11/05/2025
CJ Country Local News for Wed, November 5
A Cattaraugus County man has pleaded guilty in connection to a head-on crash that killed his sister and two others. The collision happened in the Town of Freedom in 2023. Police said Evan Klink, who was 21 at the time, purposefully crossed the center line of Freedom Road on and caused a head-on collision with a car his sister, 24yo Dahlia Klink, was driving. Two passengers in that car, 17yo Havanah Lopez and 6yo Molly Kibler, died at the scene. Dahlia Klink died the following day. Evan Klink’s passenger, 19yo Cameron Klink, was seriously injured. Evan Klink pleaded guilty in Cattaraugus County Court to two counts of second-degree manslaughter. He had initially been charged with three counts of murder, vehicular homicide, vehicular manslaughter, vehicular assault, DWAI by drugs, among other charges. He is set to be sentenced in February.
A fisher captured in the Town of Conesus has tested positive for rabies. According to Livingston County Public Health Director Jennifer Rodriguez, though no human exposures occurred. Rabies is a deadly virus affecting the central nervous system of mammals and is most commonly found in raccoons, skunks, and bats. Residents are advised to avoid wild or unfamiliar animals, watch for signs of rabies such as stumbling, drooling, or aggression, and report any possible exposures to the county health department. Pet owners are required by New York State law to keep dogs, cats, and ferrets vaccinated against rabies beginning at four months of age, with annual free clinics available locally. The public is urged to stay informed and take preventive steps to protect both people and pets from rabies.
A traffic stop in the Town of Bergen results in the arrest of a Georgia man. The Genesee County Sheriff's Office says that during the stop, 30yo David Salgado was found in possession of a loaded, unregistered pistol, 2 high-capacity ammunition feeding devices, and methamphetamine. He was charged with two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th Degree. Salgado was held at the Genesee County Jail to await an appearance in court.
Here is a look at the election day highlights: The State’s Proposition 1 narrowly passed with 52% of the vote. In Genesee County, all countywide offices were won by Republicans, many ran unopposed. Overall, Livingston County showed a mix of party wins, with some strong Democratic pockets (Geneseo, Avon) but Republican leads elsewhere. In Wyoming County, Proposition 1 narrowly passed with 2,370 YES votes and 2,308 voting NO. For most towns in Wyoming County, Republicans swept unopposed or by wide margins, except for Gainesville Town Supervisor – it was a notable Democratic gain. To see how New Yorkers voted on local elections, go to the New York State Board of elections website at elections.ny.gov, and click on ‘election night results’ for the breakdown. Also, check your county board of elections website, and CJ Country News.
The Genesee County Sheriff's Office has formed the Genesee County Threat Assessment Committee. It aims to prevent targeted violence such as school shootings and workplace violence. The committee includes local law enforcement, mental health professionals, schools, and social services, working together to assess and intervene when alarming behaviors are reported. Community members can anonymously submit concerns via the GENTAC website or by phone, with immediate threats directed to 911. Officials emphasize the importance of public involvement in identifying potential threats and providing resources to prevent violence and support individuals in crisis.
A wind advisory is in effect for all of Western New York. According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, West winds going 25-35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are expected starting this afternoon around 1:00 and will continue until 1 AM Thursday. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects, and tree limbs and powerlines could be blown down with the possibility for a few power interruptions. Residents should use extra precaution when driving, as well as securing outdoor objects.
State Senator George Borrello, along with Assemblyman Scott Gray, are calling for a legislative hearing in January to address the rise of license plate fraud across New York State. The lawmakers have raised concerns about properly surrendered license plates, intended to be retired, reappearing on vehicles. Borrello highlights cases in Western New York, including one where a couple was charged nearly $10,000 due to fraud. In response, Borrello and Gray have introduced legislation to increase penalties for those involved in license plate fraud.
New York State has mandated that personal finance and climate science education be integrated into K-12 curricula. It would start with grades 5-12 in the 2026-2027 school year, and extend to younger grades in 2027-2028. This initiative, part of the NY Inspires Plan, aims to equip students with the skills needed for financial management and environmental stewardship. The state will offer districts flexibility in how they deliver the courses, either as standalone classes or embedded into existing subjects. While many districts already offer such classes, the new requirements will be verified over three years to ensure full implementation by the 2029-2030 school year. The $11.5 million initiative is designed to expand students’ readiness for college, careers, and civic life, aligning with New York's broader educational reforms.
With the opening of gun hunting for white-tail deer just ahead, the Finger Lakes National Forest Service has issued some safety tips for hunters. Before heading out: Check weather reports and dress appropriately; Tell someone where you will be hunting and when you expect to return; Wear hunter orange and try to be visible from all directions; Clearly identify your target before shooting; Be alert when hunting near developed areas and trails; And have a first aid kit, flashlight, cell phone, food and water in case of an emergency.
Teens who quit smoking ma*****na for 30 days showed improved memory, according to a recent study from Massachusetts General Hospital. Researchers looked at 88 participants between the ages of 16 and 25. Those who stopped smoking pot showed measurable improvement in cognitive function and verbal learning.