Weekend News Briefing

31 year old Edward Bancroft appeared in Wyoming County Court on Thursday where he was charged with Grand Larceny both in the second and third degree for allegedly stealing a truck and trailer in Pike and a utility terrain vehicle in Eagle.
Bancroft is accused of stealing the vehicles during a four county manhunt that was sparked the morning of July 9th when he allegedly set fire to a building in Almond and began a spree stealing and ditching vehicles.
After two days on the run Bancroft was apprehended in Ossian and was committed to the Livingston County Jail.
Following his arraignment in Wyoming County Court he was remanded back to jail.
Bancroft is also facing charges in Allegany, Livingston and possibly Steuben County.

Former Corrections Officer pleads guilty to child porn charges.
26 year old Joseph Chojnacki of Cheektowaga pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor.
After investigating a tip federal officers executed a federal search warrant at Chojnacki’s residence last May.
A total of approximately 3,814 images and 138 videos of child pornography were discovered on his electronic devices.
Some of the images depicted sexual abuse or exploitation of an infant or toddler.
Chojnacki faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced in January.
There is no word what state prison facility he worked for and his current status with NYS Corrections.

The County Highway Department announces that the Pratt Road Bridge in Pembroke has been re-opened.
This section of Pratt Road runs between Killian and Indian Falls Road.
The bridge has been completely replaced.
The job has taken five months.

Flu season is underway, and cases are starting to be reported across New York.
The state health department says 100 cases of the virus were confirmed during the week ending October 12th.
That’s a 15-percent increase from the week before.
Doctors say this new data shows how important it is for you to get your flu shot as soon as possible.

Fire Chief Stefano Napolitano and the City of Batavia Fire Department in conjunction with the United States Fire Administration would like to offer several safety tips for Halloween.
Some of the Chief’s suggestions are to stay in groups while trick–or-treating, that costumes should be well fitting, flame resistant, highly visible and free of long trailing fabric, to provide children with flashlights and glow sticks for visibility and to examine all treats before eating.
Lastly, Chief Napolitano highly recommends keeping Halloween decorations away from any open flames, light bulbs and heaters, keeping exits clear of any decorations and testing your smoke detectors to ensure that they are working.

After a week off, the Buffalo Bills will look to keep their winning ways going against one of the worst teams in the NFL.
They’ll be hosting the winless Miami Dolphins at New Era Field this weekend.
Buffalo hasn’t played since October 6th, when they beat the Tennessee Titans on the road.
Kickoff for Sunday’s contest is set for 1:00 p.m.