Category: PostNews

BATAVIA, N.Y. (WIVB) — The body of a Batavia man who was reported missing Friday was found in Tonawanda Creek during an extensive search.

The man’s body was recovered around 12:35 p.m. Monday by search and rescue teams while searching the creek between the S. Lyon Street and River Street bridges, after his jacket was located near the creek bank Sunday. Police later confirmed the body was Lewis Hyde.

An autopsy is pending and the investigation is ongoing, however at this time, police said there does not seem to be signs of foul play.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Meet Finnegan! This little guy’s up for adoption through the SPCA Serving Erie County.

“Guinea pigs are very social animals, so if you have a male guinea pig, we’re sure they’d be a good match together!” Bethany Kloc with the SPCA says.

If you’re interested in making Finnegan part of your family, watch the video above and click/tap here.

AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) — An Amherst businessman has been accused of bilking the federal government out of more than $3 million.

With a 40-count indictment against him, 67-year-old Hormoz Mansouri could spend up to 30 years in prison if he’s convicted. Authorities have charged him with bank fraud, wire fraud, money laundering and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud.

According to prosecutors, Mansouri applied for federal loans through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. In all, he got roughly $3.4 million.

This money was received in order to help eight business entities controlled by Mansouri. They are the following:

HLM Holding LLC,El Team Inc.,NPTS Inc.,2060 Sheridan Drive LLC,212 Holden Avenue LLC,350 Old Niagara Falls Boulevard LLC,47 East Amherst LLC, and3600 Harlem Road LLC.

But according to prosecutors, Mansouri inflated or completely made up their average monthly payrolls and falsely represented revenues and the cost of goods sold. Six of the eight business entities had zero employees or payroll expenses.

According to the indictment, Mansouri was accused of moving the money between a number of bank accounts and comingling the proceeds with legitimate business ventures. Prosecutors say he also funded certain accounts, including one in the name of “Mansouri for County Comptroller.”

This past May, approximately $1.9 million was seized. If Mansouri is convicted, in addition to prison time, he could also be forced to pay a $1 million fine.

After his arraignment Monday morning, Mansouri was released on conditions.

CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WIVB) — Hippity hoppity, Easter’s on its way. The Easter Bunny is returning to the Walden Galleria later this week.

Starting Friday at 11 a.m., kids can get a picture with the Easter Bunny while he’s on the lower level near the Apple Store. He’ll be there through April 16.

Families are encouraged to book a time slot with the Bunny ahead of time at this site. Here’s when he’ll be there:

Mondays – Saturdays: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.Sundays: 12-5 p.m.

From March 21 through April 12, pet photo nights will take place on Mondays and Tuesdays from 5-7 p.m. In addition to this, there will be a sensory-friendly session happening Sunday, April 3 from 10 a.m. to Noon.

Photo packages start at $34.99. More details on the Easter Bunny’s visit can be found here.

GETZVILLE, N.Y. (WIVB) — Every step in the process of getting a job will be offered at an upcoming event this Wednesday.

Weinberg Campus (2700 N. Forest Rd., Getzville) will host a career fair from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Those who are interested in working there can get interviewed and hired in the same day.

They’re calling it a “red carpet experience,” which will include refreshments and a shot at winning $500 for gas and groceries from Tops.

Some of the positions Weinberg Campus is looking to fill include those in nursing, housekeeping and food service.

Before heading there, job applicants are encouraged to apply ahead of time online or text “WCJOBS” to 888-984-4906.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Gas prices in the United States are up 26 cents since last week, now averaging at $4.33 per gallon.

New York’s average is even higher, at $4.45 per gallon — a 19-cent week-to-week increase. One year ago, the national and New York averages were $2.86 and $2.90.

Here are the averages across upstate New York:

Batavia – $4.38 (up 15 cents from last week)Buffalo – $4.40 (up 19 cents from last week)Elmira – $4.41 (up 22 cents from last week)Ithaca – $4.44 (up 22 cents from last week)Rochester – $4.42 (up 18 cents from last week)Rome – $4.40 (up 18 cents from last week)Syracuse – $4.42 (up 18 cents from last week)Watertown – $4.41 (up 16 cents from last week)

According to AAA, oil prices appear to have “tapered off.” They say a barrel of oil now costs $110, when it was more than $130 a week ago.

To compare, oil cost $30 per barrel back in August.

In a survey, two-thirds of American drivers told AAA that gas was too expensive a few weeks ago when it was $3.53 per gallon. More than half said they’d change their driving habits or lifestyle if gas got to $4 per gallon.

Three-quarters of those surveyed said changes would be necessary at $5.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Buffalo police are investigating an officer-involved shooting on Hertel Avenue.

Shortly after 4:30 a.m., police responded to the street’s 1900 block, where they say there was a man armed with a knife.

During this time, officers discharged their weapons, hitting the armed man. He was taken to ECMC, where he’s in serious, but stable condition.

The armed man’s name has not been released. Police also have not announced charges in this incident.

Hertel has been shut down between Beard Avenue and Wesley Avenue. This section of Hertel is near Shoshone Park.

The officers who were involved have since been placed on administrative leave, which is the Buffalo Police Department’s policy following an officer-involved incident.

PORTER, N.Y. (WIVB) — No people were injured, but officials in Niagara County believe three dogs and a cat died as the result of a fire in the Town of Porter.

First responders went to the home on Youngstown Wilson Road on Sunday, shortly after 7 p.m. None of the people who lived there were home at the time.

It’s not clear what caused the fire, but according to the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, the home is believed to be a total loss.

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. (WIVB) — A local pizza place worked with the Ukrainian Cultural Center Sunday to help out people in Ukraine.

42 North Brewing Co. supports Ukraine and former brewer with “Resolve” beer

Pizza Plant Italian Pub hosted the “Ukrainian Freedom Imperial Stout Celebration,” with a portion of all beer sales going to Ukrainian organizations. The pub usually does a Russian-themed stout celebration, but due to recent events, that is not happening.

“I think people being united like this for a common cause is really what we want,” said Dan Syracuse, VP of Pizza Plant. “And as far as a social lubricant, beer really brings people together. So that’s why we consolidated this event with the Ukrainian Cultur[al] Center.”

Ukrainian flags were included with each flight purchase.

EAST AURORA, N.Y. (WIVB) — Organizations from all around the United States are coming together to help those in Ukraine. 42 North Brewing Co. is brewing up some help too.

Their newest craft beer, Resolve is driving this movement. It will be available in stores and on tap at the end of the month.

Founder of 42 North John Cimperman told News 4 breweries in Florida, New York City, Cleveland, and Vermont have joined in, along with Thin Man Brewery in Buffalo.

This fundraiser is personal to the company. One of their former brewers moved back to his home country of Ukraine a few years ago. Naz Drebot started his own brewery there but now has to move away from the destruction.

“Naz actually helped us build this taproom, and a lot of the recipes we still have and the beer we still serve are recipes that he developed,” said Cimperman. “There’s a lot of Ukrainian DNA in 42 North.”

All of the proceeds raised from the Resolve brew will go directly to helping Ukraine through the Global Empowerment Mission.

“That is sending supplies, humanitarian need, over to Ukraine. So, we’ve selected that as our charity, and we’ve invited the other breweries to donate to that cause,” said Cimperman.

Click here for more information about Resolve at 42 North Brew Company.