Dale’s Briefs – Wednesday November 30th

A crash last night on Route 219 in Boston killed the driver. It happened near the Zimmerman Road overpass when the driver lost control and struck a concrete embankment. The driver was taken by Mercy Flight to ECMC where he was pronounced dead.

Fire officials in Hamburg are investigating what they’re calling a suspicious fire at Hoak’s Restaurant on Route 5 yesterday morning. The owner went to the building himself at 4 AM when he was alerted by an alarm company there was something wrong. When he got there the upper banquet room was in flames. Firefighters were able to save the building from being destroyed.

A former top aide to Mayor Byron Brown has pleaded guilty to misappropriating some 30-thousand dollars while heading up a city agency. Timothy Wannamaker was the Executive Director of Buffalo Office of Strategic Planning and has admitted he used a city credit card to pay for personal expenses for lodging, entertainment, rental cars during trips for himself, his family and friends. He faces up to 10 years in prison and a 250-thousand dollar fine.

Another head scratcher by the Sabres. Last night they played against one of the worst teams in the league and lost. And that’s becoming pretty much a routine on home ice. Their 2 to 1 loss to the Islanders was their 8th loss in 13 games at First Niagara Center. They had a 2-man advantage for a minute-34 late in the third period - a chance to at least tie the game – generated a lot of chances – but no finish. From one of the worst teams they next play one of the best teams in the league – the Detroit Red Wings on Friday night.