Category: PostNews

NORTH COUNTRY, N.Y. (WWTI) — There was an elevated population of gypsy months in New York State this summer. The high numbers caused noticeable leaf damage across the state according to the Department of Environmental Conservation.

Watertown to continue removal of invasive species at Thompson Park

The gypsy moth is an invasive species that was introduced to the United States in 1869. They were originally brought over from France in an attempt to create a strong species of silkworm that could benefit the silk industry. Since they escaped the species has invaded over a dozen states including New York according to the United States Forest Service.

Gypsy moths are known to feed on the leaves of a large variety of trees but Oak is their preferred species. When outbreaks occur and populations are high like they were this past summer thousands of acres of trees can be damaged.

The St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management is advising the public to help reduce the population to avoid the same issue next year. Residents can help reduce the population of gypsy moths that emerge next spring by searching for and destroying egg masses this fall and winter.

Residents are encouraged to look for light-brown fuzzy patches on tree trunks and branches, tires, lawn furniture, and other outdoor items. These are gypsy moth egg masses and can be easily destroyed by being scrapped off into a container of detergent and bring disposed of.

More information on the gypsy moth species and how to combat the spread of the population can be found on the DEC website.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The biggest lottery prize in months grew larger after no ticket matched all five numbers and the Powerball drawn on Saturday night.

The estimated jackpot for the next drawing on Monday is $670 million.

Saturday night’s numbers were 28, 38, 42, 47 and 52. The Powerball was 1.

The Powerball jackpot has slowly climbed thanks to 40 consecutive drawings without a grand prize winner, a record streak for the game dating back to June 5. There hasn’t been a bigger Powerball jackpot since a $731.1 million prize was won on Jan. 20. Saturday’s grand prize of $635 million would have been the 10th largest U.S. lottery jackpot ever won.

Since Aug. 23, Powerball drawings have been held three times a week to increase interest and grow prizes more quickly. Drawings are held each Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. EDT.

One thing that hasn’t changed, though, are the long odds of winning the jackpot — one in 292.2 million.

The estimated jackpot amount refers to winners who opt to be paid through an annuity over 29 years. Most winners prefer the cash option, which for Monday’s drawing would be an estimated $474.8 million before taxes.

Powerball is played in 45 states plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Buffalo Police say a West Seneca teen was shot in both legs Saturday night near the 1500 block of Broadway.

Officials tell News 4 officers responded to the call just before 10:30 p.m., and the 18-year-old boy is in stable condition at ECMC.

Anyone with information can call or text Buffalo Police on their confidential tip line at 716-847-2255.

Halloween’s right around a corner and local makeup artist Beauty in Bloom wants to help you look your ghoulish best!

Gabby Morganti owner of Beauty in Bloom is booking appointments right now for Halloween Makeovers. Her Halloween transformations range from colorful and enchanting to  spooky and scary.

“Whatever idea you have, we can bring it to life,” she said. “It can be anything from simple like gothic glam makeup, to something a little bit more elaborate, like a fun skeleton or a skull look or a crazy zombie look.”

Morganti’s love for makeup and art began as a kid.

“I’ve always had kind of a passion for the arts, the makeup kind of came with that,” she said. “When I was younger I kind of just used makeup to express myself as well. It just kind of grew from there.”

Her talents go beyond Halloween makeovers, she is also a skilled esthetician and microblading artist. She runs her operation inside The Huntsman: House of Tattoos on Elmwood Avenue.

For appointments visit Facebook @beautyinbloom716 and Instagram @beautyinbloom716

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Catholic Health says a long-time patient walked out of Mercy Hospital Saturday without staff knowing. It says the woman has been at Mercy for more than six months.

Catholic Health says the woman was found in minutes and safely taken back inside the hospital.

It says the patient no longer requires acute care. And that it is taking more measures to create a home-like atmosphere for her. It is not releasing any more information about her because of HIPAA.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — South Buffalo’s blue pumpkins are on sale this weekend.

Allison Milligan gives the pumpkins away for whatever donation people want to give. Every dollar goes to the Buffalo Police K-9 unit. In the past five years, Allison has raised more than $30,000 for the cause.

It’s all in honor of Craig Lehner, who tragically died in the Niagara river in 2017.

Milligan’s husband served in the military with Lt. Lehner.

“I brought blue pumpkins down to the Buffalo River when Lt. Craig Lehner was missing. Friends and family took them home to place on their porch, and then people in the community seeing the pumpkins. And it kind of just kicked off from there. Everybody wanted to show support for all the men and women who are out there, you know, working so hard day after day and to show support for family and friends,” Allison Milligan.

If you want a pumpkin, head to 118 West Woodside Avenue in South Buffalo Sunday morning starting at 8 p.m.

CLARENCE, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence held it’s world pumpkin weigh-off Sunday. This was the 26th year for the contest.

People come from all over to compete.

The winning pumpkin came from David Duboy and weighed in at 1,359 pounds.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The third annual Sadie Strong Community Health and Wellness Expo was held Saturday afternoon.

The event happened on Michigan Avenue and organizers said it’s about giving back and inspiring healthier lifestyles. Sharon Sanford started the foundation after her own bout with breast cancer.

She shared this advice for those who are fighting, “I want to say you are stronger than you realize, root yourself and ground yourself in faith beyond yourself — you can make it, take each day at a time.”

WNY’s “Sadie Strong Project” aims to raise money for breast cancer awareness

Health screenings, COVID-19 and flu shots were offered at the expo.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Hundreds marched through Buffalo’s West Side Saturday afternoon speaking out against bans on abortion.

This happened at the corner of Niagara Street and Porter Avenue.

People attending the rally say reproductive rights need to be defended.

“If you can’t control your body, you can’t control anything in your life,” one activist said.

Texas abortion law: 600+ protests in all 50 states held Saturday

“People think Roe v. Wade is over. It is not over as you can see,” another added.

The march was organized by Buffalo’s Women’s March Circle.

NIAGARA COUNTY, N.Y. (WIVB) — Niagara County is taking steps to get people behind the wheel of school buses.

The county clerk’s office teamed up with local districts to hold school bus driver career fairs.

They happened at three DMV offices across the county Saturday. Applicants were walked through the process to get their special license.

One district official says there are many benefits that come with being a bus driver.

Buffalo advocates, parents fed up as BPS works to get more school bus drivers on the road

“We do offer some good pay rates. We got some great benefits and it’s the kind of job where you want to be home during the summer or during breaks, if you have family, or if you’re older and you want to retire, this is perfect,” said Barbara Laduca, Niagara Wheatfield Central School District.

For more information on applying for your commercial driver’s license, click here.