Power restored across WNY after thousands of outages caused by severe weather - Buffalo news - NewsLocker (2024)

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Power has been restored to most all of Western New York after thousands were in the dark amid severe weather on Saturday, according to the organization's outage map.The bulk of the outages were centered in Erie County, mainly in the Lancaster, Clarence and Orchard Park areas.Latest Local NewsPower restored across WNY after thousands of outages caused by severe weatherJamestown police investigating 3 separate shooting incidentsFire causes estimated $400K in damage to 2

Rachel's Mediterranean sued by construction company, latest in string of suits

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Rachel's Mediterranean Grill, the popular local chain with nearly a dozen locations across Western New York, is being sued by a Cheektowaga construction company that claims Rachel's did not make payments for work the company performed.The suit, filed on Aug. 5 in Erie County Supreme Court, accuses the owners of not paying for work totaling $283,392 that began in November 2023 at five of Rachel's 11 locations across Erie County. The work was done by Lamparelli's Const

Local lawmaker, high schooler raise awareness of unsafe traffic conditions at West Senior High School

WEST SENECA, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Buffalo lawmaker and a rising senior are working together to address the lack of sidewalks at West Senior High School in West Seneca.
Students and community members are coming together to show their support for a new proposal that has the opportunity to save lives.Assemblyman Pat Burke said students at the high school are incentivized to walk towards the intersection of Seneca Street and Ridge Road after their dismissal from school. The area is full of traffic with

Local lawmaker, high schooler raise awareness of unsafe traffic conditions at West Seneca West

WEST SENECA, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Buffalo lawmaker and a rising senior are working together to address the lack of sidewalks at West Senior High School in West Seneca.
Students and community members are coming together to show their support for a new proposal that has the opportunity to save lives.Assemblyman Pat Burke said students at the high school are incentivized to walk towards the intersection of Seneca Street and Ridge Road after their dismissal from school. The area is full of traffic with

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Riverline project that sought to create nature corridor in Buffalo is no more

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The Riverline project, which aimed to create a 1.5-mile nature trail that would connect an area just south of Canalside to a portion of the Buffalo River in South Buffalo, is dead seven years after it was first announced.The two major parties involved in the multi-million dollar project, the NFTA and the Western New York Land Conservancy, both confirmed in statements to WIVB News 4 that they are no longer working together to see out the project.A mapped-out plan for the R

New students feel mixed emotions on Buffalo State move-in day

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Hundreds of new students are feeling mixed emotions Wednesday as they move into Buffalo State University housing.
"I'm very nervous but I'm also very excited," said Amy Guirguis, a first-year Buffalo State student from Brooklyn. "I get to finally move into my dorm. I've been having a countdown for this. I'm very excited.""A lot of emotions going on, I'm nervous but I'm also happy," said Prince Defreitas, a first-year student from the Bronx. "I'm nervous because it's going

Cheektowaga man sentenced for purchasing gas with over 500 stolen bank cards

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Cheektowaga man was sentenced to a year in prison for using around 570 stolen bank cards to purchase gas for himself and others, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced Wednesday.North Tonawanda man used over 500 stolen bank cards for gas purchasesBetween August 2022 and July 2023, 25-year-old Cross Malik Williams and co-defendant Kingsley Brown purchased around 570 stolen bank cards online before loading the stolen information onto blank bank cards, officials said.
They t

Elma woman gets 5 years probation for killing pedestrian in hit-and-run

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- An Elma woman was sentenced to five years of probation Wednesday morning for hitting and killing a pedestrian in January, the Erie County District Attorney's Office announced.
Her license was revoked for one year and she was also ordered to pay a $2,000 fine as a condition of the sentence, according to officials.
Stephanie R. Kollatz, 37, was driving a minivan the night of Jan. 8 northbound on Transit Road in Elma when she hit a pedestrian walking along the road between F

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DMV announces new customer service website

ALBANY, N.Y. (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) -- The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has announced the launch of an improved website to help with customer service.The redesign -- which the DMV says will be more user-friendly -- has a more intuitive interface with streamlined content. According to the DMV, New Yorkers will now be able to seamlessly navigate to several services provided by the department.
"We are keenly aware that most New Yorkers interact with DMV, and the best way for us to connect

No serious injuries after rollover crash in Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A driver was treated at the scene following a rollover crash Thursday morning in Buffalo, police officials said.A 2018 Chevrolet was traveling westbound on Forest Avenue near Tremont Avenue around 5 a.m. when it struck an unoccupied vehicle and rolled over, according to police.Police said they believe the 29-year-old female driver of the Chevrolet fell asleep at the wheel, leading to the crash.The woman was treated at the scene by first responders and no charges have been

Large barn fire breaks out in Boston, roads closed

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A large barn fire broke out at a farm on Feddick Road in Boston early Wednesday morning.The fire started sometime before 7 a.m. Wednesday. Feddick Road between Mayer Road and North Boston Road is closed as crews fight the blaze.An eyewitness on the scene told WIVB News 4 a couple of calves in the barn were lost but most of the animals were able to be freed.Contributed photoContributed photoContributed photoContributed photoThis is a developing story, check back for u

Fisher-Price announces new Bills Little People collection

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Ahead of the new Bills season, Fisher-Price and Wegmans are releasing this year's Bills Little People collection.The 2024 edition includes Josh Allen, Dion Dawkins, Matt Milano and a Bills Super Fan.
The collectibles will be available for purchase at Wegmans stores across Western New York beginning at 6 a.m. Friday. The cost for them is $23.99. Part of the benefits will go to Oishei Children's Hospital.Since the first set came out in 2021, nearly $3 million has been

Buffalo VA director, chief of staff 'immediately transferred' out of positions

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The Buffalo VA Medical Center's healthcare system director and chief of staff have been "immediately transferred" out of their positions pending the results of an investigation, a VA spokesperson said.The VA said the transfer follows "concerns raised by clinicians about local leadership and instances of delayed care."Healthcare System Director Michael Swartz had been in his position since July 2018, according to the VA's website, and Philippe Jaoude took the position of c

Rochester man convicted of drug delivery resulting in death of Bradford woman

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Rochester man was convicted of crimes related to the death of a Bradford woman due to a fatal overdose in 2021, the McKean County District Attorney's Office announced.Officials said Brady Pysadee was charged on June 17, 2021, after authorities were dispatched to a call of cardiac arrest at an apartment on East Main Street in Bradford. Upon arrival, officers saw that Mercedes Simonds was unresponsive, according to the district attorney's office.Resuscitation efforts were

1 hospitalized after 'officer-involved accident' in Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- One person was hospitalized following a collision with a patrol vehicle Tuesday afternoon in Buffalo, Buffalo police announced.Officials said just before 2 p.m. at Elmwood and Hertel Avenues, officers were responding to a call to help another officer who was conducting a stop in connection with a felony warrant.The arriving patrol vehicle then collided with a civilian vehicle at the intersection, police said.Authorities said the driver of the civilian vehicle was transpor

AMR addresses slow response times in letter to Buffalo Common Council

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- American Medical Response released a letter Monday in response to concerns about slow ambulance response times in the City of Buffalo, citing staffing shortages as one of several contributing factors.AMR's response follows a letter written by Buffalo Common Council Member Mitch Nowakowski back in July where he expressed concerns about the response times and said it's a serious health problem.In Nowakowski's letter, he said there were multiple complaints in the Fillmore Di

Teacher's Desk helps give more than $8.5 million of classroom supplies

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- When you flip through a vocabulary book, you might spot out that there's no "I" in team. That's the case for the team of volunteers, sponsors and donors who all support the Teacher's Desk mission to help provide free school supplies for 6,000 local teachers every year."It's a critical role that teachers play, and for me and all of us here at the Teacher's Desk and our incredible volunteer team, I find it amazing that we can send a little encouragement their way," said Joh

Fire causes estimated $300K in damage to Buffalo home

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A fire that occurred Tuesday afternoon in Buffalo caused an estimated $300,000 in damage, fire officials announced.Officials said just after 2:30 p.m., Buffalo fire responded to 90 Hammerschmidt Avenue where a fire started on the second floor of an occupied residential structure.The Red Cross is assisting six people and firefighters were able to rescue a dog, according to officials.The cause of the fire is under investigation.Latest Local NewsFire causes estimated $300K

Bills QB Josh Allen content with contract status: 'No problem with where I'm at'

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WIVB) — The highest-paid player in Buffalo Bills history doesn't envy the pocketbooks of his quarterback peers.While the $258 million contract extension Josh Allen agreed to in 2021 once provided him the second-largest annual salary among NFL players, more recent mega-deals for rival quarterbacks have dropped the Bills star closer to the middle of the pack.Entering the fourth season of his eight-year pact, Allen's $43 million average value currently slots 13th in the le

Call 4 Action: Maintenance concerns at home in West Seneca

WEST SENECA, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Officials in the Town of West Seneca say there have been numerous calls and concerns for years about the maintenance of a home on Dwyer Street.Residents there say the conditions are impacting their lives and they're calling for action.WIVB News 4's Call 4 Action hotline got a call last week from a resident on this street complaining about unpleasant living conditions at a home that's been impacting the neighborhood.
According to residents, rats and skunks are attracte

Buffalo man wanted for North Carolina murder arrested

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Buffalo man wanted for a North Carolina murder was arrested here Saturday following a domestic incident, the Buffalo Police Department announced.
Around 6:30 p.m., officers responded to a call regarding a fight on the first block of Huntington Avenue. Differing 911 calls allegedly referenced an assault, a gun and a potential stabbing. When officers responded to the call, they said a male was hostile and threatening towards them, and attempted to obstruct the investigati

Grand Island man gets 25 to life for role in crash that killed teen

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Grand Island man was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison on Tuesday morning for his role in a crash that killed a teenager and injured four others, the Erie County District Attorney's Office announced.
Ronald F. Olson, II, 44, approached an occupied Jeep Liberty parked at a gas station around 5 a.m. on March 20, 2023 on Main Street near Winspear in Buffalo to sell clothing. The Jeep then exited the parking lot and continued onto Main St. after the encounter.
Olson c

Man charged following shooting at Econo Lodge in Fredonia

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A person has been charged following a shooting at a hotel in Fredonia on Monday night, according to police.Police responded to the Econo Lodge, located on Bennett Road, around 8:20 p.m. where a person had been shot in the leg.
A short time later a suspect vehicle was located with three occupants. One of them, 32-year-old Luis R. Kuilan-Del Hoyo, was arrested and charged with second-degree assault. Kuilan-Del Hoyo was a tenant of the hotel.
The victim was transported

How to watch, stream Bills vs. Panthers preseason game

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Buffalo Bills square off against the Carolina Panthers for their third and final preseason game at 1 p.m. Saturday in Orchard Park. Here's how you can watch, stream and listen to the game.TelevisionThe game will air locally on WIVB, the official broadcast station of the Buffalo Bills. Additionally, a number of our sister stations will air the game throughout New York State.
Coverage will begin with Buffalo Kickoff Live at noon. After the matchup, Buffalo Postgame

Frightworld hosting open auditions for its 'scream team'

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A staple of Halloween in Western New York is hosting auditions and interviews this week to fill out its "scream team" for 2024.Frightworld America's Screampark, the award-winning haunted attraction in North Buffalo, is seeking out the following positions:
Scare actorsQueue line entertainersTicket takersEvent staffConcessions and merch staffMaintenanceMake-up artists
Open auditions and interviews are scheduled for 6-10 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23, 12-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. on Sat

Students not in favor of cell phone ban at Lackawanna schools

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Lackawanna City School District is rolling out a new cell phone ban for students, but not everyone is happy about it.The ban, which was announced earlier in the summer, will require students to put their phones in pouches that are locked throughout the school day. When the school day is done, the pouches will be unlocked.
Many students are not in favor of the change."Me personally, I like my phone," student Skye Frost said. "But I also think it is taking my learn

Costumed Bills fan wins tickets to every major sports championship

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- One lucky Bills Mafia superfan is on her way to attend the Super Bowl, along with every other major sport championship this season.Buffalo native Sarah Peterson attended this weekend’s Fanatics Fest in New York City dressed as a Bills Mafia fan jumping onto a folding table. She caught the eye of Fanatics' CEO Michael Rubin.“I think we're still processing it,” Peterson said.Peterson, who was born and raised in Riverside, is now a teacher in Peekskill. Alo

NTSB releases report on small plane crash in Jamestown that left 2 pilots hospitalized, pilot identified

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- In a preliminary report, the National Transportation Safety Board released new details on the final moments of an Aug. 5 small plane crash at the Jamestown Airport that left two pilots hospitalized.The pilot has been identified as Orchard Park businessman and developer Gerald Buchheit. The plane's number is registered under Buchheit's highway paving company, Accent Stripe.Those close to the Buchheit's family told WIVB News 4 that he was released from the hospital on Tuesd

NTSB releases report on small plane crash in Jamestown that left 2 pilots hospitalized

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- In a preliminary report, the National Transportation Safety Board released new details on the final moments of an Aug. 5 small plane crash at the Jamestown Airport that left two pilots hospitalized.The pilot and co-pilot were flying in a Cessna 750 from Chautauqua County Dunkirk Airport (DKK) and were on their way to Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport to collect airplane parts and a mechanic for work on another plane at DKK, the report said.According to the NTSB, the air c

'It would be extremely detrimental for Lancaster': Save-A-Lot shoppers react to store closing

LANCASTER, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Residents in the Village of Lancaster are shocked that the Save-A-Lot on Aurora Street will be closing. The grocery store announced on social media its plans to close on Sept. 7.
Shoppers are concerned for the residents that live across the street from the store at the Lancaster Towers.
Shopper and Lancaster resident Kim Zanghi said there are people who live in the apartments who don't have a car or can't drive. Closing this location will affect their access to grocerie