Morning News Briefing
Written by Michael Baldwin on September 13, 2021
An Orleans County man will appear in court to answer a felony complaint. State Police say they arrested 21-year-old William E, Reamsnyder of Albion. He was charged with possession of a sexual performance by a child. He will appear in Town of Carlton court at a later date.
A traffic stop in Bergen has landed a motorist in some hot water. Genesee County deputies arrested 33-year-old Katie Preedom of Alabama. She was charged with DWI, having a BAC above .08%, speeding and unlicensed operation. She was stopped on Clinton Street Road and will appear in Bergen Town Court October 6th.
The historic surge in unemployment claims at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly depleted the New York State Unemployment Insurance (UI) Trust Fund, resulting in the state borrowing from the federal government to pay claims. State UI tax rates have already risen to the highest level permissible under law in 2021. Unless the state or federal government takes significant action, federal UI tax rates on employers will also increase in 2022 and beyond, according to a report issued by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. The pandemic had a crippling effect on some state businesses and their workforce, causing a historic surge in layoffs and claims for benefits. From the fourth quarter of 2019 to the second quarter of 2020, regular state UI benefits paid increased from $530 million to $6.5 billion – a staggering increase of 1,124%.
New York state’s COVID positivity rate is currently at 2.84%. The 7-day average rate is 3.22%. Twenty-four more residents were hospitalized over the weekend. 34 more people died from virus-related complications. State officials say the fight against COVID-19 is not over, adding that it is crucial that New Yorkers continue to wear a mask, wash their hands and get vaccinated if they haven’t.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul recognized the New York National Guard on Saturday afternoon, 20 years after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Hochul announced that she signed three pieces of legislation to support 9/11 and communications first responders. The bills make it easier for WTC first responders to apply for WTC benefits, by both expanding the criteria for defining WTC first responders and allowing online submissions of notice that members of a retirement system participated in WTC rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations. This legislation also defines a first responder in communications as a person who is a public safety dispatcher.
Genesee County deputies arrested 33-year-old Jonathan Kent of Batavia. He was charged after allegedly pushing a victim into a door frame. He was arrested in Batavia Town Court and released. He’ll return to court October 19th.
A Genesee County Grand Jury has indicted Dean M. Conboy, Sr. on two counts of attempted aggravated assault upon a police officer, two counts of menacing a police officer, attempted assault in the second degree, unlawful imprisonment in the first degree, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, resisting arrest, and menacing in the second degree. On June 11, 2021, Conboy allegedly threatened police officers and intended to cause serious injury to officers using a dangerous instrument. He also allegedly restrained another person and exposed that person to the risk of serious physical injury. He allegedly possessed a knife during these incidents.
Disappointment for Buffalo Bills fans. In the season opener, they fell to the Pittsburgh Steeles 23-16 at Highmark Stadium. The Bills take on the Dolphins in Miami next Sunday.
Batavia police say they arrested 30-year-old NiAsia S. Jiggets of Batavia, charging her with two counts of Criminal Contempt 1st Degree, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, following a child abuse investigation conducted by Detectives in conjunction with Child Protective Services. She is accused of violating an order of protection by causing injury to the protected party, a seven-year-old child, during visitation. Jiggets was previously convicted of violating an order of protection with the same child in March which elevates the new charge to Criminal Contempt 1st Degree.
