Morning News Brief
Written by Tom Tharp on October 19, 2022
Batavia Police are investigating a stabbing on Jackson St late Tuesday night. Around 9:38 first responders were called to Highland Park. Batavia Police, Fire and Mercy EMS were dispatched. The suspect is described as a black male wearing a white hooded sweatshirt. The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment. No further information is available at this time. If you have information please call the police department at 585 345 6350. The confidential tip line is 585 345 6370.
According to an Attorney General’s Office report the shooter in May’s racist massacre at TOPs Friendly Market in Buffalo was radicalized by videos and social media he consumed online. The report found that livestreaming “has become a tool of mass shooters to instantaneously publicize their crime, further terrorizing the community targeted by the shooter and serving as a mechanism to incite and solicit additional violent acts.” Governor Hochul and AG Letitia James recommended the state pass legislation restricting websites from livestreaming homicides, reforming a law that protects online platforms from liability for hosting 3rd party content, increased transparency for online platform’s content moderation policies, and getting service providers to police sites and platforms that spread racist or hateful content.
The Genesee Orleans Wyoming County Opioid task force met Tuesday night with special presenters from local law enforcement to talk about how the counties are doing dealing with the deadly drug Fentanyl. Fentanyl is now responsible for the most unintentional injuries in the US for ages 25 through 64. Just 2 milligrams is a lethal dose for most people. The task force has been working with the federal and local government to try to stop the drugs from coming into the communities and also trying to track down any that is already here. They are also working to train and equip community members through the HEALing Genesee program to get them to carry Naloxone, a drug to save the lives of people overdosing. The signs of an overdose include drowsiness or unconsciousness, slow or shallow breathing, choking sounds or skin tone changes and a timely administration of Naloxone can be the difference between life and death.
The man who set fire to the Washington Towers apartment complex back in January has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for Arson. 42 year old Matthew Zakrzewski was admonished by Judge Cianfrini to use the time in prison to improve himself and go to counseling for his mental illness and substance abuse issues. The fire he set caused 10,000 dollars in damages but could have been much worse according to DA Kevin Finnell. Zakrzewski apologized for his actions and admitted his struggle with drug and alcohol abuse. He said what he did at Washington Towers wasn’t really who he is.
It was open for a couple of days but it’s going to be closed again. At least for today from 7 to 4 Park Rd between Richmond and Lewiston Rd will be closed for specialty pavement treatment. If you are going to Batavia Downs you’ll have to enter the parking lot from the north side near Richmond ave. There will be a detour posted from Lewiston around to the north side of Park for all traffic using Veterans Memorial Drive. This work is weather permitting so if it rains it will be rescheduled for the next business day.
With just under three weeks until Election Day two brand-new polls show the race for New York governor is tightening. According to Quinnipiac University, Democrat and incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul has just a four-point advantage over her Republican challenger, Long Island Congressman Lee Zeldin. That survey shows Hochul has a big lead among New York City voters but Zeldin leads in the suburbs and upstate. A Siena College poll released yesterday puts Hochul ahead of Zeldin by 11 points which is six fewer than last month.
Independent Living of the Genesee region is hosting its Meet the Candidates forum in Batavia on Tuesday October 25th from 11 to 1 at the Crickler Executive Business Center on West Main Street. Independent Living is encouraging community members to come and meet the candidates running for office and be able to make an informed decision when voting. Candidates invited to participate appear on the November ballot include those running for U.S. House of Representatives; State Senator; New York State Assembly; Genesee County Coroner; City of Batavia Councilman-At-Large. In-person attendance is limited, and registration is required. To register to attend in person, to get the details to connect to Zoom, or for any questions on the event, please call Cathy DeMare at (585) 815-8501, extension 400.
Batavia High School graduate and former “voice of the Muckdogs” Griffin Della Penna has been recognized by the Buffalo Broadcasters Association with the annual BBA Russert Award. The BBA recognizes an undergraduate or graduate student with a promising future in radio, television, digital media and/or social media with the annual Tim Russert Media Career Award. The awardees are given a $1,000 scholarship and are honored at the Hall of Fame dinner, which was this past weekend. Della Penna is a Canisius student who has worked with the Buffalo Sabres and Bandits. He has worked on the Sabres website, including prospect updates, practice reports, and community events. He is also a Canisius College Athletics reporter. He was a broadcaster for the Muckdogs during the first year the Muckdogs competed in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League.
Getting from Western New York to a destination in the Sunshine State is now going to be a bit easier. That’s because Spirit Airlines is now offering daily non-stop flights from Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport to Orlando, Florida. The discount air carrier is also hoping to add routes to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina at some point next year.
The Buffalo Sabres are back on the winning track after picking up a victory in their first road game of the season. JJ Peterka, Rasmus Dahlin, Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch all scored as the Sabres beat the Edmonton Oilers four-to-two at Rogers Place last night. Buffalo goaltender Eric Comrie was able to stop 46 shots. Up next for the Sabres is another road contest against the Calgary Flames tomorrow night
