Thursday News Brief

A reminder has been sent out from National Grid to alert you to a possible scam and remind you to make sure that you safeguard personal information. While it’s possible the individual that came to your door is a licensed energy services company representative, there is also a chance it’s someone looking to steal your personal information. Also, National Grid never engages in door-to-door solicitation. Make sure you verify the identity of anyone who visits or calls to discuss your energy bills.

 

Negotiations continue between Governor Hochul and members of the state Legislature on a brand-new state budget. Last week, lawmakers passed a resolution giving them until the end of today to agree on a fiscal plan, but there’s no word if they’ll actually meet the deadline. Some of the debate has centered on the best way to deliver tax relief to homeowners and families as well as school funding. The original budget deadline was April 1st.

 

The City of Batavia Police Department has new green bins installed inside the waiting area of the police station to accept unused or unwanted medications. The bins are safer for use by the public and safer for disposal by members of the police department. Acceptable items include: Unused or expired prescription medication, including controlled substances as well as over-the-counter medications. Any syringe, needle or sharps, illegal drugs and aerosol cans or containers are not accepted. The new bins are accessible during regular hours of the department (9:00am – 1:00pm Monday through Thursday, and 9:00am-12:30pm on Friday.

 

Genesee Justice has relocated to office space at the new Genesee County Jail. Effective today their new address is 3839 West Main Street Road, Batavia. If you’d like more information, please call 585-815-7821.

 

 

A recent sting operation in Gates led to the arrest of a suspected scammer accused of trying to trick a woman into draining her bank account. 29-year-old Harpreet Singh was first arrested in November 2023 after illegally crossing the Mexican border into Arizona. Just last week, Gates police arrested Singh after he allegedly scammed a woman. Gates Police Chief Robert Long says the victim initially received an email notifying her that her Netflix account was expiring. Upon calling the listed number, Long says the woman was told her bank account had been compromised. After spending four hours on the phone with the alleged scammer she was told a federal reserve officer would show up to get her money. The woman contacted police, who then set up the sting operation. When Singh arrived he was immediately taken into custody. He’s currently in federal custody awaiting an immigration hearing, scheduled for March 2025.

 

A former teacher’s aide in East Irondequoit is now facing more than a decade behind bars. Prosecutors say Leonard Ortiz Junior has pleaded guilty in connection with a child pornography case. Investigators found over 600 disturbing images and more than 100 videos on Ortiz’s cell phone last year. He could be ordered to spend up to 14 years in prison and will be required to register as a sex offender.

 

A 16-year-old Buffalo boy who pulled the trigger in a deadly shooting has received the maximum punishment for that crime. A judge sentenced the teen to spend up to the next 10 years behind bars. The boy shot 24-year-old Morrell Buster Junior in the neck and the victim’s body was found on Spaulding Avenue back in June 2022. The teen was later convicted on manslaughter and weapon possession charges.

 

The solar eclipse is coming up Monday, and people planning to watch the event are being urged to take the proper precautions. Officials say folks should make sure they’re wearing proper eye protection because not doing so could lead to retina damage. Also, if you’re planning to travel April 8th, be prepared for long traffic delays and fill up the gas tank of your vehicle so you don’t get stranded. Additional tips can be found online at iloveny.com.

 

A multi-year project has been launched that’s aimed at improving the quality of services offered by the state Department of Motor Vehicles. The agency’s technology systems will be replaced and modernized and work will take place over the next four years. Once everything is complete, customers will notice more secure, efficient, and convenient services. The DMV will also be better prepared to implement future technology advancements.

 

Three employees are continuing to recover after being stabbed at a psychiatric facility in Buffalo. A patient, Calvin Haskins, brought a knife to the Buffalo Psychiatric Center yesterday and carried out what’s being called an unprovoked attack. The workers were taken to Erie County Medical Center for treatment and one of them needed to undergo surgery. Haskins is now facing multiple charges.

 

The Buffalo Bills have shipped their top wide receiver to the Lone Star State after pulling off a stunning trade. The Bills are sending Stefon Diggs to their AFC rival the Houston Texans in exchange for a second round pick in next year’s NFL Draft. The 30-year-old Diggs has four years and $75 million left on his current contract. Last season, Diggs had more than 1100 yards receiving and eight touchdown catches.