Tuesday Afternoon News Brief

Governor Kathy Hochul is mapping out the future for New York State’s correctional system. It comes after the state and union representing thousands of prison guards came to an agreement, ending an unauthorized 22-day strike. The governor says even though more than ten thousand employees are back on the job, more than six-thousand National Guard members remain deployed at correctional facilities across the state. She says about 2,000 termination notices are going out to employees who didn’t show up for their shifts on Monday after she signed an executive order that prevents those who continue to participate in the strike from being hired by other law enforcement agencies. Hochul says she’s now focusing on recruiting more corrections officers to support current staff.

 

36-year-old Charles Stevens and 37-year-old Eric Flowers, both of Batavia, were arrested for criminal mischief. They were charged after an investigation into an incident, where they allegedly intentionally damaged another person’s vehicle. Both Stevens and Flowers were issued appearance tickets and released.

 

A Rochester man is in some serious trouble with the law after being accused of having hundreds of images of child pornography. An investigation began after Google notified the National Center For Missing and Exploited Children that Daniel Walsh’s account uploaded disturbing images last November. A search warrant was executed at his home and officers found those images. Walsh has been arraigned and released and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

 

A University of Rochester Medical Center study is sounding the alarm about the long-term risks of e-cigarette use. Data shows that e-cigarettes and vapes aren’t a safer alternative to traditional tobacco products and could lead to serious health problems. However, it is still unknown if e-cigarette use can cause cancer. The study also says a key factor in the rise of teen vaping in recent years is peer pressure.

 

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office says it has taken three suspects in connection to a burglary at an East Rochester car dealership. They were called overnight to the Van Bortel Ford dealership on Marsh Road for a burglary in progress. Deputies say the three were taken into custody after a brief investigation. They did not report on any damage or on any stolen items.

 

82-year-old John Douglas Looney of Rochester has pleaded guilty to transportation of obscene material in interstate commerce. Looney was previously convicted on a federal charge of possession of child pornography. Now he faces prison time for using the internet and interactive computer service to receive and distribute images and videos of child pornography. In total, Looney possessed more than 1,000,000 images of child pornography. Sentencing is scheduled for July 10; Looney faces up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

 

Five people are lucky to avoid being seriously hurt after falling through ice in Greece. Authorities say the incident happened yesterday at Braddock Bay. The Coast Guard was called in to help out with the rescue and all five individuals needed treatment for minor injuries. Officials say this should serve as a warning to everyone about the dangers of ice as temperatures continue to rise.

 

A former USPS worker in West Seneca is facing five years in prison for stealing mail. 37-year-old Christopher Porter pleaded guilty to mail theft yesterday in federal court. Prosecutors say Porter rifled through mail and stole an envelope containing a Wegmans gift card and a Target gift card in 2021. He then admitted to giving those gift cards to his wife. Porter is scheduled to be sentenced on July 18th.

 

Saint Patrick’s Day is under a week away, and police statewide will be doing their part to keep people safe before and after their celebrations. Law enforcement are cracking down on drivers who get behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol through March 17th. During last year’s Saint Patrick’s Day enforcement campaign, there were 935 motorists arrested for DWI and nearly 25-thousand traffic tickets issued. Anyone who sees dangerous activity on the roads should dial 911 immediately.

 

The union representing employees at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo are demanding action after a patient shot himself in the emergency room on Sunday night.   Yesterday, leaders with Communications Workers of America Local 1133 held a press conference calling for increased safety protocols to protect healthcare workers, patients, and visitors. This incident happened amid negotiations between the union and Catholic Health.

 

The six-game losing streak of the Buffalo Sabres is over after the team holds on to beat one of the top squads in the NHL. Tage Thompson scored twice and Alex Tuch had a goal as the Sabres beat the Edmonton Oilers by a final score of three to two at KeyBank Center last night.   Buffalo’s goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen faced 33 shots in the contest and stopped 31 of them. The next game for the Sabres is tomorrow against the Detroit Red Wings.

 

Thursday evening, March 20^th from 6:30 to 8:00, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy music performed by Bart Dentino. The Batavia First Presbyterian Church, 300 East Main Street, Batavia is hosting the event, which is free and open to the public. Donations are welcome and appreciated, with all proceeds benefiting and supporting the Genesee Wyoming County Warming Center, during the cold, winter nights.

 

Free at home COVID tests from the government are going away. The U.S. government program that orders them is no longer accepting orders according to its website. Officials gave no reason for the change in policy. Tests ordered before March 9th will still be shipped. Some local pharmacies may still offer the tests, and some health insurance companies may reimburse folks who buy the tests in pharmacies and stores.