Tuesday News Brief

Weird Crime Wave Hits Genesee County

Batavia police have had their hands full this week with some bizarre arrests.
One repeat offender, Jeanna Hattaway, was picked up twice in just three days, first for allegedly swiping groceries from Aldi, then for stealing a bicycle off East Main Street.
Police also charged 33-year-old Scott Berardi of Brockport with eavesdropping after they say he planted a hidden recording device inside a business on Ellicott Street.
And in another strange case, Cassandra Monteleone of Batavia is accused of letting a 16-year-old smoke THC, earning her a charge of endangering the welfare of a child.
Finally, 38-year-old Christopher Sewar seems to be on his own crime spree, arrested for stealing from Dollar General not once, but twice, and then from Kwik Fill the very next day.
Police say he’s due back in court, though apparently he hasn’t learned his lesson yet.

Hochul Warns of Inflation Refund Scams

Governor Kathy Hochul is urging New Yorkers to be on alert for scammers targeting the state’s inflation refund checks. Officials say criminals are sending fake texts, calls, emails, and even letters claiming residents must provide bank or payment information to get their checks.
Hochul stressed that neither the Tax Department nor the IRS will ever call or text asking for personal details. Eligible residents who filed taxes and meet income requirements will automatically receive checks worth up to $400, with no extra steps needed.
Suspicious messages should be deleted and reported to the Tax Department.

Lawsuit Filed in Deadly Thruway Bus Crash

Survivors of last month’s tragic bus crash on the Thruway in Pembroke have filed a lawsuit against the tour bus driver and the company that employed him. The suit accuses the company of negligent hiring and training, and claims the driver operated the bus recklessly.
The crash happened August 22nd while the bus was traveling from Niagara Falls to New York City. Five people were killed, and dozens more , including the driver, were injured.
A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board shows the bus veered off the right shoulder, crossed lanes, rolled into the median, and landed on its side. Investigators have ruled out intoxication, but State Police say a loose water bottle may have distracted the driver.
The NTSB is still reviewing evidence and video, and a final report could take up to two years.

GLOW With Your Hands Brings Career Exploration to Batavia

More than 1,250 students from 32 school districts are at the Genesee County Fairgrounds today for the seventh annual GLOW With Your Hands event. Seventy-five businesses and organizations from across Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties are on site, showcasing careers in trades, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and construction. Students will try their hand at welding, electrical wiring, heavy equipment operation, and more, giving them a first-hand look at in-demand career paths in the region.

Genesee County High School Soccer Scores from Monday Night

On the boys side, Le Roy/Caledonia-Mumford shut out Wayland-Cohocton 4-0
In girls action, Northstar Christian topped Notre Dame Batavia 2-0, Wheatland-Chili rolled past Alexander 5-0, and Alden defeated Oakfield-Alabama/Elba 4-1.

Monday Night Genesee County Volleyball Scores

Alexander defeated Oakfield-Alabama three sets to one.
Batavia swept Albion in three, winning 25-19, 26-24, and 25-22. For Batavia, Mollie Banford led with 14 digs and five aces, Lilly Gray added 11 kills and seven aces, and Violet Lopez tallied 22 assists. Karisma Wescott chipped in nine kills, while Miyah Manuel, Meg Gagagan, Julia Plath, Addie DeWitt, and Chloe Culliton all made key contributions in the Blue Devils’ win.