Monday News Brief
Written by Doug Thompson on March 18, 2024
56-year-old Mark McWethy of Batavia has been arrested. He’s charged with traffic violations and criminal possession of a controlled substance. This followed a traffic stop during which he was found to be in possession of cocaine. McWethy was released on appearance tickets, and scheduled for Batavia City Court on March 28th.
Richard Metcalf, Jr.
Another week of testimony is scheduled to get underway today in the Richard Metcalf Jr. wrongful death trial. Metcalf was an inmate at the Erie County Holding Center when he passed away just days after being restrained following an encounter involving staff members at the jail back in 2012. Last week, the sheriff’s office revealed that a file involving its investigation into Metcalf’s death that was thought to have been destroyed was found. Metcalf’s estate is suing the county and multiple deputies.
It is going to be another busy week at the State Capitol as lawmakers keep working towards hammering out a new state budget. The Assembly and Senate have each passed their own proposals and Governor Hochul is calling for over $230 billion in spending for the next fiscal year. Much of the funding would be used towards education and health care as well as public safety. The deadline to approve a new budget is April 1st.
The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department has issued a warning to residents across our region about an ongoing scam. Deputies say people have been going door-to-door and claiming to be from the Department of Social Services. They then go on to offer free tablets and cell phones to residents in exchange for personal data like social security numbers. The sheriff’s department says the Department of Social Services doesn’t conduct business this way and anyone who is approached by a scammer should report what happened immediately.
According to Triple A this morning, the national average cost for a gallon of regular fuel is now $3.47. The state average is a dime less at $3.37. In Batavia, the average price figures out to $3.25, which has been holding steady for the last week or so; it’s a penny higher than a month ago but 12 cents lower than a year ago today.
People are on the move…that’s what the latest data estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau suggest. For example, Orleans County is down 1,233 people since the April 2020 census, which represents one of the biggest percentage declines in population in New York State. Genesee County’s total population has decreased by 859 people in four years (down 1.47%). Wyoming County shows a decrease of nearly 1000 people, which represents a 2.46% decline of their population; Livingston County had only a 1% decrease in population. New York State overall has over 630,000 fewer people that consider themselves residents since 2020, which represents a 3.12% decrease.
The Buffalo Sabres are going to be in the Pacific Northwest tonight as they continue their latest road trip. The Sabres will take on the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena in Washington State. Buffalo is coming off a disappointing four-to-one loss to the Detroit Red Wings Saturday, but are still in the hunt for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Face-off this evening is scheduled for 10:00.
ELSEWHERE…
Please play responsibly.
The Mega Millions jackpot is getting close to a billion dollars. Lottery officials say no ticket matched all six numbers drawn Friday night so the grand prize jumps to an estimated $875 million for Tuesday’s drawing. Meanwhile, there was no winner in last night’s Powerball drawing, so that jackpot will be worth an estimated $645 million for tonight’s drawing. Please play responsibly.
NBC file photo of Celine Dion.
Celine Dion says she’s determined to get back on stage despite her recent medical diagnosis. The singer is currently battling a rare autoimmune disorder known as stiff person syndrome. Over the weekend, she posted a photo of herself and her three sons, saying although her battle with SPS is difficult; she’s set on returning to the stage “and to live as normal of a life as possible.” She thanked her family, friends, and fans for all their support, and also sent encouragement to others fighting the same disease.
Robert Card, the Lewiston, Maine shooter.
The commission looking into a mass shooting in Lewiston has released its initial report on the tragedy. The panel says police should have seized weapons from Robert Card well before he opened fire at two businesses back in October, killing 18 people and wounding 13 others. The commission also said there was enough evidence to take Card into protective custody ahead of the attack. Card died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after carrying out the shooting.
