Morning News Briefing

Lengthy Winter Storm Warning going into effect this afternoon.
has posted a Winter Storm Warning including Genesee County beginning at 4 o’clock this afternoon and continuing through 7 o’clock Thursday morning.
Total lake effect snow accumulation of 10 to 18 inches is expected in the most persistent snow with winds gusting as high as 45 miles per hour.
Forecasters say that the weather Wednesday through Thursday morning may produce near Blizzard conditions and wind chills as low as 25 degrees below zero.
These wind chills can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 15 minutes.
Travel could be very difficult to impossible in areas of blowing snow.
We have complete details on our website at WBTAi-dot-com.

Late-night house fire in Byron believed to be a total loss.
Crews were called to the scene on Cook Road in Byron at around 7 last night to find the house engulfed in flames.
Investigators say a man living there was trying to thaw pipes in the basement when the fire started.
No injuries were reported however a bus was brought in to help firefighters warm up after battling both the fire and the elements.
Fire Crews were called back to the scene shortly after 5:30 this morning for a reported rekindle of the flames and are currently assessing the scene.
One responder said around 6 a.m. that the fire “was whipping pretty good”
Byron and South Byron fire departments are responding and a pumper and a tanker from Elba were also called to provide mutual aid.

Accused dog abuser makes a tearful plea in Batavia.
Becky Frens entered a guilty plea in Batavia Town Court yesterday to a single misdemeanor count of animal neglect.
Frens was ordered to pay restitution and to 100 hours of community service over the next 10 months under the supervision of Genesee Justice.
Frens owes restitution to the family who adopted the mixed breed Labrador at the center of the case and to Volunteers for Animals for medical expenses she incurred while at the shelter awaiting a home.

Batavia Police continue to look for a missing 15 year old.
He is identified as Andrae Taylor, 5ft 6in tall,140 pounds, black hair and brown eyes.
We have a photo on our website.
He was last seen on Saturday night wearing a navy blue coat and a red headband.
If you have seen Andrae or have any information as to his whereabouts, you are asked to contact Batavia Police.

After years of debate, state lawmakers have passed the Child Victims Act.
It allows sex abuse victims to take legal action through age 55, rather than the current cutoff of age 23.
There’s also a one-year revival window for victims of any age to sue over alleged sex abuse that may have taken place decades earlier.
Governor Cuomo is expected to sign the bill in the coming days.