Buffalo news

• Emergency dispatch debate continues in Niagara County

  24-03-2017 22:48 via wivb.com
  
  NORTH TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WIVB)- The police union in North Tonawanda is claiming the department’s response times have been negatively impacted by a consolidated emergency dispatch system.
  As a cost saving measure in 2012, a state grant helped North Tonawanda merge with Niagara County for emergency response.
  The decision was made by the North Tonawanda City Council and then-Mayor Robert Ortt.
  Since then, with several other agencies including state police, North Tonawanda’s emergency
  
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• Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park to open for 2017 season

  24-03-2017 22:47 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — This weekend, the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park will start its 2017 season.
  There is an opening day ceremony happening Saturday morning at 10 a.m.
  This is the 40th anniversary of the arrival of the first two ships at the park.
  Leaders are hoping to welcome a newly constructed USS Little Rock in September.
  This would be the first time in Navy history that a new ship would stand beside its original namesake.
  
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• Red iPhone goes on sale; part of proceeds will help fight AIDS

  24-03-2017 22:36 via wivb.com
  
  NEW YORK (WIVB) — As of Friday, you can buy one of Apple’s new red iPhones.
  Earlier this week, Apple announced the red iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus would go on sale in more than 40 countries.
  Part of the proceeds go to The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
  A new, cheaper iPad also went on sale Friday.
  
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• Sabres react to losing Rasmus Ristolainen

  24-03-2017 22:22 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – The Sabres returned to practice on Friday morning with defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen on the ice a day after the NHL announced he would be suspended for three games.
  Tuesday evening when the Sabres hosted Pittsburgh, Ristolainen received a five-minute penalty for interference and a game misconduct for a hit on Jake Guentzel. The NHL’s player safety department then met with Ristolainen on Thursday for a hearing and concluded that he would serve a three-
  
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• County executive aims to boost protections for local seniors

  24-03-2017 22:00 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)- Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz joined local and state leaders Friday to unveil a package of actions he feels will help keep local seniors safe.
  “Ruthie’s Law” is named for 82-year-old Ruth Murray. The Alzheimer’s patient was fatally beaten at the Buffalo’s Emerald South Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in August 2016.
  Poloncarz said the measure aims to make sure a tragedy like that never occurs again.
  MORE | Resident dies
  
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• Cell phone videos show moments before fatal Lockport fire

  24-03-2017 22:00 via wivb.com
  
  LOCKPORT, N.Y. (WIVB) — Cell phone videos obtained Friday by News 4 show the moments leading up to the fatal Aug. 10 fire in Lockport that killed 14-year-old Joseph Phillips.
  These videos, and especially the voicemail, which the court witnessed during testimony the past month, are simply, hard to see and hear.
  But News 4 believes this story has immense public interest, because it kept people from their homes and effectively shut down the city of Lockport for several days. It required hund
  
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• North Tonawanda student representing WNY in prestigious science program

  24-03-2017 21:52 via wivb.com
  
  NORTH TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WIVB) — “I don’t have a lunch because I take so many classes cause along with all of required classes. I’m also taking two foreign languages,” said Krysta Robinson, North Tonawanda High school sophomore.
  Krysta Robinson has a full academic plate at North Tonawanda High school.
  “Krysta is one of the students that comes in everyday, is ready to dig in and get the work done,” said Joel May, North Tonawanda High school earth science te
  
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• Launch pad at Buffalo Erie County Public Library offers 3D printer

  24-03-2017 21:00 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) —It’s no secret that the Erie County Public Library has books upon books to read. One thing you may not know the library has is a maker’s space.
  It’s a weird time of year. Too cold to spend time outside, too warm to play in the snow. One place you can take the kids to keep them busy is the Erie County Public Library. There they can engage in STEM activities while having fun.
  Messiah, a student of School 54 in Buffalo, told News 4, “I like about
  
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• House GOP abruptly pulls troubled health care bill

  24-03-2017 20:53 via wivb.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — In a humiliating setback, President Donald Trump and GOP leaders pulled their “Obamacare” repeal bill off the House floor Friday after it became clear the measure would fail badly.
  It was a stunning defeat for the new president after he had demanded House Republicans vote on the legislation Friday, threatening to leave “Obamacare” in place and move on to other issues if the vote failed. The bill was withdrawn minutes before the vote was to occur.
  T
  
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• Sources: Payless to close up to 500 stores

  24-03-2017 20:27 via wivb.com
  
  TOPEKA, Kan. (WIVB) — Another nationwide retailer will be closing hundreds of stores.
  Payless is reportedly getting ready to close up to 500 stores in the coming weeks and months as it tries to restructure.
  Payless is more than $665 million in debt and on the verge of bankruptcy.
  Bloomberg News sources say Payless could file Chapter 11 bankruptcy as soon as next week.
  It is not clear if any local stores will be effected.
  
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• New search for Rochester native Brittanee Drexel in SC

  24-03-2017 19:51 via wivb.com
  
  GEORGETOWN, S.C. (WBTW) – A new search connected to the 2009 disappearance of Rochester native Brittanee Drexel started Friday morning just outside Georgetown, South Carolina city limits.
  FBI Supervisory Agent Don Wood confirms FBI agents are involved in “investigative activity” just outside the city limits of Georgetown in connection with the disappearance of Drexel. Wood says the FBI is being assisted by the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office.
  Myrtle Beach Police Lt. Jo
  
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• Man who attacked Japanese tourist in Niagara Falls sentenced

  24-03-2017 19:37 via wivb.com
  
  NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (AP modified) — A western New York man found guilty of attacking a Japanese tourist in a Niagara Falls park was sentenced to 22 years in jail.
  In January, a Niagara County Court jury reached a verdict on the robbery, sexual abuse and assault charges against 44-year-old Robert MacLeod, of Niagara Falls.
  MacLeod was accused of attacking Koyuki Nakahara in Niagara Falls State Park after she asked him for directions on Christmas night in 2015,
  
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• Buffalo man charged with fatally shooting 1 and injuring 3 arraigned

  24-03-2017 17:32 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Buffalo man accused of committing an August murder was arraigned in Erie County Court.
  Jaylin Wiggins, 18, was accused of fatally shooting Laron Watkins, 22, and injuring two others on Sherman St. an hour after shooting someone on Maple St.
  Wiggins pleaded ‘not guilty’ to charges of murder, attempted murder, assault and criminal possession of a weapon.
  He was jailed without bail.
  
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• How the House GOP health care bill compares to Obama-era law

  24-03-2017 17:04 via wivb.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — The House health care bill repeals major parts of former President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act, or ACA, as Republicans push to scale back the federal government’s role in health care.
  Some elements of the Obama-era law are maintained in the House GOP legislation. For example, parents can keep young adult children on their plans until age 26. And insurers can’t turn away people with pre-existing medical problems. But Republicans scra
  
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• Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s office looking for missing man

  24-03-2017 16:45 via wivb.com
  
  LIMESTONE, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s office is looking for a missing Limestone man.
  Scott Wolcott, 50, was last seen at his Leonard Run Rd. home on March 16 around 3 a.m. He was wearing blue jeans, sneakers and a black leather jacket.
  Wolcott is described as white, about 6’2″ and roughly 200 lbs.
  Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Sheriff’s office. Det. Finnerty can be reached at (716) 938-2573.
  
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• Physician shortage estimated to get worse over time

  24-03-2017 16:27 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – The shortage of doctors across the U. S. could get worse. That’s according to a new report by the Association of American Medical Colleges.
  It estimates that by 2030, the shortfall could range from 40 thousand to 104 thousand doctors.
  Many experts warn it could have a huge impact on patient care. Wait times for an appointment could get longer and patients may not be able to receive timely care.
  However, some doctors say health care is changing so rapidly that i
  
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• As Health Care bill vote looms, Lt. Gov. fires back against Medicaid amendment

  24-03-2017 16:15 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – House lawmakers are expected to vote late Friday afternoon on a G.O.P. backed measure to repeal and replace Obamacare, and while the debate continues on the House floor about the bill, the debate here at home rages on about a particular provision that would impact New York State.
  Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) has gone on the offensive to fight back against an amendment from Rep. Chris Collins (R-NY 27th District) that takes the burden of Medicaid funding off most countie
  
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• UB competing for Student Section of the Year

  24-03-2017 16:06 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The University at Buffalo is competing against a number of other schools for Student Section of the Year.
  UB is in the “Sweet 16,” competing against schools like Indiana University and West Virginia University in the NCSSA competition.
  The University of Arizona won the first competition in 2015 and the University of Florida won last year’s contest. 40,000 votes were cast in the competition last year.
  Those interested in pushing their favorite s
  
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• Police: Man found with more than 500 milligrams of cocaine during traffic stop

  24-03-2017 15:36 via wivb.com
  
  DUNKIRK, N.Y. (WIVB) — Dunkirk police say a man was pulled over and found with more than 500 milligrams of cocaine.
  Town of Portland resident Steven Scott, 50, was stopped in Dunkirk after police say he improperly signaled a turn while on Lake Shore Dr. W.
  While police were investigating, they determined that Scott’s driving privileges had been revoked in the state, they say.
  Police say they found cocaine and two packets of marijuana in his possession. Scott faces multiple charg
  
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• Sign of Spring? Maid of the Mist boats hit the water

  24-03-2017 14:19 via wivb.com
  
  NIAGARA FALLS, NY (WIVB)  It is a sure sign of Spring – the Maid of the Mist Boats have been lifted into the water at the foot of the Falls.
  Opening day for the attraction has been set for April 1, next Saturday.
  It’s been a fairly ice-clear season for Niagara Falls so tourists will be hopping aboard ahead of Easter this year.
   
  
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• Toronto schools ban field trips to the US

  24-03-2017 13:50 via wivb.com
  
  TORONTO, ONT. (CNN) -Canada’s largest school system announced it will no longer allow student or staff trips to the US, citing uncertainty over the travel ban.
  Toronto District School Board expressed concern over how the US immigration policy could affect students on school trips.
  “We strongly believe that our students should not be placed into these situations of potentially being turned away at the border,” the board’s director of education, John Malloy, said in a
  
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• No meth lab found in Buffalo building after hazmat investigation

  24-03-2017 12:26 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Buffalo firefighters and hazmat crews spent hours on the scene of a suspected meth lab on Potomac Avenue Friday, only to discover there was no meth lab inside.
  They were originally called to the multi-family at 359 Potomac shortly before 4 a.m. for ringing alarms. It is unclear at this point what activated the alarm.
  When crews arrived, a resident told them they believed there may be a meth lab inside the building, and fire crews immediately called for backup. The fi
  
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• Local series designed to help people heal and overcome issues

  24-03-2017 11:00 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – A local director is on a mission to help people dealing with deep rooted pain.
  In order to connect with people, he has created a new TV series called, “Daddy’s Girl Club.”
  “(This) is a TV series that deals with daddy issues and how it affects relationships, friendships and families,” Phil Davis, the CEO of Alemaedae Theater Productions said.
  The series is also meant to help people heal and overcome their issues.
  “For those who have
  
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• Scholar Athelte: Madison Klidonas

  24-03-2017 03:49 via wivb.com
  
  LEWISTON, N.Y. (WIVB) – The Niagara-Wheatfield girls are busy getting ready for the spring softball season.
  But, Maddie Klidonas has been busy since the start of her senior year. The three sport athlete plays volleyball, basketball and she is now is on the diamond.
  “I have always loved being on a team and it has always been a big part of my life,” Maddie said.
  She plays an integral role in the falcons defense at short stop.
  “I always love the thrill of never knowing where
  
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• Dozens protest Congressman Chris Collins support for GOP health care bill

  24-03-2017 03:19 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — For the fourth time this week concerned constituents of Congressman Chris Collins took action to get his attention.
  Thursday, dozens of people protested his support for the GOP’s health care proposal and his amendment to it.
  Collins’ constituents in the 27th district are frustrated. They say the man elected to represent them in congress is ignoring them.
  “We voted him in, and we expect him to at least listen to us and he hasn’t done that,&rdqu
  
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• Pedestrian struck in Cheektowaga

  24-03-2017 02:58 via wivb.com
  
  CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WIVB) — Police say a woman in her 20’s was struck by a vehicle in Cheektowaga Thursday night.
  The crash happened at Genesee Street and Cunard Avenue just after 9:30 p.m.
  Police say the woman is believed to have serious injuries.
  News 4 will update when more information is available.
  
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• Pedestrian struck by suspected drunk driver in Cheektowaga

  24-03-2017 02:58 via wivb.com
  
  CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WIVB) — Police say a woman in her 20’s was struck by a vehicle in Cheektowaga Thursday night.
  The crash happened at Genesee Street and Cunard Avenue just after 9:30 p.m.
  Police say the woman is in critical condition, and that the driver was drunk.
  The driver is cooperating with police.
  
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