Stories from

The rear of a house is reportedly on fire at 7338 Warboys Road, Byron. Byron Fire Department is responding, along with mutual aid requested from Le Roy and Churchville.

UPDATE 6:21 p.m.: Le Roy and Churchville are cancelled. The "semi-cooperative" resident says this is a brush pile fire in the back yard of the residence. Bergen equipment is continuing to the scene in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 6:34 p.m.: This is a controlled burn. Firefighters are back in service.

A wooden bridge over a trail in the area of 9963 Covell Road, Pavilion, is on fire, according to a passerby who called dispatch. Bethany Fire Department is responding to the blaze at the "Covell Secondary Trail Bridge."

UPDATE 6:18 p.m.: A state Department of Forestry employee is on scene, investigating.

UPDATE 6:19 p.m.: A first responder is switching from heading to a Byron house fire to the bridge fire in Pavilion, which he characterized as "probably intentional."

Press release:

New Cases – As of 2 p.m. 

• Genesee County received two new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Batavia and Byron.
  • Both of the positive individuals are in their 50s.
  • The individuals were not on quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Eight new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states 
     
• Orleans County received zero new positive case of COVID-19 maintaining.
  • One of the previous positive individuals has recovered and has been released from mandatory isolation
  • Thirteen new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.

A two-vehicle collision is reported at 6124 Quaker Hill Road in Elba, just north of Ridge Road. A vehicle is in a ditch on both sides of the roadway and there's debris in the roadway. Elba Fire Department is on scene along with two Mercy rigs. Mercy Flight in Batavia is called to the scene. One person complains of back, neck and wrist pain; another has a severe laceration. Fire police are called to shut down Route 98 at Ridge Road, and Route 98 at Quaker Hill Road.

UPDATE 4:49 p.m.: Mercy Flight has landed.

UPDATE 4:50 p.m.: Both patients have been extricated.

UPDATE 4:52 p.m.: A third patient is a sign-off. One patient is being transported by ground ambulance to ECMC.

UPDATE (information via Alecia Kaus/Video News Service): According to the Elba Fire Department, the driver and the passenger in the red pickup were transported to ECMC. One via Mercy Flight, and one via ground ambulance. The driver of the white vehicle was being checked out on scene.

State Police are investigating the cause of the accident.

Photos by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

Robert D. Woods, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment, endangering the welfare of a child, and second-degree burglary. Wood was arrested at 7:17 p.m. Aug. 18 on Wood Street after he allegedly pushed another person and did so in the presence of two children. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court via Skype and released on his own recognizance. He is due back in court on Oct. 8. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Miah Stevens.

David James Leroy, of Gabbey Road, Pembroke, is charged with two counts of second-degree aggravated harassment. On Aug. 26, following a complaint of harassment, Leroy was arrested at 8:40 p.m. on Gabbey Road. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Pembroke Court on Oct. 7. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy is Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Joshua Brabon.

Brian Keith Dyer, 53, of North Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degress harassment. At 7:11 p.m on Aug. 25, Dyer was arrested after a domestic incident that occurred at 7:35 p.m. Aug. 13 on North Street. He allegedly shoved another person. Dyer was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 24. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer John Gombos, assisted by Officer Miah Stevens.

Brian Keith Dyer, 53, of North Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degress harassment -- with physical contact. At 7:12 p.m on Aug. 25, Dyer was arrested after a domestic incident that occurred at 7:20 p.m. Aug. 13 on North Street. He allegedly subjected another person to unwanted physical contact. Dyer was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 24. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens, assisted by Officer John Gombos.

Maurice G. Leach, 44, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with obstruction of governmental administration, resisting arrest and failure to use sidewalk. At 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 25, Leach was arrested after an incident that occurred outside a residence on State Street. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 17. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jordan, assisted by Officer Joshua Girvin.

Jacqueline Raj Garrett, 41, of Park Road, Batavia, is charged with illegal use of toxic vapors. Garrett was arrested at 1:07 p.m. on Aug. 21 after she was allegedly found outside a business on West Main Street in Batavia huffing a can of compressed air used to dust electronics. Garrett is due in Batavia City Court on Dec. 1. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Peter Post.

Latiqua S. Jackson, 27, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Jackson was arrested at 11:55 p.m. Aug. 20 on an arrest warrant out of Batavia City Court. She was located at a residence on Highland Park while patrols were there on an unrelated matter. Jackson was arraigned in Batavia City Court via Skype then released on her own recognizance. She is due to return to court on Oct. 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Joshua Girvin, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Batavia High School Class of 2007 graduate James Lullo is living in L.A. these days, developing his entertainment and marketing career, via his company Beauty View Ranch.

He's producing a short film that begins production in late September and is seeking young local acting talent of any experience, specifically children.

The graduate of SUNY Brockport (Class of 2011) contacted The Batavian about a planned Buffalo casting call, date/time to be announced, for "Goldenrod." The plot was not revealed.

The production of the short film is a family affair in that his mother, Cecelia Lullo, is the Costume Designer, and his sister, Michal Lullo, currently a junior at Ithaca College, works as a Production Assistant. His cousin, Jonathon Lullo, has been "an invaluable consultant to the project," as he works in Hollywood at a development studio.

In addition, his brother, Joseph Lullo, also lives in Los Angeles and is on the crew as Transportation Supervisor. His father's insurance company, Marathon, is exploring the financing and insurance carrier sides of film production, and hopes to have a slate of products available this fall for locals as well as visiting productions.

Two other Brockport alums are also working on the film, Paul Overacker and Keenan Miller, and a fourth Brockport grad has graciously donated some film equipment, Kelvon Agee. Overacker has worked on the "Dr. Phil" show "foreeeeever," and Agee is a multi-Emmy winning cinematographer on the show "Deadliest Catch," among many others.

"There's a whole host of Batavians, WNYers, and local college graduates making big things happen in Hollywood," James Lullo says. "Another family with strong Batavia ties are the Beers. Tim Beers Jr. has been an invaluable asset to me here in Hollywood, and helped me gain some of my strongest experience to date."

Former BHS Basketball star Michael Chmielewicz has been spotted out there, too, working in the film industry!

So, if you're interested in acting in "Goldenrod," which is directed by Marjorie DeHey, here's more information about who they are looking for:

• Currently not a Screen Actors Guild production, but SAG members are encouraged to submit;
• Real family members and siblings are encouraged to submit;
• Black female lead, age 9 to 13 (playing age 9);
• Caucasian female lead, age 9 to 13 (playing age 9);
• Caucasian female lead, age 30;
• Caucasion male lead, age 30;
• Black supporting actor, age 30, male or female;
• Caucasian female supporting actor, age 13 to 17.

Send headshot, reel, résumé to:

GOLDENRODFILM@GMAIL.COM

Press release:

New Cases – As of 2 p.m. 

• Genesee County received zero new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • One of the previous positive individuals has recovered and has been released from mandatory isolation.
  • Zero new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states. 
     
• Orleans County received zero new positive case of COVID-19.
  • One new individual is on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.

From the YMCA:

We are excited to announce the Y, located in Genesee County at 209 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia, will be reopening on Monday, Aug. 31^st! 

The GLOW YMCA will initially have modified hours. Branch hours will be Monday-Friday 7 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 4 p.m. - 8 p.m., Saturdays from 7 a.m. - 12 p.m. (We will be closed weekdays for four hours in the afternoon for sanitizing and cleaning purposes to ensure safety.)

The GLOW YMCA is reopening safely and slowly, and in a financially responsible way. To do that, we have decided to take a phased approach when it comes to reopening.

We want to ensure you that our staff will be trained on all new safety procedures; our facilities have been deep cleaned; and our equipment has been spaced out to ensure social distancing.

Phase 1: Helping you get prepared for reopening

As our facilities begin to open again, there will be numerous modifications in place to keep our members safe. Specifically, members should expect to see the following:

• Masks will be required to be worn at all times within the facility by staff and members;
• Bandanas and gators are not permitted. Masks must cover nose and mouth at all times;
• Modified operating hours at all open locations;
• Amenities suspended -- towel service, shower usage, saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and coffee service will be suspended until further notice.
• Pools will be open for lap swim only and will operate on a limited reservation system.
• Limited Group Exercise classes will be offered with restrictions on space and capacity;
• Multiple hand sanitation stations throughout the facility;
• Members will be required to disinfect equipment before and after each use;
• YMCA members only will be permitted -- no guests -- until further notice. There will be no one-day passes available for purchase until further notice;
• Increased cleaning frequency;
• Members who choose to workout in our facilities are encouraged to bring their own workout towel and water bottle. Drinking fountains will not be available;
• Please note we will only be open to 33-percent capacity in each area of our buildings;
• At this time for contact tracing, Y members will be required to check in and check out of the building.
• A YMCA health screening will be required upon each visit to the facility. This can be done with this following link or in person when checking in.

Lastly, the YMCA will be extending all annual membership renewal dates by five months due to COVID-19 shutting our facility down for that duration of time. We will take care of this process internally for you.

We could not be more excited to welcome you back into our facilities after this time apart. Please know that through all of this, we have had the safety and health of you and your family in mind and will continue to do so in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Yours in Health,

Jeff Townsend

Executive Director

GLOW YMCA

Press release:

New Cases – As of 2 p.m. 

• Genesee County received zero new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • One of the previous positive individuals has recovered and has been released from mandatory isolation
  • Three new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
  • One of the positive individuals is hospitalized.
     
• Orleans County received one new positive case of COVID-19.
  • The new positive case resides in Yates.
  • The positive individual is in their 30s.
  • The individual was not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.

Zero new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.

There's a Hazardous Weather Outlook in effect for portions of Western New York, including Genesee County with a severe thunderstorm watch in effect until 8 tonight, according to the National Weather Service.

Wind gusts of up to 60 mph reported, that could damage roofs, siding and trees.

"People and animals outdoors will be injured," according to an alert from AccuWeather.

First responders are out in force and traffic control is needed in several areas. There are several reports of localized flooding.

There've been reports of localized flooding in Le Roy and "ping-pong" sized hail in Pavilion and Le Roy. Some trees, wires and poles are down at Putnam and Francis roads, a tree is blocking a lane on Route 63.

A large tree limb in the 6900 block of Britt Road, Le Roy, is in danger of falling onto a home. At 9611 Creek Road in Alexander, a pole and wires are down on a tree, possibly a fallen tree, between two houses.

At 8990 South Lake Road in Corfu a tree is totally blocking the roadway, driver that struck tree is not injured however. Indian Falls and Pembroke fire departments are responding.

A tree and wires are down at 10595 S. Lake Road, Pavilion.

The storm is moving southeast at 40 mph.

Stormy weather is in the forecast through Wednesday.

Volunteers for Animals will hold a jumbo, super-duper basket raffle at Pudgie's Lawn and Garden Center in Batavia from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3.

All proceeds will benefit the homeless pets at the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

The VFA baskets will be in a separate room. There will also be a 50/50 raffle. You need not be present to win.

More than 100 baskets, covering a wide range of themes, will be up for grabs!

Themes include: Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, the New Year, pampering spa, kitchen/cooking stuff and, of course, baskets for your BFFs -- your pets!

VFA will have merchandise for sale such as T-shirts and sweatshirts.

Pudgie's will have a 10-percent off sale on all pet-safe houseplants.

The volunteers ask that you please practice social distancing and wear a face mask while attending this event.

Pudgie's is located at 3646 W. Main Street Road in the Town of Batavia.

Press release:

New Cases – As of 2 p.m. 

• Genesee County received one new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive case resides in Pavilion.
  • The positive individual is in their 30s.
  • The individual was not on quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • One new individual is on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
  • One of the positive individuals is hospitalized.
     
• Orleans County received one new positive case of COVID-19.
  • The new positive case resides in Shelby.
  • The positive individual is in their 60s.
  • The individual was not on quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • One of the previous positive individuals has recovered and has been released from mandatory isolation.
  • Fourteen new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.

Sue Reed, a 70-year-old resident of the City of Batavia (inset photo, right), continues to suffer physically and mentally after a pickup truck hit her while she was riding her bicycle eastbound on East Main Street the morning of Thursday, Aug. 13.

The suspect remains at large and no tips have been received to help Batavia police solve the hit-and-run case.

Sue's daugther, Corfu resident Kimberly Reed, is hoping that changes because as things stand, she is disgusted.

Disgusted that the driver well knew he hit somebody on a bike, bothered to get out of his truck and walk over and see the blood and injuries, yet he got back into his pickup and continued on his way.

"What happened was an accident," Kimberly said. "What happened afterward was not an accident. It's disgusting. He stopped, got out of his truck and went over to her and looked at her, and looked horrified when he saw the blood. He said something to her, which she couldn't understand because she had a concussion. Then he got back in his truck and continued down Vine."

The accident occurred between 8 and 8:30 a.m. Sue, who had recently taken up bicycling for exercise, was riding her small black 10-speed on the sidewalk and when she got to Vine, Kimberly says her mother told her she stopped at the light and waited for it to turn green to proceed.

When she was in the middle of the crosswalk, the mystery pickup truck, also eastbound, made a left turn onto Vine Street heading north and struck the bicyclist.

Sue, who lived most of her life in Oakfield before moving to Batavia, says doesn't recall the color of the truck, just that it was big and had bigger than average wheels and a chrome grill.

The driver is described as very tall, very skinny, smooth-shaven and blond, under age 40. Sue cannot recall any details about his clothing.

The driver left his truck, approached her, and she heard him say something to her. He headed immediately back to his vehicle, and she assumed he was going to call 9-1-1. Instead, incredulously, she watched him drive off and leave her there.

The bicycle was relatively undamaged. But Sue was hurt and can't recall how she managed to get the bike and herself out of the roadway.

She called her boyfriend, who was at a diner in Elba, and sat waiting for him on the side of the road, bleeding and moving to three different spots as she waited for help to arrive.

No one stopped to ask about her or offer aid.

"You could have wrung the blood out of her clothes, that's how badly she was injured," Kimberly said.

After about 20 minutes or so her boyfriend arrived from Elba and took her to the emergency room at UMMC.

In addition to the concussion, Sue's right arm was broken by the impact of the truck's chrome grill. Her left arm was slashed from elbow to wrist and "could not be stitched; she'll have to go to a plastic surgeon." The left side of Sue's face is badly bruised and her teeth pierced through her mouth and her bottom lip had to be stitched together.

Two days later she had to return to the ER after an air pocket was found in her lungs from the impact. Results from a CAT* scan are pending and are expected to reveal the severity of the air pocket and whether it has grown or moved.

"This has really tore her up," Kimberly said of her mother, and the mental anguish only adds to the pain. "We've had like five hit-and-runs in Genesee County recently. It's getting worse; I guess people think they can get away with it.

"It's sickening. ... to get out and look at her, then get back in the truck and leave?! It's just not right."

Her mother would never think of doing that to someone. Not a woman who has spent the last seven years volunteering for Crossroads House, the local nonprofit hospice for the dying. Sue Reed would just do the right thing -- no explanation given, no excuses offered.

If you have information about this case, please contact Batavia Police Officer Peter Post at (585) 345-6350, the confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370, or online here.

*CAT: computerized axial tomography

Photo courtesy of Kimberly Reed.

Previously: BPD looking for anyone with info on pickup truck that struck bicyclist this morning