A vehicle fire is reported by the Thruway Authority in the area of mile marker 401.8 with a person still inside the vehicle.
Flames reportedly showing.
Pembroke Fire and Indian Fall Fire dispatched.
It's possible that the person doesn't even realize the vehicle is on fire. There is no indication the person is disabled or that the fire is the result of an accident.
UPDATE 12:09 p.m.: Pembroke and Indian Falls back in service. Unfounded.
Statement from Craig Yunker, CEO of CY Farms and a former county legislator:
Proposal #1 on the Nov. 6th ballot authorizes extending the terms of Genesee County legislators from two to four years with staggered terms. I served on the Legislature for 13 years. As the former Chair of the Genesee County Legislature I strongly support this proposal.
The learning curve for a new legislator is a minimum of two to three years. To expect new legislators to be competent in two years is unreasonable. For example, capital projects extend over years and losing legislators is a deterrent to their successful completion. Staggered terms that are included in this proposal diminishes the possibility of a complete turnover in one year. Such a turnover would likely result in a period of less effectiveness of the legislature during the ramp up as the newly elected body find their sea legs. The cost of running elections is not a trivial matter. This proposal has the potential to reduce election expenses for the county.
Political parties have difficulty recruiting candidates for public office. Not having to campaign, with the related expense, every two years will make the positions more attractive to the kind of candidates that want to be effective at running the county instead of playing politics.
Most towns and villages have recognized these issues and extended the terms for elected officials to four years. No significant negatives for this proposal have been presented and there are many other positives. So I ask your support for Proposal 1.
Renee Smart, owner of Moon Java Cafe on Harvester Avenue, talked during a women-in-business meeting hosted by the Mancuso Business Development Group at her coffee shop last night.
The gathering was a chance for local women business owners to meet and share their experiences and how they took their businesses from concept to reality. The hope is that other women might be inspired to open local businesses.
Bev Mancuso, background in the top photo, led the discussion.
Diana Kastenbaum, owner of Pinnacle Manufacturing in Batavia.
Kim Argenta, whose business, Art Ah La Carte, is in its 10th year.
Once again, more than 400 cancer survivors and friends turned out at Batavia Downs for UMMC's annual Pink Hatters dinner.
The annual event, started more than 15 years ago, honors those who have survived cancer, primarily breast cancer, and supports those facing cancer and their friends and families.
The guest speakers this year included Lisa Lavrey, a physical therapist who spoke about lymphedema and reducing risks and managing symptoms, and Debbie Weiss, a cancer survivor.
The event also included vendors and a basket raffle.
A former Batavia resident who was arrested on drug dealing charges in August of 2017 will be allowed to miss his County Court date for sentencing because it will conflict with federal prosecution he's facing in Maine.
Until recently, local authorities were unsure where Quintin L. Spinks, 34, had gone. He was located in a federal detention facility in Maine where he faces an indictment involving other individual accused of dealing drugs and trafficking in weapons.
Spinks, in the federal indictment, is named in only count one of the indictments, for conspiracy to distribute a mixture of heroin and cocaine.
Attorney Thomas Burns told Judge Charles Zambito in County Court today, where Spinks appeared, escorted by state corrections officers, that his client sought a delay in sentencing for "strategic" reasons related to his pending federal case and a pending case in Monroe County.
While the delay might help his other cases, it may mean he can't make it back for his sentencing once those cases are resolved, so today he waived his appearance for his eventual sentencing. He will allow Burns to accept a sentencing on his behalf.
How the delay might help Spinks with his federal case was not discussed in open court.
Under a plea agreement, he can expect a prison term of under two years but there is no cap on his post-release supervision. He will also be required to pay the standard fines and make a $200 restitution to the county before he is sentenced.
He was arrested by the Local Drug Task Force on two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd.
He was arrested by federal authorities in Maine in June. His co-defendants are Rashaad McKinney, Deondray Warren, Sharoz Haywood, and Demario Boler. All face drug charges but McKinney and Warren also face federal weapons charges for making straw purchases of firearms -- buying guns using a fake name.
No date was sent for Spinks to be sentenced.
A person is apparently chasing a bike-theft suspect northbound on Walnut Street, Batavia.
There's no description of the bike thief.
UPDATE 8:43 p.m.: Police are out with the original caller on Walnut Street. No word on the bike thief.
UPDATE 8:48 p.m.: The suspect was last seen westbound on Main Street riding a pink and purple Roadmaster 10-speed.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! You have a right to safe workplace. Federal laws state that your employer must provide a work area with no known health or safety hazards. You also have the right to:
Call Dolce Panepinto at 716-852-1888 immediately. We understand how life altering a work injury can be, and we are here to help.
Photo of two additional dogs that Welch had. Both are at the county animal shelter.
Suspected puppy abuser Brandon Welch made his first court appearance yesterday afternoon since his arrest Oct. 18.
The 23-year-old, who lives in an apartment on East Main Street in the city, was granted bail at his preliminary hearing.
It was requested by his private counsel, Frank Ciardi, on the misdemeanor charges of falsely reporting an incident in the third degree (for claiming he found the starving puppy); torturing/injuring/not feeding an animal; and owning/harboring an unlicensed dog.
Ciardi, whose criminal defense practice is based in Rochester, advocated his client's suitability for bail by noting that Welch has no criminal history, he's lived here two years and was employed in Churchville at the time of his arrest.
To Ciardi's right stood his diminutive client, silent and stoop shouldered; shackled and wearing orange jail uniform, with his head nearly shorn bald and his brown beard neatly trimmed.
City Court Judge Robert Balbick set Welch's bail at $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond, which was not opposed by First Assistant District Attorney Melissa Cianfrini.
The question of bail for the Class D felony charge of making a terroristic threat was deemed null and void after two witnesses could not get here in time to testify. The charge was brought after investigators learned that the defendant allegedly said he would shoot the next cop who came to his home.
Two female witnesses were to be served with orders of protection from Welch, subpoenaed and brought from the "other side of the state" to Batavia to testify about the threat they allege Welch made against law enforcement. That failed to happen by 11:30 a.m. yesterday.
As of the day before -- Tuesday afternoon -- Welch's case was docketed for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. Yet the pair of witnesses was apparently scheduled to give statements earlier -- in the morning -- and the deadline could not be met.
The first district attorney said not only were orders of protection requested, and subpeonas sought, but the people requested all of Welch's firearms to be turned over; she was concerned that only two of three known weapons were recovered in Welch's apartment by law enforcement after they got a search warrant.
Judge Balbick said there was no order on file concerning the firearms.
Cianfrini said she had supporting depositions showing that the defense was asked to turn over all weapons and ammunition.
"He freely handed over the weapons he had there," replied Ciardi.
But a third weapon, a rifle which Cianfrini referred to as a "30-'ott'-6" -- which is a caliber, a size of cartridge (.30-06) that is used in various kinds of weapons and is powerful enough to take down a moose -- was not recovered.
The rifle and ammo were missing and a rifle case was "found empty," she said, adding that this made the people uncomfortable because Welch had been seen in possession of the rifle.
Ciardi then asked: "Why would he turn over two weapons and not all three?"
He added that if Welch is released -- he makes bail -- he will advise him to turn over all weapons.
An emaciated 9.2-pound pit bull mix pup now known as "Opal" was brought to Batavia Police after it was found in Stafford Oct. 4. A tipster later led police to Welch.
Three other animals in his care were subsequently seized from Welch's home: a bearded dragon lizard, which, like Opal, is now in foster care; and two other mixed breed dogs, which Welch told Judge Balbick are part boxer and part German shephard, respectively. The canines appear healthy, albeit lean, and are at the shelter. They have an eager-to-please, energetic disposition.
Under Article 26 of the state Agriculture and Markets Law, the shelter is eligible to be reimbursed at a rate of $10 per animal per day for any seized animal in its custody, plus vet bills. Vet bills in Welch's case to date stand at $837.38 and counting.
The bond application sought was for more than $4,500, according to Animal Control.
Because Welch forfeited ownership of all four creatures, repayment for costs incurred and vet bills will not be sought and the security bond application was vacated.
Welch's next city court date is 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 30, for discovery on the misdemeanor counts and pre-trial motions.
Inset photo above right: This is an example of the kind of lizard -- a bearded dragon lizard -- Welch kept before relinquishing ownership Wednesday. It is not a picture of the one that belonged to Welch.
Press release:
Nate McMurray, Democrat and Working Families Party candidate in NY-27, was joined today by Vice President Joe Biden at The Olive Tree Restaurant, where the two greeted voters and talked about McMurray’s campaign for Congress.
Former Vice President Biden is the most high-profile leader to stump for McMurray, who has been gaining momentum as two recent polls showed a virtual dead heat following the incumbent Chris Collins’ indictment.
“I grew up with people very similar to the residents of this district, not that far from here,” said former Vice President Biden. “Hardworking middle-class families who just want leaders who understand their challenges and work to make their lives better. It’s about creating jobs that the working families of New York can live on. Making sure their kids have safe streets and good schools, and the opportunity for a decent life.
"Folks here put country before party because they know that it’s the right thing to do. And that’s why I’m proud to support Nate because he’ll fight for those families, every day, and give them the kind of Representative they deserve.
“Vice President Biden is a prime example of a leader who has dedicated his life to serving our country and always standing up for working and middle-class families like ours. It’s an honor to have his support,” McMurray said.
With less than two weeks to go, McMurray’s campaign has generated excitement across New York and the country as he takes on the indicted incumbent Chris Collins. Last week, the race was added to the DCCC’s “Red to Blue” list as two polls confirmed that it is neck-and-neck.
A vehicle rollover accident with serious injuries is reported at Byron and Griswold Road in Stafford. Stafford Fire Department and Le Roy ambulance are responding. Byron ambulance is also called.
UPDATE 4:41 p.m.: Four people were injured -- two people each in two vehicles -- and all were taken to area hospitals. This was not a rollover accident. Preliminary indications are that a silver SUV was traveling on Griswold Road and it failed to stop at the intersection with Byron Road, hitting a black SUV head-on. The most serious injury -- a compound ankle fracture -- was suffered by the passenger of the silver SUV. Two Mercy rigs and one ambulance each from Bryon and Le Roy responded. The investigation is pending.
Press release:
On Saturday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Genesee County law enforcement agencies and the Drug Enforcement Administration will give the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.
Bring your pills for disposal to:
Only pills and other solids, like patches, can be brought to the collection sites — liquids and needles or other sharps will not be accepted. The service is free and anonymous; no questions asked.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows year after year that the majority of misused and abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including someone else’s medication being stolen from the home medicine cabinet.
In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines — flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash— both pose potential safety and health hazards.
Ronnie L. Calloway, 24, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, is charged with third-degree assault. He was arrested on Oct. 23 after city police responded to 22 Hutchins Place. He was jailed on $2,500 bail and was due in Batavia City Court this morning (Oct. 25). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.
Renee L. Sweet, 36, of Prestige Crossing, Batavia, and Danielle E. Winter, 29, of Park Street, Alden, were arrested at 1:58 p.m. on Oct. 20 on East Main Street in Batavia and charged with disorderly conduct. They were allegedly observed by two Batavia Police officers engaging in a physical altercation outside. They are due in Batavia City Court on Oct. 30. Sweet's case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins. Winter's case was handled by Officer Perkins, assisted by Officer Cowen.
Thomas Allen Griffin, 31, of Ellicott Place, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested Oct. 22 after allegedly violating a stay-away order of protection at 12:06 p.m. on Oct. 20 by being at the residence of the protected party. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Oct. 30. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.
Katty Lee Jackson, 22, of East Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for failing to appear in court on a ticket for criminal trespass. She was arraigned, then released on her own recognizance and is due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 8. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.
Harry R. Silliman, 54, homeless, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt for an alleged violation of a court order. At 4:57 p.m. on Oct. 19, Silliman was arrested for allegedly violating an order of protection. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed in lieu of $1,000 bail. He was due back in court on Oct. 22. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kyle Krtanik, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.
From the NYS Police:
Every October and November, Troopers handle an increased number of vehicles collisions striking deer in Troop A-Western New York. Operators should use caution around dusk and dawn.
If you are operating a vehicle and a deer enters the roadway do NOT attempt to swerve. When an operator swerves to avoid a deer, the vehicle is more likely to strike another vehicle or exit the roadway striking trees or utility poles.
If you strike a deer, remain at the scene and call 9-1-1. An accident report can be completed by Troopers if your vehicle has more than $1,000 in damage or if an involved person has been injured.
NYSP Troop A stats for car/deer collisions
September 2017 -- 83 collisions
October 2017 -- 181 collisions
November 2017 -- 314 collisions
2017 total collisions -- 1,412
August 2018 -- 60 collisions
September 2018 -- 103 collisions
To Oct. 24th, 2018 -- 130 collisions
2018 total collisions up to Oct. 24 -- 1,023
Submitted photo and press release:
The St. Jerome Guild Inc., annual "Noel Nook" will take place at The Jerome Center at 16 Bank St., Batavia, on Friday, Nov. 2, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 3, from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. All customers will enjoy a 10-percent discount on the entire order (some exclusions apply).
The Guild, a not-for-profit volunteer organization has been serving the healthcare community for decades and recently celebrated a 100-year jubilee. The Guild operates the Jerome Center Gift Shop at the Bank Street site.
Enjoy punch and cookies and browse our new Christmas and holiday items in the Shop and in the enormous "Nook" room of Snowbabies, Jim Shore figurines, Santas, snowmen, crystal ornaments, crystal candle holders, angels, elegant glittered trees, and glittered ornaments in pastels; holiday wreaths and sprays, hundreds of additional ornaments plus primitive art of tin and wood; bird houses, canvas art, throws, centerpieces, battery-operated candles, candle warmers, night lights.
We also carry a popular variety of walking sticks. Gift cards are available.
‘Tis the season to wear customer favorites of stylish ponchos and shawls, woven caplets, fur-trimmed hats, gorgeous scarves, and headbands. We are featuring a new line of jewelry, petite Ginger Snaps, which are interchangeable with each piece of jewelry and come in a variety of colors, shapes, and stones. We continue to carry our selection of purses, wristlets, and wallets.
Our reasonably priced "Jerome Collection" includes rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces sets, some with semiprecious stones, and a wide assortment of watches, and children’s jewelry.
Another new line, "Warm Buddy" of natural heat therapy warm-up plush animals, and spa comforts of essential oils, aromatherapy eye pillow, shoulder wrap, and anti-stress spa mist. You will find gorgeous baby jackets, tummy blankets, bibs, banks, picture frames, milestone items, and a variety of children's toys and additional plush animals.
If you like Giftology then you will find bar accessories of unusual wine stoppers, "Pilsner Chillers," eclectic and metal wine caddies depicting doctors, golfers, nurses, firefighters, musicians, athletes, and gardeners. If you like Anthropologie then you will love our home goods including written expressions of wall and counter art, kitchen towels, spatula sets, mugs and aprons. We continue to carry Stonewall jams and sauces.
The St. Jerome Guild Inc., has fulfilled pledges of more than $100,000 to the UMMC facilities expansions and initiatives, and supports the UMMC Foundation projects as a major sponsor.
Last spring, the annual fashion show and basket raffle proceeds were used to purchase four neonatal bassinets from the hospital wish list. For decades the Guild offers to UMMC employees who are pursuing their educational careers, an annual Health Professional Scholarship.
Children who visit the Jerome Center Urgent Care are comforted with plush animals. The Guild sponsors the Jerome Center Annual Employee Recognition Day to thank employees for their efforts serving the community. Guild members donate thousands of volunteer hours working at the Shop and for UMMC events, including the Teddy Bear Clinic.
St. Jerome Gift Shop business hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. - noon, managed and operated only by Guild volunteers.
New members are welcome to join the Guild throughout the year. Members attend regular monthly meetings that include a program and guest speakers. The Guild manages a monthly lottery and the community is invited to participate.
Press release:
In conjunction with Halloween festivities, local law enforcement will participate in a special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving from Oct. 30 until Nov. 4.*
Genesee County STOP-DWI coordinator Matt Landers announced today that the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Batavia Police Department and the Village of Le Roy Police Department will participate in the crackdown.
Halloween is meant to be scary, but not when it comes to driving. When it comes to drunk driving Halloween can turn the roads into a horror fest. While we spend time trick or treating and hosting parties with our loved ones, law enforcement officers across New York State will take to the roads in an effort to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives.
New York State Police, County Sheriff and municipal law enforcement agencies across the state will be out in force.
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.
The STOP-DWI Halloween 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 Thanksgiving and 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 Halloween Weekend!
*Editor's Note: The dates have been corrected. The original press release contained the wrong dates. The above information is correct.
Press release:
Pro-Trump Reform Party candidate Larry Piegza showed up to the Steve Bannon rally in Elma with a cardboard cutout of Chris Collins dressed in a prison jumpsuit.
"I knew that Collins wasn't going to show his face at the rally, and I wanted people to know exactly how he might be representing our district," Piegza said. "My internal polling shows that Collins has already lost this election.
"The fact is, many people are too moral to vote for someone who has most likely to have broken the law. The only question that remains is if enough people vote for me or if we let the district go to a Democrat."
While police had told Piegza that he must stand with the rest of the protesters, Piegza stated that he doesn't want to be counted as a protester due to the fact that he supports the rest of the Republican ticket.
"I'll be voting down-ballot red this election," Piegza said. "I recommend that others do the same, except obviously for NY -27. Voters are going to have to make a choice on whether they want to vote for a potential criminal in Chris Collins or for an ethical Republican.
You can find out more about Piegza's campaign at FixItLarry.org or hear about him at the upcoming debate at Saint Joe's Collegiate Institute on Oct. 30th or at the League of Women Voters Candidates Forum on Oct. 30th at the Aurora Senior Citizens Center in East Aurora.
Evening Standard: Gene genie: Robert Plomin on his new book exploring how DNA makes us who we are
CBS News: Inside the genetic genealogy being used to solve crimes
New York Post: My ancestry test revealed a genetic bombshell
The Independent: Elizabeth Warren’s DNA test fact check: What journalists got wrong about senator's Native American ancestry
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