CJ Country News, Warsaw, NY (2025)

11/18/2025

CJ Country Local News for Tues, November 18

The public’s help is being sought in connection to a child po*******hy case involving an Attica man. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, 67yo Edward Forrester has been charged with the production and possession of child po*******hy. The charges stem from an investigation that began in April 2022 when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children alerted authorities about suspicious files uploaded to YouTube by a user named "Edward Forrester." The files included a video suspected to be homemade child po*******hy, which led to the identification of a victim. Authorities say a search of Forrester's property in Wyoming County and his residence in Corfu resulted in the seizure of several electronic devices and the discovery of child po*******hy images. The FBI Buffalo is now seeking public assistance in the case. If you have specific information, you are urged to contact the FBI Buffalo Field Office at (716) 617-3250.

A traffic stop for alleged speeding results in the felony arrest of a Geneseo woman. According to Perry Police, during the stop, officers suspected 51yo Marylou Kotrys was impaired by drugs. An evaluation determined she was under the influence of both a CNS stimulant and a narcotic analgesic. Two children under 16 were in the vehicle at the time, with one said to not have been properly restrained in a car seat. Kotrys faces charges of DWAI/drugs, DWAI by multiple drugs, and two felony counts of DWI under Leandra’s Law, as well as speeding and a child restraint violation. Due to her two prior felony convictions, Kotrys was arraigned in Perry Village Court. She was released with a later court date to answer the charges.

The Wyoming County Sheriff's Office assisted New York State Police out of Allegany County Saturday as they were searching for a missing elderly male. The man was believed to be lost and driving a vehicle. Deputies entered the license plate of the vehicle into their License Plate Recognition system, and within an hour the license plate alerted on one of their stationary cameras just outside of Arcade. Deputies and Arcade Police subsequently intervened, successfully locating the missing elderly male driving on State Route 16 in the Town of Yorkshire. The man was safely returned to his family following a traffic stop.

A LeRoy man is facing drug-related charges. According to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, 48y Warren Cotton was found with methamphetamine and materials used for packaging narcotics. He was arrested on charges of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia. Cotton was scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court for arraignment.

A Batavia woman is accused of unlawfully being at a business. According to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, 56yo LeeAnne Krull entered and remained in a business from which she had previously been trespassed. She was arrested for Criminal Trespass. Krull is scheduled to appear in Batavia Town Court for arraignment.

Governor Hochul is urging the federal government to release funds for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) after a government shutdown caused delays in the distribution of benefits. The program, which helps low-income households pay their winter utility bills, was set back by the withholding of $400 million in federal funds, affecting 1.5 million New York households. Hochul emphasizes the urgent need for action, as New Yorkers typically begin applying for HEAP in early November. In the meantime, New Yorkers are being advised to check eligibility for utility bill discounts through the state's Energy Affordability Program. More information can be found at: https://dps.ny.gov/energy-affordability-program.

Following the U.S. Mint's official end of penny production, New York is looking into a rounding rule for retailers. The "New Yorkers for Common Cents Act," is a bill that would require retailers to round cash transactions to the nearest five-cent denomination. The bill aims to reduce the use of pennies in cash transactions, making them either end in 0 or 5 cents. It would apply only to in-person, cash transactions, excluding those made by credit card, electronic payment, or online. The proposed rounding rules would be based on simple math: amounts ending in 1 or 2 cents would be rounded down to 0, while amounts ending in 3 or 4 cents would be rounded up to 5, and vice versa for 6-9 cents. The law would take effect 180 days after being signed. It is designed to standardize the handling of change while avoiding confusion for both merchants and customers.

Saturday was opening day for the deer hunting season with guns. The Department of Environmental Conservation says deer hunting is one of the most popular sporting opportunities in New York State. DEC officials are expecting a busy season. The agency reminds that they keep track of the deer in our area, and they need hunters to do their part in deer management by letting the DEC know how many deer are shot, and the information the tag holds for each deer. Hunters can report their deer over the phone or online. You can find out more at dec.ny.gov/outdoor. The state DEC also stresses the importance of hunter safety.

There has been little change in prices at the gas pump. AAA reports Monday's national average for a gallon of gas is $3.07, which is up by a fraction of a cent. New York State saw its average increase by more than a cent to $3.13. One year ago, the national and statewide averages were $3.07 and $3.15, respectively. The regional average is $3.12, up one cent. According to the Energy Information Administration, gasoline demand decreased slightly over the past week, and demand is expected to increase as Thanksgiving approaches.

Regional Transit Service (RTS) Wyoming and Tops Friendly Markets have partnered to provide a free shopping shuttle for Perry residents, enabling them to access groceries at the Tops store in Warsaw. The shuttle will operate every other Tuesday from today to December 30th. It somes after Perry lost its only grocery store earlier this year. RTS CEO Miguel Velázquez expressed gratitude for the collaboration, highlighting the importance of strong community partnerships, while Tops district manager Joe Macadlo emphasized the company's commitment to supporting local communities. The shuttle will make several stops in Perry, with buses arriving at Tops by 10:45 am and departing for Perry at noon. Residents can find more details by calling RTS Wyoming at (585) 786-6050 or visiting their website, www.myRTS.com.

The Livingston County Board of Supervisors has declared November 2025 as Adoption Awareness Month. It’s to honor adoptive families and raise awareness about children in foster care. This local observance aligns with National Adoption Month, which began in 1995 to emphasize the importance of finding permanent homes for children. Across New York State, about 14,000 children are in foster care, with around 1,400 awaiting adoption. In Livingston County, the Department of Social Services reported 24 children in its custody as of September, with caseworkers providing reunification and support services. The County encourages residents to consider fostering or adoption and offers more information through its DSS office and adoption-related websites, like www.nationaladoptionday.org and www.nysnavigator.org.

11/17/2025

CJ Country Local News for Mon, November 17

Several members of the Silver Springs Fire Department and Wyoming County EMS were honored with the 2025 Catholic Health "Exceptional Patient Care Award" for their life-saving efforts. The awardees include Captain/EMT Karen Tallman, Lieutenant/EMT Zach Stoffer, EMT Gary Muehlig, 1st Assistant Chief Ricardo Torres, 2nd Assistant Chief Dave Jones, Lieutenant Jon Slocum, Firefighter Don Bengouche (ben-gush), and Wyoming County EMS personnel Julia Elge (Medic 1), Lyn McCallister (Paramedic), and Evan Bartley (EMT). The Silver Springs Fire Department says these individuals responded to a cardiac arrest call in the village, providing critical care that led to the patient's full recovery. The same group of responders was also presented with the American Red Cross Real Heroes Award. The Silver Springs Fire Department encourages CPR and AED training and offers support for anyone interested in becoming certified to help save lives.

A Batavia man was arrested following a case involving alleged physical contact. The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office says 67yo Upendrakumar Patel shoved and then forcibly touched another individual. He was charged with forcible touching and harassment. Patel was transported to the Genesee County Jail, where he was held until his arraignment in CAP court.

A Batavia woman is accused of misrepresentation of facts in a legal document. According to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, 26yo Larissa Thomas provided inaccurate details about a domestic incident. She was arrested for making a false written statement. Thomas is scheduled to appear in Batavia Town Court in December.

SNAP funds have been secured, but HEAP is still on hold in New York. The state's November SNAP benefits have been fully paid, and December's will be issued on schedule. However, the HEAP program, which assists with heating bills for low-income New Yorkers, faces delays due to unreleased federal funds. While SNAP funding is secured through 2026, HEAP applications can't open until November 24th, at the earliest. Governor Hochul says that if the funds are not received by November 24th, the program’s opening will be delayed, but the state is ready to process applications within 48 hours once the grant is received.

Local governments saw an increase in sales tax collections all across the state. New York Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli says local government sales tax collections totaled $18.2 billion through the first three quarters of 2025. That's an increase of 4.3% compared to the same period last year. According to DiNapoli's quarterly sales tax report, all but six counties in the state saw increases in sales tax collections. Livingston County was among those with a decrease, taking in $35.5 million through September, which is a decrease of 2.5% compared to 2024. Genesee County collected $44.5 million, an increase of 7%. And Wyoming County took in close to $20 million, just a slight drop of .1%. DiNapoli cautions that federal policy actions create significant fiscal risk for municipalities amid signs of a slowing economy.

The Mount Morris Dam is getting an update. It’ll be its first major facelift in 73 years, with a new maintenance bulkhead system being installed. Built between 1948 and 1952, the dam was designed to prevent catastrophic flooding, and this new system will allow maintenance work and inspections that were previously impossible. The bulkhead acts as a gate that stops the flow of the Genesee River, enabling the upstream side to be accessed for maintenance. Inspections have revealed the dam’s condition is better than expected, potentially saving money in the future. With over $4 billion in flood damage prevented, the Army Corps of Engineers plans to continue investing in the dam’s upkeep to ensure its long-term functionality.

As the deer hunting season is now underway across the state, New Yorkers are reminded to stay alert for deer while driving. Reports show November is especially dangerous for drivers because it is the height of deer mating season. AAA reports more than 1.5 million deer-vehicle collisions happen each year. The car club warns drivers to be cautious while driving between 5 and 8 both in the morning and night.

Drivers can expect traffic delays on Route 20A in the Village of Warsaw today. Seven semi-trucks will be delivering materials to the Warsaw Elementary School, causing delays from 8:30 this morning to 4:00 this afternoon. Police officers will be directing traffic. The deliveries are for a roof replacement project at the school as the district is repairing hailstorm damage. Construction is set to begin Tuesday, and is expected to take approximately 26 working days, with work paused during student arrival and dismissal times for safety. The schedule may change based on weather conditions. For more information, contact the Warsaw Central District Office at 585-786-8000, Ext. 3102.

With deer hunting season upon us, everyone is encouraged to participate in the Venison Donation Program. For every monetary donation, the coalition dedicates the most of it towards processing donated venison. The coalition has participating processors all across the state. The broad-based partnership has facilitated the donation of venison to food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens and additional not-for-profit organizations and charities. For more information on how you can get involved with the coalition you can visit the Venison Donation Coalition's website at venisondonation.com.

The Genesee County Career Center is hosting its Fall Job Fair. It will take place Tuesday, November 18th from 10 to noon at the Career Center at 587 East Main Street in Batavia. The event will feature a wide variety of employers from manufacturing, healthcare, civil service, trades, human services, and more, offering opportunities for job seekers of all experience levels. Attendees can network directly with local employers, learn about training programs, explore job openings, and even participate in on-the-spot interviews. Organizers say this is a valuable chance for community members to connect with potential employers and discover resources to support their job search. For more information, contact the Genesee County Career Center at (585) 344-2042.

Operation Christmas Child is now underway. Under the program volunteers collect toys, school supplies, hygiene items and notes of encouragement, then place the items in shoeboxes, which are sent overseas and handed out to needy children. The program is headed up by Samaritan’s Purse under the direction of the Franklin Graham Ministry. To find information or a local drop-off location, go to samaritanspurse.org. Collections run through Monday, November 24th.

The CJ Country Christmas Toy Box Toy Drive is underway. Our toy boxes are set up at businesses throughout the area. When you bring in new, unwrapped toys and place them in the toy boxes, and we’ll get those toys to needy local children. You can get more details and a complete list of toy box locations on our website – wcjw.com.

11/14/2025

CJ Country Local News for Fri, November 14

A driver was charged following a four-vehicle crash in Medina. According to police, a car rear-ended an SUV stopped at a red light at the intersection of Center and Main Streets, pushing it into another vehicle. The car then continued, jumped a curb, and collided with a parked car near Bent’s Opera House. Police say one person became uncooperative during the crash evaluation and was detained, later being taken to Medina Memorial Hospital. The driver of the car faces charges of driving while impaired by drugs, resisting arrest, reckless driving, obstructing governmental administration, and multiple traffic violations. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.

Three people were arrested on drug related charges following a search warrant. The Genesee County Local Drug Task Force executed a search warrant on a vehicle in the Town of Stafford as well as a residence on Jackson Street in Batavia, stemming from narcotics investigations. As a result, 43yo Howard Decarlis, Jr. of Batavia, 33yo Nykia Corbit of Rochester, and 39yo Davon Bell of Batavia were also charged with multiple felony counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Decarlis was also charged with two counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia. Corbit was also charged with two counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia. All defendants were held for arraignment in court.

A warning to homebuyers of AI generated home listings. The New York Department of State says the warning highlights the risks of misleading or exaggerated representations of properties. AI tools can create misleading depictions, potentially leading to deceptive advertising practices. The Department reminds real estate professionals that deceptive advertising could result in disciplinary action, and emphasizes the importance of honest and accurate property representations. Studies show that consumers tend to distrust AI-generated images, which can damage both consumer trust and a real estate agent's credibility. The Department also provided tips for homebuyers to protect themselves, including verifying agents’ licenses, looking out for suspiciously perfect or manipulated images, and always meeting agents in person before making any financial commitments.

A local lawmaker cautions about the state’s hold on the gas ban. New York has paused the implementation of its All-Electric Buildings Act, which was set to ban natural gas hookups in most new buildings starting January 1st. The suspension will remain in effect until an appellate court rules on the law. State Senator George Borrello, a vocal critic of the law, calls the pause a "temporary" victory, but warns that it may be a political delay tactic by Governor Kathy Hochul. Borrello also urged the governor to call a special legislative session to repeal the law before the end of the year. The law, once enacted, would prohibit the use of natural gas as a heat source in new buildings under seven stories tall.

New York lawmakers are pushing to ban automakers from charging subscription fees for features already built into vehicles. This includes safety technologies like automatic collision notification. Supporters of the bill argue that critical safety features should not be locked behind monthly payments and that subscription models amount to corporate “nickel-and-diming.” Senator James Skoufis, who sponsors the bill, says consumers have never historically paid extra to activate hardware already installed in their cars. Dealership representatives, however, argue that subscriptions give customers flexibility and help keep upfront vehicle costs lower. The legislation has passed both chambers and, if signed by Governor Hochul, would fine automakers for paywalling built-in hardware.

The State DEC will operate a voluntary deer and bear check station in the Erie County town of Holland during the opening weekend of the regular big game season. The Region 9 deer and bear check station on Route 16 will be open Saturday from noon to 8 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm, where hunters can bring their harvested animals for biological data collection, such as age determination and harvest information. DEC encourages hunters to participate in the check station to support research on big game populations in Western New York. Additionally, hunters are invited to donate harvested deer to Feeding New York State to help fight hunger, especially during the ongoing uncertainty over federal SNAP assistance. Find out more at https://feedingnys.org/hunters. The DEC also reminds hunters to report their harvest through the HuntFishNY app or via paper tags, as reporting is crucial for wildlife management.

Deer hunting season kicks off tomorrow. Hunters should be safety cautious. Here are some safety tips for those in the woods and fields to remember: Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Keep your finger away from the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you are ready to fire. Keep the safety on until you are ready to fire. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction. Be certain of your target, and what is beyond it, before firing. Wear a safety harness when hunting from an elevated platform. Always wear plenty of hunter orange. And, remember to respect the property of those where you are hunting.

Deer are very active this time of year. A reminder for drivers to be extra cautious as Saturday starts the deer hunting season with guns. This will stir up the deer even more. Always be alert, especially when driving at dawn and dusk.

Traffic delays are expected on Route 20A in the Village of Warsaw Monday. The Warsaw Central School District is beginning a roof replacement project at the Elementary School to repair hailstorm damage, with construction starting Tuesday, November 18th. On Monday, November 17th, seven semi-trucks will deliver materials to the school, causing traffic delays along Route 20A between 8:30 am and 4 pm, with police directing traffic. The project is expected to take about 26 working days, with work paused during student arrival and dismissal times for safety. The schedule is subject to change depending on weather conditions. For questions or concerns, contact the Warsaw Central District Office at 585-786-8000, Ext. 3102.

Putting up Christmas decorations early can actually make you happier and healthier. That’s according to a study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology. The study confirms that decorations are a pathway to those old childhood magical emotions of excitement. Psychoanalyst Steve McKeown says putting up those Christmas decorations early extends the excitement. Another perk, according to the study, is that the decorations make you seem friendlier to neighbors.

11/13/2025

CJ Country Local News for Thur, November 13

A small fire at the Mount Morris Elementary School forced a full evacuation. It happened Wednesday during construction work on the roof. Staff and contractors quickly responded by pulling the fire alarm and attempting to extinguish the flames. Students and staff were temporarily relocated to the Genesee River Restaurant while they awaited reunification with their families. The Mount Morris Fire Department, along with local emergency services, responded promptly, and the fire was contained to the roof with minimal smoke entering the building. There were no injuries reported. Extracurricular activities were canceled Wednesday, but classes resume today.

A Monroe County man has been arraigned on manslaughter and multiple felony charges following a high-speed chase that ended with a U-Haul plunging into the Erie Canal. In September, Police said 43yo Ryan Armstrong of Brockport was driving a stolen U-Haul with passenger 56yo Reginald Russell of Rochester, after stealing items from a Walgreens in Brockport. The chase, reaching speeds of 85 mph, ended when police used spike strips, causing Armstrong to drive the U-Haul into the canal. Russell tried to escape but drowned before deputies could rescue him, while Armstrong swam to shore and was later captured using drone technology. Armstrong faces charges including manslaughter, fleeing law enforcement, and criminal possession of stolen property, with bail set at $100,000. He is scheduled for a court conference later this month.

A traffic stop in Avon finds the driver with an alleged license revoked dozens of times. According to the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, 37yo Willie Nash of Rochester was pulled over for a traffic violation. During the investigation, Deputies say he was driving with a license, which had been revoked 32 times. Nash was charged with felony aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, along with additional traffic violations. Following arraignment, he was released on his own recognizance as the charges did not meet the criteria for bail under the New York State Bail Reform Act.

New York State issued a warning after a spam text was mistakenly sent through its official alert system this week. The text, which appeared to be from the state, falsely claimed a Bank of America transaction was declined and asked recipients to confirm the charge by calling a phone number. Officials clarified that the message was sent in error by a third-party vendor managing the alert system and was not linked to a data breach. A follow-up message urges people not to respond to the text. The Federal Trade Commission warns against phishing scams like this, advising residents to stay cautious and protect their accounts with security software and multi-factor authentication.

A warning to New York residents about common health insurance scams. The warning comes from the state's Attorney General Letitia James and Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald as the 2026 open enrollment period begins for the New York State of Health marketplace. These scams often intensify during open enrollment and can involve fraudulent claims that health coverage is at risk or offers of fake generosity to steal personal information. Scammers may also ask for money to enroll people in health insurance plans, including Medicaid or "Obamacare," though no official New York state program will ever require payment for enrollment or renewal. Consumers are advised to be cautious of threats or requests for money via phone, email, or text messages and reminded that help with enrollment and renewal is available for free through certified representatives. If New Yorkers suspect they have been targeted by a scam, they are encouraged to report it to the Attorney General's office.

New York State has agreed to delay the implementation of its All-Electric Buildings Act. The law, which was passed in 2023, bans new gas hookups in buildings under seven stories starting in 2026, with a broader application to all new buildings by 2029. The delay follows a lawsuit from gas and construction trade groups, arguing the law violates federal gas appliance regulations, as well as growing concerns about the impact on construction costs and the electric grid. In October, the New York Independent System Operator warned that the state’s electric grid could face reliability issues in major regions due to increased electricity demand from shifting to electric energy. Moderate Democrats and Republicans have called for a delay, citing potential cost increases and grid reliability concerns, with some arguing that removing fossil fuel heating options could make life more expensive for New Yorkers.

If you have yet to prepare your car for winter, you may want to do that sooner than later. There are several things you can do now to ensure your car operates successfully throughout the winter months as well as maximize your car’s ability to keep you and your family safe during cold weather travel. Experts recommend keeping a winter safety kit inside your car. Fill it with blankets and warm clothes, flashlight and flares, a first aid kit, a bag of sand for traction, a small shovel, and snacks in case of an emergency. Check your engine coolant and antifreeze levels. Be sure to have good tires – check the tread depth and keep them properly inflated. Use winter windshield wiper fluid. And switch to a winter-grade oil at your next oil change. Contact your local auto mechanic for other recommendations or to check your car for you.

The regular fi****ms hunting season for big game starts across much of New York State this weekend. The deer and bear season in the state's Southern Zone begins at sunrise Saturday and runs through December 7th. The Southern Zone stretches across upstate New York, excluding the Adirondacks and northern reaches of the state. New York officials say the Southern Zone regular season is New York's most popular hunting season, with about 85% of New York's nearly 550,000 licensed hunters taking part. New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation is encouraging hunters to be safe, enjoy the natural beauty of the environment, and consider passing up shots on young bucks.

If you smoke, or used to, it’s important to get a lung cancer screening. Lung cancer will take more American lives than the next three common cancers: breast, colon and prostate combined. November is "Lung Cancer Awareness Month" and with a reminder that more than 80% of lung cancers are caused by cigarette smoking. It's also a time to educate us to the warning signs and value of screening to catch this cancer early. Those between age 55 and 77 who are still smoking or quit within the last 15 years are recommended to get a low-dose CT scan. Health officials say the survival benefit for patients getting screened compared to chest x-rays, are impressive. You can self-refer for the low dose CT screening. Most insurance will cover this.

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. If your family is affected by Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is available to help. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s Helpline is open seven days a week and staffed entirely by licensed social workers who can answer questions, provide support and connect you with services. Contact the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s Helpline at 866-232-8484.

11/12/2025

CJ Country Local News for Wed, November 12

A crash involving an e-bike in Perry results in critical injuries for a Nunda man. According to Perry Police, 34yo John Maynard was riding the bike on Main Street Sunday night when he struck a median. He was thrown from the bike and his head hit a statue. Police say Maynard was taken to the Wyoming County Community Hospital, then transferred to the Erie County Medical Center where he was listed in critical condition. An investigation into the crash is continuing.

Three Lima residents are facing multiple felony charges related to a series of burglaries. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office says 32yo Samuel Mitchell, 38yo Jennifer Dean, and 22yo Dominick Wood were arrested after an investigation into reports of storage unit and residential burglaries across Livingston County. Deputies charged Mitchell with several counts of burglary, larceny, and weapon possession; Wood with burglary and petit larceny; and Dean with possession of stolen property, a weapon, and a firearm. All three were transported to the Livingston County Jail for processing and arraignment. The judge ordered Mitchell, Wood, and Dean to be remanded to jail on varying cash bail amounts, with Mitchell denied bail due to prior convictions and parole status.

An investigation into a theft involving a deed to a private residence leads to the arrest of a Rochester man. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office says it was found that 39yo Paul Oska had wrongfully transferred the deed of the property in Mout Morris to himself. He was charged with felony grand larceny. Following arraignment, Oska was released on his own recognizance since the charge does not qualify for bail under the New York State Bail Reform Act.

Two Rochester residents are facing drug related charges following a traffic stop. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office says 42yo Jennifer Liberacki was pulled over onthe I-390 in Avon for a traffic violation when the Deputy suspected drug activity. Following an investigation, both Liberacki and her passenger, 36yo Marquis Lee were said to be found in possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine. They were arrested and charged with multiple drug-related offenses, including felony Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. Both suspects were released on their own recognizance as their offenses did not meet the criteria for bail under the NYS Bail Reform Act.

Rep. Nick Langworthy is confident that the House will approve the Senate’s funding bill, which passed Monday, to end the ongoing government shutdown. The bill funds the government through January and supports several federal agencies for the rest of the fiscal year. Langworthy criticized Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for holding the government "hostage" during the shutdown, which he says was not about spending or healthcare issues. He anticipates the bill will pass in the House with support from both Republicans and possibly some Democrats. Langworthy expects the House to convene late this afternoon, with the vote to reopen the government expected by tonight.

Starting in Spring 2026, SUNY is launching a Military Tuition Rate Program. The purpose is to make higher education more affordable for active-duty service members, reserves, and National Guard members. The program aims to remove financial barriers for military-connected students, ensuring cost is not an obstacle to their education. The initiative will initially roll out at select campuses in Spring 2026 and expand to all SUNY institutions by Fall 2026. SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. emphasizes the program’s commitment to supporting military members and honoring their service. The SUNY Board of Trustees also praised the program for empowering veterans and military students to pursue higher education.

As we enter the snowy season, some advice on how to drive safely in the wintry weather. Experts say, to start, just remember: ice and snow, take it slow. Also, be prepared - scrape all the snow and ice off your car before driving. Place a blanket and bottled water in your car in case you get stranded. Check your car’s fluid levels, tire treads and tire pressure levels. Be informed - research road conditions before driving and plan for extra time in your commute. Be aware - drivers should not use cruise control in snowy road conditions. Experts also suggest drivers leave plenty of room between the vehicles in front and behind them, roughly five seconds. And remember - braking too quickly or accelerating too quickly can cause you to spin out, so you definitely need to take it slow.

As you consider what gifts to buy on Black Friday, why not consider a donation of blood as well? The American Red Cross is encouraging all eligible donors to give blood throughout the holiday season to help maintain the blood supply. Blood donations typically decline during this time of year. To find a blood drive near you and to make appointments call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org.

If you see purple paint while out and about in New York State, it means to leave. While it's not an official rule in New York, purple paint is quickly becoming a "No Trespassing" sign across the United States. The paint could be on most anything, like on a tree, fence, piece of wood, or building. Over 15 states currently have a purple paint law which carries the same legal significance as "No Trespassing" signs in those states. The law helps landowners from having to replace printed signs that are often stolen or damaged.

A free community resource fair is coming to Batavia this week. Independent Living of the Genesee Region is hosting the event Friday from 10 to 1 at the Richmond Memorial Library. Organizers say the fair is designed to promote health and well-being by connecting residents with local programs and services — including access to free clothing, nutrition resources, and direct help from local agencies. Among the groups taking part are Neighborhood Legal Services, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Catholic Charities, The Bouie Foundation, and The Community Clothesline. Gen Mobile will also be on hand offering free smartphones and SIM cards for eligible adults who receive support from DSS or Medicaid. Attendees should bring a valid New York ID, benefit card, and a recent piece of mail. The event, called Pathways to Stability, is open to all residents at no cost. For more information or to request accommodations, call Rebecca Batt at 585-815-8501, extension 417.

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