CJ Country News, Warsaw, NY (2026)

01/08/2026

CJ Country Local News for Thu, January 8

A Mt. Morris man is accused of robbing a business. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office says 44yo Thomas Albanese entered a business on Chapel Street in the Village of Mt. Morris, approached the counter, and demanded cash from the register while brandishing a firearm. He was arrested days later on felony charges of robbery, criminal use of a firearm, burglary, tampering with physical evidence, as well as menacing, evading arrest by concealment of identity, among other charges. Following arraignment, Albanese was jailed in lieu of $40,000 bail.

A police detective’s vehicle in Le Roy was struck by an impaired driver. Le Roy Police say it happened Friday, just before noon, at the intersection of Route 19 and Munson Street. The 29-year-old driver failed to stop at the intersection, causing the crash. Police say they found open beer cans inside his vehicle. The unidentified driver was charged with driving while intoxicated, having two prior DWI convictions. Both the detective and the other driver were taken to the hospital, but no serious injuries were reported.

The report of a vehicle off the road in Avon results in the arrest of a Steuben County woman. According to the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, 40yo Danielle Beebe was involved in the incident on West Henrietta Road. When Deputies arrived, they say she was exhibiting signs of intoxication, but refused to take a breath test. Beebe was arrested for driving while intoxicated, a felony due to a prior DWI conviction. She was arraigned and released on her own recognizance, as the charges did not qualify for bail under the New York State Bail Reform Act.

The report of a vehicle off the road in Springwater results in a drunken driving arrest. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office says responding Deputies suspected the driver, 37yo David Blaker of Wayland, of driving while intoxicated. Blaker was said to have refused to submit to a breathalyzer test, and a check revealed a prior DWI conviction. He was charged with felony Driving While Intoxicated, felony Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, along with traffic violations. Blaker was processed and arraigned, but due to NYS Bail Reform, he was released on his own recognizance.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced new proposals for her upcoming 2026 State of the State that focus on strengthening regulations around 3D-printed fi****ms and related components. The new legislation will introduce criminal penalties for the unlicensed manufacture and sale of 3D-printed guns, and require reporting of all recovered 3D-printed fi****ms to the state. She says a groundbreaking policy will also create minimum safety standards for 3D printer manufacturers to prevent the production of fi****ms and their components. The proposal also mandates that gun manufacturers design pistols to prevent easy modification into illegal machine guns. These measures aim to build on New York’s success in reducing gun violence, which saw shootings reach their lowest levels on record in 2025. The governor will deliver her full 2026 State of the State Tuesday, January 13th at 1 pm in Albany.

Starting in February, New York state will implement stricter guidelines for its traffic point system. The current 18-month period for accumulating 11 points before facing a license suspension will be extended to two years, meaning drivers will have to be more cautious for a longer period. The new system will also increase the number of points for certain violations, such as speeding, cellphone use while driving, and passing a stopped school bus. Also, a DWI conviction, which previously carried no points, will now result in 11 points, leading to a potential license suspension. The changes aim to deter reckless driving and promote safety on the roads.

New York's top fiscal watchdog is urging New Yorkers to keep track of gift cards received during the holidays. State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli says that when gift cards aren’t used for five years, their balances may be turned over by retailers to the Comptroller’s Office of Unclaimed Funds. In 2024, the office recovered over $21 million from unused gift cards. DiNapoli recommends using gift cards early, checking their terms and conditions, and registering them with retailers when possible.

Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your health. This is true no matter how old you are or how long you have smoked. According to the CDC, many people who smoke become addicted to ni****ne, a drug that is found naturally in to***co. This can make it hard to quit smoking. But the good news is there are proven treatments that can help you quit. Experts say quitting is a process and the best thing to do is to find support. For tips and support, visit nysmokefree.com.

We are now nearly a week into the new year and many of you may have made a New Year's Resolution. Here’s tips to help you stick with it this year: Experts suggest making sure your goals are realistic in order to reach them; Get support from family and friends who will encourage you, or better yet, get a buddy who shares the same goal and motivate each other; Reward yourself - with something as simple as going to a movie with a friend; Keep track of your progress - small accomplishments will help keep you motivated; Stick to it - experts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity, such as exercising, to become a habit, and 6 months for it to become part of your personality; And keep trying – if you don’t stick to it, just start over.

The Wyoming County Chamber and Tourism office is reminding shoppers to turn in their holiday shopping receipts to be entered into the “Shop Wyoming and Win” contest. Receipts must be from purchases made in Wyoming County between “Black Friday” and Christmas Eve. They must be submitted or postmarked to the Wyoming County Chamber today by 5pm. Shoppers are also able to submit the receipts at drop boxes located at designated Chamber member businesses throughout the County. To find the locations, visit WyCoChamber.org. The annual holiday promotion is part of the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce’s “Buy Local” program that encourages shoppers to buy their products locally and discover all the great products and services that can be found in Wyoming County.

01/07/2026

CJ Country Local News for Wed, January 7

A convicted s*x offender from Niagara County faces new federal charges involving the alleged s*xual abuse of a minor. A federal grand jury indicted 42yo Joshua Mahley of Gasport on six counts, including interstate travel for illicit s*xual conduct, transportation of a minor, and possessing obscene images of child s*xual abuse. Mahley was previously convicted in 2010 for second-degree r**e and s*xual abuse, and he is a registered s*x offender in New York State. Investigators say that in mid-2025, Mahley traveled across state lines and transported a minor for inappropriate activities. The charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Construction has begun on a new public water district in the Town of Bethany. It comes after years of planning delays and rising costs over water supply issues. The project will install 28 miles of piping, a pump station, and a water storage tank to serve about 1,000 people, including 300 homes, several businesses, and local dairy farms. Residents say the new system will end the hardship of hauling water from other towns, especially during winter months. Town leaders believe the project will also support future growth and are preparing for a second phase of development.

Wegmans is using facial recognition technology in a small number of stores, citing safety and security concerns. The company says it does not collect retinal scans or voice prints, but does collect facial recognition data to identify individuals linked to prior misconduct, criminal cases, or missing persons. The supermarket chain says the technology is only used in locations considered to have an elevated risk and that required signage is posted where mandated by local law. According to the company, the data is not shared with third parties and is disposed of after use, though details on storage length and specific store locations were not provided. Wegmans acknowledges concerns about bias and fairness, saying its primary goal is to keep customers, employees, and operations safe.

The North Dansville Town Board is debating whether to close the Dansville Municipal Airport due to its ongoing financial strain on the town. News 10 NBC reports that town leaders discussed raising taxes to cover the airport's deficits, with a potential tax increase of $24.84 for homes assessed at $110,000 in 2027. The situation is complicated by LMC Industrial Contractors blocking part of the runway, which has raised safety concerns and prompted the FAA to threaten withdrawing federal funds unless the cranes are moved. Supporters of the airport argue that it brings unique value to the town, citing its location and accessibility. Despite these concerns, Town Councilmember Louis Colella stated that closing the airport is unlikely due to FAA regulations. Discussions about its future continue.

Despite a recent change in federal recommendations, New York's childhood vaccination policies remain unchanged. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced it would reduce its routine vaccine recommendations for children to 11 diseases, excluding vaccines for flu, rotavirus, hepatitis A and B, certain types of meningitis, and RSV for most children. However, New York State’s Health Commissioner, Dr. James McDonald, affirms that the state’s vaccination requirements, including those for school immunization, will stay the same. McDonald states that there has been no new science or safety data prompting the federal shift, and that vaccines continue to provide the best protection against preventable childhood diseases. This follows similar reactions from New York after the federal advisory committee’s recent decision to discontinue the recommendation for newborns to receive the hepatitis B vaccine immediately after birth.

New York State saw its unemployment rate increase by three-tenths of a percent from September to November. According to preliminary statistics released by the State Labor Department, the state's seasonally adjusted jobless rate climbed during that two month stretch. Data for October is not available due to the federal government shutdown at that time. Meanwhile, the state saw an increase in its private sector job count by 83,700 compared to November 2024, and the statewide labor force participation rate grew from 60.9% to 61.2% from September to November.

RTS Wyoming has announced a six-month extension of its free grocery shuttle for Perry residents. The program, which is continuing service through June 30th, is supported by a partnership among RTS, Tops Friendly Markets, and the Wyoming County Office for the Aging. The shuttle provides transportation to Tops in Warsaw to help ensure reliable access to groceries, and is now operating every Tuesday. For more information about this or any other service provided by RTS Wyoming, call (585) 786-6050, or visit www.myRTS.com.

It is a silent, but deadly Winter hazard, carbon monoxide poisoning. It can happen at any time of the year, but the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning is greater during the winter. One of the most dangerous wintertime sources of carbon monoxide is car exhaust. If you are stranded in your car and you keep the engine on in order to run your heater, make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of any snow to keep the exhaust from backing up into your car. And remember to properly install a carbon monoxide detector in your home.

With the New Year here, a common resolution for many is to finally quit smoking for good. Smoking is an addiction and continues to be the leading cause of preventable death, but is difficult to overcome. The New York State Smokers’ Quitline is available as a free resource for all New Yorkers seeking help to quit smoking. Quit Coaches can provide personalized coaching support. Smokers should call the New York State Smokers’ Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487). Quit Coaches are available seven days a week beginning at 9 a.m., and additional resources are available online at nysmokefree.com.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has launched its annual spring seedling sale, offering affordable, locally grown trees and shrubs to encourage conservation and environmental stewardship. The sale runs through May 13 and includes over 50 species of conifer and hardwood trees, with seedlings sold in bundles of 25 or more. These plantings contribute to Governor Hochul's goal of planting 25 million trees by 2033, improving air and water quality, reducing flooding, and enhancing community well-being. Additionally, the DEC is accepting applications for its School Seedling Program until March 27th, offering 50 free seedlings to schools and youth organizations to foster environmental education. The program aims to engage students in learning about natural systems and conservation through hands-on tree planting activities. Find out more at https://dec.ny.gov/spring-seedling-sale, or for schools and youth programs at https://dec.ny.gov/school-seedling-program.

The Livingston County Youth Bureau is now accepting nominations from community members for the 2026 Livingston County Teen Recognition Awards. The annual awards celebrate outstanding teenagers from throughout Livingston County for their exceptional deeds, including community involvement, extraordinary leadership, or positively influencing others by overcoming a significant challenge. All nominations are due by February 6th. Eligible youths must be currently enrolled in school and at least 15 years old by February 6th. For nominating instructions and more information on the awards, visit the Youth Bureau website at livingstoncounty.us/Teen-Recognition-Application, or call (585) 243-6909.

01/06/2026

CJ Country Local News for Tue, January 6

Governor Hochul has introduced new proposals aimed at protecting children online and addressing the youth mental health crisis in New York. The legislation will focus on safeguarding children from online predators, scammers, and harmful AI chatbots by expanding age verification, setting higher privacy settings by default, and disabling certain AI chatbot features for minors. In addition, the Governor is proposing a statewide expansion of Teen Mental Health First Aid training, ensuring that every 10th grader can learn how to support peers facing mental health or substance abuse challenges. These measures build on previous initiatives, such as banning smartphones in schools, adding social media warning labels, and creating over 1,300 school-based mental health clinics. Hochul emphasizes the need for these steps to help young people navigate both the online world and real-life challenges.

With the upcoming tax season comes some tips to prepare your 2026 tax return and maximize refunds. Some accountants say to start by gathering key documents like W-2 forms, 1099s for self-employment income, bank statements, and stock sale documents. Taxpayers should be aware that overtime pay will no longer be taxed separately, so you will need to check your pay stub or work with an accountant. New laws in New York may affect your tax filings, especially with the "Big Beautiful Bill," which could impact half of taxpayers. Additionally, tips and overtime wages will now be treated as taxable income in New York, so make sure to account for these correctly. Experts recommend doing thorough research or consulting with an accountant to ensure you’re following the latest rules and maximizing your refund.

An audit has revealed flaws in the New York State Department of Health’s oversight of a program aimed at replacing lead drinking water service lines. The audit by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli found that millions of dollars in state funding went unused, with some funds spent on administrative costs instead of line replacements. It also noted that municipalities with higher childhood blood lead levels were not prioritized for funding, and unclear guidance hindered participation. The program, created under the Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017, had issues with water system inventories, with many systems missing deadlines or providing inaccurate data. While the Department of Health disagrees with some findings, it acknowledges improvements in compliance after issuing guidance.

In New York, drivers could face serious consequences if they don't clear snow off their cars. Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, drivers can be charged with reckless driving if snow on their vehicle obstructs their view or endangers others. A violation could result in fines up to $850, points on the driver's license, or even jail time. The law also mandates that cars have proper visibility when driving in adverse weather conditions, like snow or rain, especially when using windshield wipers. Besides legal penalties, driving with snow on the car is dangerous as it can impair vision and contribute to accidents.

Wyoming County has a new chairman for the Board of Supervisors. James Brick was elected to the position during the board’s annual organizational meeting Friday. He replaces former chairwoman Rebecca Ryan, who did not seek re-election as Warsaw Town Supervisor. Brick, a Republican, has served as Town of Perry supervisor since 2006 and is a longtime farmer with extensive community involvement. Supervisor Susan May of Orangeville was elected vice-chairwoman, and the meeting set the county’s direction for the coming year.

Blood donors could win Super Bowl tickets. The American Red Cross is offering blood donors a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX if they donate between now and January 25th. This is the seventh year the Red Cross has partnered with the NFL for the promotion. The prize includes Super Bowl tickets, pregame activities, airfare, three nights of hotel accommodations, and a $1,000 gift card. Super Bowl LX will be held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on February 28th. The Red Cross emphasizes that blood donations are critically needed, as someone in the U.S. requires blood or platelets every two seconds. For a list of places and times to donate, go to https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.

Slightly lower prices at the pump to start off the new year. AAA reports Monday's national average is $2.81 per gallon, which is down just over a cent from a week ago. New York State saw its average drop by two cents to $3.03. One year ago, the national and statewide averages were $3.06 and $3.13, respectively. The regional average is $3.07 per gallon of gas, down two cents. AAA says the nationwide trend of lower gas prices continued despite a short-term surge in demand. Motorists are benefiting from a strong supply of gas and the cheaper-to-produce winter blend of fuel. Despite the events in Venezuela over the weekend, there has been little disruption in the oil markets.

A reminder that with Winter driving there are some things to do to help keep those on the road safe. Triple A has a number of recommendations should you get stuck or stranded. The car club says there are vital things that every car needs, and you can put in an emergency kit or pack your own. It will all help keep you safe, make sure you are seen and keep you warm. Included on the list are: A shovel, some sand or cat litter for traction if you get stuck, food and water, blankets, some matches or flares, a flashlight with fresh batteries, and a stocked first aid kit. Car experts also recommend driving with snow tires or all-terrain tires that are in excellent condition. For a complete list and more information go to aaa.com.

The flu season is here. To lower your risks: Doctors say get the flu vaccine, wash your hands with soap and warm water often, keep a sick family member in one room to prevent spreading the virus, get plenty of rest, and eat healthy.

The DEC is hoping for help with black bears. The agency says if you spot a new bear den, you should keep your distance and report it to the local DEC office. Biologists say while they can keep track of the animals through special collars, tips from people in the woods are an important way to monitor the state’s black bear population.

01/05/2026

CJ Country Local News for Mon, January 5

A Warsaw man is accused of ra**ng a minor. During a recent appearance in Wyoming County Court, 21yo Nathaniel Grantham was indicted on allegations of giving alcohol to a girl under the age of 15 in the Village of Perry last October and then having inappropriate relations with her. He was arraigned on charges of second-degree r**e, endangering the welfare of a child, and first-degree unlawful dealing with a child. Grantham entered a plea of not guilty. He is to appear in court in March for motions.

Occupants were able to escape an apartment fire in the Village of Perry. According to the Wyoming County Office of Emergency Management, fire crews were called to the blaze Friday night at a location on Water Street. The building contained an upper and lower apartment. The upper apartment was vacant, and three people who lived in the first-floor apartment, along with a cat and a dog, were able to escape the fire safely. They will be staying with friends. The cause was determined to be electrical. Damage is estimated at $25,000.

One person was taken to the hospital following a camper fire in the Town of Arcade. According to the Wyoming County Office of Emergency Management, a call for a blaze on Genesee Road came at around 5:30 Saturday morning. The camper was destroyed by fire. Firefighters were able to limit the damage to a nearby storage barn, which sustained some damage from the fire. The occupant of the camper was transported to Bertrand Chaffe Hospital for smoke inhalation. The damage is estimated at $15,000. The cause remains under investigation.

One person was injured following a head-on collision in Bergen. It happened late Friday night at the intersection of Route 19 and Hunter Street. According to the Bergen Fire Department, fire and EMS crews arrived quickly on scene to secure the vehicles and assess both drivers. One person was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

A welfare check on a motorist results in a drunken driving arrest. The Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office says Deputies responded to East Park Road in the Village of Castile for the report of a man possibly experiencing a medical emergency in a vehicle stopped roadside. The man was later reported to have been picked up by a family member and was said to have appeared intoxicated, prompting deputies to locate him at a residence in the Village of Pike. He was identified as 56yo Steven Boyd of Mosinee, Wisconsin, who reportedly showed signs of intoxication and admitted to driving and consuming alcohol earlier. Boyd performed poorly on standardized field sobriety tests and was arrested for driving while intoxicated. A chemical breath test revealed a BAC over .18%, and he was charged with aggravated DWI and DWI and issued an appearance ticket for Castile Town Court.

No school today for Alexander Central students. The school is closed due to ongoing heat and electrical issues from a recent power surge. Repairs will be made to ensure the building is safe for students and staff. All 12-month staff are expected to report to work, while 10-month staff do not need to come in. Updates about rescheduling athletic practices and events is available on the school’s page.

A top-prize winning ticket for the January 2nd TAKE 5 EVENING drawing was sold in Fillmore. The winning ticket, worth $35,431, was sold at Hanson Farms on West Main Street. TAKE 5 numbers are drawn from a pool of 1 to 39, and the drawing takes place twice daily at 2:30 pm and 10:30 pm. Winners can claim their prize within one year from the drawing date.

There are new tools available to help New Yorkers develop healthy habits when using their digital devices. Governor Hochul recently announced the availability of digital wellness resources on a website called "Be Well," a campaign that focuses on educating young people, caregivers, and educators on how to safely navigate digital content in a way that protects their mental health. The digital wellness section of the website includes information on how to maintain healthy habits with smartphones, tablets, and computers - and how using them can impact mental well-being. Hochul says the tools can also encourage families to practice healthier habits with digital media during a time when many young people are on break from primary schools and colleges.

For the fourth consecutive year, the New York Army National Guard earned the top ranking for recruiting and retaining soldiers in the United States in 2025. During the federal fiscal year 2025, which ended September 30th, the New York Army Guard outperformed all other state and territorial National Guards, recruiting and retaining a higher percentage of soldiers relative to its assigned strength. The Guard brought in a total of 2,065 new personnel, including 1,878 enlisted soldiers, 32 warrant officers, and 155 officers, along with soldiers transferring from other states. Additionally, 1,819 soldiers reenlisted, extending their service commitments. This achievement highlights the New York Army National Guard's continued success in maintaining a strong and committed force.

Falling asleep with the TV on could disrupt your sleep. Health experts say some people feel it’s beneficial to have the TV on as it helps them fall asleep. However, while that may be beneficial in the moment, being exposed to blue light from your TV or phone can ultimately disrupt your quality of sleep. Research shows blue light can prevent the body from releasing melatonin, which plays a crucial role in regulating your sleep-wake cycle. And if you’re not getting good sleep, it can affect both your mental and physical health. On top of that, the content you watch could impact your dreams, provoking anxiety. Instead of watching something before bed, health officials suggest that you could try reading, journaling, meditating or listening to calming music. You could also use a sound machine or have a fan going for background noise.

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