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Voters in the Le Roy Fire District are being asked this evening to decide whether to approve a plan to purchase a new ladder truck for the Le Roy Volunteer Fire Department.

The polls are open from 6 to 9 p.m. at the district office, 4 Clay St., Le Roy.

The district is asking voters to approve a loan of $1 million, an expenditure of $400,000 from reserve funds, and the sale of an existing ladder truck.

The two resolutions:

Resolution  1: “Bond resolution of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Le Roy Fire District in the Town of Le Roy, Genesee County, New York, authorizing the acquisition of one firefighting vehicle at a maximum cost of $1,400,000; and authorizing the issuance of up to $1,000,000 in serial bonds of said fire district to finance a portion of the cost thereof.”

Resolution 2: “Resolution of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Le Roy Fire District  in the Town of Le Roy, Genesee County, New York, authorizing the disposition of the fire district’s 2002 Pierce 100-foot ladder truck  including incidental equipment and apparatuses to be used in connection with such vehicle.”

In a letter of support for the resolutions, commissioners said now is the time to act because of anticipated increases in the costs of manufacturing, additional mandated certificates, and economic conditions that will drive up the cost of replacement of the current ladder truck.

At the same time, the resale market value of the existing truck, which will be 18 years old by the time it is taken out of service, will only decrease. 

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department during the G-Eazy Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Friday.

Terrance L. Falk, 19, of Watson Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct, harassment, 2nd, and resisting arrest after allegedly yelling several obscenities around other individuals while being ejected from the concert venue causing a disturbance; head-butting a Live Nation employee in the face; and fighting with law enforcement while being placed under arrest. Falk was arraigned in Darien Town Court and jailed in lieu of $500 bail. 

A 16-year-old of Audubon Drive, Amherst, is charged with false personation, obstructing governmental administration, and resisting arrest after allegedly being refused entry into the concert venue, running into a restricted area, fighting with law enforcement while being placed under arrest, and then giving a false name to law enforcement. The youth was arraigned in Darien Town Court and jailed in lieu of $2,000 bail.

Kaitlyn M. Kist, 19, South Creek Road, Derby, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. Kist was arraigned in Darien Town Court and jailed in lieu of $200 bail.

Brittany J. McGruther, 22, of Lower Mountain Road, Lockport, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. Brittany was arraigned in Darien Town Court and jailed in lieu of $200 bail.

Michaela R. Bohn, 18, of Clinton Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, after allegedly being found in possession of a small quantity of cocaine and heroin.

A 17-year-old of South Main Street, of Angola, is charged with trespass after allegedly climbing on top of a concession stand and entering a restricted area.

Adam L. Vargas, 20, of Coleman Street, Barker, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

A 17-year-old of South Union Road, of Williamsville, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

John J. Rozmus, 23, of Laird Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with disorderly conduct for allegedly yelling several obscenities around other individuals trying to enter the concert venue, causing a disturbance.

Kaylin M. Carlson, 19, of Route 64, Bloomfield, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly punching another individual in the face.

Timothy D, Trask, 19, of Wilkinson Road, Erin, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly pushing and shoving law enforcement while being ejected from the concert venue.

Ashley R. Jolliff, 22, of Lowell Road, Tonawanda, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly shoving a law enforcement officer while another individual was being arrested.

Able Nazareem Supreme Jones, 18, of Falls Street, Seneca Falls, is charged with unlawful possession of marihuana after allegedly being found in possession of a small quantity of marijuana.

(Name redacted upon request), 19, of Woodmore Court, Lockport, is charged with unlawful possession of marihuana after allegedly being found in possession of a small quantity of marihuana.

Cornelius Lawson III, 21, of Middle Street, Geneva, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a small quantity of marijuana.

Morganville United Church of Christ Pastor James Morasco, above, will conduct a special service next month to bless animals. 

Submitted photo and press release:

In recognition of the relationship and love between people and their pets the Morganville United Church of Christ invites all to bring their pets (or a photo) to our special 10 a.m. service on Sunday, Sept. 16, for them to receive God’s blessing.

Each pet blessed will receive a Certificate of Blessing from Pastor James Morasco. Pets need to be on a leash or safely in your care.

Animal blessing services were started as a result of Saint Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures. He is the patron saint of ecologists – honoring his love of animals and nature.

Refreshments and fellowship will follow the service.

The church is located at 8466 Morganville Road in Stafford.

For more information, contact Pastor Jim at 585-813-7416 or jmorasco@rochester.rr.com

Press release:

Don’t miss out! Spots for the GLOW’s 2018 Household Hazardous/Pharmaceutical Waste Collection Event are going fast.

Residents who want to dispose of materials at the Saturday, Sept. 15 collection in Rock Glen, Wyoming County, must have an appointment in order to attend.

GLOW accepts a wide range of household chemicals, oil base paint, propane tanks and canisters, vehicle batteries and other materials. The collections are open to residents in Genesee, Livingston and Wyoming Counties.

For the ninth year, thanks to the assistance of the Wyoming County Sheriff’s office, pharmaceuticals (unwanted, outdated, unusable and over-the-counter medicines) will be accepted. These materials are accepted FREE OF CHARGE. There is a nominal fee for tires.

Funding is provided by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), GLOW’s County contributions and Covanta Energy.

Instead of accepting electronics at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection, as GLOW has done for many years, this year GLOW will hold a separate Electronics Collection, two weeks later on Sept. 29 at the Wyoming County Highway Department, located at 4328 Route 19 South, in Rock Glen.

It will run from 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. on a first come, first served basis. Due to the cost of disposal there will be a limit of four CRT (tube type) TVs and/or monitors. As long as it is from a household, there is no limit on other electronic equipment. Contact the GLOW office for a complete list of acceptable items.

This is a great opportunity for residents to dispose of household chemicals and medicines they no longer want or need. Past collections have resulted in the safe and legal disposal of thousands of tires, thousands of gallons of solvents, cleaning products and paint, not to mention vehicle batteries, propane tanks and computers. Whenever possible materials collected are recycled.

To make an appointment residents are asked to call the GLOW office at 585/815-7906 or 800/836-1154. Or email glow@co.genesee.ny.us

An odor of natural gas is reported at Arby's in Batavia.

At least one person reports feeling ill.

City Fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 1:47 p.m.: National Fuel on location.

UPDATE 2 p.m.: City Fire is turning the scene over to National Fuel and is going back in service. Mercy EMS has five sign-offs.

Bergen Mayor Anna Marie Barclay has “put her foot where her mouth is,” so to speak.

After years of seeking grants for downtown revitalization and urging business owners to spruce up their properties, the mayor and her husband David have purchased one of Bergen’s downtown buildings and begun renovation.

“We decided it was our turn to give downtown a boost,” Anna Marie said.

The building on the southwest corner of South Lake Street and Buffalo Street is on the National Register of Historic Places, as is most of downtown Bergen. The first thing the Barclays did after becoming owners was to contact the Landmark Society for the name of an architect familiar with historic buildings. They were referred to architect Rick Hauser, of Perry.

Until two years ago, the building housed Grace Baptist Church, until the owners took it back by default.

The Barclays purchased it in June and had to do a site plan for a change of use.

Anna Marie said the inside of the building is in pretty good shape, so they are going to work on the outside first.

The Barclays already have a potential tenant who wants to set up his studio upstairs, artist David Burke. Burke painted the murals on the back wall of the Byron-Bergen Public Library and the old fire hall.

Anna Marie said the village has applied for a Main Street grant at least 10 times and was turned down. She isn’t giving up, however, and has submitted another application this year. She is optimistic about their chances this year, as she said they had more input from building owners than in the past.

“We also have a technical grant under our belt, which allowed us to do drawings of our facades,” she said.

If they get the Main Street grant, it would include all the buildings on the west side of the street from the Masons’ building north to the railroad tracks, except the Tully Building, which houses village offices and has been restored.

“Getting the grant would be a plus, but even if we don’t, there are two buildings downtown that will have considerable work done on them,” Barclay said, referring to her building and the one across the corner being restored by Phillip and Brette-Ashley Wilcox.

Photo: Bergen Mayor Anna Marie Barclay and her husband David have purchased this building in Downtown Bergen, across from the village offices. Workmen have already begun restoration. Photo by Virginia Kropf.

Press release:

"After a great deal of reflection, and consultation with my family, friends, and community over the last several days, I am removing myself from consideration in the search to find a replacement candidate for the 27th Congressional District. I’m not giving up this opportunity lightly, but the decision is easier because there are so many other qualified candidates. These last few weeks have been a whirlwind. It has been an honor to have been asked by so many to consider a run for Congress.

"The chairmen and chairwomen who will make this very important decision have been thrust into unchartered waters and a very difficult situation. They have taken their responsibilities seriously and have been very thoughtful and deliberative. No other group of individuals is better able to handle this challenge. I want to commend those who have answered the call. Many are my friends, some are my colleagues, and each would make an exceptional member of Congress. Each has strengths and weaknesses which have to be carefully weighed by the chairs charged with finding a solution.

"These last few weeks have been quite an experience for which I am grateful and will always remember. I wish the eight chairs Godspeed as they work their way through this process. All candidates seeking to become the next Congressional Representative are to be commended for accepting this challenge. I wish them good luck and will wholeheartedly support whoever is chosen.

"It was an honor to have been asked by so many to consider this opportunity. I am blessed with the opportunity to serve the residents of Erie, Genesee and Monroe counties and look forward to continuing to represent them in the New York State Senate." 
 

Press release:

It looked like a trackside racing crowd from the 1960s at Batavia Downs as a gathering of more than 4,000 people jammed the stands and the apron to watch the 14th annual “Dachshund Dash” on a beautiful late summer Sunday afternoon (Aug. 26). The Wiener Dog Races were the centerpiece of Batavia Downs Family Fun Day presentation.  

Eighty dogs were programmed to compete in 10 heats with one winner from each advancing to the final. And after several close finishes, three romps and one runaway dog, “Louie” nosed out “Jasper” in a photo finish with “Dexter Tyberius” finishing a close third in the championship heat.

Louie is owned by Bruce Hummel, of Pittsford, and quickly became a fan favorite in the Purple Haze winner’s circle after the race.

All those who entered received doggie bags courtesy of Genesee Feeds of Batavia, the official sponsor of the race. The owners of all heat winners received $25 in gaming Free Play and the top three finishers in the championship race received two Clubhouse buffet certificates and $100, $75 and $50 (first through third) in Free Play for the gaming floor. The top winner’s total prize package including the gaming Free Play is valued at $200.

Photos by Howard Owens.

A one-vehicle rollover accident is reported in Stafford on Route 237, south of Route 33. The vehicle is leaking gasoline; no one is inside or around the vehicle. Stafford fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

It was a near capacity crowd at The Ridge NY in Le Roy last night for Travis Tritt.

Co-owner David Luetticke-Archbell said both VIP tickets and the campground were sold out. Once the Frostridge Campground sold out, he started referring customers to other campgrounds in the county and three other campgrounds sold out.

He doesn't have an exact ticket count yet but he said it may have been the largest crowd ever for a concert at The Ridge.

Last night's sunset looking down East Main Street, Batavia.

Genesee Community College's History Club will begin its fall lecture series on Wednesday, Sept. 5, when Kevin R. Pawlak speaks on "The Jewels of War: Robert E. Lee, George B. McClellan and the Battle of Antietam."

The free lecture will take place at 7 p.m. in Room T102 in the Conable Technology Building at GCC's Batavia Campus, located at One College Road. All are invited.

The History Club will host a lecture on the first Wednesday evening of every month this fall as part of its Historical Horizons Lecture Series. 

Pawlak is the author of "Shepardstown in the Civil War."

The Battle of Antietam is America's bloodiest single day. In totality, 12 hours of fighting on Sept. 17, 1862 left approximately 23,000 casualties. During this lecture, Pawlak will assess the dramatic events of the Civil War battle from the unique perspective of the commanders on the field.

(Photo of author Kevin R. Pawlak, courtesy of GCC.)

Women of the Moose in Le Roy will host a Pig Roast to benefit the YWCA of Genesee County from 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29, at the Loyal Order of Moose No. 1132, located at 21 Bank St. in Le Roy.

Open to the public.

There will be basket raffles, prize raffles, and 50/50. Also, the YWCA will be on hand selling their cash raffle tickets for a chance at the Grand Prize of $10,000. Only 200 tickets at $100 apiece will be sold for the Grand Prize. Drawing will be held Dec. 6.

Food: roasted pork, salt potatoes, macaroni salad, corn on the cob, baked beans, roll and butter, dessert. All you can eat; includes a bottle of water. Cash bar. No take-out containers will be provided for in-house dining.

Price: Adults -- $12; Kids 11 and older -- $7; Kids 10 and under eat free.

Tickets available at the Le Roy Moose Lodge or at the YWCA, 301 North St., Batavia; or by calling Martha Bailey at 261-0714.

All proceeds benefit the YWCA of Genesee County to help with the important work they do in our community.

The 71st annual Batavia Gun and Sportsman Show, sponsored by the Alabama Hunt Club, will be held the weekend of Sept. 15 and 16 at Quality Inn & Suites in Batavia. There will be more than 100 vendor and exhibitor tables and plenty of free parking.

Hours on Saturday are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The hotel is located at 8250 Park Road and features a restaurant and a water park.

Admission is $6. Children under 12 get in free when accompanied by adult.

Exhibitors will bring items for collectors, including antiques and investment firearms, swords and knives, Revolutionary War to World War II militaria, plus books, traps, pistols, gun parts, ammo and hunting accessories, black powder accessories, reloading equipment, archery, medals and more.

The public is urged to participate by bringing items to sell or trade with dealers.

Note: All Firearm Laws MUST Be Obeyed.

A national instant criminal background check, which is free, MUST be completed prior to all firearm sales.

Exhibitors/dealers may only set up Friday, Sept. 14, from 1 to 7:30 p.m. or Saturday, Sept. 15, from 7 to 8 a.m.

No dealing is authorized out of autos, trucks or in the parking areas.

Exhibit tables require a $40 deposit per table and are available on a first-come basis. (Cancellations will be charged a $25 fee per table.) You must received a confirmation card in order to get a table(s).

(Editor's note: On Sept. 21, 2019, personal contact information for this event's organizer was redacted upon request of that organizer; and the request was granted because the information is no longer relevant.)

A caller reports smoke coming from under the porch and possibly from the basement of a residence at 5 Franklin St., Batavia.

The occupants have been advised to evacuate. 

City fire dispatched.

UPDATE 10:25 p.m.: Fire contained to the porch, smoldering right now.

UPDATE 10:31 p.m.: Fire is out. Overhauling.

An 80-year-old resident of Medina was pronounced dead at the scene Friday evening of a two-car accident at the intersection of Pearl Street Road and Wortendyke Road, Batavia.

The investigation so far indicates that Irene B. Cichocki was driving a 2018 Kia Sportage westbound on Route 33 when it was hit broadside by a 2016 Honda Pilot that was southbound on Wortendyke Road.

The Pilot was driven by Lauren D. Power, 17, of Scotch Plains, N.J.

Power reportedly told investigators she was unfamiliar with the area and did not see the stop sign on Wortendyke.

Power, along with her passengers, suffered minor injuries and were transported to Strong Memorial Hospital for evaluation and treatment. Her passengers were Marianna D. Ban, of Hamlin, Sophia E. Buono, of Rochester, and Justin R. Barnard, of Rochester.

The investigation indicates that after Power's Pilot hit Cichocki's SUV, the Sportage overturned multiple times and came to rest in a grassy area on the south side of Pearl Street Road.

Neither alcohol nor drugs are considered a factor in the accident.

Power was issued a citation for alleged failure to stop at a stop sign.

The cause of the accident is officially still under investigation.

The investigation is being conducted by Undersheriff Gregory Walker, Sgt. Andrew Hale, Investigator James Diehl, Investigator Joseph Loftus, Deputy Kyle Krzemien. Trooper Brackett assisted at the scene along with Mercy EMS, East Pembroke fire, and Town of Batavia fire, and L & L Towing.

A car has reportedly hit a pole in the area of 7921 Hopkins Road, Pembroke, and the pole is down and blocking the roadway.

Unknown injuries.

Pembroke fire and Indian Falls fire dispatched along with Mercy EMS.

UPDATE 1:33 p.m.: The accident is just inside Alabama's district. Alabama fire being dispatched. Indian Falls chief on scene advised Alabama to come in from Sand Hill Road. Pole is completely sheared off, blocking the road, wires are down. Both occupants are out of the vehicle and walking. One ambulance should be sufficient.

Michelle Ann Case, now 50, and twice convicted of stealing money from her former employer, HomeCare & Hospice, has yet to pay back any of the more than $14,000 she took by falsifying business records.

The former Bergen resident was back in County Court today for a restitution hearing, which consisted primarily of her attorney, Public Defender Jerry Ader, and District Attorney Lawrence Friedman providing Judge Charles Zambito reams -- one of the four folders was three-inches thick -- of reading material.

The folders contained trial transcripts, transcripts of the 2012 restitution hearing, and documentation of the falsified reports.

By law, Case will be required to pay at least $3,000, the amount specified by the language of the statute in penal law she violated, but only a judge, after reviewing evidence, can order a defendant to pay more than that statutory amount.

Legal troubles for Case go back to at least 2010 when she was arrested and accused of stealing more than $35,000 from two elderly patients. Those charges were dismissed with no explanation from Judge Robert C. Noonan and the case files were sealed.

In 2011, Case was arrested again, this time accused of submitting false claims for hours worked and miles driven to HomeCare & Hospice. She was convicted March 1, 2012, and sentenced to four months in jail and probation.

Nearly two years later, an appeals court overturned her conviction and ordered a new trial.

The jury again returned a guilty verdict in July 2014.

At her sentencing in August 2014, Case told Noonan, she had done nothing wrong and said the real criminals were the executives at HomeCare & Hospice.

"These rules were new and used retroactively to make my legitimate paid time into unpaid time in an attempt by Hospice to claim I stole from them and in effect steal themselves," Case said. "They then fraudulently submitted their so-called losses to insurance and filed a false report to the police."

Noonan sentenced Case to probation.

But that left the matter of restitution unresolved. 

Friedman argued that there had already been a restitution hearing on the same facts and Case had been ordered to pay $14,000 in restitution. An appeals court saw it differently and ordered a new restitution hearing. Fortunately, Friedman said, it was unnecessary this time to call all the witnesses in again. The transcripts are all Zambito needs to review the case and render a decision.

Zambito will review the documents over, at least, the next 30 days, perhaps longer, before issuing a decision.