Erie County Blotter.

02/22/2025

Off Topic

From the moment I was born, Sisters of Charity Hospital felt like a second home. My aunt (Known as Mac), alongside my father, raised me—and she was the manager of the Premature NICU unit that once existed upstairs. Though the unit has since relocated, as a child, I would often visit her there. I can’t even recall all the reasons why, but I do remember what I saw—tiny, fragile babies, some barely able to fit in the palm of a hand, fighting for their lives. And I remember the care, the love, and the unwavering dedication that filled those halls.

Later in life, I found myself working at Sisters Hospital, pursuing my dream in the medical field. I loved my job. But some parts of it still haunt me. One of my most difficult tasks was transporting deceased babies to and from the morgue so that their grieving mothers—many struggling with addiction—could spend three days with their lost child. We wrapped them gently, shielding them from public eyes, trying to preserve their dignity in the most heartbreaking circumstances.

Now, as a father, that pain hits even harder. Hearing a child cry, seeing children suffer—it goes right through me. I have witnessed the devastating toll of accidents, abuse, and the unexplainable loss of young lives. I’ve asked the same question so many others have: Why?

But amidst the grief, I’ve found purpose. I can’t change the past, but I can fight for a better future. Even if it’s just through a prayer, if it saves one child, then it’s worth it.

Last night was a humbling reminder of the power of community. Over a thousand people came together for one little girl—most of us strangers to her, yet deeply moved by her story, bound to her through compassion and hope. It gives me faith that love, prayer, and unity can make a difference.

I pray for a world where no child has to suffer. Where every child is safe, happy, and free. Until that day comes, I will continue to be a light, no matter how dark the memories may be.

May God be with us all, in good times and bad.

—Shawn

02/22/2025

Please Note: I have received multiple requests this week regarding animal rescues. To clarify, I am not conducting any private rescues unless they have been personally requested by our SPCA—and only our SPCA. If you need assistance with animals, please reach out to your local The SPCA Serving Erie County, NY or a licensed trapper. Thank you for your understanding.

02/22/2025

We appreciate everyone reaching out to us about the story on the news today. This is our statement at this time

02/22/2025

A Statement from the Town of Tonawanda Police Club.

https://www.facebook.com/100064289815376/posts/1040140724805578/?app=fbl

02/21/2025

We are at the Alden Town Park. 🕊️

02/21/2025

Sorry everyone but this is so true.

02/21/2025

02/21/2025

From our Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH)

**Protect yourself as flu season peaks in Erie County, United States""

Infections and hospitalizations persist into late winter – there’s still time to benefit from the protection of a safe and effective flu vaccine!



ERIE COUNTY, NY – National news headlines are using phrases like “worst flu season in decades” and “everyone is sick this winter.” When it comes to avoiding days and weeks of aches, fever, chills and general misery, a flu vaccine and common-sense precautions will go a long way towards avoiding illness.



“Positive lab reports, reported hospitalizations, outpatient illness, mortality and pediatric deaths related to flu infection have contributed to the CDC describing this flu season as ‘high severity’ – the first time it has done so since the 2009-10 flu season,” explained Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein. “Eventually, warmer weather will bring an end to flu season. For people ages 6 months and older, getting the seasonal flu vaccine now will still give a protective benefit against infection and severe illness. We have at least a few months of flu illness to navigate. Erie County’s flu season can extend into April or May.”



People ages 65 years and older, people with certain chronic medical conditions, young children and pregnant women are most in jeopardy of developing serious complications from flu infection, which could require hospitalization and result in death.



“Flu cases continue to rise, but it’s not too late to protect your family, loved ones, and neighbors,” offered Steven Turkovich, MD, President at Oishei Children’s Hospital. “Getting the flu vaccine now can still reduce illness severity and prevent hospitalizations. We also urge everyone to help prevent the spread of illness by staying home when sick, washing hands frequently, wearing a mask when ill, and covering coughs and sneezes. Together, we can keep our community healthy.”



Flu vaccine is widely available at pharmacies, health clinics and physicians' offices across the state. A vaccine can help to reduce serious symptoms and avoid a hospital stay. Most health insurance plans will cover all or most of the cost of vaccines for eligible patients. See vaccines.gov for locations or ask your doctor.



Anti-viral Treatment for Flu Illness

Doctors can prescribe oral (taken by mouth) anti-viral treatments for patients with confirmed flu, but they must start taking the medication very soon after the start of symptoms. Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is available for people two weeks of age and older who have had flu symptoms for no more than two days. Older adults and people with chronic medical conditions should contact their doctor’s office or go to urgent care as soon as symptoms (aches, fever, coughing) start.



COVID-19, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and whooping cough (pertussis) round out the serious, and preventable, respiratory illnesses that continue to circulate. To prevent respiratory disease transmission, get vaccinated if eligible and:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home when sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands; cough or sneeze into your elbow if a tissue is not available.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

02/20/2025

From Our Lancaster, N.Y. Police Department

***ATTEMPT TO LOCATE***PLEASE SHARE***

Attempt to Locate a Chevy 1500 series pick-up truck color white, the vehicle appears to have black wheels. The vehicle was involved in an incident on Garfield St in the Village of Lancaster. Anyone with information on this incident can contact Detective Lieutenant Shaun DiMino 716-683-3120 extension 223.

02/20/2025

From Our Erie County Sheriff's Office,

*OLEAN WOMAN ARRESTED ON NARCOTICS POSSESSION CHARGES FOLLOWING A TRAFFIC STOP IN SPRINGVILLE*

Springville, NY – Erie County Sheriff John C. Garcia reports the arrest of 43-year-old Janine McKenney of Olean, New York following a traffic stop on South Cascade Drive in the Village of Springville.

On February 17th, Erie County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO) patrol deputies received a report of a person slumped over in the driver’s seat of a vehicle in the Country Fair parking lot, however the vehicle left prior to patrol’s arrival. ECSO deputies quickly located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop for several Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) violations. McKenney was discovered to be the operator and sole occupant of the vehicle. When asked for identification, McKenney gave a false name and date of birth, to avoid detection of an outstanding arrest warrant out of the State of Pennsylvania and was subsequently taken into custody. An inventory search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of large quantities of crystal m**h and co***ne.

McKenney was taken into custody and charged with the following:
• Criminal Possession Controlled Substance 2nd: Methamphetamine-Class A-II Felony.
• Criminal Possession Narcotic Drug-Class C Felony.
• Criminal Impersonation-2
nd Degree-Class A Misdemeanor.
• Numerous Vehicle and Traffic Infractions
• Arrested on active Pennsylvania Warrant-Pending Extradition.

McKenney was transported to the Erie County Holding Center. During the intake process, McKenney was found in possession of a quantity of suspected co***ne, secreted on her person.

McKenny was charged with the following:
• Possession of Dangerous Contraband-Class D Felony.
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance/Cocaine – Class D Felony.
• McKenny was remanded pending arraignment.

“The Erie County Sheriff’s Office remains dedicated to halting the distribution of illicit narcotics throughout Erie County. The illegal drugs seized following this investigation only contribute to that
ongoing effort.”-Sheriff John C. Garcia.

02/20/2025

At 4 pm fluffy snow continues to accumulate, especially across WNY. As the sun sets, additional roads will become snow covered and slippery in spots.

02/20/2025

NOTICE: Under NO circumstances should you submit images of ANYONE in compromised situations. Doing so will result in an immediate investigation by the New York State Police, and your account WILL be flagged. Consider this your only warning.

If you feel a crime is being committed, Always dial 9-1-1.

Thank you.

Update: The State Police have handled this situation. However, posting or sharing images that should be sent directly to law enforcement will not be tolerated on this platform. Even if intended as a joke, we take these matters VERY seriously. If you believe someone is in danger, do not post images asking if we recognize them—CALL 9-1-1 immediately.

02/20/2025

Reported Rollover MVA. Route 400 in the area of Jamison Rd.

02/20/2025

PLEASE PRAY FOR LOCAL MOM WHO WAS GIVEN WEEKS OR MONTHS TO LIVE 💔

In November we shared the story of a local mom who has been battling stage 4 small intestine adenocarcinoma since 2019.

Jenn was making and selling evergreen wreaths and other handcrafted goodies around Christmas time to offset expenses associated with the cancer like medical costs and airline flights.

Sadly, Jenn has shared an update that breaks our heart.

“I have not posted on Facebook in a while because I experienced an emergency blockage a couple of weeks ago.

My surgeon informed me that I have a limited time left - weeks or months - before the tumor causes death.

We are attempting chemo one last time, along with other alternative m**hods. I will continue to do my best, as I am the core of my beautiful family and have the most important job in my world.”

How you can help:

Visit 2559 North Forest Road in Getzville, across the street from the Jewish Community Center, and support Jenn’s flower stand that is filled with wonderful items.

You can also make a donation here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/fxaby-help-jenn-beat-cancer

Please pray for Jenn. We will say that Jenn has been told she only had a short time before and defied the odds by taking her health into her own hands, giving her more years to live than expected. We hope and pray a miracle comes her way again.”

-Sweet Buffalo