Photo and information from Alecia Kaus, of Video News Service.

The three male occupants who crashed into a house on Clay Street in Le Roy in the wee hours this morning were from out of the area, authorities say, but their identities have not yet been released.

The front-seat passsenger died at the scene at 77 Clay St., and the driver and back-seat passenger were transported to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, although Le Roy Police Chief Chris Hayward said he's not sure which one of them was taken by Mercy Flight and which by ambulance.

"It's very early in the investigation," Hayward said.

The Crash Management Team arrived shortly after 6 a.m. and code enforcement was there at that time determining whether the house with an upstairs and downstairs apartment was habitable. The downstairs unit was unoccupied. The upstairs tenant was not injured.

The victims who were transported both had severe injuries.

"They were extensive," Hayward said. "I don't really want to specify."

The car -- and Haywood said they could not tell if it was a sedan or a coupe based on looking at the wreckage -- was coming from the south around 3:30 a.m., heading northbound on Route 19 (Clay Street at the crash site), when it failed to negotiate the Wolcott Street curve and smashed into the house.

Photo courtesy of Alecia Kaus, of Video News Service.

A two-vehicle accident is reported, with one of the vehicles crashed into a house at 77 Clay St. in Le Roy. It's in the village between Wolcott and Myrtle streets. Le Roy Fire Department, Le Roy Ambulance Service and Mercy medics are responding. 

A first responder on scene says there are three patients. Mercy Flight out of Batavia is put on standby. Pavilion Fire Department is called for extrication. An ambulance out of Monroe County is requested.

Le Roy Fire Police are going to shut down all northbound traffic on Route 19 at Munson Street.

UPDATE 3:46 a.m.: Le Roy command asks that Route 19 at Route 5 also be shut down.

UPDATE 3:53 a.m.: Serious injuries are possible. The county's Crash Management Team is being called in and along with a code enforcement officer. Mercy Flight is called to the scene. It will land at the Le Roy Ambulance Service base on Tountas Avenue.

UPDATE 3:59 a.m.: Mercy Flight has a 12-minute ETA.

UPDATE 4:05 a.m.: The Mercy Flight landing zone is changed to the area by the middle school field by the bus garage. One patient has been extricated.

UPDATE 4:14 a.m.: Mercy Flight has landed. All patients extricated.

UPDATE 4:16 a.m.: Le Roy medics are transporting one patient to the Mercy Flight helicopter.

UPDATE 4:26 a.m.: Alecia Kaus, of Video News Service, who is at the scene, says: "According to Le Roy Police Chief Hayward, this was a one-vehicle accident. A car lost control at the curve and struck a house. Three males were in the vehicle. One front-seat passenger has died at the scene. The driver and another passenger were transported to Strong Hospital, one via Mercy Flight and one via ambulance."

UPDATE 4:31 a.m.: The gas is being shut off at the house on Clay Street where the crash occurred.

UPDATE 4:34 a.m.: Alecia Kaus says no one inside the house was injured. There was no one in the first-floor apartment at the time of the crash; the second-floor occupants were unharmed.

UPDATE 4:36 a.m.: State DOT will be notified about a traffic sign that will need to be replaced.

UPDATE 4:48 a.m.: Le Roy fire's auxiliary was summoned about 20 minutes ago.

UPDATE 4:53 a.m.: Le Roy ambulance is back in service.

UPDATE 5:48 a.m.: The State Police are in charge of the scene now; the vehicle is covered. A picture(s) of the vehicle involved will be posted later when it becomes available. No more updates anticipated until then.

Tonight Downtown Batavia was buzzing with the smiling faces of participants of the first winter craft beer walk.

Based off of the success of summer's Beertavia, orchestrated by Downtown Batavia’s Business Improvement District, a winter version of the popular event was created.

The FeBREWary Brew Walk appeared successful by an informal survey of attendees and some of the 20 business owners that were open and hosting the craft breweries and cideries.  

Pictures above and directly below from The Yngodess Shop.

Photo below, Charles Men’s Shop

Below, Pollyanna and Dot

Last two photos from Tavern 2.0.1 inside GO ART!

The Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force announced the arrest of three people on Friday morning on Hutchins Street in the City of Batavia.

Arrested were:

• Darius AKA "D" L. Jones, 27, of Dewey Avenue, Rochester, who is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, a Class A misdemeanor;
• Lynda Harris, 59, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, who is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony, and unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation;
• and Jenna M. Morrill, 25, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, who is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, a Class A misdemeanor.

On Feb. 22, the Drug Task Force and the Batavia Emergency Response Team executed a search warrant at a residence on Hutchins Street. Subsequently, Jones was allegedly found in possession of a quantity of fentanyl, crack cocaine and U.S. currency. Harris was allegedly found in possession of a quantity of crack cocaine and marijuana. Morrill was allegedly found to possess a quantity of crack cocaine and she was issued an appearance ticket.

Jones and Harris were arraigned in Batavia City Court. Then Jones was put in Genesee County Jail with no bail and Harris was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

The Drug Task Force is comprised of police officers from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Batavia Police Department and the Le Roy Village Police Department. It investigates the possession, transportation and sale of narcotics locally.

Members were assisted by Batavia police officers, the Batavia Emergency Response Team and the Genesee County District Attorney's Office.

Press release:

The Committee to Elect Judge Rogers is proud to announce that Judge Durin Rogers, Batavia City Court judge, has received the endorsement of the Genesee County Conservative Party for the full-time Batavia City Court position up for election in the fall.

Following the Conservative Party Committee meeting and candidate interviews, the Genesee County Conservative Vice Chairman John Roach said, “We found Judge Rogers to be exceptionally well qualified and he is already a sitting judge—he received the Committee’s unanimous endorsement and we look forward to seeing Judge Rogers on the bench. We encourage all conservative voters to support Judge Rogers throughout the entire process.”

After receiving news of the endorsement, Judge Rogers said, “I am honored to have received the Genesee County Conservative Party’s endorsement for Batavia City Court Judge and I am very thankful for their support. I will continue to work hard for the residents of the City of Batavia.

"As a judge, my commitment is to fairly and impartially apply the law to all of the people of Batavia. Over the coming months, I look forward to talking to the people of Batavia and getting to know them better."  

Judge Rogers’ is now officially endorsed by City of Batavia Republican Committee and the Genesee County Conservative Party. This April will mark Judge Rogers entering his fifth year on the Batavia City Court bench.

Genesee County Health Department Public Health Column

Are you actively taking the necessary steps to live healthy? If not, now is a great time to start if you want to make a difference in the quality and quantity of your life. Take a few moments to learn why your family should register for the FREE Get Fit! Program by March 1.

The Healthy Children and Families Coalition is offering this eight-week family-based program that makes exercising and eating right fun and realistic.

Families who register will also receive a YMCA pass to use the facility in Batavia for free throughout the duration of the program! There are also chances to win prizes throughout the program that further encourage healthy lifestyle choices.

Enroll your family today by visiting www.GetFitWNY.org or calling 585-344-5420!

Classes will be held on Thursdays, 6 to 7:30 p.m. from March 7th -- May 9th at the Pembroke Primary School, 2486 Main Road in East Pembroke, and also at Pembroke Intermediate School, 58 Alleghany Road, Corfu (for two classes only -- March 21 & 28).

There will be no class on April 18th and April 25th. Hurry, limited spots available.

Throughout the program, families will bond together through exercising, sampling healthy food choices, discovering simple and great tasting recipes, as well as learning how to eat right on a budget. Exercising is made fun with different activities each week including yoga, taekwondo, and parachute games.

The Get Fit! Program aims to battle the obesity epidemic locally. Sixty-six percent of adults and 37 percent youth in Genesee County are either overweight or obese.

But the weight problem is nationwide. And being overweight or obese contributes to your risk of developing heart disease. According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause death in the United States. Excess weight, even 10-20 pounds, increases a person’s risk of heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, certain types of cancer and other medical ailments.

According to the Surgeon General, overweight adolescents have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight or obese adults. This increases to 80 percent if one or more parent is overweight or obese. For the first time in history, it is possible for children to have a shorter life span than their parents.

The increased cost of nutritious foods, larger portion sizes, increased consumption of processed foods (typically having higher salt concentrations), and decreased physical activity are the fuel in this out of control “fire.”

The Get Fit! Program is made possible by the Genesee County Health Department, the Genesee County YMCA, Rochester Regional Health at United Memorial Medical Center, the City of Batavia Youth Bureau, Oakfield Family Medical Care, Insight Grants Development, Alexander Central School District, Pembroke Central School District, and the Rotary Club of Batavia.

A power line is down in the roadway at 9131 Creek Road. The location is between Dorman and Lehigh roads. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 12:13 p.m.: City of Batavia Fire Department is called for mutual aid to the incident.

I'm catching a plane for Miami this morning. I'm attending a conference there related to my involvement with Local Independent Online News publishers.

I'll miss the big windstorm but we have people to help Billie with coverage of that event as well as other coverage while I'm out of town, plus I'll be checking in and doing what I can remotely.

On his own Friday night, Colton Dillon outscored the entire Bradford team in a second-round, Class D1 Section V playoff game in Elba.

Dillon scored 31 points and the Lancers beat Bradford 70-30.

Jon Boyce was the only other Lancer player to notch double digits with 13 points.

Jordan Suteyk scored eight points for Bradford. Steven Spina scored six points.

Next up for #2 ranked Elba (16-6) is #3 ranked Belfast (14-6).

Also in boys basketball yesterday:

• Alexander beat Geneseo 62-55. Alexander (16-5) is ranked #2 in Class C2 and will play #3 ranked Red Jacket (16-5) in the semifinal.
• York beat Pavilion 68-52 to advance to the Class C3 semifinal.
• Oakfield-Alabama lost to Naples 55-42 in a Class C3 quarterfinal. Joey Burdick scored 16 points. Nick Wissinger scored 12.

At 2 p.m. today, #2 ranked Batavia (11-10) plays #2 ranked Newark (16-3) at Newark.

Tonight #2 ranked Le Roy (12-8) plays #7 ranked Mynderse Acadamy at 7 p.m. at Le Roy in a Class B2 quarterfinal.

In girls basketball, Batavia (18-1), ranked #1 in Class B1, beat #8 ranked Livonia 73-48 (game story).

In Class C2 today, #9 ranked Alexander (7-14) plays #1 ranked Marion (16-4) at 2 p.m. at Marion in a quarterfinal and #10 ranked Byron-Bergen (6-14) plays #2 ranked Red Jacket at 2 p.m. and Red Jacket. And #4 ranked Pembroke (14-7) plays #5 ranked Lyons (14-7) at Pembroke at 2 p.m.

In Class C3 #8 ranked Pavilion (9-12) plays #1 ranked South Seneca (19-1) at South Seneca at 2 p.m. Oakfield-Alabama, ranked #2 (16-4) plays #5 ranked York (11-9) at O-A at 2 p.m.

In Class D1, #1 ranked Elba (18-1) plays #9 ranked Northstar Christian (4-15) at 2 p.m. at Elba.

After 31 years in the fitness business, owning and operating gyms in Staten Island and Batavia, Ken Mistler says it's time for him to retire for that line of work.

He's sold the building that has been home to Next Level Fitness for 10 years at 85 Main St., Batavia, and the gym will close Feb. 27.

Mistler said he's reached an agreement to sell the massive three-story, 20,000-square-foot building (which includes a 6,800-square-foot basement) to a local investor. He can't disclose who the buyer is or what the buyer plans to do with the building but the new owner will not operate a gym at that location.

"I'm not sure what they're going to do," Mistler said. "I'm not sure if they're going to use the whole building for themselves or cut the building, subdivide the building."

Mistler started in the gym business in Staten Island and then opened Powerhouse Gym on East Main Street in 1997. He still owns that building and all the equipment currently at Next Level. He would like to see somebody open a gym using the existing equipment at the Powerhouse location or see another locally owned gym use this as an opportunity to grow.

"I'm trying to encourage a local small gym in the area to go into that facility so," Mister said, "they will have more options. My customers have said they're looking for options. They're coming to me the last couple of days and asking what else can we do? What do we have available? They're looking for smaller facilities because they aren't a fan of the larger places and they want to keep it local."

Mistler said the closure of Next Level isn't the result of a chain competitor opening in town. He could have competed with a chain if he had wished to make the changes necessary but he didn't want to make those changes after 31 years running gyms, and the real estate offer was attractive and worth taking at this time.

Mister, who owns several downtown properties, and is owner and operator of Ken's Charcoal Pits on Main Street and the local movie theater, Batavia Showtime, said he's grateful for the years of community support for his gym businesses.

"The support has been unbelievable," Mistler said. "If I had to do it over again I would. That's how good the community has been to that facility, especially since I started Next Level, but 31 years in the business is enough."

Senior point guard Ryann Stefaniak, playing in the final home game of her stellar career at Batavia High School, came out shooting tonight and she didn’t stop until she scored 35 points – including eight three-point baskets – in her Lady Devils’ 78-43 victory over Livonia in a Section 5 Class B1 girls’ basketball second-round contest.

“I knew it was my last home game and I came out with so much energy,” Stefaniak said. “I worked with my shooting coach, Billy Truitt, before the game and I felt like I was going to be on.”

She certainly was “on” – scoring nine points in the first quarter with a pair of three-pointers and exploding for 14 points in the second quarter as top-seeded Batavia turned an 18-12 advantage into a 44-22 halftime lead.

Stefaniak had four three-point baskets in the closing three minutes of the half to help Batavia, now 18-2, blow the game open. She added two more three-pointers in the third quarter as the Lady Devils maintained their 22-point cushion.

Sophomore point guard Mackenzie Reigle put forth another fine all-around effort, scoring 13 points on a variety of drives and spin moves while coming up with six steals. Sophomore guard Bryn Wormley sank a trio of three-point shots and finished with 10 points.

Junior forward Emma Krolczyk added seven points and senior guard Jenae Colkey had four. Senior center Meghan Houseknecht and sophomore guard Tess Barone scored two apiece.

For eighth-seeded Livonia, 13-8, junior forward Sydney Lockwood tallied 21 points – eight in the final quarter as the teams traded baskets. Junior forward Vanessa Galbraith had nine and junior guard Sara Shellenbarger added seven.

Batavia Coach Marty Hein stated that he was impressed with his team’s offensive prowess, but said his defense need to tighten things up.

“The defense wasn’t as sound as I wanted it to be,” he said. “We allowed too many open shots and drives, especially against number 12 (Lockwood). And we had three girls in foul trouble (Krolczyk, Reigle and Stefaniak).”

Still, top-seeded Batavia moves on to the next round where it will face No. 4 Palmyra-Macedon in the second game of a doubleheader Monday night at Caledonia-Mumford.

Pal-Mac, 15-5, defeated visiting Notre Dame of Batavia, 50-43, tonight.

The first game of Monday’s twin bill has No. 2 Midlakes facing No. 3 Greece Odyssey, with a 6 p.m. starting time.

The BHS vs. Pal-Mac game is expected to tip off around 7:45.

Submitted photos and press release:

Last year, Homeland Security Investigation and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement recorded 28,000 seizures of counterfeit goods valued at $1.4 billion. One raid alone in Laredo, Texas, brought in 181,000 items valued at $42.9 million. The serious issue of counterfeit merchandise hits much closer to home, however, with ongoing investigations and detective work occurring each year at the New Era Field in Orchard Park throughout the Buffalo Bills season.

John K. Payne, senior detective with the Orchard Park Police Department will share his vast experience and knowledge about counterfeiting NFL products and other merchandise on Wednesday, March 6, at 1 p.m. in room T102 as part of Genesee Community College's Fashion Business Speaker Series. The event is free and open to the public. Limited seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Counterfeiting is a form of theft and seriously impacts businesses, the economy, and our society. The International Chamber of Commerce estimates nearly $500 billion in lost economic activity in one year alone as illegal competitors steal brands and products from legitimate companies who hold genuine trademarks and patents.

Many companies have invested years of research and millions of dollars in product development, typically they employ U.S. citizens, and also support local communities. Stealing revenue from these companies through counterfeiting their products not only affects their bottom line, but also significantly hurts their ability to innovate and invest back in the company and community.

This crime can also pose a serious health risk with products in the food and pharmaceutical industry. 

Detective Payne began his efforts to curtail counterfeit merchandising at football games nearly ten years ago when the Buffalo Bills alerted local law enforcement that numerous vendors were selling illegal items outside the stadium. NFL officials worked closed with the Orchard Park Police Department to train key members of the force to identify legitimate products against the counterfeit.

Detective Payne assembled a task force which included the assistance of federal agencies. In the past few years, numerous arrests have been made including a major supplier, and thousands of dollars of counterfeit merchandise has been seized and destroyed. 

With more than 25 years in law enforcement, including 20 years with the OPPD, Detective Payne has a broad base of experience in criminal justice. He has been a SWAT Team member, sniper, observer, major crimes and fire investigator, as well as an instructor with the Erie County Police Academy. He earned both a master's degree in Police Administration and Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Hilbert College.

"This is the first time the Fashion Business Lecture Series has covered the topic of counterfeit merchandising, and we are honored to have Detective Payne share his expertise to our campus and community," said Laura Taylor, instructor of Fashion Business.

"This is not only an important subject to my fashion business students, but GCC's criminal justice and business students will also gain a vast amount of information from his lecture."

Below, Orchard Park Police Department Senior Detective John K. Payne and some counterfeit NFL merchandise.

Press release:

Kayleigh Marie Perez, 29, of Cone Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of fourth-degree grand larceny, a Class E felony. She was arrested on Feb. 21 for two crimes. In the first incident, she allegedly stole a debit card from Walmart at 7:49 p.m.. on Jan. 13 and used it at several locations. Perez was released on an appearance ticket returnable to Batavia Town Court on March 7. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Chad Minuto, assisted by Deputy Mathew Clor. In the second incident, she allegedly stole a credit card from a resident who lives on Main Street in Oakfield. She was also released on an appearance ticket for that and is due in Oakfield Town Court on March 11. The Oakfield case was handled by Deputy James Stack, assisted by Deputy Minuto.

Jeremy Ryan Eaton, 41, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is a registered Level 2 sex offender who is on parole and is accused of failure to register a change with authorities as specified in NYS Correction Law 168-F, Section 4 (Must register within 10 days any change of residence, employment, Internet account access provider, enrollment or attendance at any institution of higher education.) Eaton was being held in GC jail on a parole violation at the time of his arrest on Feb. 4. Following his arraignment in Batavia City Court, he was put back in jail with no bail. He is due in city court again at 11 a.m. on March 21. The case was handled by Batavia Police Det. Eric Hill.

Christian Dean Boyce, 55, of Watson Road, Elba, is charged with: unlawful possession of marijuana; aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree; unlicensed driver; operating a motor vehicle out of class; and unregistered motor vehicle. At about 8:30 a.m. on Feb. 9, Boyce was arrested following a traffic stop on North Byron Road in Elba. It is alleged that the defendant had an arrest warrant and a bench warrant out of Town of Elba Court and that he was operating a tractor-trailer without a license. Boyce was recognized by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy McClellan, who initiated the traffic stop. Boyce was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and put in jail in lieu of $500 cash bail. He was due in Town of Elba Court on Feb. 20 to answer the charges. Deputy McClellan was assisted in the case by Deputy Christopher Erion.

Jill M. Turner, 36, of Burke Drive, Batavia, is charged with dog running at large. It is alleged that she allowed her dog to run at large onto her neighbor's property on Burke Drive at 5:19  p.m. on Feb. 17. Turner is issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on March 5. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Frank Klimjack, assisted by Officer James Sheflin.

Brittany L. Dumsar  age 25, W/F, 5’ 4” 110 lbs.

Brown Hair, Green eyes

LKA Anytrell Drive Webster, NY

Bench warrant for Criminal Trespass 3^rd PL 140.10-1 (Misdemeanor and Trespass PL 140.05 (Violation) Darien Town Court DOW 6/18/18

Tricia E. Delucia age 40, W/F, 4’ 10” 90 lbs.

Brown Hair, Brown eyes

LKA Handy Street Rochester, NY

Bench warrant for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7^th PL 220.03 (Misdemeanor)  Batavia Town Court DOW 12/20/18

Tatiana C. Lugo age 24, W/F, 5’7” 182 lbs.

Black hair, Brown eyes

LKA Mechanic Street

Byron, NY

Arrest warrant for Harassment 2^nd PL 240.26-1 (Violation) Batavia Town Court DOW 9/19/18

Uriah I. C. Smoke age 34, American Indian, male 5’6” 180 lbs.

Black hair, Brown eyes

LKA Bloomingdale Road Alabama, NY

Bench Warrant for Criminal Mischief 4^th PL 145.00-1 (Misdemeanor) and Reckless Endangerment 2^nd PL 120.20-1 (Misdemeanor) Alabama Town Court  DOW 5/15/12

Nicole R. Elmore age 30, W/F, 5’4” 115 lbs.

Brown hair, Hazel eyes

LKA Clifford Avenue Rochester, NY

Bench Warrant for Grand Larceny 4^th  PL 155.30-1(Felony) and Conspiracy 6^th  PL 105.00 (Misdemeanor) Batavia Town Court DOW 2/14/19

Matthew P. Snyder age 29, W/M, 5’8” 215 lbs.

Brown hair, Blue eyes

LKA West Avenue

Attica, NY

Arrest Warrant for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 3^rd VTL 511-1a (Misdemeanor) Byron Town Court DOW 9/8/17

County officials are ready to move ahead with plans for a new Genesee County Jail, which begins with hiring an architectural firm to help plan and design it and hiring a general contractor to oversee its construction. The new jail could be located on land already owned by the county next to County Building #2 on West Main Street Road, Batavia.

The County Legislature is expected to pass two resolutions next week to move the plan forward. One will authorize spending $2.5 million from the county's building and infrastructure fund, and the other will authorize a contract with SMRT Architects and Engineers PC, of Latham.

Approval of the resolutions was recommended this week by both the Public Service Committee on Tuesday (photo above with Asst. County Manager Matt Landers and Sheriff William Sheron seated at the conference table) and the Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday.

Landers told the Ways and Means Committee that the county has yet to establish the actual cost of the new jail. That will be determined by the review and consulting process with SMRT Architects, who will also assist in hiring a construction manager, who will also assist in estimating the cost.

Once a cost is established, the county can seek bond financing, and once the bond is approved, the $2.5 million from the reserve fund will be reimbursed to that fund.

If, after site review, SMRT does find the site next to County Building #2 suitable for a jail, the county's planning costs could be substantially reduced because there will be no need for a site-selection process.

SMRT was one of four finalists firms reviewed by a jail committee comprised of county officials from multiple departments. Two finalists were interviewed and those two were asked to submit final prices, then the committee conducted reference checks.

SMRT was selected by the committee on a 7-3 vote with one abstention, Landers said.

The county is establishing a page on its website that will provide the public with all of the information available on the new jail as the process progresses, Landers said. 

Landers expects more information on costs and a construction timeline to emerge within six months.

Wind gusts up to 75 mph are expected in a storm that will pass through the area Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

The NWS has issued a high-wind warning for 7 a.m. Sunday though 10 a.m. Monday.

Steady winds of 35 to 45 mph from the west are expected.

Strong wind gusts could bring down trees and power lines and widespread power outages are possible. Power may be out in some areas for several days.

Shallow rooted pine trees may be particularly vulnerable.

Property damage is also possible, especially to roofs and siding.

Travel by high profile vehicles will be very difficult and empty tractor trailers may be in danger of blowing off roadways.

Homehowners should secure loose objects.