It wasn't a lot of snow that fell overnight but it was wet and heavy and that made it hard to shovel, said Bob Pappalardo, above, who was clearing a driveway on Summit Street this morning.
Paul Lamendala, below, said the snow wasn't much easier to clear with a snow blower on the sidewalks outside of City Church/St. Anthony's on Liberty Street.
The snow is tapering off through early afternoon and Saturday and Sunday are expected to be partly cloudy.
Law enforcement is responding to Mill Street in Le Roy for a report of four dogs left unattended for several weeks.
A motor-vehicle accident with three minor injuries is reported at Route 33 and Donahue Road, Batavia. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.
A second ambulance is called in. The roadway is blocked; traffic control is needed.
Multiple city police units are on scene and officers have guns drawn after a gun was thrown out of a car at 317 Washington Ave. No further information.
More T/K.
UPDATE 5:24 p.m.: According to Sheriff's Office Sgt. Andrew Hale, a suspect vehicle in a string of recent burglaries "all over" was spotted by a marked Sheriff's patrol car traveling on Washington Avenue with two occupants. Sheriff's Investigator Christopher Parker, working patrol, turned around and followed the vehicle, which turned into a driveway randomly in an attempt to elude the Sheriff's unit. (By coincidence, it happens to be the residence of County Manager Jay Gsell.) One of the occupants threw out a 22-caliber semi-automatic pistol in an attempt to ditch the weapon. It was never pointed at anyone and no threat was made. The occupants did not attempt to flee. Two brothers, one age 19 and the other age 14, were transported to the Sheriff's Office for questioning. If charges are brought, more information will be released by law enforcement, Hale said.
The defense attorney for Jennifer Serrano, the 48-year-old woman accused of killing an 18-year-old Hinckley resident in a hit-and-run accident in Darien on Aug. 11, will be given a chance to challenge any statements obtained by police from her during the investigation that led to her arrest.
Judge Charles Zambito granted the motion today by Frank LoTempio for the hearing, known as Huntley Hearing, which is pretty standard in criminal cases.
LoTempio will be able to question the officers involved in obtaining statements from Serrano to determine whether or not her rights were violated and whether the statements were legally obtained.
Serrano was allegedly the driver of a vehicle that struck and killed Connor Lynskey after the Jason Aldean concert at Darien Lake. Lynskey and a group of people were walking on Sumner Road back to the Darien Lakes State Park, where they were camping, when he decided to run ahead to catch up with a friend. He was reported missing later that night. His body was found by a deputy the next day.
About a half-hour later, Serrano was stopped and charged with DWI but she did not mention the possible prior accident and was only connected to the accident the next day through police investigation.
At the DWI stop, where she reportedly almost hit a patrol vehicle, Serrano may have tried to talk the deputy into letter her go, according to police reports.
Serrano appeared in court shackled alongside LoTempio and co-counsel Jack Sanchez dressed in gray sweatpants and an orange sweatsuit hoodie jacket.
She is being held on $100,000 cash bail or $200,000 bond while her case heads toward a possible trial.
LoTempio also filed a supplemental motion challenging the search warrants used in the case. He had filed the motion after recently receiving copies of the warrants and the statements used to obtain them. District Attorney Lawrence Friedman will be given time to file a written response before Zambito rules on the motion.
A 24-year-old Oakfield resident involved in a serious injury accident in Corfu in April is facing up to six years in prison after pleading guilty this afternoon in County Court to aggravated vehicular assault.
Jacob J. Szumigala also agreed to plead guilty to DWI as a misdemeanor and aggravated unlicensed operation.
As part of the plea deal, Szumigala must also plead guilty in Town of Oakfield on a pending DWI case.
Szumigala is out of jail pending sentencing at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 15 and must abide by court instructions and the agreement or statutory enhancements could be added to his guilty plea, which would mandate a five- to 15-year prison term.
There is no minimum prison term and Szumigala could receive a probationary sentence if he abides by the terms of the plea agreement.
On April 18, Szumigala was driving a 2008 Hyundai Sonata with North Carolina plates on West Main Street Road through Corfu when his car rear-ended a Honda driven by James M. Hoskins, of Corfu. Hoskins' car then struck a westbound pickup truck. Hoskins was seriously injured in the accident.
In court today, Szumigala admitted that his BAC exceeded .18 percent at the time of the accident and that he was driving recklessly.
A month earlier, Szumigala was arrested by State Police for allegedly driving drunk on Lockport Road, Alabama. That case is still pending in the Town of Oakfield Court.
Photo: File photo of April 18 accident.
A winter weather advisory is in effect from 4 p.m. this afternoon (Nov. 15) until 7 a.m. Friday, Nov. 16, according to the National Weather Service office in Buffalo.
Snow is expected. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches expected across Orleans, Monroe and Genesee counties.
The snow may mix with sleet this afternoon and evening. The snow may mix with freezing rain this afternoon and evening across portions of Northern Erie and Genesee counties with less than a 10th of an inch of ice accumulation.
Plan on snow-covered and slippery roads. Periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain will result in slippery roads and limited visibilities. Slow down and use caution while driving.
Submitted photos and press release:
Eugene Jankowski Jr., of Batavia, finished Second Place Semi-pro and 11th overall in the practical division and qualified for the final shoot-offs at the 2018 3-Gun Nation nationals.
He is president of the Batavia City Council and a retired lieutenant with City of Batavia Police Department.
Held in Clinton, S.C., more than 100 competitors from all over the country used three guns (pistol, modern sporting rifle and shotgun) to complete eight challenging natural terrain courses of fire over two days.
Competitors were required to safely engage multiple targets for the quickest time while navigating various obstacles and unusually wet, muddy weather conditions.
3GN Nationals, presented by NRA Sports, brings shooting challenges, camaraderie, shoot-offs and sponsor engagement to 3 Gun Nation members.
Heidi L. Harder, 43, of Montclair Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the second degree and endangering the welfare of a child less than 17. Harder was arrested following an investigation into the report of drug activity being conducted in the presence of a child and forcing that child to smoke marijuana. The incident allegedly occurred at 6 p.m. on Sept. 9 on Montclair Avenue. Harder was arraigned in Batavia City Court on Nov. 13. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.
Robin L. Williams, 33, of Jackson Street, Batavia, and Michael L. Jackson Jr., 37, of Maple Street, Batavia, are both charged with endangering the welfare of a child. They allegedly allowed and encouraged their respective juvenile daughters to engage in a physical altercation. The incident allegedly occurred at noon on July 3 on Thorpe Street in Batavia. The adult defendants were issued appearance tickets and were due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 13. The cases were handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.
Chiyannon J. Bundy, 31, of 98 Lake St., Le Roy, was arrested Nov. 11 following a reported disturbance call in the Village of Le Roy. Bundy was charged with one count each of burglary in the second degree, a Class C felony, and criminal mischief in the fourth degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged that during the disturbance, Bundy knowingly and unlawfully entered a residence with the intent of damaging property and damaged the property of another. Bundy was arraigned and released under the supervision of the Genesee Justice Program.
James E. Soggs III, 24, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and criminal mischief. He was arrested at 10:15 a.m. on Nov. 11 on Thomas Avenue in Batavia after a domestic altercation at his girlfriend's residence. He was arraigned and jail on $2,500 cash or bond and was due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.
Christopher A. Ridgeway Jr., 26, of Bridgewood Road, Midlothian, Va., is charged with: unlawful possession of marijuana; aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree; unlicensed operation; and operation without headlights. He was arrested at 1:17 a.m. on Nov. 7 on West Main Street in Batavia following a traffic stop for driving without headlights. He posted bail and was issued an appearance ticket along with several traffic tickets. He was due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 14. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Nicole McGinnis.
Andrew D. Vicary, 27, of East Main Road, Stafford, is charged with DWI, unsafe backing and following to closely. Vicary was arrested at 4:04 p.m. on Nov. 1 on East Main Street in Batavia following an investigation into a three-car accident at the intersection of East Main Street and Swan Street. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released on his own recognizance. He was due back in city court on Nov. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kyle Krtanik, assisted by Officer Catherine Mucha.
Cynthia May Mack, 51, of South Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. She was arrested at 10:24 a.m. Nov. 14 on South Swan Street in Batavia following a probation house check. She was allegedly found to have a house guest whom she was restricted from having any contact with due to a complete stay away order of protection. She was jailed on $2,500 cash or bond. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.
Jessica L. Holtz, 35, of Williams Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. It is alleged that she stole $3.48 worth of merchandise from Save-A-Lot. She was arrested at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 31 and processed at Genesee County Jail. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice.
Press release:
Habitat for Humanity of Genesee County teams up with Oliver’s Candies, located at 211 W. Main St. in Batavia, for Santa Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17.
Come visit Santa, shop for sweets and enjoy a petting zoo! There will also be hot dogs for sale! A hot dog, bag of chips and a soda can be purchased for $3.
You can also help build Habitat’s next home by “Sponsoring a Stud.” Sign your name or write a message on a 2 in. x 4 in. for a donation of $1 and it will be added to Habitat’s current project at 6 Manhattan Ave. in the City of Batavia.
All purchases and donations benefit Habitat’s mission to provide decent, affordable housing to families in the community. As always, Habitat thanks you for your support.
Press release:
According to the American Heart Association 46 percent of Americans have been diagnosed with high blood pressure.
High blood pressure threatens your health and quality of life. Left untreated, it can cause stroke, heart failure, vision loss, heart attack, kidney disease, and sexual dysfunction as well as a variety of other health problems.
Le Roy Ambulance Service recognizes these risks, and is now offering free blood pressure screenings to members of the public. We will check your blood pressure for free as often as you’d like and track it over time to monitor for changes.
If you’d like to take advantage of this free service, simply stop into the Le Roy Ambulance base between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. and our on duty crew will be glad to assist you. It is located at 1 Tountas Ave. in the Village of Le Roy.
If they do not answer the door, they are likely out handling a 9-1-1 call and we would ask that you stop back at a later time. As always, if you have an emergency please dial 9-1-1 immediately.
Le Roy Ambulance is proud to support preventative health measures to work toward our goal of a happy, healthy community.
Press release:
Nate McMurray has issued the following statement after Congressional Republicans, apparently at the request of indicted Chris Collins, blocked McMurray from attending the New Member Orientation today.
"It is customary for candidates in close races to attend New Member Orientations so that they are best prepared to serve in the event that they win. After traveling to Washington to train alongside my peers, including others in contested races, I was informed that Rep. Gregg Harper, chairman of the Committee on House Administration, had personally denied my participation even after House Democratic leadership continued to advocate on my behalf.
"I am very disappointed by Congressional Republicans catering to Chris Collins’ demands, who is under indictment on 11 felony counts and spent his campaign lying and hiding from his constituents. I came to D.C. to equip myself to hit the ground running and better serve the people of Western New York once the results are official.
"It is shameful that Collins is continuing his efforts to diminish the will of the voters and call this race before all votes have been counted. As usual, he is actively undermining the future of this district and our country. I am grateful to Democrats from the House Administration Committee for having me at the Democratic events during the orientation and offering to come to the district to provide me and my team with all of the training, support and information we will need when we win.”
Press release:
Genesee County STOP-DWI Coordinator Matt Landers announced today that the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia Police Department and the Village of Le Roy Police Department will participate in a special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving.
On Thanksgiving weekend, millions will hit the roads eager to spend time with family and friends. It’s one of the busiest travel times of the year, and unfortunately more people on the roadways means the potential for more vehicle crashes.
In a combined effort to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives law enforcement officers across New York State will take to the roads. The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts start on Wednesday, Nov. 21st and will end on Sunday, Nov 25th.
Research shows that high-visibility enforcement can reduce impaired driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent. Sobriety checkpoints play a key part in raising awareness about the problem. New York State Police, County Sheriff and municipal law enforcement agencies across the state will be out in force.
The STOP-DWI Thanksgiving Weekend Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by STOP-DWI NY and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. Throughout the remainder of the year the Statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign will also target the national Holiday Season in December.
While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.
You can help to make a difference by Having a Sober Plan! Download our mobile app – “Have a Plan” and you will always be able to find a safe ride home www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp
Impaired driving is completely preventable. All it takes is a little planning. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving Weekend!
(Officials from the State DOT at the Alabama Firemen’s Recreation Hall Wednesday night. From left are Jillian Button, real estate specialist with Region 4 Office of Right of Way; Paul Spitzer, regional traffic engineer; Frank Billittier, regional design engineer; Jordan Guerrein, public information officer with the DOT; and Wesley Alden, assistant regional design engineer.)
ALABAMA – The State Department of Transportation held a public information meeting Wednesday night at Alabama Firemen’s Recreation Hall to address residents’ concerns about plans to build a roundabout at the intersection of Route 77 and Ledge Road.
It was clear that 100 percent of those who spoke at the meeting are strongly opposed to the project, for a variety of reasons.
The DOT’s public information officer Jordan Guerrein said Alabama Town Supervisor Janet Sage requested the meeting to inform the public where the project stands and to take comments from local residents.
The project was initiated to address a high rate of severe accidents at the site, Guerrein said.
Between April 1, 2013 and May 31, 2018, there were 56 crashes in the area, 31 of them at the intersection. One involved a fatality. Another fatality occurred prior to 2013.
The DOT said they have considered alternative solutions and have implemented minor safety enhancements, such as upgraded signs and modified striping, but propose a modern roundabout as the best solution to the problem.
Residents were all vocal about their opposition to installing a roundabout in a 55-mile per hour speed zone at the bottom of a curve and hill. Instead there were suggestions of speed bumps on Ledge Road, a four-way stop, better lighting at the intersection, cameras, increased traffic enforcement and a signal light.
Several residents with homes at the intersection were very concerned about how close the roundabout would bring traffic to their house (one within 30 feet), the increased noise and exhaust fumes from vehicles having to slow for an extended distance and trucks accelerating to make it up the hill.
Richard Rudolph, of Akron, who was a former Pembroke highway superintendent, said he plowed that stretch of road for more than 20 years.
“When it was snowy and slippery, trucks had a hard time getting up the hill,” Rudolph said. “Now you’re going to put an obstruction in the road and expect an 80,000 pound truck to stop on ice.”
Several voiced objections to the $1.6 million price tag to taxpayers.
“Putting in a traffic light would be a whole lot cheaper and quicker,” one resident commented.
There were several suggestions from the crowd to reduce speed limits from Indian Falls to Alabama.
Paul Spitzer, regional traffic engineer, replied that setting lower speed limits typically results in more accidents.
“Reducing speed limits does not reduce accidents,” he said. “Reducing speeds lowers accidents, and roundabouts lower speed.”
He said the maximum speed in the roundabout would be 20 miles per hour.
(The State DOT shared this aerial photo at left of the intersection of Route 77 and Ledge Road in the Town of Alabama during Wednesday's public information meeting. It shows the close proximity of homes on three of the corners. At right, this design drawing shows the proposed roundabout and where a temporary road would be built to reroute traffic west on Ledge Road during construction.)
The engineers explained the roundabout would be elliptical in shape. They would meet with each of the four affected homeowners, whose properties will be appraised. They will be paid the highest market value for the portions of their land that would needed to construct the roundabout. No structures would be razed. The roundabout would come closest to the home on the southeast corner -- within 30 feet of it.
Construction of the roundabout would close the intersection for four to six weeks, engineers said. Closure will be planned to minimize impact to the school districts and local farming community.
Traffic would be detoured down routes 5 and 63 and a temporary roadway at the intersection will be used to maintain access for businesses, residents and emergency services.
Several asked if the project was a done deal or if there was still an opportunity to stop it. Annette Johnson, who lives in the Town of Alabama, is circulating petitions opposing the roundabout.
Each person who attended Wednesday’s hearing received a comment form which they can fill out and send to the DOT in Rochester.
Guerrein said the DOT will carefully read all the comments before moving forward. The next planned step would then be an environmental hearing in early 2019 to accept any further comments. The design phase would be completed in the summer of 2019, with construction scheduled to begin in the spring of 2020.
Roundabouts are proven to substantially reduce the severity of accidents, Alden said. Typically, they provide an 80-percent reduction in serious accidents, he said.
The final decision on building the roundabout will be made by the chief engineer of the State DOT in Albany, said Frank Billittier, regional design engineer.
(Photo below: Wesley Alden, assistant regional design engineer with the State DOT, takes comments from residents opposed to the construction of a roundabout at Route 77 and Ledge Road in the Town of Alabama during a public information hearing Wednesday night.)
Josh Fullmer sent in this picture he took yesterday afternoon of a Chinook helicopter landing at the Genesee County Airport.
St. James Episcopal Church in Batavia announced that its first Pie Sale/Basket Raffle will be held this Saturday, Nov. 17, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the church, 405 E. Main St. Admission is free.
Known for the wonderful desserts served at Lenten Fish Fries, the bakers of the parish have been busy in the church kitchen making apple and pumpkin pies for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Stop in to buy a homemade pie for $8. Hot soup (eat-in or take-out) will also be available for sale.
A variety of gift baskets have been assembled, including a cash treasure chest and a lottery tree. Tickets will be on sale throughout the event and you need not be present to win.
Dorian Ely, one of the organizers, said, “We hope the community will support this beautiful historic church by stopping by on Saturday, purchasing some raffle tickets, a pie, and maybe even grabbing a cup of hot soup to speed them on their way during this busy holiday season.”
The phone number at the church is 343-6802.
A passerby reports smoke coming from a silo at 2810 Judge Road in Oakfield. The location is between Maltby and Hutton roads. Oakfield Fire Department is responding.
Press release:
Since the announcement last March that the YWCA might be closing its doors, the organization has been rebuilding, reorganizing and refreshing its programs to better serve Genesee County residents.
Hiring Millie Tomidy-Pepper, as the new executive director of the YWCA, was the first and most important step in achieving this goal. With Tomidy-Pepper at the helm, the YWCA has trimmed operating expenses, put the building up for sale, acquired grants, and continued services to participants without interruption.
And it is thanks to the very generous support of so many in the community, that the YW is now able to say that it is operating in the black. Even as we look at the sale of its building, the agency is moving forward with plans for the future.
Establishing a new board of directors is a part of this plan. Newly elected YWCA Board President Eve Hens has a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Behavior and is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. She also has an MBA in Management from SUNY Empire State and is the purchasing director for Genesee County.
Board Vice President is Liz Farmer has a Bachelor of Science degree from Houghton College, and a Master of Science degree from Robert’s Wesleyan College. She is a Human Resources consultant for Employer Services Corporation (ESC), and an adjunct professor at her two alma maters.
The YW’s treasurer is Linda Rost, who has a Master of Science degree in Education from SUNY Geneseo. Rost worked with both the YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County and the YWCA of Central Massachusetts, and is retired from Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.
Serving as secretary to the Board is Lucille DiSanto. With a master's degree in Special Education, SUNY Binghamton, and an Education Administration Degree from Canisius College, DiSanto was a schoolteacher for 28 years, teaching the last 20 years for Batavia City Schools. She is now a substitute teacher for the district, and a member of the Zonta Club of Batavia, where she began the Z-Club of Batavia High School eight years ago.
Ruth Andes has also joined the Board as a director. Andes has a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, SUNY Buffalo; Master of Science in Sociology, Southern Illinois University, PhD. in Sociology, University of Hawaii at Manoa. She was a professor of Sociology and Human Services for more than years at Genesee Community College, and was the assistant dean for Assessment and Special Projects for 10 years, also at GCC.
And, its newest director, Lorie Longhany, is a graduate of Le Roy High School. She taught Art at Holy Family School and St. Mary’s School, and is a self-employed art instructor working with diverse adult populations. Longhany is a member of the NYS Democratic Committee and the elected Genesee County Board of Elections commissioner.
The Board of Directors and its dedicated staff will continue to work on strategic planning and fiscal growth, so that it can continue to provide sustainable programs that foster healthy living for women and families in Genesee County communities.
There will be various fundraisers throughout the coming year. Currently the YWCA is running a Cash Raffle with prize money totaling $10,000. Tickets are sold at the YWCA, and by staff and board members. The drawing will be on Dec. 6th, at T.F. Brown’s Restaurant.
A larger fundraiser will be the “YWCA Spring Fest” at Batavia Downs on Sunday, June 9th. This will consist of 130 artisans, crafters, artists, direct sales vendors and food vendors. There will be face painting, people making balloon animals, pony rides and games for the children. Proceeds will go toward the YW’s Domestic Violence Program.
For more information on its programs and services, or fundraising activities, please call the YWCA at (585) 343-5808.
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced nearly $6 million in funding will be injected into six, much-needed bridge and culvert repairs in Genesee, Orleans and Monroe counties as part of the BRIDGE-NY program that was a component of last year’s state budget.
A recent study by CNBC ranked New York’s infrastructure as some of the worst in the nation, with 10.5 percent of bridges ranked as deficient and 60 percent of roads classified as in poor or mediocre condition.
“I am very pleased to see our hard-fought victory for more upstate infrastructure funding is finally yielding tangible results,” Hawley said. “At a time when too many lawmakers set their sights on funneling more and more of our resources to fix downstate calamities like the MTA and LaGuardia Airport, it is more important than ever to focus on addressing upstate’s needs and that starts with our deficient roads, bridges and highways.
"Rest assured, maintaining the longevity of programs like BRIDGE-NY, PAVE-NY and increasing CHIPs funding will be among my top priorities come next year’s session.”
A list of BRIDGE-NY projects in the 139th Assembly District is as follows:
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