09/24/2025
CJ Country Local News for Wed, September 24
All six victims of the Pembroke bus crash have been released from the hospital. After being treated at the University of Rochester Medical Center, all victims have been released as of September 16th, according to hospital officials. The crash, which occurred August 22nd on the Thruway in Genesee County, resulted in five fatalities and 47 total hospitalizations in Rochester and Buffalo. The tour bus was carrying 54 people from Niagara Falls back to New York City when it overturned. The National Transportation Safety Board has released a preliminary report but says the investigation is ongoing. The incident remains under review as authorities examine all aspects of the crash.
The Batavia City School District has tightened its policies for attending school-sponsored events. It follows a disruptive incident after Batavia High School’s Homecoming Game that led to five arrests, including one student. Effective immediately, students in eighth grade or younger must be accompanied by an adult, must remain seated during games (except for concessions or restrooms), and will not be allowed re-entry if they leave the stadium. The practice field is now off-limits during events, and both students and adults are expected to model respectful behavior or face removal and potential suspension from future events. Superintendent Jason Smith confirms coordination with the Batavia Police and says more updates will be issued. School officials emphasize that attending events is a privilege, and increased behavioral issues are disrupting learning environments and must be addressed both at school and at home.
A Batavia man is accused of causing injury to another person. According to Batavia Police, 33yo Christopher Burek also damaged property during an altercation. He was arrested for Assault and Criminal Mischief. Burek was arraigned in Genesee CAP Court and released.
A Batavia man is accused of fighting with police. Batavia Police say 46yo Jason Alexander stole items from Family Dollar and damaged or destroyed the items. Police say he then fought with officers and kicked and spit on them while they were taking him into custody. He was arrested for Petit Larceny, Harassment, Obstructing Governmental Administration, and Tampering with Physical Evidence. Alexander was directed to appear in Batavia City Court.
The alleged contact of a protected person leads to the arrest of a Batavia man. According to Batavia Police, 30yo Tyler Stoddard had contact with a person who has an order of protection against him. He was arrested for Criminal Contempt. Stoddard was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court.
Low-cost Niagara hydropower will help support New York Dairy farms. Governor Hochul announces that the New York Power Authority has approved economic development awards expected to generate nearly $267 million in private capital investments. A major component of the awards includes an allocation to Upstate Niagara, a dairy cooperative, enabling a $215 million expansion of its West Seneca facility and creating 125 new jobs. The Upstate Niagara expansion will support 260 New York dairy farms and increase production capacity for products like yogurt and cottage cheese. Hochul says these initiatives demonstrate how the New York Power Authority’s low-cost power resources are being used to boost job creation, drive economic growth, and support key industries and institutions across the state. The funding will also be used to support several Community and Cultural Institutions in Western New York.
Though issues remain, the Thruway Authority has improved the accuracy of its toll collections. A recent audit by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli found that while E-ZPass now accounts for 95% of tolls and revenue has grown to $1 billion in 2024, auditors identified problems such as unreadable license plates, incorrect charges, and a lack of oversight on non-revenue tags. At Exit 25A near Schenectady alone, 44,000 tolling errors were found, with a 5% error rate. The audit also criticizes the handling of undeliverable mail and inconsistent application of toll violation fee reductions by the Toll Payer Advocate's office. DiNapoli made nine recommendations, which the Thruway Authority largely accepted and has begun to address.
The State DEC is warning residents to use extreme caution when conducting any outdoor burning. It’s due to unusually dry conditions and elevated fire risk statewide. Commissioner Amanda Lefton emphasizes the importance of fully extinguishing campfires and avoiding fires outside of designated fire pits to protect both people and responding Forest Rangers. The agency offers wildfire prevention tips, such as thoroughly dousing and stirring fires, avoiding smoking in flammable areas, and ensuring equipment has spark arrestors. As fire danger remains high through the fall, the public is urged to stay vigilant and report any wildfires or unattended campfires immediately.
Governor Hochul has launched the “Get Offline, Get Outside Challenge.” It’s to encourage New York teens ages 12 to 18 to spend less time on social media and more time outdoors. The program is managed by the Department of Environmental Conservation and includes a list of 50 outdoor activities to complete before turning 19. The activities range from hiking and fishing to drawing nature and cooking over a fire. The initiative aims to promote healthier, screen-free habits and deeper connections with nature. Teens who complete all the activities will receive a sticker, certificate, and prizes, with full details available on the DEC website at https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/get-offline-get-outside.
The Wyoming County Chamber & Tourism Office is seeking public nominations for the 2025 Business of the Year Awards. Categories include Small Business, Large Business, Agri-Business, Tourism Business, Tourism Attraction, Most Promising New Business, and Woman in Business. Nominations can be submitted online at www.WyCoChamber.org or by mailing a printed form to the Chamber office. All nominees must be members of the Chamber and will be evaluated based on factors such as job growth, community involvement, and industry impact. The deadline for nominations is Friday, October 10th. Winners will be announced at the awards reception in November.
