Weekend News Brief

A case that had international attention in Buffalo has come to a conclusion.  The police officers who were accused of assaulting 75 year old Martin Gugino as they cleared a downtown buffalo square of protestors during the 2020 Summer unrest have had all charges dismissed and been cleared of all wrongdoing by an arbitrator.  Gugino was recorded approaching the line of officers as they marched across the square and reaching out to touch their service weapons on their belts before they pushed him away and he fell hitting his head on the pavement.  Gugino spent 4 weeks in the hospital and sued the city, the police department and the mayor’s office.  A spokesperson for the Buffalo PD said both officers are expected to return to duty next week.

The University of Buffalo Police Department is investigating after Allen West, US Army Colonel and former Texas Republican Party Chairman came to speak on campus and was met with protests and alleged violence.  The Young Americans for Freedom campus club brought West out Thursday to speak at an event called “America Is Not Racist—Why American Values are Exceptional” as a black republican and military man.  Protestors outside the event room blocked doors and chanted they were “black and proud” and when attendees left the event chased them to their cars and across campus and allegedly assaulted several by punching and kicking them.  The protestors have said they felt threatened by online conversations which called them “animals” and “target practice.”  University of Buffalo have released a statement saying they are investigating the alleged violence and the social media threats.

The Penguins at the Seneca Park Zoo are not available to be seen right now.  They are being quarantined to keep them safe from the Avian Flu which has caused the deaths of millions of birds and foul across America so far.  At least one farm in Monroe County has had confirmed cases.  The penguins will be quarantined and cared for until the zoo deems it safe to bring them back out.

Earth Day is coming up and the City of Batavia wants to mark it by having residents “Adopt a Park” by volunteering to clean city parks.  Saturday, April 23rd come out to one of the 35 acres of playgrounds and public lands in Batavia.    Groups and individuals are encouraged to assist the City with improving parks through litter and debris pick-up in an effort to help keep parks and playgrounds clean and attractive. Director of Public Works, Brett Frank said “On behalf of the City of Batavia, we’d like to thank all of our residents for the pride they take in keeping our parks clean and thank them in advance for their participation and support.”  

The Buffalo Sabres lost again on their road tour of the United States, this time against the Florida Panthers 4 to 3.  The Sabres started off with a 2 goal lead with Mark Pysyk, Jeff Skinner and Victor Olofsson all finding the back of the net in the first 20 minutes.  But then the Panthers sunk 3 unanswered goals bringing their score to 4.  Next up the Sabres stay in the Sunshine State visiting the Tampa Bay Lightning at 5:00 p.m. Sunday.