Thursday Afternoon News Brief
Written by WBTA STAFF on February 6, 2025
City of Batavia Police and members of the Fire Department are investigating a structure fire that occurred a little after midnight early this morning at 3 Vine Street. A downstairs tenant reported the fire and when emergency responders arrived, observed flames coming from the second story window. Initial attempts by police to enter were unsuccessful due to smoke and heat. Firefighters then arrived and rescued the only occupants at the time of the blaze, three children, ages 4, 10 and 12. All three are siblings and were transported to UMMC and then to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. This afternoon, the 10-year-old boy succumbed to his injuries and is deceased. The other children are listed in critical condition. City Police are working with the Batavia School District to assist the family and members of the school community.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for the entire GLOW region until 10:00am tomorrow morning. West winds from 20 to 30 mph with gusts of up to 50 mph are predicted. Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects; tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Use extra caution when driving.
Officials at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center are issuing a warning to patients. Websites have been selling fake cancer drugs to people who are looking to save money on their treatment but instead end up getting dangerous medications. They also run the risk of purchasing a phony drug that might make their doctor think they’re not responding to their current care plan. Anyone who has questions or concerns can reach out to Roswell Park directly.
Robert Brooks, with son Robert Brooks, Jr. (now an adult). (Provided photo)
Governor Hochul is reacting to the latest developments in the Robert Brooks case. Brooks was an inmate at Marcy Correctional Facility who was brutally beaten by corrections officers back in December during a disturbing incident caught on camera. Brooks was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment but later died and his death has been ruled a homicide. Brooks’ father, Robert Ricks says he wants to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to other families. The governor says it’s time for the legal process to move forward and for everyone involved in Brooks’ death to be held accountable for their actions.
Police believe speed may have been a factor in crash that took the life of 16-year-old Josh Peters, a student at Kendall Central School. According to authorities, the teen was traveling on Roosevelt Highway in Hamlin yesterday when the vehicle went off the road, hit a utility pole and knocked down power lines. Peters was pronounced dead just after first responders got to the scene. No other injuries were reported.
In just a few months, local travelers are going to have another airline carrier to choose from when it comes time to book a trip. Breeze Airways is planning to arrive at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport this spring. The company, known for its discount fares, is going to offer flights to Charleston, South Carolina, Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, New Orleans, Louisiana and Orlando, Florida. For schedules and to book a flight, head to flybreeze.com.
The weather is lousy right now but if you’re looking forward to warmer days and looking for a job may want to consider contacting Six Flags Darien Lake. The theme park is hoping to hire 1,000 people ahead of opening day, which is currently set for May 16th. There are a variety of positions that need to be filled including ride operators, lifeguards, food and beverage associates and also park services attendants. Multiple hiring events are happening this month, and additional details are available at jobs.sixflags.com.
With less than three months until the federal REAL ID Act becomes enforceable, the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles is encouraging state residents to make sure they are prepared. Beginning on May 7, 2025, anyone going through airport security to fly domestically or attempting to enter secure federal facilities will be required to have a REAL ID or another form of compliant identification such as an Enhanced ID or Passport. For those who need to upgrade their state-issued ID before May 7, the DMV is strongly encouraging them to act as soon as possible.
