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Health department reports rise in new COVID cases over past two weeks

By Howard B. Owens

For the first time since late spring, there have been more than 100 new COVID-19 cases reported in Genesee County in back-to-back weeks.

For the week of Sept. 14, there were 123 new positive tests reported to the Genesee County Health Department. For the week of Sept. 21, there were 115.

New case reports were well below 100 most weeks throughout the summer.

The county only has data on cases reported from labs or people who did at-home tests and took it upon themselves to report their positive tests to the county.  People who test at home but don't report their results are not included in the count.  The total number of lab-based positives for the past week is 91.

One death from COVID-related causes was reported in the past week, bringing the total number of Genesee County residents who have died from the disease to 201.

According to the CDC, the county's current transmission risk is "medium." 

Man convicted of criminal sexual act with a teenager sent to prison for five years

By Howard B. Owens

Alone one night in a car in the Target parking lot with a teenage girl, Shawn D. Myers made a decision that he and the girl will have to deal with for the rest of their lives, Judge Melissa Lightcap Cianfrini told Myers before sentencing him to five years in prison this afternoon.

In July, a jury convicted Myers of first-degree criminal sexual act, a Class B violent felony.  

By all accounts in Court this afternoon, except for that one decision, the Byron resident had led a pretty exemplary life up to that point -- a volunteer in his community, including a volunteer firefighter.

On Jan. 28, 2021, Myers forced the girl to have sex with him, the jury said.

His attorney, Jeremy Schwartz, argued that the evidence in the case, despite the jury's verdict, didn't really support the assertion of forcible compulsion, though Myers, now 21, admitted that he had sex with a person less than 17 years of age.

First Assistant District Attorney Joseph Robinson said the victim suffered physical injury as a result of what Myers did and is still dealing with the emotional fallout of the sexual abuse. 

More than two dozen community and family members attended the hearing in support of Myers.  

The victim and her mother were also at the hearing.

In his statement, Myers said he knew he made a mistake but expressed concern about being sent to prison because he is being treated for PTSD, anxiety, and depression, and during his time in the criminal justice system, he and his attorney said, he's already suffered one disruption to his medication regime. 

Cianfrini, who could have sentenced Myers to up to 25 years in prison, said that she would note in documents that will go with Myers to the Department of Corrections, that Myers has prescription medication he must take.

She encouraged Myers to use his time in prison to learn that he can't force people to do things against their will and to learn a trade.

Myers said during his statement that he loved being a volunteer firefighter and regretted that he had ruined his firefighting career by his decision.  He promised Cianfrini that never again will he make a mistake that lands him back in jail.

Fire reported on Platt Street, Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A fire is reported at 3 Platt St., Le Roy.

All occupants are being shown out of the structure.

Le Roy Fire and Le Roy Ambulance dispatched.

UPDATE 11:44 p.m.: It's a stove fire.

UPDATE 11:49 p.m.: City Fire requested mutual aid.

UPDATE 11:53 p.m.: Le Roy Fire on scene.  Fan needed on second floor for ventilation.  

UPDATE 11:56 p.m.: City's First Platoon recalled to headquarters while City Fire responds to stove fire in Le Roy.

Sentencing of Devon Wright delayed so new attorney can become familiar with the case

By Howard B. Owens
Devon Wright

A Batavia man who disappeared for seven months after being released from custody following a weapons conviction had his scheduled sentencing delayed for three weeks today so his new attorney can get up to speed on his case.

Nathan Pace, who is now assigned council for Devon Wright, asked for an adjournment.  

County Court Judge Melissa Lightcap Cianfrini granted the request. The new sentencing time and date is 3 p.m. Oct. 18.

Wright was a co-defendant in November in a case involving a gun deal gone bad at the Days Inn six months earlier when he entered a surprise guilty plea to counts of attempted criminal possession of a weapon 2nd, and attempted criminal possession of a weapon 3rd. He also entered guilty pleas to assault in the third degree, a misdemeanor, attempted assault 1st, a Class C Violent Felony, and criminal sexual act, also a felony.

The pleas satisfied charges from multiple arrests over the previous 12 months and came with a 10-year sentence cap. When he failed to appear for his initial sentencing date and became a wanted man, he jeopardized his sentencing cap.

Wright was located in Lockport in July and has been held in the Genesee County Jail since his arrest. 

In the November trial Wright's co-defendant, Jacob Sponaugle, was found guilty by the jury of:

  • Attempted Murder 2nd, a Class B violent felony
  • Assault in the first degree, a Class B violent felony
  • Criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, a Class C violent felony
  • Aggravated criminal possession of a weapon, a Class C violent felony
  • Criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony
  • Criminal using a firearm in the first degree, a Class B violent felony
  • Criminal using a firearm in the first degree, a Class B violent felony

Sponaugle was sentenced in December to 15 years in prison.

Law and Order: Babysitter accused of sexual conduct with child

By Howard B. Owens
Ronald Washburn

Ronald M. Washburn, 62, of Stafford, is charged with Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child Less than 13, 2nd. Washburn is accused of having sexual conduct with a child on two or more occasions while babysitting the child in the City of Batavia between July 2008 and July 2012. The case was investigated by Det. Jason Ivison. Washburn was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision.

Samantha M. Kent, 29 of Le Roy, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, following too closely, failure to stop for a school bus, and driving while ability impaired by drugs. Kent was reportedly the driver involved in a school bus accident on Sept. 13 at 6:59 a.m. on Ellicott Street, Batavia. She was arraigned in City Court and released on her own recognizance.

Kevin D. Wolff, 51, of Sweetland Road, Stafford, and Cherie L. Bender, 52, of Sweetland Road, Stafford, are both charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Deputies responded to a call of a disturbance on Aug. 25 and as a result of an investigation Wolff and Bender were arrested on Sept. 22.  Both were released on appearance tickets.

Jessica B. Eschenlauer, 33, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 1st, assault 3rd, and unlawful imprisonment 2nd. Eschenlauer is accused of violating an order of protection and punching another person during a disturbance reported on  Sept. 16 at 10:30 a.m. at a location on Eleanor Place, Batavia. She was arraigned in City Court and ordered to return at a later date.

George J. Horner, 33, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd and criminal contempt 2nd. Horner is accused of entering a residence on Bank Street on Sept. 21 at 7:10 a.m. in violation of an order of protection. Horner was arraigned in City Court and ordered jailed on $2,500 bail, $5,000 bond, or $10,000 partially secured bond.

Matthew R. Taylor, 39, no permanent address, is charged with burglary 3rd and petit larceny. Taylor is accused of stealing property from a business on Oak Street, Batavia, on Sept. 11 at 11:11 p.m. Taylor was arraigned in City Court and ordered held pending his next court appearance. 

Albert G. Platton, 76, of Batavia, is charged with forcible touching. Platton is accused of touching a staff member of a facility on Richmond Avenue, Batavia, in a sexual manner.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Nancy E. Chatt, 77, of Batavia, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Chatt was allegedly driving a vehicle that struck a utility pole on Jackson Street on Sept. 18 at 8:52 p.m. She was arraigned in City Court and released on her own recognizance.

Brittanee J. Hooten, 33, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Hooten is accused of shoplifting from a business in the City of Batavia on Sept. 17 at 11:30 a.m. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Rachel S. Wright, 18, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd and criminal trespass 2nd. Wright is accused of trying to fight with another person on Sept. 18 at 4:54 p.m. at a location on North Street, Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Christine M. Caplis, 42, of Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant on Sept. 18 at 12:30 p.m. She was released with an order to appear in City Court on Sept. 22.

Shyanna M. Williams, 19, of Hamburg is charged with aggravated harassment 2nd. Williams was arrested on a warrant based on a complaint filed on May 6. She was arraigned in City Court and released on her own recognizance. 

Amanda L. Huber, 40, of Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. Huber was arrested on a warrant following a police investigation into an incident on West Main Street, Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket ordering her to appear on Sept. 15.

Jamie S. Schlonski, 50, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Schlonski was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 5 p.m. Sept. 22, in the Town of Batavia. Schlonksi was released on an appearance ticket. No further information was released.

Accident reported on Oatka Trail, Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A two-car motor vehicle accident is reported in the area of 7581 Oatka Trail, Le Roy.

One vehicle is smoking, and the other one is rolled over.

Le Roy Fire, Le Roy Ambulance, and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 4:14 p.m.: Fire police requested to shutdown traffic in the area.

Photos: New mural at GO ART! designed to send a message of welcome to all people

By Howard B. Owens

Dan Butler, an artist from Perry, is nearing completion of a mural on the back of Seymour Place, the home of GO ART!, inspired by an idea presented to him by Director Gregory Hallock: People of many different races holding flowers.

"He wanted to welcome everybody," Butler said. "They're all welcome here to come and enjoy art or create it."

Butler has been assisted by Jill Pettigrew, who has painted the flowers.

Butler said he's enjoyed the project.

"I get to be outside and I get to paint," Butler said. "One of my specialties is portraits and faces so I get to work on what I do best and throw a lot of color and flowers into it and have a good time."

Photos: Family Game night at the County's Senior Center

By Howard B. Owens

Catelyn Terboss, 7, tries out one of the pieces of antique technology on display Friday night at the Senior Center for Family Game Night.

The County's IT department was one of several county agencies with display tables during the event, which centered around family games and free games for families to take home.

Catelyn had never seen a rotary telephone before. Louis Stoller showed her how it worked though he admitted he's never used a rotary phone. 

It was Puzzling who won Batavia’s feature

By Howard B. Owens

The Riddler and Vanna White would have been proud of the betting public after they figured out Puzzling should be the favorite in the $15,000 Open I Handicap on Saturday night (Sept. 24) at Batavia Downs and then collected their money after he dominated the locals with his season’s best effort. 

Jim Morrill Jr. picked up the drive on the shipper Puzzling who was making his first ever start at the Downs. He wrangled the lead away from Stop Action (Kevin Cummings) at the :27 quarter and then laid the lumber on his foes from there. Morrill had the grippers on Puzzling to the half in a slow :29.1 and then rebuffed a challenge from Ideal Artillery (Jim McNeight Jr.) through the third quarter in a stepped-up :27.4. As the pocket-sitting Stop Action started to lose touch around the last turn, Puzzling took a two length lead into the stretch and cruised home to a 2-¼ length victory over Stratosphere (Drew Monti) in 1:52.3. 

A 10-time winner in 2021, this was the second win and fastest time of this year for Puzzling ($6.70) who is owned by Rocco Stebbins. This was one of two wins on Saturday for trainer Joe Skowyra who also sent the Stebbins’ owned Mississippi Rabbit (1:54.1, $3.20) to the winner's circle. Morrill ended the night with three winners. 

The undercard $14,000 Open II Handicap saw Blue Spanx (Keith Kash) set the pace to the half where Stranger Things (Kevin Cummings) pulled first-over with a rush. It took Stranger Things a quarter to draw even with Blue Spanx but when he did, it was a real race to the wire. The two pacers matched strides all the way down the stretch in close quarters and under heavy urging. When they hit the light Blue Spanx had the win by three-quarters of a length in 1:55.3. However, shortly after the race ended, the judges posted an inquiry and eventually placed Blue Spanx second for interfering with Stranger Things in the stretch, and declared Stranger Things the winner. 

As a result, Stranger Things ($5.90) got his third win in his last four starts and eighth win of the year for owners Virginia Schoeffel, Kathy Schoeffel and James Reuther. Angelo Nappo was the winning conditioner. Cummings had the hat trick in the bike by the evenings end. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 24) at 6 p.m. Free full past performance race programs for all live race days can be downloaded by visiting the track's website at bataviadownsgaming.com and clicking the "Live Racing" tab.

Photo by Wendy J. Lowery

Grand Jury Report: Batavia man indicted in Elm Street shooting

By Howard B. Owens
Jeremy Ives

Jeremy G. Ives is indicted on two counts of attempted assault in the first degree, a Class C violent felony, kidnapping in the second degree, a Class B violent felony, criminal use of a firearm in the first degree, a Class B violent felony, two counts of criminal use of a firearm in the second degree, a Class C violent felony, and menacing in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. Ives is accused of attempting to cause serious physical injury to a person using a shotgun in the City of Batavia on Aug. 12.  He is accused of abducting another person on that same day. Previously: Arrest made in Elm Street shooting

Iverson M. Davis is indicted on counts of grand larceny in the third degree, a Class D felony, and eight counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree, a Class D felony. Davis is accused of stealing property with a value in excess of $3,000 between March 25 and March 28 at Batavia Downs in the Town of Batavia. He is accused of possessing forged Western Union Money Orders.

Elayasia A. Mendez is indicted on counts of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, DWI, forgery in the second degree, falsifying business records in the first degree, and criminal impersonation in the second degree. Mendez is accused of driving a 2014 Chrysler on Clinton Street Road, Stafford, on June 11 on a suspended license while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. She is accused of signing the name "Jada Quinones" on a fingerprint card in an attempt to conceal her true identity. 

Alicia K. Urban is indicted on two counts of aggravated driving while ability impaired by drugs, a Class E felony, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor. Urban is accused of driving impaired on March 29 on East Main Street, Town of Batavia, while two children were in the vehicle.

Amanda B. Hopkins is indicted on two counts of aggravated DWI, a Class E felony,  and one count of endangering the welfare of a child a Class A misdemeanor. Hopkins is accused of driving drunk, with a BAC of .08 or greater, with a child in the car, on Route 63 in the Town of Pavilion on Jan. 21.

Garlyn M. Gause is indicted on counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony, two counts of tampering with physical evidence, a Class E felony, and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a Class A misdemeanor. Gause is accused of possessing cocaine on April 24 in the City of Batavia with the intent to sell it. On that same date, he is accused of preventing the use of evidence by concealment, alteration, destruction or by employing force, intimidation or deception. On the same date, is also accused of being in possession of a controlled substance. 

Trevor T. Cooke is indicted on counts of driving while ability impaired by drugs, a Class E felony, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree. Cooke is accused of driving a 2006 Chevrolet on April 2 on Bloomingdale Road in the Town of Alabama while his ability was impaired by drugs.

 

Genesee Gymnastics showing improvement in Saturday's meet

By Howard B. Owens

Genesee came in third in a Monroe County Athletics Gymnastics competition in Byron on Saturday.

The teams placed:

  • Fairport: 119.9
  • Gates-Brighton: 113.175
  • Genesee: 110. 025
  • Corning: 109.125

Individual results:

  • All Around: 1. Sarah Lago (Fairport): 31.35, 3. Roan Finn (Genesee): 28.775, 6. Emily Salmonds (Genesee): 28.4, 9. Haylie Leitten (Genesee): 27.2
  • Vault: 1. Sarah Lago (Fairport): 8.1, 2. Roan Finn (Genesee): 7.725, 6. Mikayla Yohon (Genesee): 7.45, 8. Emily Salmonds (Genesee): 7.275
  • Uneven Bars: 1. Maryclaire Wirth (Fairport): 7.1, 7. Haylie Leitten (Genesee): 6.5, 9. Emily Salmonds (Genesee): 6.475
  • Balance Beam: 1. Sophie Hain (Fairport): 8.725, 6. Haylie Leitten (Genesee): 7.75
  • Floor Exercise: 1. Sarah Lago (Fairport): 8.6, 5. Roan Finn (Genesee): 7.625

Genesee Coach Stephani Hamilton said, "The girls placed third out of four teams today and I am proud of them.  Each girl has increased her skill level on each event so far this season.  They will continue to strive for their goals." 

Genesee's next meet is Friday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. at Bright Raven in Victor.

Submitted information and photo.

Pembroke girls knot up at 1-1 against Kendal

By Howard B. Owens

A girls soccer game between Pembroke and Kendall ended in a 1-1 tie on Friday.

Karli Houseknecht scored early in the fourth minute of play. Putting the dragons up 1-0 in the first half. Kendall netted one in the middle of the second quarter scored by Ava Quintern

The Dragons played a great defensive game. Senior goalkeeper Arianna Hale recovered 19 saves. Her defensive line consisting of Ameilia Berghorn, Emma Groff, Izzy Breeden and Molly Chittenden held strong against a fast Kendall offense.

Submitted by Coach April Meier

Boys varsity soccer gives up late goals to fall to HFL 5-3

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia Boys Varsity Soccer lost 5-3 at HFL on Friday night.

Batavia was ahead 2-1 for most of the game but gave up late goals.

Owen Halpin (#2) had 2 goals (PK and an assist by Alex Bartz #15) and Andrew Childs (#22) had one goal (assisted by Dima Havens (#18)). Goalkeeper Jack Pickard (#16) had another outstanding performance with 13 saves. 

Submitted by Coach Graham Halpin

Blue Devils top Bishop Kearny 49-20

By Howard B. Owens

Javin McFolins completed nine of 11 pass attempts for 206 yards and two TDs to lead Batavia to a 49-20 win over Bishop Kearney on Saturday afternoon.

McFollins also gained 43 yards on the ground on four attempts and scored a touchdown.

Aavion Bethel ran nine times for 41 yards and a TD and Cam McClinic gained 43 yards on five carries.

Vincent Arroyo caught four passes for 107 yards and a TD.  

On defense, Cooper Fix had seven tackles.

Pembroke beats defending eight-man champs 46-32

By Howard B. Owens

The Pembroke Dragon improved to 3-1 on the season in eight-man football with a 46-32 win over two-time defending sectional champions Red Jacket.

The game opened with a 50-yard touchdown run by Caleb Felski.

Red Jacket quickly responded with a score of their own.

A big interception before halftime by Cayden Pfalzer led Pembroke to an extra possession and score before the half.

The Dragons sustained that lead for the rest of the game.

Tyson Totten rushed 25 times for 264 yards and four touchdowns.  He is at 727 yards on the season after four games.

Cayden Pfalzer added 106 yards rushing on 8 carries and a 54-yard TD pass to tight end Chase Guzdek.

Defensively Jayden Mast had seven tackles and a sack with help from fellow defensive lineman Octavius Martin with six tackles, Chase Guzdek six tackles, and Jayden Bridge with five tackles.

Pfalzer and Totten added 10 tackles each from the linebacker positions while Caleb Felski led the way with 11 tackles on the night.  

The Dragons play next Frida at 7 p.m. at Wellsville.

Submitted information and photos.

Aggies top Knights 38-6

By Howard B. Owens

The Oakfield-Alabama/Elba Aggies scored 38 unanswered points through four quarters on their way to a 38-6 over Le Roy at home on Friday night.

Connor Scott opened the scoring with a 57-yard run at the start of the game to ignite the Aggie's offense.  Brodie Scott completed a pass to Noah Currier for the next score, then hit Connor Scott in the second quarter and scored himself twice in the third.  OAE's final score came early in the fourth quarter when Hyde connected with Kyle Porter on a 51-yard TD reception.

OAE compiled 475 yards in total offense to 188 for the Oatkan Knights.

Hyde completed six of 12 pass attempts for 156 yards and three TDs.  He was intercepted once.

Currier gained 134 yards on 19 runs, Hyde 93 on 16 attempts.

Kyle Porter had two receptions for 70 yards.

On defense, Nate Finta had five tackles.

For the Knights, Adrian Stephens was 5-13 passing for 41 yards. Jackson Fix rushed eight times for 70 yards and a TD. On defense, Tony Piazza had 9.5 tackles.

"A win like this against an opponent like LeRoy is huge for our team," said Aggies Head Coach Tyler Winter. "While the first half still was not the cleanest on our end, the way our guys came out of halftime and kept the pedal down on a good opponent speaks to what we are capable of, both physically and mentally.  They are really taking to our 'process over product' approach, and doing a phenomenal job of taking each opponent as they come.  For them, the next challenge is the biggest one."

Top photo: Le Roy’s Xavien Walker (44) holds on to Connor Scott (22).

Photos by Ed Henry

OAE’s Connor Scott (22) scores a TD early in the game.

OAE’s Noah Currier (20) snags a TD catch.

Le Roy’s Jack Tonzi grabs a reception in the flats.

Le Roy’s Drew Strollo (34) turns the corner.

OAE’s Aiden Warner holds on after an Antonio Martinez collision.

OA-E’s QB Bodie Hyde

OAE’s Angelo Penna (55) and Connor Scott (22) celebrate up top. 

Additional photos below by Kristin Smith.  For more, click here.

Alexander shuts out South Seneca, Sawyer gets 100th win

By Howard B. Owens

Alexander shut out South Seneca 50-0 to improve to 3-0 on the season and give Tim Sawyer his 100th victory as the Trojan's head football coach.

Trenton Woods threw three first-quarter TD passes. 

Senior tight end Christian Kissell caught a 10-yard strike for a TD just two minutes into the game. 

Tyler Marino scored on a 30-yard pass and then moments later Kaden Lyons hauled in a 20-yard pass. 

Dalton Selapak's point-after kicks and a defensive safety from Cole Dean the Trojans led 22-0 at the end of the first quarter. 

Senior running back Ricky Townley scored on two different runs in the second quarter.  One was a 10-yarder and later on a 4-yard run.

That made it 36-0 at the half. 

Tyler Marino carried the ball into the end zone in the third quarter from 4 yards out and in the fourth quarter and Bryce Feldman scored his first-ever TD on a 1-yard run.

Defensively, the Trojans did not give up a first down on the night.  Sr Defensive Back Benny Merrill had an interception and Cole Dean had a safety and a fumble recovery to go with three tackles.  Jaden Snyder, Bryce Feldman, Christian Kissell, and Trent Woods all had QB sacks.

The Trojans play at Notre Dame next Saturday.

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