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Person may be in Oatka Creek in Le Roy, may have jumped off foot bridge

By Howard B. Owens

A person is believed to have jumped off the footbridge over the Oatka Creek in Le Roy.

Le Roy Police are on scene. The person was last seen in the water, but it's unclear if he's still in the water.

Le Roy firefighters are asked to respond with a boat.

Le Roy Ambulance dispatched.

The subject went into the water "by the bike rack south of the footbridge." Unclear if he jumped or just went into the water.

UPDATE 10:15 p.m.: Chief requests generator and lights to the scene.

UPDATE 10:23 p.m.: Lights and thermal camera set up at Church Street. Nothing visible.

UPDATE 10:24 p.m.: A Le Roy officer has apparently found some of the person's clothing on an island in the creek.

UPDATE 10:28 p.m.: State Police helicopter requested to the scene.

UPDATE 10:30 p.m.: Bergen requested mutual aid to stage in the area of Buttermilk Falls.

UPDATE 10:37 p.m.: No confirmation yet of State Police helicopter being available. A Mercy Flight helicopter requested to the scene. 

UPDATE 10:39 p.m.: Caledonia requested to stand by at Le Roy's fire hall.

UPDATE 10:43 p.m.: Mercy Flight in route.

UPDATE 10:46 p.m.: Geneseo K-9 in route.

Photos: Roadside flowers in Genesee County

By Howard B. Owens

When I decided to take a little time this morning to drive outside the city and see what kind of pictures I could take, I didn't set out to take pictures of roadside flowers, but when I started going through my photos tonight I discovered that's the main thing I did.

One of the great things about Genesee County in the spring is the explosion of color we see along our roadways.

Many of these species, I have no idea what they're called, so the more botanically aware readers are welcome to weigh in (the orange poppy and dandelions, I got, and above is some sort of daisy, I suppose). The bush with the white flowers at the bottom of this post is of particular interest -- I see them all over town, but have no idea what kind of bush it is.


 

Photos: Batavia Memorial Day Parade 2011

By Howard B. Owens

A threat of rain (that never materialized) couldn't keep hundreds of people from descending on Main Street this morning for the annual Memorial Day parade.  

The parade featured the Batavia High School marching band and flag team, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the city and town fire departments, Sheriff's Office and Police Department, along with local veterans groups and elected officials, among other groups.

More pictures after the jump.

And even more pictures on our photo purchase site. To purchase these or choose from the additional pictures at affordable rates, click here.

 

 

Plans for new monument unveiled at UMMC Memorial Day service

By James Pero

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

This is found in the Bible, John 15:13, and it was quoted this morning at the Memorial Day ceremony held outside UMMC's Jerome Center. The speaker was American Legion Commander Ronald Konieczny.

“We know what’s in people's hearts, we know how people feel about our veterans. It’s a much better feeling today than what it was during Vietnam,” Konieczny said.  "It is easy for one to believe that (Biblical) statement after witnessing the generosity and admiration shown by all those who attended today's service..."

The atmosphere was solemn but proud, as it was when plans were unveiled for a new monument to commemorate deceased soldiers from Genesee County. It will honor those killed in action during World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

This $250,000 monument is estimated to be finished in 2013; however, no building will be done before the old plaques, which were stored due to recent renovations, receive a proper military burial. The old plaques, which once stood in front of the hospital on North Street, are to be retired and then buried under the new monument.

Aside from individual grave sites, this commemorative monument will be the only permanent place in Batavia where friends and family of deceased soldiers can pay homage to their lost loved ones, and permanent it will be. The entire monument, plaza and tablets are going to be solid granite. To aid fundraising, the granite pavers used to make the plaza will be sold to families and inscribed with whatever special message is desired.

Though the announcement of the new memorial generated a lot of excitement, the service maintained its true purpose, which was honoring the heroism of deceased soldiers. Helen Laird and Adeline "Dolly" Gioia,  two Gold Star mothers whose sons were killed in combat, were honored today as well as 178 soldiers who died between 2010 and 2011. For each soldier, an American flag was placed in the ground in front of the hospital.

Memorial Day is only one day of remembrance, but for the veterans and families of fallen soldiers it is more than that. It's a chance to show their respect for the sacrifices that their comrade or family member made. With the help of United Memorial Medical Center and those who attended the commemoration, that is exactly what was accomplished today

Photos: Memorial Day, Batavia Cemetery

By Howard B. Owens

We are fortunate today to be enjoying a pleasant Memorial Day, a little overcast early but now the sun is out.

These photos are from the Batavia Cemetery. I'll have Batavia parade photos and some photos of Genesee County later today.

Six small power outages reported in Genesee County

By Howard B. Owens

There are six small power outages -- all affecting fewer than five customers each -- in Genesee County.

There are three in Alexander in the area of Route 20 between Brookville and Putnam roads, and three in Pavilion in the area of Hawks Road.

UPDATE 11:12 p.m.: The size of the outages has expanded. The Alexander outage now effects 84 customers and the Hawks Road outage effects 211 customers.

Unknown type fire reported in back yard on Cole Road, Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

An unknown type of fire has been reported in the back yard of 6972 Cole Road, Le Roy.

Le Roy Fire Department responding.

UPDATE 11:01 p.m.: Landowner on scene tells a chief he thinks it may be over by Bernd Road, so the chief is checking that area.

UPDATE 11:02 p.m.: Assignment being held to one truck for now.

UPDATE 11:03 p.m.: It appears to be a campfire.

UPDATE 11:05 p.m.: Le Roy assignment back in service.


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Severe thunderstorm warning issued

By Howard B. Owens

At 10:26 p.m., doppler radar indicated a line of severe thunderstorms had formed and it was moving east at 40 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

The storm is capable of producing cloud-to-ground lightning and people outdoors should seek shelter immediately. 

The storms are along a line extending from Point Breeze to six miles east of Darien or along a line extending from 11 miles north of Albion to nine miles southwest of Batavia.

The storm is capable of producing damaging winds up to 60 mph and potentially damaging hail.

"These are dangerous storms," the weather service warns. "If you are in the path, prepare immediately for damaging winds, destructive hail and deadly cloud-to-ground lightening."

If indoors, the weather service warns people to stay away from windows.

The warning is effect until 11:45 p.m., a thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 1 a.m.

UPDATE 10:57 p.m.: The fast moving storm has passed through southern Genesee County and the warning for southern Genesee County is cancelled.

UPDATE 11:05 p.m.: The warning is now cancelled for all of Genesee County. A watch remains in effect until 1 a.m.

Memorial Day in Batavia: one parade, six observances

By Billie Owens

There are plenty of opportunities to pay respects to fallen soldiers in Batavia on Memorial Day. There are six observance ceremonies tomorrow, all during the morning with full military honors, wreath laying, rifle salute and taps. There's also a parade down Main Street.

Memorial Day Observances

  • Begins at 8 at the World War I Memorial, which honors the 35 Batavia citizens who gave their lives in the Great War. Williams Park, at Pearl Street and Brooklyn Avenue.
  • Begins at 8:30 at the VA Medical Center flag pole, 222 Richmond Ave.
  • At about 8:50 at the flag pole at NYS Veterans Home, 220 Richmond Ave.
  • Begins at 9:30, Upton Monument at the junction of routes 5 and 63.
  • Begins at 10 to honor all war dead of all wars in Elmwood and St. Joseph’s cemeteries. Veterans Plot on Harvester Avenue.
  • Ceremony at 10:30, preceded at 10 by music performed by the Batavia Concert Band. UMMC Jerome Center at Bank Street and Washington Avenue. The names of Genesee County veterans who have died since last Memorial Day will be read and a flag placed to honor each one. (This is the site of the planned Genesee County War Memorial to honor all war dead from Genesee County.)

City of Batavia Memorial Day Parade

Participants will gather at 9:30 a.m. at Eastown Plaza, located at 567 E. Main St. The parade begins at 10 and will proceed west on Main Street, ending at St. Joseph’s School parking lot at Summit Street.

Dryer fire reported on Myrtle Street, Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A dryer fire was reported at 61 Myrtle St., Le Roy, in the basement.

Flames were showing.

An assistent chief responded to the scene and knocked the flames down with an extinguisher.

Le Roy Fire is responding and Bergen is responding mutual aid, non-emergency.


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Get ready to 'Fill the Boot' for MDA

By Billie Owens

City of Batavia firefighters will hold their annual "Fill the Boot" Drive to benefit MDA on Friday, June 3, beginning at 9 a.m.

This year’s co-chairmen are firefighters Jeff Stevens and Greg Ireland.

Off-duty city firefighters -- members of IAFF (International Association of Firefighters) Local 896 -- will help raise money for the cause. They will be at Court and Main streets as well as Court and Ellicott streets.

The IAFF is MDA’s largest sponsor.

City of Batavia Fire Department Local 896 has been holding  the "Fill the Boot" drive for 17 years. Last year's boot drive was quite successful. City firefighters with the community's help raised $5,600 for the MDA!

There are more than 40 neuromuscular diseases that are covered by MDA, including ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Donations cover everything from wheelchairs to braces, physical therapy sessions to kids' summer camps.

The guys are looking forward to hitting the streets again in an attempt to top last year’s total. They really appreciate the generousity of those that can give, be it their spare change, a dollar or even more.

Ranzenhofer sponsors bill to create an advisory committee to assist aging vets

By Billie Owens

This information comes from Sen. Mike Ranzenhofer's office.

Earlier this month, the New York State Senate approved legislation to help older veterans by creating an advisory committee to specifically assist state officials in addressing important veteran issues.

New York has the second highest veteran population in the United States and bill S.3337, sponsored by Senator Michael Ranzenhofer (R-C-I, Amherst), focuses on improving the care and state support available to aging veterans by creating a panel of gerontology and veterans’ issue experts.

"Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country and for the freedoms which we all enjoy,” Ranzenhofer said. “They have earned only the best care and support programs and establishing a Veterans Advisory Committee will ensure that continues.

Older veterans represent a population in New York whose needs and problems pervade multiple geriatrics and gerontology disciplines. This legislation establishes a Veterans Gerontological Advisory Committee, which will advise the Director of the state Office for the Aging on policies, programs, services and trends affecting New York’s aging veteran population.

At no cost to the taxpayers, the advisory committee will be able to provide crucial recommendations aimed at improving the care and support available to aging veterans. The membership will be drawn from the ranks of New York’s finest experts on aging, seniors’ and veterans’ issues, representing medical researchers, practitioners, academia, and veterans’ organizations.

Their mission will be to share information and challenges associated with caring for aging veterans and their families. The panel would provide the Office for the Aging with guidance on pressing concerns including caregiver initiatives, alternative housing trends for veterans, long-term and continuing care, health promotion and rehabilitation, departmental research and dementia research. The committee can also play a role in educating staff and the public on a wide range of issues affecting veterans and seniors.

The bill has been sent to the Assembly.

Photos: Michael Napoleone Memorial Baseball Tournament

By Howard B. Owens

During the annual Michael Napoleone Memorial Baseball Tournament in Batavia, the Michael Napoleone Foundation presented a $12,000 check to the Center for Pediatric Biomedical Research at URMC.

Accepting the check above are, from right, Kathleen McGrath, Paul Kingsley and Alec Kingsley.

McGrath said the money is being used to cover the expense of more powerful computers. As part of the center's research, scientists take pictures of blood cells to study. The sophisticated camera equipment creates massive files that took the old computers hours to process. The new computers do the same work in minutes. The center also replaced worn out centrifuges. 

Michael Napoleone died in 2006 from Burkitt's Lymphoma/Leukemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer.

Mark and Laurie (second picture, left, with her brother, Dave Pero) Napoleone set up the fondation to give back to the community after so many people helped them during their son's illness.

Teams from as far away as Fairport are competing in the tournament, which runs through tomorrow.

Griffin Dellapenna, who was friends with Michael, reads a statement about how he misses Michael and what the tournament means to him. 

Griffin met Michael when they were both battling cancer. Next week, Griffin marks his fourth year in remission.

Jeremy Boyle and Matt Roach hit back-to-back home runs during Batavia's game against Oakfield-Alabama.

To buy quality, affordable prints from this event, click here.

More pictures after the jump:

 

To buy quality, affordable prints from this event, click here.

Driver hospitalized after losing control of car on wet road in Darien

By Howard B. Owens

A driver was taken to ECMC with a complaint of neck pain yesterday following a one-car rollover accident at 4:54 p.m. on Route 77, Darien.

Nickol R. Burnett, 20, of Horseshoe Lake Road, Stafford, was cited for allegedly driving too fast for conditions.

Deputy Chris Parker, in his report, said the roads were slick with rain and Burnett lost control of her vehicle. Her 2004 Chevy sedan began to spin clockwise and traveled off the roadway and struck a culvert at the end of a driveway causing it to overturn.

Police Beat: Man accused of urinating in girlfriend's car during a domestic dispute

By Howard B. Owens

Daniel Roger Sumeriski, 25, of State Street Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny, harassment, 2nd, and criminal tampering, 3rd. The charges against Sumeriski stem from an alleged domestic incident on May 18 when Sumeriski allegedly took the victim's cell phone and urinated on the interior of her car. Sumeriski was put in the Genesee County Jail where he is being held on a parole warrant.

Robert David Cummings III, 24, of Akron Road, Corfu, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, unlawful possession of marijuana and no seatbelt. Cummings was stopped at 1:34 p.m. Thursday on Bloomingdale Road, Basom, for an alleged seat belt violation. Drug paraphernalia and marijuana were allegedly found in his car. He was jailed on $100 bail. The stop was made by Deputy Chris Parker, who was assisted by Deputy Lonnie Nati and Deputy Brian Thompson with K-9 Pharaoh.

Stephen Vance Recco, 20, of Hemlock Ridge Road, Medina, is charged with criminal impersonation, improper use of a mobile phone and unlicensed operation. Recco was stopped at 4:09 p.m. on Route 77, Alabama, by Deputy Chris Parker for allegedly driving while talking on a mobile phone. Recco allegedly gave a false name and date of birth during the traffic stop.

Jason Howard Freeman, 29, of Bush Gardens, Marilla, is accused of promoting prison contraband. Freeman was allegedly found in possession of a lighter and tobacco while housed as an inmate at the Genesee County Jail.

Thomas Jesse Mullen, 45, of Thorncliff Road, Spencerport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speeding. Mullen was stopped at 11:57 p.m. Friday on North Byron Road, Elba, by Deputy Jason Saile.

Kate Elizabeth Brozic, 28, of Trimmer Road, Spencerport, was arrested on a bench warrant related to a DWI charge. Brozic was picked up by Spencerport Police and turned over to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on a warrant out of Stafford Town Court. She was jailed on $500 bail.

Grand Jury Report: Registered sex offender accused of sending explicit texts to teenage girl

By Howard B. Owens

Marlek E. Holmes is indicted on charges of failure to register change of address, failure to personally verify his address, disseminating indecent material to a minor, 1st degree, and endangering the welfare of a child. Holmes, a registered sex offender, is accused of not notifying authorities of his new address after relocating from 516 E. Main St., Batavia, on Feb. 19. Holmes is also accused of sending sexually explicit text messages to a 16-year-old girl in December 2010. 

Chester Dortch is indicted on a charge of aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st. Dortch is accused of driving on the Thruway in Batavia on Nov. 20 while knowing his license was suspended. Dortch reportedly had 10 prior suspensions for failure to answer and failure to pay fine.

Joshua Carney and Holly Carney are indicted on 11 counts of offering a false instrument for filing, 1st, and grand larceny, 3rd. The Carneys are accused of filing false statements related to Joshua's employment in order to receive food stamps and Medicaid. The Carneys are accused of stealing $7,453 in food stamp assistance and $6,564.14 in Medicaid.

Tonya M. Weber is indicted on a felony DWI charge and aggravated DWI, also a felony, for having a child under 15 in the car and endangering the welfare of a child. Weber is accused of driving drunk Nov. 29 in the Town of Oakfield.

NY-26 Special: Voter turnout

By Howard B. Owens

Genesee County didn't have the biggest voter turnout in the special election on Tuesday, but we made a good run at it.

Board of elections officials have said our turnout was "about 25 percent."

That's 8 percentage points behind Erie County, but still at the high end of anticipated turnout for a single-ballot item, special election.

Depending on how "about" the GC turnout was, it also looks like Niagara County also had a slightly higher turnout at 25.7 percent.

These are unofficial numbers before absentee ballots have been counted.

Monroe County's turnout was 21 percent, Orleans 22 and we haven't been able to obtain the numbers for Wyoming County.

Even though we couldn't beat Erie (33 percent) -- where all four candidates were from -- our turnout was strong. The Batavian will go ahead and make its $100 donation to the Genesee Justice Foundation.

Missing a beagle?

By Howard B. Owens

So I headed out to Francis Road this morning to see if I could get a picture of an intrepid deputy rounding up cows.

There were no cows, but there was this lost beagle. 

Deputy Lonnie Nati picked him up and delivered him to the animal shelter.

The beagle was wandering about 3/4 of a mile south of Lei-Ti Campground. It was a good distance from any nearby home, so not sure where he belongs (could be a she, I didn't check).

No tags. The pooch, very friendly and calm, has a large softball seized growth on its left rear hindquarter.  

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