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Alabama

Law and Order: North Spruce Street man accused of possessing drugs with intent to sell

By Billie Owens

Darius Lamar Jones (inset photo right), 28, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with: unlawful possession of marijuana; criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree -- a Class B felony; and third-degree criminal trespass. Jones was arrested after a domestic incident at 12:26 p.m. on June 24 on North Spruce Street. Jones allegedly fled on foot and was taken into custody after a short pursuit. While arresting Jones, Batavia police allegedly found a substance suspected to be crack cocaine, fentanyl strips and sales packaging material. Jones was arraigned in Batavis City Court via Skype and jailed without bail. He is due back in city court at a later date (unspecified). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Raymond B. Howard Sr. (inset photo left),  56, of Curlew Street, Rochester, is a convicted sex offender charged with failure to verify a change in address within 30 days -- first offense; and failure to register a new address within 10 days. Both charges were issued Dec. 23. Howard was arrested on a warrant out of Batavia City Court and arraigned on June 21. He is due to return to city court on July 23. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Austin Hedges.

Rachael L. Rodvik, 43, of Barry Street, Sweden, is charged with: falsifying business records in the second degree; falsifying business records; petit larceny; and fourth-degree grand larceny. At 7:56 a.m. on June 23, Rodvik was arrested on a warrant out of Batavia City Court after an investigation by Batavia Police Det. Jason Ivison into a fraud incident that occurred from Dec. 1 through April 30 on Liberty Street in Batavia. She was arraigned in city court, then released on her own recognizance. She is due to return to city court on Aug. 13. Assisting Det. Ivison in the case were Batavia Police Officer Samuel Freeman, assisted by Nicole McGinnis.

Donald Michael Walls, of Willow Street, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny, aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree and trespass. At 2:04 a.m. on June 28, Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jordan Alejandro stated in an incident report: "I observed Walls in the act of stealing multiple pieces of patio furniture from Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant." After his arrest, Walls was released on appearance tickets and is due in Town of Pembroke Court on July 29. Jordan was assisted in the case by Deputy Ryan Young.

Luis J. Santiago, 32, of Buell Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at 10:30 a.m. June 23 after a domestic incident at an aprtment on Edwards Street in Batavia. It is alleged that he contacted a person protected by an order of protection. After he was processed at Batavia police headquarters, he was released with an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on July 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice, assisted by Officer John Gombos.

Nicole Patricia Lucca, 27, of Linwood Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- with a BAC of .08 percent or more; DWI -- first offense; and moving from lane unsafely. After a motor-vehicle accident at 4:18 a.m. May 17 on Knowlesville Road in Alabama, Lucca was arrested on the charges. She is due in Town of Alabama Court on Aug. 26. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig, assisted by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush.

A mailbox reportedly blown up in Basom

By Howard B. Owens

A caller in the 1500 block of Ledge Road, Basom, reports that sometime in the middle of the night he heard a loud explosion.

This morning in woke up to find that his mailbox was blown up.

A state trooper is responding.

Schumer warns of relying on foreign-made semiconductors, calls for building robust, resilient microelectronics industry

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Citing concerns that China is catching up to the United States in microelectronics production capacity, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today (June 28) unveiled the American Foundries Act, a bipartisan initiative that seeks to reestablish U.S. leadership and revitalize innovation in the global microelectronics sector.

Schumer explained that the bipartisan legislation would make critical investments in domestic commercial and defense-related microelectronics manufacturing and research and development, and address economic and national security concerns by decreasing U.S. dependence on foreign-made semiconductor chips.

“The economic and national security risks posed by relying too heavily on foreign semiconductor suppliers cannot be ignored, and Upstate New York, which has a robust semiconductor sector, is the perfect place to grow this industry by leaps and bounds,” Senator Schumer said. “America must continue to invest in our domestic semiconductor industry, including companies like GlobalFoundries, ON Semiconductor, IBM and Cree right here in New York, in order to keep good-paying, high-tech American manufacturing jobs here at home.

"We need to ensure our domestic microelectronics industry can safely and securely supply our military, intelligence agencies, and other government needs. This is essential to our national security and to U.S. leadership in this critical industry."

The senator noted that even though the United States revolutionized the microelectronic industry and invented much of the key technology used to this day, competitors in Asia, especially China, have made huge investments into their microelectronics industries in recent years to challenge U.S. leadership. In fact, Schumer pointed out, 78 percent of cutting-edge wafer fabrication capacity is now based in Asia, with last year being the first year that North America fell behind China.

Schumer has long-championed increased efforts to expand the domestic microelectronics industry, supporting companies like GlobalFoundries, which houses their most advanced "Fab 8" manufacturing facility in Malta, New York, IBM, and others.

With New York home to multiple major companies and research institutions in the semiconductor industry, the state is positioned to securely supply the U.S. government with critical technologies and maintain U.S. leadership in this technology, offering a tremendous opportunity for New York’s semiconductor companies to expand operations, create more jobs in Upstate New York, and help the United States reduce its reliance on foreign semiconductor manufacturing.

Specifically, supporters of the American Frontiers Act include GlobalFoundries, IBM, ON Semiconductor, Cree Inc., the Genesee County Economic Development Center, Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation, Mohawk Valley EDGE, Cornell University, Binghamton University, and SUNY Polytechnic Institute.

"We applaud the powerful American Foundries Act of 2020 co-sponsored by Senator Schumer and the impressive, bipartisan list of Senate leaders,” said Tom Caulfield, CEO of GlobalFoundries. “Senator Schumer has supported semiconductor manufacturing and GlobalFoundries for many years and this legislation seeks the quickest route to boosting chip production in the U.S. We appreciate this timely and significant contribution as Congress and the Administration work through the best approach for federal investment to restore domestic leadership in semiconductor manufacturing.”

"The U.S. semiconductor industry drives economic growth through technological breakthroughs and plays a critical role in the nation’s security,” said John E. Kelly III, Executive Vice President, IBM. “IBM strongly supports the American Foundries Act of 2020 because this important legislation would sustain American leadership in semiconductor technology and establish a national strategy to move it forward. We thank Senators Schumer and Cotton for their leadership on this bill and urge the Senate to pass it quickly."

“The American Foundries Act is a bold step to respond to the aggressive incentives available to overseas competitors and reverse the decline of semiconductor manufacturing in the United States,” said Keith Jackson, president and CEO of ON Semiconductor. “ON Semiconductor urges the Congress to quickly advance legislation to promote American semiconductor research and manufacturing.”

“Cree continues to invest aggressively in silicon carbide manufacturing and research in order to support the growing, global demand for our technologies, and we believe advanced semiconductor manufacturing is essential to leading the acceleration of critical next-generation technologies," said Gregg Lowe, president and CEO of Cree Inc. "Like many other semiconductor companies in the U.S., we believe this legislation would provide necessary investments that move our industry and economy forward and we commend its introduction."

"Senator Schumer has long recognized that our 1250-acre STAMP site in Genesee County presents a tremendous opportunity to create thousands of high quality semiconductor jobs for the Western New York and Finger Lakes regions," said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC).

"Our challenge has always been the considerable cost to get the site developed and shovel ready in the global competition to land projects of this scale. This legislation though is a game changer in so many ways as it will support cutting-edge domestic semiconductor development and increases in semiconductor manufacturing capacity at a crucial time in our nation's history."

“Senator Schumer’s American Foundries Act is the type of innovative, bipartisan legislation that we need to build on our regional strengths and grow the Hudson Valley economy post-pandemic," said Mike Oates, president and CEO of Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation. "With industry leaders like IBM, GlobalFoundaries, and soon ON Semiconductor right here in the Hudson Valley, it is no secret that investing in the microelectronics manufacturing and research and development space will enhance our ability to manufacture semiconductor chips, create jobs, and reimage our economy.

"HVEDC is proud to support Senator Schumer in his push to bolster our footprint in the growing semiconductor sector and we will continue working with him to keep the Hudson Valley on the map as a global industry leader.”

“Construction of new microelectronics and semiconductor fabrication facilities have the ability to change the economic landscape of a region and the proposed American Foundries Act proposed by Senator Schumer is a strategic investment to secure the United States’ position as a global  leader in microelectronics and semiconductor R&D,” said Steven J. DiMeo, president, Mohawk Valley EDGE.

“As our economy shifts away from the long-standing model of industrialism coupled with the uncertainty of a global pandemic, we now more than ever need the federal government to continue its support of game-changing industries like semiconductors and microelectronics. The construction of Cree’s state-of-the-art 200 mm enabled SiC semiconductor facility at the Marcy Nanocenter in Upstate NY, is a pivotal example of what can be done when all stakeholders are working together to advance our high-tech ecosystem and regional economy and maintain the United States’ global competitiveness.”

Emmanuel P. Gianellis, vice provost for Research and Vice President for Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property and Research Policy at Cornell University, said, “Senator Schumer has long recognized that the best way to keep America at the forefront of the technology revolution is to invest in research and development here at home.

"Not only does the American Foundries Act of 2020 direct critical resources into expanding the domestic production of microelectronics, it also points the way to the future with substantial funding for research and innovation. Cornell University is pleased to support this legislation and commends Senator Schumer for his leadership.”

"Whether we are talking about technology that enables advancement in AI for autonomous vehicles, smart energy for a greener environment or flexible wearable devices for human health and industrial monitoring, the United States government must remain on the frontlines, supporting industrial and academic innovations in advanced electronics manufacturing," said Harvey Stenger, president of Binghamton University.

"We once again acknowledge all that Sen. Schumer has done and continues to do to emphasize the importance of research and development efforts in private labs as well as at research institutions like Binghamton University. We thank the senator for this latest effort to apply resources to enhance the bridge from early R&D to at-scale manufacturing that will lead to breakthroughs in next-generation semi-conductor research and keep the United States competitive and a leader in the global economy."

“Leadership in the microelectronics industry is critical for America’s continued economic and strategic competitiveness on the global stage," said SUNY Polytechnic Institute Interim President Grace Wang, Ph.D. "The American Foundries Act of 2020 will provide a more strategic national approach in advancing  microelectronics capabilities, R&D, and workforce development and ensure our nation remains at the forefront of impactful innovation.

"This bill takes a bold approach to facilitate chip fab modernization efforts and investment in key areas such as fabrication, assembly, test, and advanced packaging to strengthen our nation’s technological independence and agility for years to come.”

Schumer said he will aim to include the legislation as an amendment in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Senator Schumer introduced the American Foundries Act of 2020 in the Senate, along with Senators Cotton (R-Arkansas), Reed (D-Rhode Island), Hawley (R-Missouri), Gillibrand (D-New York), Risch (R-Idaho), Jones (D-Alabama), Collins (R-Maine), King (I-Maine), and Rubio (R-Florida), and details of the bill can be found below:

Support for Commercial Microelectronics Projects: Authorizes the Department of Commerce to award $15 billion in grants to states to assist in the construction, expansion, or modernization of microelectronics fabrication, assembly, test, advanced packaging, or advanced research and development facilities.

Support for Secure Microelectronics Projects: Authorizes the Department of Defense to award $5 billion in grants for the creation, expansion, or modernization of one or more commercially competitive and sustainable microelectronics manufacturing or advanced research and development facilities capable of producing measurably secure and specialized microelectronic for defense and intelligence purposes. This funding may go to primarily commercial facilities capable of producing secure microelectronics.

R&D Funding: Authorizes $5 billion in R&D spending to secure U.S. leadership in microelectronics. Requires agencies that receive this funding to develop policies to require domestic production, to the extent possible, for any intellectual property resulting from microelectronics research and development as a result of these funds.

The new R&D funding would be broken up as follows:

  • $2 billion for DARPA’s Electronics Resurgence Initiative
  • $1.5 billion for the National Science Foundation
  • $1.25 billion for the Department of Energy
  • $250 million for the National Institute of Standards and Technology

National Microelectronics Research Plan: Establishes a subcommittee of the President’s Council on Science and Technology to produce a report each year to guide and coordinate funding for breakthroughs in next-generation microelectronics research and technology, strengthen the domestic microelectronics workforce, and encourage collaboration between government, industry, and academia.

Safeguards: Prohibits firms owned, controlled or otherwise influence by the Chinese government from accessing funds provided by the legislation.

Oakfield Girl Scout Ava Flores earns Gold Award for setting up little food pantry for all

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and information from Melissa Domoy:

“Feed The Need” is a little food pantry located in the Oakfield community behind the Okafield United Methodist Church at 2 S. Main St.

Creating this valuable resource was a project two months in the making as Ava Flores (above photo) worked to complete her Girl Scout Gold Award.

Ava saw that there was a growing need in Oakfield during this difficult time. It is her hope that Feed The Need food pantry will help her Oakfield-Alabama community, not just now but in the future.

Inside the food pantry are recipes for simple affordable meals. It is also stocked with soups, canned fruits and vegetables and other shelf-stable food items.

Anyone who is in need is welcome to stop by and take what they need.

It is her hope that the little food pantry will be self-sustaining in the weeks to come where people may drop off donations or take what they need.

If you would like to make a donation, please contact the church at (585) 948-5550, or go the Feed The Need food pantry and put in some nonperishable goods to help out a local family.

Law and Order: Elba man accused of violating order of protection, Alabama woman arrested after fight

By Billie Owens

Shawn Philip Stevens, 42, of Hundredmark Road, Elba, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. On May 20, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies J. Dimmig and D. Moore arrested Stevens in relation to a domestic incident that occurred on South Main Street in the Village of Elba at 9:45 p.m. on May 16. Stevens was arrrested and charged with the crime for allegedly violating an order of protection.

Shannon Maria Armstead, 27, of Bloomingdale Road, Alabama, is charged with second-degree menacing and second-degree harassment. At 7:36 p.m. on May 19, Armstead was arrested after a complaint about a physical altercation in the Town Alabama. Armstead was issued appearance tickets and is due in Town of Alabama Court on June 10. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon, assisted by Deputy David Moore.

UPDATED: Mark Your Calendar: 'Cruising for Mercy Flight' escorted by Sheriff's deputies is June 7

By Billie Owens

Route information from Bill and Jeanne Freeman​:

Cruising for Mercy Flight is a car-cruise fundraiser that will be held on Sunday, June 7, escorted by Genesee County Sheriff's deputies.

Participants -- including classic automobile enthusiasts, hot rodders, vintage car owners, and people with way cool rides -- will assemble at the Genesee County Fairgrounds at 5056 E. Main St. Road (Route 5) in Batavia, and the procession will leave at approximately 1 p.m.

And this cavalcade surely must include thankful everyday operators who carry a valid license to drive in New York, have a vehicle that has adequate gasoline in the tank, is inspected, insured and runs.

They can all rally around Mercy Flight, a really good reason to enjoy some fresh air with people for a change, whether the weather cooperates or not weather weather permitting.

The Route

  • From fairgrounds, turn left onto Route 5 westbound (about 1 p.m.);
  • In Batavia, turn right on Route 98 north to Elba (1:15 p.m.)
  • In Elba, turn right onto Route 262 going through Byron and into Bergen (1:35 p.m.);
  • In Bergen, turn right onto Route 19 southbound through Le Roy (1:45 p.m.);
  • Keep on Route 19 south to Pavilion (1:52 p.m.);
  • Turn right on Route 63 westbound in Pavilion to go to junction of routes 63 & 20 (1:55 p.m.);
  • Turn left onto Route 20 at Texaco Town (2 p.m.);
  • Take Route 20 through Bethany and Alexander, to Route 77 westbound to Darien Center (2:15 p.m.);
  • Take Route 77 northbound from Darien Center to Alabama (2:35 p.m.);
  • Turn right on to Route 63 in Alabama and go to Oakfield (2:45 p.m.);
  • Approximately 1 mile down the road, turn left onto Route 262 to Elba;
  • In Elba turn right on to Route 98. This will take you back to Route 5 and also to the Batavia Exit on the Thruway.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT FOR MERCY FLIGHT!

We would like to thank the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, especially Undersheriff Brad Mazur, the Genesee County Agricultural Society, and the Batavia and Le Roy police departments!

We certainly appreciate your support in being a part of this cruise. Be careful on your way home.

We sure hope to see everyone next month.

Stay Healthy and Be Safe,

Bill and Jeanne Freeman

UPDATE 12:28 p.m. May 21: A Mercy Flight Helicopter on a truck and trailer will be in the convoy, being held "in memory of all the former cruisers that have passed before us." A goodwill collection for Mercy Flight will be taken at the start of the event.

Here are the rules:

  1. If you get out of your car you have to wear a mask.
  2. If you do get out of your car be sure to practice social distancing.
  3. If you bring a snack and a beverage with you, please take home any trash. 
  4. CARRY IN AND CARRY OUT PLEASE!

Questions, call Jeanne Freeman at (585) 548-7197 before June 7.

Motorcycle crash reported off Ledge Road in Alabama

By Billie Owens

A motorcycle accident is reported at 1075 Ledge Road in Alabama. Mercy Flight #5 in Batavia is on standby. The rider is in a cornfield and was not moving, but is now said to be moving. Alabama Fire Department is responding, along with Mercy medics and law enforcement. The location is between Reuben Road and Route 77.

UPDATE 2:15 p.m.: A first responder on scene reports the rider is conscious and alert. Mercy Flight standby is cancelled.

County Legislator John Hilchey of District #1 resigns

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee County District #1 Legislator John Hilchey submitted a resignation letter dated May 14, 2020 to Legislature Chair Rochelle M. Stein.

“With my role as a Genesee County Legislator having a negative impact on my current employment, with risks of possible negative financial impact upon my employer, I hereby submit my resignation as Genesee County Legislator District #1, effective immediately. It has been an honor to serve the residents of Alabama and Oakfield and a greater honor to serve with such a fine group of legislators," signed, sincerely, John R. Hilchey.

Legislature Chair Rochelle M. Stein stated, “It is with deep and profound regret that I accept Legislator Hilchey’s letter of resignation. We are losing a community leader who has served the people of Alabama and Oakfield honorably and well. Mr. Hilchey brought expertise and vast experience to his role as legislator and we are grateful for his service.”

Sponsored Post: Reliant Real Estate is here still here to help! Check out these listings

By Lisa Ace


Check out these listings: 1142 McApline Road, Alabama: Great opportunity to get awesome land prime for great hunting and tons of privacy-have a great place to live or rent out and build your dream home while you do it! This property is secluded yet minutes from thruway to head to work or 10 minutes to shopping in Batavia-location is key! The 1987 manufactured home is in great condition and IS FINANCEABLE! Hurricane ties per banking regulations already in place! There is a 20x24 barn/outbuilding with concrete floors, electric and loft for more storage for all the hunting gear and extra toys! The land is simply peaceful and beautiful and does have some existing paths in place-perfect wooded backdrop for quiet country living at its finest!

66 Genesee, Pembroke: Freshly painted throughout. Bright and move-in ready! Well maintained, 3 bedroom, 2 full bath home in one of the nicest 55+ communities around! Large room sizes bright and airy with a lot more storage than you would imagine is what you will find in this 1996 double wide home-almost 1500 sq ft!! Home has laundry/mudroom large eat in style kitchen extra roomy living/formal dining area with super cute office space with pretty French doors-could be third bedroom or guest room if needed! Master bedroom with bath is large but cozy! Situated on an extra large corner lot with back patio area for sitting out! Bonus is the two car attached heated garage! Who said downsizing meant giving things up? Easy to see! Call Reliant Real Estate today - 585-344-home (4663)

 

Sponsored Post: Reliant Real Estate is here still here to help! Check out these listings

By Lisa Ace


Check out these listings: 1142 McApline Road, Alabama: Great opportunity to get awesome land prime for great hunting and tons of privacy-have a great place to live or rent out and build your dream home while you do it! This property is secluded yet minutes from thruway to head to work or 10 minutes to shopping in Batavia-location is key! The 1987 manufactured home is in great condition and IS FINANCEABLE! Hurricane ties per banking regulations already in place! There is a 20x24 barn/outbuilding with concrete floors, electric and loft for more storage for all the hunting gear and extra toys! The land is simply peaceful and beautiful and does have some existing paths in place-perfect wooded backdrop for quiet country living at its finest!

66 Genesee, Pembroke: Freshly painted throughout. Bright and move-in ready! Well maintained, 3 bedroom, 2 full bath home in one of the nicest 55+ communities around! Large room sizes bright and airy with a lot more storage than you would imagine is what you will find in this 1996 double wide home-almost 1500 sq ft!! Home has laundry/mudroom large eat in style kitchen extra roomy living/formal dining area with super cute office space with pretty French doors-could be third bedroom or guest room if needed! Master bedroom with bath is large but cozy! Situated on an extra large corner lot with back patio area for sitting out! Bonus is the two car attached heated garage! Who said downsizing meant giving things up? Easy to see! Call Reliant Real Estate today - 585-344-home (4663)

 

Law and Order: Lyon Street man accused of threatening to kill a person and burn down the house

By Billie Owens

John Michael Taggert, 38, of North Lyon Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Taggert was arrested on Lyon Street following a domestic incident at 9:58 p.m. Feb. 28 during which he allegedly threatened to kill a person and burn down a house. He was processed, transported to jail and arraigned at 10 a.m. the following morning in Batavia City Court. Taggert was released on his own recognizance and is due to return to city court this afternoon (March 4). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, assisted by Officer Connor Borchert.

John Charles Clark, 51, of Linden Road, Bethany, is charged with second-degree harassment. At 12:32 a.m. on March 3, Clark was arrested following an investigation. Clark is accused of shining a light in the victim's window on Linden Road in Bethany over a prolonged period of time and repeated period of time. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Bethany Town Court on March 17. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Chamoun, assisted by Sgt. John Baiocco.

Tammy L. Truax, 55, of Leicester, is charged with third-degree assault. The incident was reported at 10:02 p.m. on Dec. 10 on Woodrow Road in Batavia. Truax was arrested on a Batavia City Court warrant on Feb. 28 after being located  by the Livingston County Sheriff's Office. She was arraigned in city court and released on her own recognizance. She is due to return to city court at a later date.

Kevin M. McCoy, 53, no permanent address, is charged with criminal contempt in the second degree. Batavia Police Officer Peter Post arrested McCoy following a complaint at the Park Site Manor Apartments on East Main Street in Batavia at 10:53 a.m. on Feb. 28. McCoy was given an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on March 10. Officer Stephen Quider assisted in the case.

Jeanne M. Casper, 41, of Knowlesville Road, Oakfield, is charged with driving while intoxicated and failure to keep right. On March 4, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies Jonathan Dimmig and Ryan Young responding to a property damage accident at 12:11 a.m. on Knowlesville in Alabama. The deputies made contact with the operator and sole occupant of the vehicle, who identified herself as Jeanne M. Casper, of Oakfield. She was arrested on the charges and is due in Alabama Town Court on March 11.

Big rig leaking fuel on Lewiston Road after sliding off roadway

By Billie Owens

A tractor-trailer slid off the roadway and is leaking fuel at 2264 Lewiston Road. No injuries. Alabama Fire Department is responding. The location is between Knowlesville and Lockport roads.

UPDATE 11:39 a.m.: Oakfield Fire Police called to provide traffic control at Lewiston and Lockport roads. A first responder on scene reports the fuel tanks on the disabled tractor-trailer are about half full; unsure of the amount of fuel that has leaked so far.

Town of Alabama tables proposed change to noise ordinance dealing with windmills

By Howard B. Owens
Video Sponsor
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Town of Alabama officials decided Monday night to table a proposed change to the noise ordinance regarding windmills and instead refer the matter to the town planning board to take up during the development of a new comprehensive plan.

Supervisor Robert Crossen said given the impossibility of establishing a baseline for ambient noise for existing windmills, it's not possible to come up with an adequate ordinance for how loud a windmill can be.

He suggested the zoning code might need to be amended for siting windmills.

"To me, distance solves sound," Crossen said. "So when the planning board revises the law -- currently we are allowing it one and a half times the height of the property line, and that may be too close."

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Jeep driver says big rig struck her vehicle in Alabama then left the scene

By Billie Owens

A tractor-trailer reportedly struck a female driver's gray Jeep at Judge and Alleghany roads in Alabama, then left the scene westbound on Judge Road. A deputy is responding to the property damage accident. No injuries.

UPDATE 4:09 p.m.: A deputy is out with the tractor-trailer driver now. It has New York license plates.

Law and Order: Man accused of kicking door and damaging property on Tinkham Road in Darien

By Billie Owens

Donald Eugene Missel, 69, of Mill Road, West Seneca, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. At 4:48 p.m. on Feb. 6, Missel allegedly kicked a door and caused damage to a person's property in the 10000 block of Tinkham Road in Darien. Missel was arraigned in Darien Town Court at 10:25 that evening and released on his own recognizance. He is due back in Darien Town Court on Feb. 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig, assisted by Deputy Mathew Clor.

Travis George Hawley, 28, of Willow Street, Rochester, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more; driving while intoxicated; being an unlicensed driver; and moving from lane unsafely. At 7:51 a.m. on Feb. 1, the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center received a report of a car vs. pole accident on Bloomingdale Road in the Town of Alabama. An investigation at the scene allegedly determined that Hawley was driving while intoxicated. He was issued appearance tickets returnable to Town of Alabama Court on Feb. 26. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Tonya Weber Jackson, 35, of Liberty Street, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court on Feb. 2. She was located at a residence on East Avenue in Batavia and arraigned in city court on Feb. 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Adam Tucker.

Orin Ardell Dinkins, 47, of Glenville Drive, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration. Dinkins was arrested following a traffic stop at 1:41 p.m. Feb. 5 on Oak Street in Batavia. He was issued appearance tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on Feb. 25. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Erik Andre.

Genesee County Democrats seek candidates for local elected offices

By Billie Owens

Press release:

If you are someone who is civic-minded, independent, ambitious, enjoy exploring creative solutions to problems, and want to make an impact in your community, we want to talk to you about running for local office.

If you are interested in getting involved politically in any capacity, please reach out to us at geneseenydemocrats@gmail.com or www.geneseedemocrats.net

The following local elected offices will be voted on this November.

  • Genesee County -- Sheriff, Treasurer, Family Court Judge, Coroner -- two positions

  • City of Batavia -- one City Council at Large -- unexpired term

  • Town of Alabama -- one Town Council -- unexpired term

  • Town of Alexander -- one Town Clerk -- unexpired term

  • Town of Batavia -- one Town Justice

  • Town of Bergen -- one Town Justice

  • Town of Byron -- one Town Justice

  • Town of Elba -- one Town Justice, one Town Council -- unexpired term

  • Town of Le Roy -- one Town Council -- unexpired term

  • Town of Oakfield -- Town Justice, one Town Supervisor -- unexpired term, 1 Town Council- unexpired term

  • Town of Pavilion -- Highway Superintendent -- unexpired term

Sponsored Post: Look at these listings, just in time for Spring

By Lisa Ace


Click here for 1142 Mcalpine Road, Alabama. Great opportunity to get awesome land, prime for great hunting and tons of privacy. A great place to live or rent out and build your dream home while you do it! This property is secluded, yet minutes from Thruway to head to work, or 10 minutes to shopping in Batavia. Location is key! This 1987 manufactured home is in great condition and IS FINANCEABLE! Hurricane ties per banking regulations already in place! There is a 20x24 barn/outbuilding with concrete floors, electric and loft for more storage for all the hunting gear and extra toys! The land is simply peaceful and beautiful and does have some existing paths in place-perfect wooded backdrop for quiet country living at its finest!

Click here for 66 West Main Street, Pembroke. Well maintained 3 bedroom 2 full bath home in one of the nicest 55+ communities around! Large room sizes, bright and airy with a lot more storage than you would imagine. What you will find in this 1996 double wide home-almost 1500 sq ft! Home has laundry/mudroom, large eat in style kitchen, extra roomy living/formal dining area with super cute office space with pretty French doors. Could be third bedroom or guest room if needed! Master bedroom with bath is large but cozy! Situated on an extra large corner lot with back patio area for sitting out! Bonus is the two car attached heated garage! Who said downsizing meant giving things up? Easy to see! Call Lynn Bezon at 344-home and list with us today!

O-A grad Rebecca Cramer named to dean's list at Keuka College

By Billie Owens

Keuka Park -- Rebecca Cramer, a graduate of Oakfield-Alabama High School, has been named to the dean's list at Keuka College for the fall 2019 semester.

She is a freshman studying Nursing. She is the daughter of Jarrod Cramer and Jaime Andrews.

A student must earn at least a 3.50 grade-point average for a minimum of 12 semester credit hours to be eligible for the dean's list.

Located in the Finger Lakes region near Penn Yan, Keuka is a private co-educational  college.

Law and Order: Rochester woman accused of attacking security guards and refusing to leave casino

By Billie Owens

Renee Suzanne Symonds, 51, of Cedar Cove Trail, Rochester, is charged with third-degree assault and second-degree harassment. Symonds was arrested after an investigation at Batavia Downs Casino & Hotel on Park Road in Batavia. She allegedly attacked two security guards at 4:58 p.m. on Jan. 13 after refusing to leave the property. She is due in Batavia Town Court at 1 p.m. on Jan. 30. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy David Moore.

Marissa Nicole Lehto, 30, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny. She was arrested and is due to answer the charge today (Jan. 14) in Batavia City Court. She is accused of taking a wallet containing a credit card from a purse that did not belong to her at 6:10 p.m. on Jan. 27, 2019, on Main Street in Batavia. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

David James Leroy, 27, of Gabbey Road, Pembroke, is charged with second-degree harassment. At 6:17 p.m. on Jan. 12 he was arrested on West Main Street Road in Batavia. Leroy allegedly responded to another person's place of employment in the Town of Batavia after being told to cease contact with that person. He was released on an appearance ticket for Jan. 16 in Town of Batavia Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore.

John Frederick Macintyre, 67, of Linwood Road, Le Roy, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; speed not reasonable and prudent; failure to keep right; and DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or more. He was arrested at 8:13 p.m. on Linwood Road in Le Roy after the investigation of a property damage accident. Macintyre was issued traffic tickets and is due in Le Roy Town Court on Feb. 4. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jared Swimline, assisted by Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Michael Todd Swiatowy, 48, of Hartshorn Road, Batavia, is charged with driving while intoxicated and refusal to take a breath test. Following an investigation at the scene of a domestic incident, Swiatowy was arrested and arraigned in Batavia City Court. He is due to return to court on Feb. 18. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Brock Cummins, assisted by Deputy James Stack.

Michael Andrew Coleman, 44, of Post Avenue, Rochester, is charged with third-degree bail jumping and aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree. At 2:30 a.m. on Jan. 11, Coleman was turned over to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office by Monroe County County deputies. He was arrested for having an outstanding arrest and bench warrant out of Town of Alabama Court, where he was arraigned then released on his own recognizance. Coleman is due there again on Jan. 15. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jordan Alejandro.

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