Buffalo news

• A Buffalo non-profit helps Sierra Leoneans dig for hope

  08-03-2016 23:37 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Millions of people in the West African country of Sierra Leone don’t have access to clean water. As a result, thousands die each year from water related illnesses.
  “I’ve been to Sierra Leone eight times now. Every time, over and over again, we’re seeing people drinking out of dirty, disgusting holes,” Kate Vacanti, the director of Let Them LOL said.
  Let Them LOL is a Buffalo non-profit dedicated to bringing clean water to villages.
  Vacan
  
  Read more

• Old Country Buffet closes its doors; assets to be auctioned

  08-03-2016 19:45 via wivb.com
  
  AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) — A popular restaurant in Amherst has closed its doors and its assets are headed up for auction.
  Officials with Old Country Buffet announced its closure on Tuesday. Its assets will be auctioned off by Auction Nation online on Wednesday.
  “It is sad to see this location close it’s doors since so many local patrons have been coming here for years.” says Sean Doonan, COO for Auction Nation.  “This is an amazing opportunity not only for peo
  
  Read more

• Facebook interested in streaming NFL games next season

  08-03-2016 19:33 via wivb.com
  
  MENLO PARK, Calif. (WIVB) — Facebook says it is in the mix to live stream NFL games later this year.
  The social media giant is bidding for the rights to show “Thursday Night Football” games. Amazon, Verizon and other streaming leaders are also said to be interested in the package.
  It is not clear how much a company will pay the NFL to live stream football games.
  The Thursday TV package is said to be worth $450 million.
  
  Read more

• Erie Co. Sheriff uses new resource to help in alleged drugged driving arrest

  08-03-2016 18:51 via wivb.com
  
  TOWN OF ALDEN, N.Y. (WIVB) — Erie County Sheriff’s Deputies say they recently used a new resource to help in the arrest of an impaired driving suspect.
  Shortly before 10:30 a.m. Sunday, deputies responded to a crash at a residence on Broadway in the Town of Alden. The crash damaged a utility pole as well as a front yard.
  At the scene, authorities say the driver showed signs of impairment. After noticing this, officials called in a drug recognition expert (DRE) for
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Two men facing more than 45 charges after series of robberies in Southtowns

  08-03-2016 17:49 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Two men are facing more than 45 charges for robbing mom and pop shops throughout the Southtowns.
  Police in multiple municipalities worked together and caught the suspects.
  Authorities say Adam Fruchtel, 29, and Kevin Carney, 30, robbed businesses for three weeks. They say the robbers got cocky and were eventually caught.
  Fruchtel and Carney robbed at least 11 businesses in the Southtowns, according to police. The first one took place on Feb. 15 at a pizzeria.
  La
  
  Read more

• Two men facing more than 45 charges after series of burglaries in southtowns

  08-03-2016 17:49 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Two men are facing more than 45 charges for burglarizing mom and pop shops throughout the southtowns.
  Police in multiple municipalities worked together and caught the suspects.
  Authorities say Adam Fruchtel, 29, and Kevin Carney, 30, robbed businesses for three weeks. Police say the suspects were too brazen and were eventually caught.
  Fruchtel and Carney robbed at least 11 businesses in the southtowns, according to police. The first one took place
  
  Read more

• Officer must testify against colleagues in Freddie Gray case

  08-03-2016 17:14 via wivb.com
  
  BALTIMORE (AP) — Maryland’s highest court has ruled that a Baltimore police officer charged in the death of Freddie Gray must testify against his colleagues while he awaits retrial.
  The Court of Appeals issued a ruling Tuesday siding with prosecutors who asked a judge to compel William Porter to testify against the five other officers facing charges stemming from Gray’s death. Porter’s first trial ended in a hung jury in December.
  The rulings affirmed Baltimore Circu
  
  Read more

• Little Valley man accused of driving while on drugs with a child in the vehicle

  08-03-2016 16:50 via wivb.com
  
  LITTLE VALLEY, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office says a Little Valley man was caught driving under the influence of drugs with a 14-year-old in the vehicle.
  Deputies say Dale Wagatha, 59, drove past a stop sign and failed to use a turn signal before he was stopped by authorities on Fair Oak St.
  During the stop, deputies say Wagatha showed signs of intoxication. He faces a slew of charges related to DWI with a child in the vehicle, drugged driving im
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Erie County officials seek to crack down on corruption with online complaint form

  08-03-2016 16:13 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Erie County government officials say they want to crack down on corruption in western New York, and have announced a new way they hope to do so.
  Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael Flaherty, Jr. has announced the Public Integrity Complaint Form — an online way for residents to submit complaints about government use of money or other improprieties.
  Flaherty says any false statements will be prosecuted as a misdemeanor and that users must include th
  
  Read more

• Former Bills QB Doug Flutie to appear on Dancing With The Stars

  08-03-2016 15:48 via wivb.com
  
  LOS ANGELES (WIVB) — Western New Yorkers are in for a treat on Dancing With The Stars this next season, as a former Buffalo Bills player has joined the cast.
  Doug Flutie, 53, made the announcement on his Twitter account Tuesday morning. He will be partnered with DWTS veteran Karina Smirnoff.
  IT'S OFFICIAL! Hitting the dance floor on @DancingABC w/ the incredibly talented @Karina_Smirnoff #DWTS #22on22 #GMA pic.twitter.com/1JGDxS55Dz
  — DOUG FLUTIE (@DougFlutie) March 8, 2016Fluti
  
  Read more

• Youth football coaches make more safety changes

  08-03-2016 15:31 via wivb.com
  
  CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WIVB) — Ask Cheektowaga Thunderbirds Coach Joe D’Amaro about his players’ safety, and he’ll make it clear. He doesn’t mess around. “It’s important to ensure we have the right care right on time, right at the field, right at the location,” the youth coach proclaimed.
  He supports the decision from the Niagara Erie Youth Sports Association (NEYSA) that will put atheletic trainers on the field for every game.
  “When that in
  
  Read more

• Police: Man twice over legal alcohol limit found with cocaine on I-190

  08-03-2016 15:21 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Early Saturday morning, New York State Police say they stopped a Buffalo man and accused him of driving drunk and possessing cocaine.
  State Police say Aramis Figueroa, 43, had been stopped for multiple traffic violations while driving on I-190. That is when police say they found him drunk with cocaine in his possession.
  When taken back to the State Police barracks in Buffalo, officers say he registered a BAC of .19 percent — more than twice the legal
  
  Read more

• Keyless ignitions a ‘clear safety problem,’ NHTSA says

  08-03-2016 15:04 via wivb.com
  
  RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – Our cars are fast becoming super machines filled with high-tech conveniences, but one of those conveniences can have deadly consequences.
  It’s the keyless ignition.
  People are walking away without turning off their cars.
  “It was one of those unknown situations,” recalls Capt. Joseph Cooke, of the Mooresville Police Department in North Carolina.
  It all started with a 911 call in March.
  “I just happened to be driving down the road, and a gentlem
  
  Read more

• Starbucks recalls prepackaged breakfast sandwich over listeria concerns

  08-03-2016 14:46 via wivb.com
  
  SEATTLE (KRON) — Starbucks is recalling one of its prepackaged breakfast sandwiches because of concern over listeria.
  It is the 6-ounce package of sausage, egg and cheddar cheese on an English Muffin.
  The FDA said it might be contaminated with listeria.
  The sandwiches were sold at Starbucks stores in Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma as well.
  There have been no reports of illness, but Starbucks is still pulling it from its shelves.
  Listeria can cause serious bacterial infections and is som
  
  Read more

• New lawsuit claims Boy Scouts ignored abuse allegations

  08-03-2016 14:38 via wivb.com
  
  (WSAV) — He was supposed to be teaching young boys life lessons, but instead he was abusing them.
  As a former Boy Scout leader sits in prison, one of his victims is coming out and speaking out about why he is suing the national organization for letting it happen.
  “It wasn’t some random person,” explained James Doe.
  It was a friend, the man known only as “James Doe” says.
  He was just 12 in 2009 when he joined the Boy Scouts in Guyton, Georgia and met Richard Me
  
  Read more

• IHOP serves free pancakes during Tuesday fundraising effort

  08-03-2016 13:48 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — If you’re headed out to an IHOP on Tuesday, March 8, the restaurant will serve you a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes during an effort to raise $3.5 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
  Restaurant patrons are asked to leave a donation for the hospitals on the 11th annual IHOP National Pancake Day.
  During last year’s fundraiser, IHOP restaurants served more than 6 million free pancakes and successfully raised $3.5 million for
  
  Read more

• 3 sponsors cut ties with Sharapova after positive drug test

  08-03-2016 13:02 via wivb.com
  
  MOSCOW (AP) — Three of Maria Sharapova’s major sponsors are cutting ties with the Russian tennis star after she acknowledged failing a doping test at the Australian Open.
  Sportswear giant Nike, Swiss watch brand Tag Heuer and German luxury car company Porsche moved quickly to distance themselves from the five-time Grand Slam winner after she announced the positive test at a news conference in Los Angeles on Monday.
  “We are saddened and surprised by the news about Maria Sharapov
  
  Read more

• Researchers: White bread, bagels and more could raise risk for lung cancer

  08-03-2016 12:50 via wivb.com
  
  TEXAS (WIVB) — If white bread, corn flakes, bagels or puffed rice are part of your daily diet, scientists say you could be putting yourself at a higher risk for lung cancer.
  More evidence suggests food may regulate the risk for developing the disease.
  A new study from Texas shows a relationship between lung cancer risk and various glucose indicators, like the foods we just mentioned.
  Scientists studied about 2,000 people recently diagnosed with the cancer, compared to more than 4
  
  Read more

• VIDEO: Driver pulled over after driving with tree stuck in grill

  08-03-2016 12:27 via wivb.com
  
  ROSELLE, IL (WCMH) – Police in Illinois are warning about the risks of drinking and driving after officers stopped a car with a 15-foot tree stuck in the grill.
  It happened on January 23 on Roselle Road in Roselle, Illinois.
  According to police, an officer was driving down the road when he saw the car with the tree in the grill driving the other way. After stopping the driver, the officer noticed the airbags had been deployed.
  The driver was arrested and charged with driving under the infl
  
  Read more

• Firefighters investigating Clarence blaze

  08-03-2016 12:09 via wivb.com
  
  CLARENCE, N.Y. (WIVB) — Authorities responded to a call for a fire at a mobile home on Oak Lane in Clarence early Tuesday morning.
  The blaze began shortly after 2:30 a.m. not far from Main Street. Firefighters could see smoke coming from the home.
  The residents were not home at the time and no one was injured.
  Firefighters are investigating the scene, where they say damage added up to an estimated $15,000 in damage.
  
  Read more

• Ruh-roh: Scooby-Doo-like van escapes California police

  08-03-2016 11:53 via wivb.com
  
  REDDING, Calif. (AP) — Northern California police have a real mystery on their hands.
  A driver of a mini-van painted to resemble the “Mystery Machine” from the Scooby Doo cartoon series led Redding police on a high-speed chase reaching speeds in excess of 100 mph Sunday afternoon before giving her pursuers the slip.
  Redding Police are now searching for 51-year-old Sharon Kay Turman, who was wanted for alleged probation violations.
  Sources said Monday that Turman&rsquo
  
  Read more

• 9 hurt as train derails, car plunges into California creek

  08-03-2016 11:44 via wivb.com
  
  SUNOL, Calif. (AP) — A downed tree on the tracks reported caused a commuter train to derail in Northern California, sending its lead car plunging into a swollen creek and leaving nine people injured, authorities said.
  Rescuers battled the creek’s fast-moving currents Monday night to pull riders to safety from the partially submerged rail car, Alameda County Sheriff’s Sgt. Ray Kelly said.
  “It was dark, wet, it was raining. It was very chaotic,” Kelly said. “Thi
  
  Read more

• A Bull Market

  08-03-2016 05:44 via wivb.com
  
   
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)- The UB women’s basketball team will be joining the men in Cleveland for the MAC tournament. The Bulls knocked off Bowling Green 60-44 and will advance to their fourth straight conference quarterfinal game. UB was led by Joanna Smith’s 16 points. The Bulls will take on Ohio University on Wednesday at noon.
  
  Read more

• Deep South Taco jumps another hurdle

  08-03-2016 05:18 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — An exciting new development in an abandoned gas station on Hertel Avenue has cleared another hurdle.
  Developers say the Planning Board gave Deep South Taco’s second location a green light after its latest hearing, although it implemented some restrictions.
  The Planning Board said the outside patio must close at 12 a.m. on weekends, rather than 1 a.m., can’t have speakers outside and must have one kitchen inside to serve the patio.
  The approval is con
  
  Read more

• Applesauce pouches, chicken nuggets on recall list

  08-03-2016 05:04 via wivb.com
  
  NEW YORK (WPRI) — Two brands of popular food products for children — applesauce and chicken nuggets — are being recalled.
  GoGo Squeez Recall
  GoGo Squeez is voluntarily recalling specific pouches of its non-organic applesauce. According to the Food and Drug Administration, the recall is “due to potential adulteration from food product residue.”
  The recalled applesauce pouches have a Best Before Date of 12/4/15-3/4/17 and a 5 digit production code beginning “US&
  
  Read more

• Sabres rally for 4-3 victory over Leafs

  08-03-2016 04:57 via wivb.com
  
  TORONTO (AP) — Sam Reinhart scored in the shootout and the Buffalo Sabres beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3 on Monday night.
  Jack Eichel and Evander Kane scored less than four minutes apart in the third period to bring the Sabres back from a 3-1 deficit. It was the 22nd loss in the past 27 games for the league-worst Leafs and fifth straight one-goal defeat.
  For Buffalo, the victory snapped a string of six straight shootout losses.
  Rookie Zach Hyman scored his first career NHL goal for Toron
  
  Read more

• Semi carrying 430 bee hives overturns, causing sticky situation

  08-03-2016 04:56 via wivb.com
  
  MT. JULIET, Tenn. (WKRN) – A portion of a a Tennessee roadway was closed Monday after a tractor-trailer transporting bees overturned.
  The semi was carrying around 430 hives when it toppled over before 2 p.m. on Posey Hill Road, which is now closed to traffic.
  According to the American Beekeeping Foundation, each hive can carry up to around 60,000 bees.
  Local beekpeer Preston Poteete, a member of the Wilson County Beekeepers Association, was called to the scene to help.
  
  Read more

• New FDA approved medical device to kill off super resistant head lice

  08-03-2016 04:46 via wivb.com
  
  WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) – The pesky parasites have been around for thousands of years and over time strains of head lice have become super resistant to over the counter and ‘prescription’ treatments.
  But there’s a new way to kill them off and it’s FDA approved.
  They don’t jump. They don’t fly. They do crawl fast.
  And one louse can jump-start an outbreak of head lice.
  “All you really need is one louse, a female louse. They just have to mate once
  
  Read more

• Judge puts hold on crackdown on New York’s energy companies

  08-03-2016 04:20 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A crackdown from the state on energy service companies crossed the line, at least according to a New York judge.
  A state judge issued a temporary restraining order to sort out new rules imposed by Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office on energy service companies, a move those companies applauded.
  Bruce Heine, senior vice president at National Fuel Resources, said his company was relieved, as they offer customers multiple options for purchasing their utilities.
  Cu
  
  Read more

• Police search for man and woman following theft of glasses

  08-03-2016 04:06 via wivb.com
  
  AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) — Following the theft of glasses from a local store, police are on the hunt for persons of interest.
  Officers have identified two persons of interest from security footage, noting they’re on the hunt for a man and woman.
  Amherst Police say they’re looking for a white male and white female who are caught on camera on security footage.
  Anybody with information is asked to call Amherst Police at (716) 689-1345, or send an email to [email protected].
  
  Read more

• Gus Macker’s 25th tournament announced for June in Grand Island

  08-03-2016 03:51 via wivb.com
  
  GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. (WIVB) — The popular Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball tournament will officially be held on Grand Island for the second year ever in June.
  The group’s officials announced the basketball tournament’s 25th iteration will be held on June 4 and June 5, with a standard tournament and three other events open to the public.
  Those interested in signing up for teams can do so here, but those who don’t sign up and just want to watch can play other games lik
  
  Read more

• BPD locates missing girl with public help

  08-03-2016 03:31 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A missing 11-year-old has been located after a hunt in the City of Buffalo.
  Officers say they searched for Quanshaya Magby, a 5’2″ tall, 120 pound girl, who was last seen wearing a blue winter coat with fur around the collar, khaki pants and blue, pink and white Nike sneakers.
  Magby originally went missing from her home on Gilbert Street on Buffalo’s east side, but has since been located safely.
  Police thanked the public for their hel
  
  Read more

• Campus mourns the loss of Buff State senior following fatal crash

  08-03-2016 02:36 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Students at Buffalo State are remembering a friend and classmate after senior Eddie Hernandez died in a weekend crash.
  More details are surfacing about the crash as students at the school continue to hold vigils and memorials in Hernandez’s memory. Police continue to investigate the crash that ultimately led to the 21-year-old’s death, and the injury of two others in a jeep Hernandez drove.
  Police say he died at the intersection of Michigan Avenue an
  
  Read more

• Arrest made after two banks robbed in short succession

  08-03-2016 01:34 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Police in the City of Buffalo were busy with bank robberies on Monday afternoon.
  Officers responded to two bank robberies in close proximity on Elwood Avenue near West Utica after they were robbed.
  Police say they have a suspect in custody, but have yet to release additional details.
  News 4 will update this story if more details are released.
  
  Read more

• AC/DC’s Brian Johnson risks total hearing loss, postpones Buffalo concert

  08-03-2016 01:03 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A group of 10 tour dates on the U.S. part of AC/DC’s “Rock or Bust” concert have been postponed due to unfortunate medical news for the group’s lead singer.
  Doctors have informed Brian Johnson if he continues to tour, he risks total hearing loss. Upcoming concerts in March through April will be postponed and later rescheduled, likely with a fill-in vocalist.
  Buffalo’s performance in the First Niagara Center is one of the 10 dates wh
  
  Read more

• Humber Ave. fire victim speaks on grief, gratitude

  08-03-2016 00:57 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — When Tempest Thomas was roused from sleep by flames early in the morning Feb. 18, she thought she was still dreaming — until she stood up and couldn’t breathe.
  “I screamed, and I started shaking my husband, Meech, and I said ‘bae, our house is on fire,” Thomas said. “The kids are screaming. They’re trapped in the back.”
  Then she saw her husband Demetrius Johnson spring to action, all while she was fighting to breathe an
  
  Read more

• Police piece together investigation that led to Officer using deadly force

  08-03-2016 00:56 via wivb.com
  
  JAVA, N.Y. (WIVB) — Police are trying to piece together the moments that led up to an officer using deadly force in Cheektowaga. Investigators say the man from Wyoming County was shot twice in the chest. News 4 is learning this wasn’t Darryl Bosell, first run in with the law.
  In 2014 he was arrested for DWI near his home town in Java. News 4 spoke with a neighbor who just moved into Bosell’s old apartment. He said Bosell was living with family before hi
  
  Read more

• Man arrested, charged with sexting minor

  08-03-2016 00:42 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A local man is facing charges of sending an unwanted string of inappropriate messages to a minor.
  The victim reached out to her school for help, and school officials then turned to the Erie County Sheriff’s Office. The 15-year-old victim told officials she received a string of text messages composed with strong sexual context, direct references to having sex with the minor and what police described as “indecent pictures of his anatomy.&rdqu
  
  Read more

• Woman misses sister’s wake after wheelchair van is a no show

  08-03-2016 00:24 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Joan Bowen never made it to her sister’s wake. That’s because a local cab company failed to show up.
  And now that cab company is apologizing for what turned out to be a missed opportunity that Bowen will never be able to get back.
  Her sister, Mary Kavanagh, 94, died recently.
  The two were not only sisters but very close companions who did everything together.
  “I still can’t get over it. I still think about it,” said Bowen, who’s 85
  
  Read more

Follow @Buffalo_News_US on Twitter!