Morning News Brief

The South Byron Fire department is out of service and has been since Friday due to not having insurance.  Secretary Elizabeth Penkszyk advised members on behalf of Chief Brian Hickey on Friday.  No equipment or manpower is allowed out of the hall until the situation has been rectified.  Byron and Stafford are covering South Byron till they can get coverage.  All fire companies carry insurance for their incredibly expensive equipment and facilities. 

Temple B’rith Kodesh in Brighton had more security Sunday for its first Yom Kippur service after a loud disturbance interrupted the synagogue’s Rosh Hashanah service on Sept. 15.  Senior Rabbi Peter Stein of Temple B’rith Kodesh believed more security was necessary for Yom Kippur to help his congregation feel safer.  Two days after the disturbance at Temple, Mountain Rise United Church of Christ in Perinton and Temple Beth-El in Geneva received anti-Semitic bomb threats. Those bomb threats were just two of several across New York State during Rosh Hashanah.

With repayments on federal student loans set to resume in October, the state Division of Consumer Protection is offering tips to borrowers to avoid being scammed. The agency recommends people never trust a person or program that promises to help get their loans reduced or canceled for a fee. It is also suggested that folks be weary of phishing scams and be careful about the personal information they share online. Scams can be reported by calling 1-800-433-3243.

Gas prices are down by a tiny amount this week.  In Batavia the average in 3.85 for a gallon of regular.  That’s a penny less than last week and a penny more than last month.  The New York State average is 3.91 so drivers who buy in Batavia are saving a bit compared to those in the rest of the state if they are taking advantage of discounts and cash or card or member prices.  The US average is 3.85.  AAA experts say we may have passed the highest price for gas this year as demand drops off for the rest of the year and prices per barrel of oil remain steady.  If the price per barrel goes up the price will most likely stay the same but if it stays steady the price will likely drop as demand goes down.

The Buffalo Bills nearly had a shutout win against the Washington Commanders on Sunday.  The final score was 37 to 3 with Josh Allen both running and throwing a touchdown.  Allen was 20 of 32 with 218 yards passing, including a 35-yard TD pass to Gabe Davis. He added a 10-yard scamper into the end zone among his 46 yards rushing.  He did throw one interception in the 3rd quarter.  The Commanders quarterback was sacked 9 times during the game.  The Bills are home next Sunday to host the Dolphins.  

The Buffalo Bisons closed out their season this weekend by starting the game with an emotional first pitch.  The ball was thrown out by the 4 year old daughter of fallen firefighter Jason Arno.  Arno died fighting a fire on Main Street in Allentown in March.  His daughter Olivia took the mound at Sahlen field for the fundraiser game against Norfolk.  Tickets for the game cost $12 with all proceeds going to the Firefighter Arno Memorial Foundation.