Morning News Brief
Written by Tom Tharp on November 28, 2023
Wyoming County and the Southern Tier is under a Lake Effect Snow Warning through 7:00am Wednesday. National Weather Service officials are warning of accumulations of 8-16 inches and possible local amounts of 20 inches. Winds may gust up to 35 miles per hour, which could produce white out conditions and drifts. Conditions could impact morning and evening commutes. Heaviest snows are expected this morning.
The driver of a school bus for the Wellsville Central School District was seriously hurt in a crash Monday morning on State Route 19 in Allegany County. New York State Police say bus 156 was hit by another vehicle as it was transporting students to the Wellsville Secondary School. Eighteen passengers were on board at the time. None of the students was seriously hurt. The driver, however, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Jones Memorial Hospital. Students were also taken to the same hospital as a precaution for further evaluation, the district said. They have all since been reunited with their families, the district said. An investigation into the crash is underway. State police are not releasing any additional information at this time.
Retailers in New York are dealing with several billions of dollars in losses due to retail crime and Governor Hochul is drawing the ire of both lawmakers and retail chains because she used her veto power to stop a bill which would have created a retail crime task force. The bill, which had bipartisan support, would have created a panel of experts to outline ways to respond to retail theft in New York State. Hochul rejected the bill last week. Retailers and law enforcement from the Capital Region have stressed the need for a statewide response to theft, noting that it is having a “devastating effect” on communities. Republican and Democratic lawmakers condemned Hochul for the move, arguing that passing the bill would have brought “relief” to store owners. Organized retail crime is growing into a substantial threat for store owners throughout the U.S. Stores have lost a combined $112 billion in sales in 2023.
The prisoner swap between the country of Israel and the Hamas terrorist organization was good news for one upstate New York family. A Doctor at University of Rochester Medical Center David Siegel’s brother and sister in law were kidnapped in the October 7th raid on southern Israel. His sister in law Adrienne, has been freed, but not his brother Keith, her husband. Hamas drew criticism for the prisoner exchange where they deliberately separated children from parents, wives from husbands, and siblings, keeping family members and not freeing whole family units. The cease fire has been extended as Hamas is promising to release more prisoners as long as the cease fire continues.
More legal cannabis dispensaries could soon be opening across New York state. Monday, the NY Cannabis Control Board approved a settlement agreement to allow for more license applications through the Conditional Adult Use Retail Dispensary program, which has been on hold. The NYS Supreme Court now must approve the agreement, which would allow 426 temporary CAURD licensees to open storefronts if their applications are confirmed, to officially lift that hold. CAURD is open exclusively to individuals who own a profitable, qualifying business and who have previously been incarcerated through outdated marijuana laws.
The HE Turner and Company, Bohm Calarco Smith and Burdett and Sanford Funeral Homes Annual Service of Prayer and Remembrance will be held at Northgate Free Methodist Church on Wednesday December 6th at 7pm. Anyone who has lost a loved one can call and reserve a candle by December 1st. One candle will be provided per deceased loved one and will be given to participants at the service. The number to call is 585 344 4295. It does not matter what funeral company took care of the arrangements all are welcome to participate.
Tempers were high during the Buffalo Bills game against the Eagles on Sunday with fans close to the field apparently hurling insults and threats towards the Buffalo team. This culminated in players Jordan Phillips and Shaq Lawson getting into a confrontation with an Eagles fan near the sidelines. In a video circulating social media the players can be seen getting in the fans face and then Lawson appears to shove the fan away. After the incident the players said the fan was making life threatening remarks toward them and the Buffalo team. The fan was not removed from the stadium. A Bills spokesperson said the team continues to look into the incident.
If you’re a Genesee County resident in need of a winter coat, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee may be able to help. The nonprofit has winter coats for people of all ages and sizes. They are free for low income families, and only require some simple paperwork to be completed. People may select their coats through 4 p.m. Monday or from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday this week. As for donations, they are always in need of new or gently used coats and clothing. Community Action is at 5073 Clinton Street Road, Batavia.
