modernizing their facilities to meet the highest standards of animal care and visitor experience.
The Buffalo Sabres are now on a three-game winning streak after picking up a victory on home ice. Jason Zucker, Tage Thompson and JJ Peterka each had a goal as the Sabres held on to beat the New Jersey Devils four-to-three at KeyBank Center yesterday. Buffalo’s goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen faced a total of 24 shots in the contest and stopped 21 of them. The next game for the Sabres is at home tomorrow night against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Face-off is at 7:00.