11/25/2025
CJ Country Local News for Tues, November 25
An Arcade man has been sentenced for his involvement in a violent domestic incident. Appearing in Wyoming County Court, 36yo Jacob Ballard received three years in state prison. He was previously convicted of several charges, including criminal mischief, strangulation, second-degree assault, and criminal obstruction of breathing. The Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office had reported that the incident took place in the Town of Arcade last July, where Ballard allegedly physically assaulted a female victim, causing serious injury, and damaged the residence. The victim required hospitalization for her injuries. Two children were also present during the altercation.
The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office has been made aware of a scam that is targeting residents. Authorities say that during a phone call, the subject advised that they were with the Livingston County Sheriff's Office and told the complainant that there was a warrant out for their arrest. The subject stated that the bond needed to be paid with gift cards from a store. On a return call to the scammer's phone number, it provided automated messages, prompting them to choose a number to direct their call to "Investigations." The phone number that was used during this report is no longer active. The Sheriff's Office reminds that they will never ask you to use gift cards as a form of payment. If you receive a call and believe you are being scammed, hang-up and contact the Livingston County Sheriff's Office directly at (585)243-7100.
An investigation into possible welfare fraud leads to the arrest of a Livonia woman. The Livingston County Sheriff's Office says it was found that 46yo Laura Culver had been receiving benefits from the Livingston County Department of Social Services while failing to report additional income in her household. As a result, Culver was charged with felonies of Grand Larceny, Welfare Fraud, and Offering a False Instrument for Filing. She was processed at the Livingston County Jail and released with an appearance ticket, as the charges do not qualify for bail under the NYS Bail Reform Act.
National Guard members are still working in state prisons. The members remain nine months after a wildcat strike by correction officers in New York State, with over 2,700 Guard personnel currently deployed. The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision has expressed gratitude for their assistance and is focusing on recruitment and recovery efforts, including lowering the hiring age to 18 and offering various bonuses to attract new correction officers. In response to staffing shortages, the Department of Corrections also announced the closure of the Bare Hill Correctional Facility in the North Country, effective March 2026, and the consolidation at Collins in Erie County, which is expected to be completed by the end of March. State Senator George Borrello says this recent decision is reckless, and will only make things more difficult for correction officers.
The New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection is warning about the risks of Buy Now, Pay Later financing ahead of the holiday season. While this offers convenience, it can lead to impulsive spending, debt accumulation, and financial strain if payments are missed. Young adults are the largest demographic using Buy Now, Pay Later, often stacking multiple loans across platforms, which can result in large bills. Missed payments can trigger high interest rates, late fees, and damage to credit scores. To avoid financial traps, officials say consumers should read Buy Now, Pay Later terms carefully, plan payments in advance, track accounts, avoid impulse purchases, and understand the potential impact on their credit.
Ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday travel period, a Winter Storm Watch has been issued for a portion of the area. This includes Wyoming and Southern Erie counties and points to the southwest from Wednesday evening through Friday evening, and Genesee and Northern Erie counties from Wednesday evening through Thursday afternoon. According to the National Weather Service Buffalo, heavy lake effect snow is possible, with total snow accumulations greater than 7 inches possible in the most persistent lake snows. Winds could gust as high as 45-50 mph, producing considerable blowing and drifting snow and near whiteout conditions. Officials say this may make travel treacherous with very poor visibility. Plan on snow covered and slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel period. Gusty winds could down tree branches and cause isolated power outages.
New Yorkers are urged to exercise caution as lake effect snow is expected to impact the region during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. According to the Governor’s Office, areas of impact include Western New York, Central New York, the Mohawk Valley, and the North Country from Wednesday through Saturday. Travelers should allow extra time for their journeys and avoid driving during intense snow periods, as high winds and blowing snow may create dangerous conditions. State agencies, including the Department of Transportation and Thruway Authority, are prepared to deploy over 5,000 personnel and snow-removal equipment to keep roadways clear. The state has also issued a Winter Storm Watch, urging residents to stay updated on weather forecasts.
Genesee County law enforcement, including the Sheriff’s Office and Batavia Police Department, are participating in the statewide STOP-DWI Thanksgiving High Visibility Engagement Campaign. The campaign, which runs from November 26th to November 30th, aims to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving and prevent injuries and fatalities. Law enforcement agencies across New York State are actively working to stop impaired driving and encourage safe alternatives, like calling a taxi, using a ride service, or designating a sober driver. The STOP-DWI program has contributed to significant reductions in alcohol- and drug-related fatalities, but impaired driving still remains a major issue. The campaign emphasizes that one poor decision can have lifelong consequences, urging everyone to choose to drive sober.
With colder temperatures, here’s a reminder of generator and space heater safety. Although convenient, both can be deadly if overlooked. Experts say there are a few things to keep in mind when using generators. The first is the placement of the unit - keep the generator at least 5 feet from your home to keep away dangerous fumes. Never run a generator indoors and point the exhaust away from your house. Make sure the unit will not get rain or snowed on heavily. Have an electrician secure your generator correctly to an up-to-date electrical system. There are similar concerns when it comes to space heaters. Have it checked to make sure they are vented properly. Consult a professional to be sure your unit is not leaking any chemicals. And when in use, be sure to keep an eye on the unit.
Whether we like it or not, the Winter season is coming. A lot of us have already been jacking up the thermostat. Here are some tips on how to stay warm and save money. Home experts suggest turning down the thermostats to a moderate temperature when not at home. If you have pets, keep it comfortable for them. Use window treatments to keep the draft from coming through. If using a space heater, a portable infrared heater, or something similar is recommended. They are less money than fuel heaters and safer too. The next best thing is to layer up and grab a blanket.
Many hunters are out harvesting deer now that the regular hunting season is underway. After filling up their own freezers, hunters are encouraged to also donate to the Venison Donation Coalition program. Programs like this help reduce the state's growing deer population and help feed less fortunate families. Those interested in donating may check out the coalition website at venisondonation.org for a nearby participating meat processor.
