It's been a long time coming and absolutely necessary, today's speakers said at a groundbreaking for the new $70 million, 184-bed Genesee County Jail off West Main Street Road, next to County Building #2.
"Believe it or not, discussions on the replacement of the current jail, the Genesee County Jail, date back over 50 years," Sheriff William Sheron said during the ceremony Thursday. "When I began my career with the Sheriff's Office in 1977, they had plans on the table to build the new jail. There are many reasons that didn't come to fruition, but with persistence by former Sheriff (Gary) Maha and myself, we finally got to today."
The current jail was built in 1902 with additions in 1985. And while it has met its purpose for more than 120 years, the current jail is no longer adequate to meet the county's needs nor meet the health and safety standards required by the State of New York.
"The lack of housing space, overcrowding, inmate classification limitations, the inability to house females, and the inability to meet the needs of the inmates, incarcerated individuals, are just some of the daily obstacles that our correction officers and leadership face. We must remember that the county jail is a vital component in providing for the safety and security of the residents of Genesee County," Sheron said.
"We are building a modern secure facility," the sheriff said. "It will allow for the ability to expand essential programs that will assist in preparing incarcerated individuals for their re-entry into society. This facility will also allow us to improve mental health, substance abuse programs, and medical services. It will also increase our holding cell capacity to assist other police agencies here in Genesee County. Equally important is that the facility will drastically improve the working conditions for the correction officers and the jail employees that operate this facility 24 hours a day, 365 days a year."
Shelley Stein, chairwoman of the Genesee County Legislature, credited the persistence and work of a number of people in getting the new jail to the groundbreaking stage, including Maha and Sheron, along with former County Manager Jay Gsell, the volunteer transition team, along with all the other county staff involved.
"This site will address the long-planned improvements in the county's responsibility to care for its inmates, provide for good working conditions for our corrections officers and to house our female incarcerated individuals in their home counties," Stein said.
County Manager Matt Landers, whose work on the jail includes the years he was assistant to Gsell, said the Legislature has pursued a methodical and conscientious path to plan and design a responsible and efficient jail that will meet the needs of the community for the next 100 years.
In the wake of bail reform and the pause in construction caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the county took the time to complete a second study on the capacity of a new jail and what was needed in a new facility, Landers said.
"The results were the same as the first, which gave us in the county renewed confidence that we were building the right-sized jail for this community," Landers said. "The fact is one of the responsibilities of county government is to maintain a safe and functional jail. In constructing this new facility, Genesee County is fulfilling its obligations."
Photos by Howard Owens
Sheriff William Sheron
Legislator Shelley Stein
Bruce Scofield, owner of Scofield Rolloff, presented a check for $3,825 to the Le Roy Ambulance Service to assist the agency with its effort to raise money to purchase a new ambulance.
The funds were proceeds from a scrap metal drive two weeks ago.
Accepting the check were Chief Christopher Scopano and LAS Vice President Christopher Stella.
Le Roy Ambulance has raised $18,000 so far.
A car is off the roadway and into the trees on the Thruway near mile marker 395.5 in the eastbound direction of travel.
An occupant has a complaint of head pain. Extrication is needed.
Mercy Flight is on ground standby.
East Pembroke Fire along Town of Batavia Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.
UPDATE 1:31 p.m.: A second accident is reported at mile marker 396.4 eastbound, involving two vehicles with a rollover. East Pembroke and Mercy EMS dispatched.
UPDATE 1:32 p.m.: Pembroke and Indian Falls dispatched to the second accident. East Pembroke's chief at the first scene reports, "we're going to be at this one for some time with extrication."
UPDATE 2:01 p.m.: Pembroke and Indian Falls clearing the scene, holding all equipment in quarters.
Genesee County's unemployment rate of 2.8 percent in April is the lowest early spring rate on record and just a tick higher than the previous low of any time of year -- higher than reported in December when it was 2.7 percent.
A year ago in April, the rate was 4.6 percent.
The pre-pandemic low for April was 3.1 percent in 2019.
The NYS Labor Department reports 29,500 Genesee County residents are in the labor force, up from 28,900 a year ago and two hundred workers more than a month earlier.
According to the reported data, there are 800 county residents looking for work. A year ago, there were 1,300 residents listed as unemployed.
The labor department also reports 22,300 non-farm jobs in Genesee County, up from 21,500 in April a year ago.
There are 17,100 private sector jobs compared to 16,400 a year ago. There are now 5,100 government jobs in the county, which is 100 more than a year ago.
After an eight-week run of higher numbers of known COVID-19 case counts in Genesee County, the number of new positive tests reported dropped significantly over the past week.
There were 170 new positive tests reported for the seven days ending Tuesday.
The previous week, there were 261 new positive tests reported.
The Hornets went into their Class C sectional quarterfinals game against Cuba-Rushford today with their hitting shoes on.
The final score in their favor was 21-1.
Oakfield-Alabama knocked out 19 hits in the lopsided victory.
Aiden Warner had four hits and scored three times. Brayden Smith knocked in five runs on three hits and scored three times. Kyle Porter also collected three hits along wth two RBIs and two runs scored.
Notching two hits each were Bodie Hyde, Cooper Colantonio, Gaige Armbrewster, and David Schnaufer.
Porter picked up the win. He threw for 3 1/3 innings giving up one unearned run, no hits, walking four and striking out eight.
O-A plays Warsaw next.
In other sectional baseball games:
Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.
A three-vehicle accident, believed to be with injuries, is reported at Lewiston Road and Batavia Oakfield Townline Road, Batavia.
A camper has rolled over and a person is believed to be trapped.
Town of Batavia Fire and Mercy EMS responding.
UPDATE 1:39 p.m.: The location is in Oakfield's district. Oakfield Fire responding, Batavia to continue. Non-emergency response. Minor injuries.
UPDATE 2:50 p.m.: The red Buick was westbound on Batavia Oakfield Townline Road and the white Ford pickup was north on Route 63. The Buick pulled out in front of the pickup, according to Trooper Michael Machniak. There were only minor injuries. All occupants were sign-offs.
Photos by Howard Owens
Genesee County Sheriff's dispatch reports that he's received walk-up complaints of a person in a green hoodie and black pants on Main Street near Center Street walking up to people and spitting on them.
Batavia patrol officers responding.
UPDATE 2 p.m.: Sheriff William Sheron received a phone call reporting that a man was on Main Street spitting on people. He radioed the report to dispatch. Police on scene said that upon arrival, they were told that the man had spit on two women. The first woman had left the scene, and the second woman declined to press charges. The police interviewed the man and sent him on his way.
Police officers unselfishly protect the community, Batavia Det. Matthew J. Wojtaszczyk said Monday at St. Joseph's Cemetery during a ceremony to honor those who worked the streets of the city and were eventually laid to rest.
"I want to sincerely thank everyone who had a hand in this process of locating and honoring former members of the city of Batavia Police Department," said Wojtaszczyk, who is president of the Batavia Police Benevolent Association. "They dedicated their lives to a career of service for our community. From the inception of our police department in 1915 to today, the world of policing has certainly changed. But a constant throughout time has been the continued sacrifice of our men and women in blue. The officers we honor today face the daily risks of being police officers. They knew that when they put on their uniform, they would selflessly protect our community and our citizens, and that often meant placing themselves in dangerous situations."
The ceremony's purpose, said Chief Shawn Heubusch, was to honor those who gave a good portion of their lives to protect Batavia's people and property.
"Members we're recognizing today spent a significant amount of time as members of the department," Heubusch said. "Generally, they all retired from the department with at least 20 years of service to our community, many in excess of that. There are approximately 50 deceased officers buried in four cemeteries across Genesee County, including 34 here at St. Joe's and in Elmwood Cemetery."
Flag holders and Batavia PD flags, donated by H.E. Turner Funeral Home, were placed at the gravesite of each of these officers.
"It took an extraordinary effort and commitment to research the names of our deceased brethren in their final resting places," Heubusch said. "I want to recognize the two individuals who rightly deserve our gratitude and thanks. That's Rich Schauf and Steve Robinson."
Steve Johnson, of H.E. Turner, said the funeral home stepped in to assist with the donation because of the company's history, going back to 1910, of supporting local law enforcement.
"We're honored to be here to be a part of today's event, and are committed to ensuring that no Batavia police officer's final resting place goes without recognition," Johnson said. "To that end, I'd also like to announce that we have extended this offer to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and both the Le Roy and Corfu police departments, to provide resources and funding for similar memorials at their officers' graves."
At the gravesite of Anthony Horsch, Batavia's first chief of police, his great-great-grandson David Pixley noted that seeing the gravesite flags was meaningful to his family because so many of its members, in various parts of the nation, have or do serve in law enforcement.
Wojtaszczyk said local officers were grateful for the recognition because they give up a lot to serve their community.
"There are many things a police officer knows when they sign up for this career," Wojtaszczyk said. "Police officers know they will work difficult hours. Police officers know they will miss birthday parties, family events and holidays. Police Officers know that at a moment's notice they will run toward danger without hesitation. Police officers know that we'll see people who are at their worst and perhaps lowest points. And finally, police officers know that we'll be expected to make split-second decisions that will be scrutinized and critiqued afterward. In spite of this, they all choose a life of service and sacrifice."
Table: Former Batavia PD officers whose gravesites are located locally. Heubusch invited family members of former police officers were weren't included this year to contact the department to correct the unintentional oversight.
Name
Date of Birth
Date of Death
Years of Service
James J. Aquino
1920
2003
1950 – 1974
Gasper S. Baudanza
1906
1983
1931 – 1969
Robert G. Casper Sr.
1929
2008
1957-1977
Robert L. DeFreze
1927
2010
1959-1980
Albert G. DelBridge
1897
1960
1915-1952
Larry J. Falkowski
1921
2009
1942-1975
John J. Gravante
1934
2021
1959-1979
Anthony J. Horcsh
1854
1919
1890-1916
William C. Krantz
1901
1971
1933-1946
Frank A. Lachnicht
1937
2008
1966-1996
Andrew J. McCulley
1854
1931
1886-1931
Anthony J. Monteleone
1927
1984
1956-1977
Peter N. Nichols
1929
1980
1952-1978
Richard F. Pastecki
1928
1994
1957-1979
Frank S. Rodon
1911
1993
1936-1966
Bernard J. Ronan
1933
2015
1963-1985
Frank J. Rugala
1924
1990
1952-1974
Edward J. Santora
N/A
2007
1948-1969
Milford J. Smith
1904
1961
1923-1961
Grandview Cemetery:
Robert R. Currier
1930
2012
1964-1984
Earl F. Davis
1923
2001
1947-1981
Robert S. Dombrowski
1939
2016
1962-1993
Matty W. Hamera
1927
2002
1957-1976
Arthur J. Luplow
1881
1962
1915-1941
George K. McCurdy
1907
1977
1936-1971
Salvatore I. Sanfratello
1915
2001
1950-1972
Lloyd “Bud” G. Silvernail
1959
2013
1987-1993
Herbert Snyder
1887
1966
1915-1944
Richard F. Vanderwalker
1931
1996
1962-1987
Elmwood Cemetery:
William J. Lewis
1944
2019
1966-1987
Carl Salway
1890
1945
1921-1944
Charles Lewis Snell
1907
1979
1942-1971
Top photo: At the gravesite of Anthony Horsch, the first police chief of Batavia PD, he is saluted by his great-great-grandson David Pixley
Photos by Howard Owens
Chief Shawn Heubusch
Steve Robinson
Steve Johnson
Eugene Jankowski
Matthew J. Wojtaszczyk
Brayden Smith (top photo) of Elba grinded his way to his first sectional title in Class C in golf on Saturday with a round of 82 at Clifton Springs Country Club.
After finding himself four over par after the first two holes, Smith settled in and used his short game to secure par-after-par, finishing out the front nine with four straight followed by five pars on the final six holes to move ahead of teammate and two-time defending champion CJ Gottler who lost ground with penalty strokes down the stretch. Gottler shot an 86.
Byron Bergen's Ryan Muscarella finished third with a round of 90.
Photos by Kristen Smith. For more, click here.
CJ Gottler
A 60-unit housing development in a R-3 zoned area off of Lake Road in Le Roy received unanimous approval on Wednesday.
Eric Biscaro, who built and operates Clinton Crossings in Batavia, has said the complex will consist of 30 duplex homes on 16 acres off Route 19. The complex will be open only to people aged 50 and older.
Of the 16 acres, only about five acres will be developed.
Even though the property is zoned R-3, Biscaro did need to seek a one-time special use permit from the planning board, which the board approved 5-0.
Previously: Housing community in Le Roy will be neighborly, developer tells nearby residents
Press release:
The State University of New York at Potsdam will recognize the Class of 2022 during the College's 202nd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 21.
During Commencement, SUNY Potsdam honors students who have either earned their degree or are eligible to graduate during that calendar year.
The local candidates for graduation include:
- Mason Fuller of Bergen, who is set to graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Arts Management
- Harmony Parker of Pavilion, who is set to graduate cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Archaeological Studies
- Joshua Phelps of Bergen, who is set to graduate cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Arts Management
- Nicole Ridley of Le Roy, who is set to graduate cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration
To learn more about Commencement at SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/commencement.
State Police Troop A held its 41st Memorial Day for fallen troopers at the Batavia Barracks on Thursday.
Photos by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.
Sunset shots from Thursday by Chris Crocker in Stafford (top) and Joannne Meiser in Indian Falls (below).
Press Release:
Kimberly Davis of Pavilion, NY, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Nazareth College with a bachelor's degree in Health Sciences and a minor in Psychology during the 95th Commencement ceremony on campus at the Golisano Training Center on Saturday, May 14, 2022.
Nazareth College's academic strengths cross an unusually broad spectrum of 60 majors, including education, health and human services, management, the fine arts, music, theater, math and science, foreign languages, and the liberal arts. The coeducational, religiously independent, classic campus in a charming suburb of Rochester, N.Y. challenges and supports 2,000 undergrads and 800 graduate students. Nazareth is recognized nationally for its Fulbright global student scholars and commitment to civic engagement. Rigorous programs, an uncommon core, experiential learning, career skills, and a global focus prepare graduates for not just one job, but for their life's work.
A Rochester man was arrested yesterday on a charge of petit larceny after allegedly stealing two crossbows from Dick's Sporting Goods on Veterans Memorial in Batavia.
Staff at Dick's reported a theft of crossbows as the suspect drove away and provided dispatchers with a description of the vehicle.
A car driven by William Jefferey Gould, 39, of Affinity Lane, Rochester, was later stopped by State Police on I-490 and the crossbows were recovered.
Gould was also reportedly driving a stolen car from Freece.
The theft of the crossbows was investigated by Deputy Eric Meyer and Deputy Ayrton Blankenberg.
Gould was released on appearance ticket and turned over to police officers in Greece.
More than 300 community volunteers turned out today for United Way's annual Day of Caring to perform a variety of tasks for local organizations.
Photos are from Crossroads House and Justice for Children.
At Crossroads, a family paid for a new cement walkway and patio and volunteers are planting a garden so that those staying at Crossroads can be taken outside and enjoy a bit of nature.
The groups receiving assistance:
Christopher C. Say is indicted in counts of assault 2nd, criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, attempted arson 3rd, criminal mischief 2nd, making a terroristic threat, and criminal mischief 4th. Say is accused of using a dangerous instrument to cause serious injury to another person on Dec. 26 in the Town of Stafford. He is accused of using brass knuckles. He is attempting to start a fire to damage a detached garage at a location on Main Road in Stafford. He is accused of damaging the property of another person in excess of $1,000 in value. He is accused of threatening several troopers, deputies, and firefighters. He is accused of damaging an armored police vehicle. (Click here for previous reports of this incident.)
Adam E. Bortle is indicted on counts of promoting prison contraband 1st and three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Bortle is accused of bringing narcotics into the Genesee County Jail on March 20, specifically Alprazolam, Fentanyl, and cocaine.
Gerard H. Altenburg is indicted on counts of felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, and reckless driving. Altenburg is accused of driving a 2006 Dodge on Route 5 in the Town of Pembroke while intoxicated on Dec. 1. He was previously convicted of DWI in the Town of Pembroke in June 2016.
Eric T. McGrain is indicted on a count of felony DWI. He is accused of driving a 2019 Chevrolet on Jan. 8 in the Town of Batavia. He was previously convicted of DWI in June 2012 in the Town of Greece.
Marcella F. Greene is indicted on counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Greene is accused of possessing cocaine in a quantity significant enough to sell and a quantity of Fentynal on Dec. 21 in the Town of Batavia.
Edward S. Demetsenaere is indicted on counts of felony DWI and aggravated unlicensed operation. Demetsenaere is accused of driving drunk on Oct. 27 in the Town of Pavilion.
David B. Kenjockety is indicted on counts of felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, and aggravated unlicensed operation. Kenjockety is accused of driving drunk on Aug. 13 in the Town of Darien.
Jason P. Gorton is indicted on a count of assault 1st. Gorton is accused of causing serious injury to another person by use of a dangerous instrument, a mobile phone.
Isaac D. Abrams is indicted on counts of burglary 1st and assault 3rd. Abrams is accused of entering a dwelling on Bloomingdale Road, Town of Alabama on Dec. 28 with the intent of committing a crime. He is accused of causing injury to another person.
Stephen S. Bogle, 35, of Batavia, is charged with grand larceny 3rd and falsifying business records 1st. Bogle is accused of going to his place of employment on Bank Street, Batavia, and punching in, then leaving for eight to 12 hours, then punching out, without ever physically being present at work. He is accused of stealing $13,148.63 as a result of this scheme. He was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance.
Gerald Brinson Jr., 33, of Rochester, is charged with burglary 2nd, grand larceny 4th, criminal mischief 3rd, criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, endangering the welfare of a child, falsely reporting an incident 3rd, and menacing 2nd. At 9:30 a.m., May 17, Emergency Dispatch received a call of a disturbance and burglary in progress at a residence on Oak Street. Brinson is accused of entering the residence of a woman he knew and attacking her. According to Batavia PD, he was wanted on a gun case in Monroe County. When patrols arrived, officers determined the victim and her year-old son had escaped from the residence but Brinson was still inside, refusing to exit. Officers from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, NYS Police, and NYS Environmental Conservation arrived to assist. While Brinson Jr was inside the residence, he allegedly called in a fake report of gunfire on Ellicott Avenue. Eventually, Brinson Jr came out of the residence and was taken into custody. Brinson was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $25,0000 bail, $50,000 bond, or $100,000 partially secured bond.
Tonya M. Weber, 38, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Weber is accused of leaving a business on West Main Street, Batavia, at 5:40 p.m., April 13, with a bag of groceries without paying for them. She was released on an appearance ticket.
Steven M. Lindner, 49, of Albion, was arrested on a bench warrant. Lindner was wanted on a warrant out of City Court. Linder was arraigned and the case was disposed by the judge. Lindner was released and does not need to return.
Dierdre A. Louchren, 56 of Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. Louchren was arrested on a warrant. She was originally arrested in 2020 on an abandonment of animals charge. Louchren was arraigned in City Court and ordered to appear on May 19.
Cheryl M. Figoura, 42, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Figoura is accused of stealing money from her employer on Oak Street at 5 a.m., May 5. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Christopher P. Thomas, 38, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Thomas is accused of damaging another person's property on State Street, Batavia, at 1:22 p.m., April 23. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Cynthia C. Richardson, 42, of Batavia, is charged with failing obligation of parent or guardian. On 12:59 a.m., May 5, Richardson allegedly failed to stop her child from going outside without a parent or guardian past curfew. Richardson was issued an appearance ticket.
Ashley M. Davis, 33, of Batavia, is charged with failing obligation of parent or guardian. On 12:59 a.m., May 5, Davis allegedly failed to stop her child from going outside without a parent or guardian past curfew. Davis was issued an appearance ticket.
Ronnie J. Flinchum, 63, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Flinchum is accused of threatening physical contact with another person during a dispute reported at 8 p.m., April 28, on Bant Street, Batavia. Flinchum was issued an appearance ticket.
Jonathan Chisler, 31, of Bacon Street, Le Roy, is charged with aggravated harassment 2nd. Chisler was arrested following a complaint regarding an incident reported at 9:38 a.m., May 13, at a location on Union Street, Le Roy. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Ethan Thomas Cifeill, 24, of Bernd Road, Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. Cifeill is accused of stealing something from a location on South Street, Le Roy, at 8:02 p.m., May 14.
Latoya Denise Jackson, 36, of State Street, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd, resisting arrest, obstruction of governmental administration, and criminal trespass 2nd. Jackson was allegedly at a property on West Main Street Road at 10:11 a.m., May 17, and refusing to leave. Jackson was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released on her own recognizance.
Michael David Wiedrich, 52, of Boyd Road, Pavilion, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and driving left of pavement markings. Wiedrich was stopped at 1:45 a.m., May 18, on North Street, Le Roy, by Deputy David Moore. He was released on appearance tickets.
Suzanne Marie Kennelly, 32, no address specified, Batavia, is charged with unlawful fleeing a police officer 3rd, DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding, and moving from lane unsafely. Kennelly is accused of failing to pull over at 7:14 p.m., May 6, when Deputy Trevor Sherwood attempted to stop her on Wight Road, Alabama. She is scheduled to reappear in Town of Alabama Court at 6 p.m., July 5.
Michael James Fox, 37, of Park Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with forcible touching. Fox was arrested following a complaint lodged at 5 p.m., May 9, on Park Avenue, Oakfield. An order of protection was issued and he was released on his own recognizance.
Maria Lynn Dimartino, 56, of Rollin Circle, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Dimartino is accused of using the bar code on a 32-inch TV to purchase a 50-inch TV at BJ's Wholesale Club at 7:25 p.m., April 21. She was issued an appearance ticket.
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