Weekend News Brief
Written by Tom Tharp on February 3, 2023
The man accused of fatally stabbing his parents and sister at a home in Henrietta last month has been indicted on three counts of murder. Rajab Banahi, 39, allegedly stabbed his parents, Ali and Mastoora, and sister, Masuda, Jan. 11 inside his parents’ home on Kathy Drive. Banahi’s parents died at the scene. His sister died Jan. 28 at Strong Memorial Hospital from her injuries. Friday’s indictment showed Banahi charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated criminal contempt.
Rochester Police are investigating two more incidents involving vehicles crashing into businesses, apparently in order for the suspects to carry out burglaries. Officers responded to Petit Poutinerie on Elton Street around 5 a.m. Friday for a reported alarm activation. They said it appeared a vehicle drove into the building and items were stolen from inside. Shortly after that call, officers responded to Heroes Brewing on Atlantic Avenue for a report of a crash. Police said a vehicle drove into the front doors and caused damage, but an employee scared off the would-be burglars. Friday’s incidents happened three days after similar break-ins at Comedy @ the Carlson and Record Archive. Police said there have been 15 cases like this across Monroe County.
The New York State Thruway Authority Board of Directors voted in December to move forward with a proposed multi-year schedule of toll increases set to begin in 2024. New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli has released a report and said toll increases should be the last option for the Thruway Authority. According to DiNapoli, the report identifies concerns with the proposal and urges the Thruway Authority to improve operations and maximize non-toll revenues first. The Thruway Authority released a statement responding to the Comptroller. They said they need to increase tolls as hundreds of bridges will need to be replaced in the next decade, they receive no federal funding and that the tolls are 90 percent of the money they receive for maintaining the highway system.
GO Health has announced the date and time for the next free rabies clinic which will be on February 9th from 4 to 6:30pm and will be at the Batavia Town Highway Garage. Vaccinations are free for dogs, cats, and ferrets, but voluntary donations are accepted. Animals must be at least 3 months old. Each animal must be leashed or crated and accompanied by an adult who can control the animal. Limit 4 pets per car maximum.
Semi Pro football may be coming to Batavia. Harry Rascoe, head coach of the Genesee County Spartans, announced that an eight-team schedule has been finalized for the squad, which will feature around 50 players – some of them former Batavia and Notre Dame high school athletes – from throughout Western New York. Rascoe said he is working with Batavia High School officials to have the Genesee County team’s home games at Van Detta Stadium. All home games will be on Saturdays at 7 p.m. Rascoe said he will be coordinating a final tryout for roster spots on Feb. 26 at a practice location in Rochester. For more information about the team, including how to become a sponsor, go to the team’s Genesee County Spartans Facebook page or contact Rascoe at the email address listed on wbtai.com.
The Mammoth sale that now lasts from February through Thanksgiving is opening its doors. It runs Saturdays and Sundays 11 to 4 with different items featured every weekend at the St Joseph’s School on the corner of Summit and East Main in Batavia. All proceeds go to benefit the school.
