Monday News Brief

Terry Anderson, the Associated Press news correspondent who became one of America’s longest-held hostages after being captured in war-torn Lebanon in 1985 and held for nearly seven years, has died. Anderson was born in Ohio and raised here in Batavia, graduating from BHS in 1965. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Among other jobs, Anderson taught journalism to college students. Upon retiring from the University of Florida in 2015, Anderson settled on a small horse farm in a quiet, rural section of northern Virginia he had discovered while camping with friends. Terry Anderson passed away following complications from recent heart surgery; he was 76.

64-year-old Michael Pullinzi of Batavia has been arrested. He’s charged with disobeying a court mandate; it’s alleged Pullinzi violated a served order of protection out of Genesee County Family Court. He was arraigned in CAP Court. ALSO: 38-year-old Krista Penkszyk of Batavia has been arrested by Genesee County Sheriffs. She’s charged with petty larceny and harassment with physical contact. This followed an investigation into a domestic incident. It’s alleged Penkszyk got into a physical altercation and stole property that was not hers. She was arrested and held for CAP Court.

 

The Rochester River Run and Walk 5K and Organ Transplant Ceremony was held yesterday morning in Rochester. The fundraiser benefits the University of Rochester Medicine’s Organ Transplant Program, and supports patients awaiting and recovering from organ transplant surgery at Strong. There is no word yet as to how much yesterday’s event brought in; however, since its inception in 2001, organizers have raised more than $330,000. Funds directly supplement patient care needs with emergency financial assistance.

 

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel tell us that the Fur Ball Gala Fundraiser from earlier this month raised $30,000 for Begin Again Horse Rescue and Whispering River Rescue. Over 90 baskets donated by local companies and individuals were raffled off to the more than 200 people in attendance. Monies will be used by the charities to support their work, which includes caring for horses, donkeys and other farm animals.

 

National Drug Take-Back Day is this Saturday, April 27th from 10:00am until 2:00pm. The Batavia Police Department, in conjunction with United Memorial Medical Center, will be accepting prescription drugs and sharps at the police department, at 10 West Main Street. The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office accepts prescription drugs only at the Pembroke Town hall, 1145 Main Road, Corfu. The LeRoy Police Department will also only accept prescription drugs at their headquarters, at 3 West Main Street, LeRoy. That’s next Saturday, April 27th, from 10am until 2pm, for this free and anonymous service.

For the sixth week in a row, gas prices are trending upward. According to Triple A this morning, the national average price for a gallon of regular gas is $3.67; the state average is at $3.69. In Batavia, the average price figures out to $3.53 per gallon; two cents higher than it was yesterday, nine cents more than last week at this time and 22 cents higher than a month ago today. Today’s price is 13 cents lower than it was a year ago.

 

An Ontario County sheriff’s deputy and New York State Trooper are recovering after being hurt while making an arrest. Authorities say 29-year-old Kyle Baker is facing a robbery charge after an investigation into a stolen vehicle in Manchester. Baker was later spotted in Clifton Springs and was involved in a short pursuit that ended when he abandoned that vehicle. The deputy and Trooper were injured while trying to take Baker into custody. He was sent to the Ontario County Jail ahead of his arraignment.

 

The Governor’s Safety Traffic Commission and state Department of Motor Vehicles are working together this week for the annual “No Empty Chair” campaign. This initiative runs through Friday, and school students will learn about safe driving practices. Police will also be increasing patrols near schools this week to get dangerous drivers off the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among young adults in the United States.

 

 

The Rochester Amerks posted a win yesterday in Utica; they beat the Comets 3-2. They’re back home Friday to host the Syracuse Crunch as the semi-finals of the 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs begin; the puck drops at 7:05; game two against The Crunch will be Sunday at 3:05.

The reigning National Lacrosse League champions the Buffalo Bandits are going to get to host a playoff game this weekend. The Bandits earned that right by picking up a win on the road in Las Vegas Saturday night. Buffalo is now going to battle the Georgia Swarm this Saturday at seven p-m at KeyBank Center. Georgia beat the Bandits in Buffalo back in December. Seats for the game are available through Ticketmaster.

 

After years of waiting, Rochester native Lou Gramm is going to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Gramm and his band Foreigner are part of the Class of 2024 that includes Ozzy Osbourne, Cher, Mary J Blige, Dave Matthews Band, Peter Frampton, and A Tribe Called Quest. Among Foreigner’s greatest hits include “Urgent,” “Cold as Ice” and “Juke Box Hero.” The induction ceremony is October 19th in Cleveland.

 

 

ELSEWHERE…

April 22, 1976: Barbara Walters became the first female nightly news anchor when she teamed with Harry Reasoner to co-host the “ABC Evening News.”