Thursday Afternoon News Brief
Written by WBTA STAFF on February 27, 2025
60-year-old Raymond Dick of Batavia, along with Sandra Marsceill, have been arrested and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. It’s alleged they were in possession of a controlled substance in a parking lot on Veterans Memorial Drive. Both Dick and Marsceill were released on appearance tickets.
Groveland Correctional Facility striking corrections officers (13WHAM photo)
Talks are continuing to end a strike by correctional officers across the state. Wednesday was the third day of mediation between the state, the New York’s Department of Corrections and Community Supervision workers. The wildcat strike began February 17th at Collins Correctional Facility near Buffalo. Officers have cited extreme working conditions for their walkout, which Governor Hochul says is illegal under state law.
January 2025 file photo of Governor Hochul. (Associated Press photo)
Governor Hochul says she will not be endorsing a candidate for Buffalo’s Democratic primary race for mayor. She told reporters Tuesday she’s not in a position to be making endorsements, adding she’s got a state to govern. The Buffalo-born Democrat said, “I’ve got to focus, not on politics, but on governance.”
Police investigate after an 11-year-old boy hits a woman while driving a stolen vehicle. (13WHAM photo)
An 11-year-old boy driving a stolen vehicle struck a pedestrian on Wednesday night, according to Rochester police. The incident occurred just before 8:30 p.m. at the intersection of Flint Street and Jefferson Avenue. Authorities said the boy was behind the wheel of a Hyundai that had been reported stolen from Henrietta. While driving, he hit a 34-year-old woman who was crossing the street. Police said that the woman sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Due to the boy’s age, he cannot be charged with any crime, police said. After the incident, he contacted his parents, and a referral was made to the Monroe County Family Support Center.
The BB gun Thomas Wright had in hand at the time of the incident.
A man is in guarded condition after being shot by state troopers yesterday morning in Olean. Officials say three troopers opened fire on Thomas Wright after he pointed a gun at them. The firearm turned out to be a BB gun, which was recovered at the scene. State police say the man was experiencing a mental health crisis and had made comments about ending his life.
New vehicle colors for the New York State Police.
New York State Police announced an upcoming change in the design of their patrol vehicle fleet. New troop cars will feature a gray body with gold striping, a transition from the current design of dark blue and yellow. More than 1,600 cars will undergo the change, that will phase them in as new cars are added. Since the 1980s, the colors have been blue and gold. The new gray design will match the troopers uniform.
Undated file photo of St. Michael’s Church, Buffalo.
The future of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Buffalo is now in the hands of the Vatican. The Diocese of Buffalo confirmed to WGRZ the Vatican is evaluating whether the Washington Street church should be merged or closed. A spokesperson with Save Our Buffalo Churches says it could take up to a year for the Vatican to issue a ruling.
Raleigh, North Carolina (undated file photo)
The Buffalo Sabres will be on the road tonight as they look to earn a third straight victory. The Sabres are visiting Eastern Conference powerhouse the Carolina Hurricanes at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. Buffalo last played Tuesday night when they rallied to beat the Anaheim Ducks by a final score of three to two. Face-off for their contest this evening is set for 7:00.
The Rochester International Jazz Festival is coming up this summer, and the event has a brand-new title sponsor. It is now going to be known as the Rochester International Jazz Festival in partnership with Rochester Regional Health. RRH is an integrated health system that provides services throughout Western New York and it’s also the region’s second-largest employer. The festival starts June 20th, and more details are available online.
Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock, Texas. (Associated Press photo)
Texas is reporting the first measles death in the U.S. since 2015. The death was confirmed by the head of public health for Lubbock’s health department. Seven other states have reported measles cases so far this year including Alaska, California, Georgia, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York and Rhode Island. The outbreak in Texas has infected more than 120 people. The disease was considered to be eliminated in the U.S. in 2000.
