Weekend News Brief
Written by Dan Fischer on November 8, 2024
A building is completely destroyed after a fire in the City of Batavia. City firefighters responded around 7:45 a.m. Saturday to 20 Howard Street for a building on fire. Flames and black smoke could be seen from miles away. Additional resources were sent to contain the fire, and several crews were on the 3-alarm scene. The fire did not spread to neighboring buildings. The large commercial and manufacturing building, owned by Baskin Livestock, is a total loss, according to officials. There are no reports of injuries and no one was inside at the time.
The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee is revealing results of the latest crackdown on dangerous drivers. From October 25th through October 31st, there were more than 46,000 tickets issued statewide. Over 1200 of them were for impaired motorists and 1600 were for distracted drivers. There were almost 33,000 tickets given out during this same time period last year. Officials say law enforcement will continue to do their part to keep the state’s roads safe.
A Buffalo man is dead after a hunting accident in Cattaraugus County. Police were called to do a welfare check on a hunter who hadn’t returned to his vehicle near Plato Road in East Otto on Tuesday night. After an investigation, they determined 54-year-old Mark Scanlon fell from a portable tree stand and passed away. There were no signs of foul play. Scanlon was the brother of acting Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon.
Governor Hochul is announcing a public campaign to educate New Yorkers about the support available in combating hate and bias in communities. The “Call Out Hate” campaign will be featured in the coming months on New York City’s subways, as well as Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road train cars and transit stations. Residents impacted by hate or bias can call 844-NO-2-HATE or submit a form online to report incidents to the Hate and Bias Prevention Unit. Hochul says hate has no place in New York and it’s critical that we come together to prevent any person from enduring discrimination.
Gas prices continue their slow decline. The national average price for a gallon of regular fuel is now $3.10. The state average, which is always a little bit higher, is at $3.18. For us in Batavia, the average price figures out to $3.30; that’s 6 cents lower than it was a month ago and 40 cents cheaper than it was a year ago today.
The Alexander Fire Department Christmas Craft and Vendor Show is scheduled for Sunday, December 1 from 10am until 3pm at the Fire Department’s Recreation Hall. Refreshments will be available and the admission is free. For additional information, please call 585-356-3301.
Genesee Cancer Assistance Night at the Downs will be held on Saturday, November 16th from 4 to 8pm. It’s an evening of celebration and hope. Tickets are $35 and include $25 free play on the gaming floor. The fun includes appetizers, a buffet dinner, dessert and a basket raffle. Doors open at 4:00 and funds raised will assist cancer patients in Genesee County.
The red-hot Buffalo Bills will be on the road again this weekend as they look to pick up a fifth straight victory. The AFC East leaders are set to take on the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indiana. Buffalo is coming off a nail-biting 30 to 27 win over the Miami Dolphins that improved their record this season to seven wins and two losses. Kickoff Sunday is scheduled for 1:00.
