Wednesday News Brief
Written by WBTA STAFF on July 24, 2024
Semi Truck Knocks Down Power Lines in Bethany
Video News Service reports that around noon on Tuesday, a semi-truck struck a telephone pole on Buckman Road in Bethany which in turn knocked down several power lines.
The Town of Bethany Fire Department responded to the scene along with the Pavilion Fire Police who shut down traffic on the road. Fortunately, there were no injuries from the accident, however, the power lines coming down left multiple homes in the area without power for hours.
People had noted before the incident that the power lines seemed too low for semi trucks but no action was taken.
Governor Hochul Set to Crackdown on Phone Usage in New York Schools
On Tuesday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul continued her statewide “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign as she met with multiple public school educators and parents about the usage of phones in schools.
Hochul’s campaign comes following a Pew Research poll released early this month that revealed that 72% of high school teachers think cell phone distraction is a major problem. Hochul is meeting with educators as she works on developing a statewide policy proposal on the usage of smartphones in schools. Part of her proposal will include a law to combat addictive social media feeds, expanding school-based mental health clinics, and making outdoor activities more accessible for New Yorkers.
Hochul said, “When it comes to smartphones and other internet-enabled devices in schools, it’s clear that the status quo just isn’t working for our young people and educators”
High Voltage Chase in Batavia
Video News Service reports, that on Tuesday around 9 PM the Batavia Police Department engaged in a pursuit with an electric bike.
The bike rider allegedly fled from Batavia Police starting at Ellicott Street and ending up at Ellicott Place. The rider then ditched the bike and began fleeing on foot. Batavia Police were able to catch the rider and take them into custody.
At this time the identity of the bike rider and the reason for the pursuit is unknown.
