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Stafford

Brush fire reported on Britt Road

By Howard B. Owens

A brush fire is reported at 6364 Britt Road, Stafford.

The fire is near a tractor and/or a garage.

Stafford fire is dispatched.

Law and Order: Le Roy resident accused of selling oxycodone

By Howard B. Owens
     Robert Kingsbury

Robert C. Kingsbury, 39, of East Main Road, Le Roy, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd. Kingsbury is accused of selling a quantity of oxycodone to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force. He was arrested Thursday by members of the task force with assistance from Le Roy PD. He was arraigned and ordered held without bail.

Jonathan E. Seiger, 55, and Scott H. Spencer, 52, both of West Main Road, Stafford, are charged with one count each of grand larceny, 4th, and identity theft, 2nd. Seiger and Spencer are accused of unlawfully possessing and using a debit card of a friend. The men were also charged with 11 counts of criminal possession of stolen property, 4th, and conspiracy, 5th. Between Aug. 5 and 15, the duo allegedly used the debit card at an ATM machine, along with the friend's PIN identification, to withdraw $1,660. They were jailed on $2,500 each.     

Cassandra Marie Neal, 32, of Lapp Road, Fillmore, is charged with first-degree perjury and filing a false instrument, 1st. Neal was called upon to testify before a grand jury about an alleged domestic incident in Genesee County Park in 2015. Neal allegedly lied about the incident during her testimony. She also allegedly filed a false instrument with the Sheriff's Office. She was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Gregory Joseph Rodak, 32, of Winterroth Street, Rochester, is charged with felony DWI and felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and driving left of pavement markings. Rodak was reportedly involved in a two-car accident at 8:11 p.m. Thursday on Townline Road, Bergen. Deputy Kevin Forsyth reports he detected the odor of alcohol and that Rodak admitted to drinking earlier. Rodak submitted to a field sobriety test. He has a prior conviction for DWI within the past 10 years, leading to the felony charges.

Accident with possible injuries on Route 33, Stafford

By Howard B. Owens

A car has reportedly hit a tree or a pole in the area of Caswell Road and Clinton Street Road, Stafford.

There may be injuries. 

Stafford fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

Responders advised to use caution, the pole is about to come down.

UPDATE: Reader submitted photo. We didn't hear any more on this call.

Law and Order: Man accused of driving drunk on motorcycle while on learner's permit

By Howard B. Owens

Eric Jon Merritt, 27, of Rose Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding and operating out of class. Merritt was allegedly exceeding the posted speed limit of 55 mph on Route 5 in Batavia at 2:40 a.m. Sunday while operating a motorcycle on a learner's permit when he was stopped by Deputy Ryan Young.

Dashawn Devan Hazel, 22, of Saint Mary Street, Bronx, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Hazel was arrested on a warrant during a traffic stop.

Treshaun David Perry, 21, of Lewis Place, Batavia, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs and speeding. Perry was stopped on Prole Road, Stafford, at 3:29 p.m. Saturday by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

You're invited to the public dedication ceremony of the new veterans monument in Stafford

By Lisa Ace

Please join us in a public dedication ceremony of the new veterans monument in Stafford to honor all veterans who served. At the helm of the committee is 91 year old, Helen Batchellor, who spearheaded all of the fund raising events which includes a chicken BBQ, selling patriotic bracelets, and asking for donations.  

You’re cordially invited to join us on Saturday November 12, 2016 at 1pm at the Illette Park in Stafford, NY. The park is located at the intersection of Route 5 & Route 237. 

Red Osier owners dedicate month to giving back to the community

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Red Osier has a goal to become as community-orientated as its owners, Steven Foster and Tim Adam. Together with their staff, they have decided to rename November "Lovember" with a month of promotions to give back to the local community.

In November, bring in a bag of nonperishable goods or new clothing and you will receive a $10 gift voucher toward your next dinner visit. All food will be donated to the Le Roy Food Pantry, while the clothing will be donated to the local homeless community.

Bring in a package of new undergarments and socks during November, receive a complementary chef dessert. All items will be donated to restaurant employee Wendy Cappoli-Frongetta's grassroots organization "Spirits and Skivvies" that donates underwear and garments to local less fortunate throughout the community. Her goal is to restore dignity and comfort to the fellow human one pair of underwear at a time. There is an auction of donated items this Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. at the Byron Fire Hall where all proceeds will support "Spirits and Skivvies."

On Thanksgiving, the restaurant will be open 12 to 5 p.m. This is the first year in the history of the restaurant that it has been open on this holiday. All -- 100 percent -- of the sales proceeds from the day will be split between Genesee Cancer Assistance and The Stafford Monument Committee, which is erecting a monument at the Stafford Four Corners to honor the past and present military personnel from Stafford. Throughout the month, we will have our annual buy a $50 gift certificate and receive a complementary $20 gift certificate as well.

It is extremely important to get our local businesses and their staffs involved in the holiday spirit. If we can make a small difference one can of vegetables or a package of underwear at a time, that's what we will do. We hope that our spirit of "Lovember" will resonate to other businesses within our area.

Law and Order: Leicester man turns himself in at Sheriff's Office after hospitalization from June accident in Stafford

By Billie Owens

Jeffrey William Scott, 33, of Market Street, Leicester, is charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs; operating a  motor vehicle while registration is suspended; operating motor vehicle without insurance; unsafe tires; and failure to keep right. Scott was originally involved in a one-vehicle accident on Fargo Road in the Town of Stafford on June 2. As a result, he was flown by Mercy Flight to Erie County Medical Center. On Oct. 26, he turned himself in at the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and was arrested on the charges. Scott was released on appearance tickets for Stafford Town Court on Nov. 17. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth, assisted by Sheriff's Sgt. Jason Saile.

GC Office for the Aging partners with Rochester Gay Alliance for 'Traveling LGBTQ Potluck & Program' Nov. 12

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Office for the Aging is proud to partner with the Rochester Gay Alliance SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders) program to bring an event to our County!

The Traveling LGBTQ Potluck & Program will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, located at 6188 Main Road in Stafford.

Meet! Greet! Eat!

All are welcome. Meet news friends.

Featured program is "Gay Pioneers."

Bring a dish to pass.

Also, Rochester Gay Alliance SAGE is looking to connect with LGBTQ veterans and people who served in the military regardless of discharge status.

Learn more about what SAGE Vets & ROC Vets can do for you!

Contact: Kimberly.Perl@co.genesee.ny.us

Law and Order: Batavia woman allegedly punched person in the face in front of cops, gave fake name

By Billie Owens

Cynthia May Mack, 49, of Pearl Street Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment and false personation. Following the investigation into a domestic incident at 10:07 a.m. on Oct. 21 on East Main Road, Le Roy, Mack was arrested after allegedly punching an individual in the face while in presence of law enforcment, and she allegedly provided them with a false name. She was put in jail and is due in Le Roy Town Court on Oct. 27. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl.

Danielle Marie Stewart, 18, of East Main Road, Stafford, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Following the investigation at 12:23 a.m. on Oct. 25 into a suspicious condition in a parking lot on Main Road in the Town of Stafford, Stewart was allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Stafford Court on Nov. 15. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer.

'Two subjects in clown costumes' spotted on bridge in Stafford

By Billie Owens

A dispatcher said a caller reported seeing 'two subjects in clown costumes' about 10 minutes ago on the overpass bridge on Route 33 near Horseshoe Lake Road.

They were on the north side of the bridge.

Law enforcement is responding.

UPDATE 5:41 a.m.: An officer states he's in the area, then asks the dispatcher "Did the clowns do anything or were they just there?" The reply is that the clowns were sitting on the railing, then began walking in separate directions. ... Only one call (on this 'issue')."

UPDATE 5:54 a.m.: Law enforcement is clearing the scene; no clowns found.

Stafford man accused of growing marijuana, selling cocaine

By Howard B. Owens

As the result of an investigation and execution of a search a warrant, Jeffery D. Torrey Sr., 44, of Roanoke Road, Stafford has been  charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, and unlicensed growing of cannabis, among other related charges.

The Local Drug Task Force executed the warrant on Torrey's home and on Torrey himself and his vehicle in the Town of Le Roy. 

Agents allegedly found a grow operation inside his residence, a quantity of marijuana and cocaine, a set of metal knuckles, a gravity knife and U.S. currency.

Other charges include criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, criminal possession of marijuana, 4th, criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

He was jailed on $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond. 

Law and Order: Man jailed without bail for allegedly breaking into house on Otis Street, woman allegedly threatened to shoot cop

By Billie Owens

Vernon R. Hil, 18, of Prole Road Extension, Stafford, is charged with second-degree burglary and fourth degree criminal mischief. At 2:24 a.m. on Oct. 16, Batavia Police responded to the report of an unknown male found inside a residence on Otis Street in the City of Batavia. Hill exited the residence upon patrols' arrival and he was taken into custody. Disturbed property and a damaged water line were found in the basement. He was arraigned on the charges and jailed without bail. He is due in City Court this afternoon. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Eric Bolles.

Shawna M. Reynolds, 39, of Eleanor Place, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested at 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 10 after allegedly threatening to shoot a City of Batavia Police officer after a patrol was dispatched to her residence for a 9-1-1 hang-up with unknown circumstances. She was issued an appearance ticket for Oct. 18 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Kimberly M. Volk, 28, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. She was arrested at 7:25 p.m. on Oct. 11 following a disturbance on South Main Street. She is due in City Court on Oct. 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Nicole Salamone.

Priscilla M. Donahue, 38, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. On Oct. 9, Batavia Police responded to Rite Aid on East Main Street for a report of a larceny of a cell phone which occurred at 1:05 p.m. on Oct. 8. Following an investigation, it was determined that Donahue allegedly entered the story and stole the cell phone. She was arrested and the cell phone was also recovered. She is due in City Court on Oct. 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Jeri M. Diaz, 36, of Bank Street, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court for failing to appear regarding a traffic ticket issued on July 20. Diaz posted bail and was due in City Court on Oct. 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

Gregory M. Munroe II, 28, of Harvester Avenue, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. He was arrested on a warrant out of City Court after failing to appear for traffic violations issued on Aug, 20. He was released and is due in City Court on Oct. 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Garth & Amy Swanson, 6209 Main Road, Stafford, Rehabilitation

By Howard B. Owens

Garth & Amy Swanson

6209 Main Road, Stafford

Rehabilitation

Article by Brian Dougherty

The Swanson home at 6209 Main Road Stafford, was built in 1846 by Stephen Crocker, a local businessman for Isaac Newton Stage.  Stage was the proprietor of the Stafford Hotel. 

The house is a classic example of an early Victorian Italianate design with a low pitched hip roof, large eaves and prominent corbels that reflect the Italianate influences. 

The property’s original name was “Boxwood”; a shrub that was prominent throughout the property during the 19th century. Garth and Amy Swanson purchased the house in December 2014 which sits on approximately 5 acres of land.

While none of the original plantings remain they have carefully sought to include a variety of boxwoods in their planting scheme as they begin to restore the lawn and gardens.

The previous owner started the renovation process by stabilizing the chimneys, replacing the Bilco door and having a metal roof installed. 

 Prior to the Swanson’s purchasing the house it had been unoccupied for 4 years (unless you count the resident woodchucks and raccoons).  The house lacked a heating system, running water, a working bathroom and the electrical wiring was from the 1920’s.  Most of the plaster walls were cracked, falling down or completely gone.

A conscious decision was made to invest in the “bones of the house”.  The interior of the structure was gutted to the studs.

They reinforced the structural timbers in the basement and raised the floor by approximately four inches.   The interior is more reflective of a 19th century farmhouse, emphasizing function over form and was in serious need of modernization but they wanted to retain the 19th century character of the house. 

All the existing wiring and plumbing was removed.  The house was completely rewired and plumbed with a modern heating system and fully insulated.

Structurally, they have tried to change the exterior appearance of the house as little as possible and where possible have attempted to restore original design elements. 

Sometime in the early 20th century the ceilings in the house had been lowered to 8 feet. In almost all rooms they were able to raise them back to their 11 foot original height.

They created a modern kitchen in a 19th century farmhouse style. 

The second floor is the only space to experience serious reconfiguration. 

They created two baths (there was previously no plumbing on the 2nd floor) and a master bedroom. 

This space was previously bedroom space for farm hands and hotel staff. 

They have retained the two seater indoor outhouse (not used), however; and added laundry facilities. 

They worked hard to re-use as much of the original material as possible restoring almost all the hardwood and pine floors in the house with the help of skilled craftsmen.  The original woodwork throughout the house was kept. 

The house retains two fireplaces—unfortunately, neither fireplace is currently functioning but the long-term goal is the restore them useful function.

They are presently working with a master craftsman to build new storm windows for the seven second floor arched windows.  These are a unique architectural characteristic that we don’t want to lose.

Many projects still remain.  They are working to replace several of the corbels and other exterior architectural details.  They have plans to replace numerous sections of molding and trim damaged over the years as well as continuing to stabilize and secure the exterior by pointing up the rubble foundation.

PhD Painting did a wonderful job overseeing the exterior painting of the house.  They chose colors similar to the earth-tone palette used in early Victorian homes.  

The renovation has restored “Boxwood” with all the modern conveniences and energy efficiency of a 21st century house within an graceful, original Victorian Era shell. 

Law and Order: Pavilion man accused of stalking family in local stores

By Billie Owens

On Oct. 1, SP Batavia Troopers arrested William A. Lane Jr., 63, of Pavilion, and charged him with fourth-degree stalking.

The arrest came after Lane allegedly followed a family throughout local stores.

Lane was arraigned in the Town of Batavia Court and put in Genesee County Jail pending a future court date.



 

On Oct. 1, 2016 SP Batavia Troopers arrested Nathan Constantino, 20, of Batavia, for driving while ability impaired by drugs and for possession of marijuana. Following a traffic stop on Route 33 in the Town of Stafford, Constantino was allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana and failed field sobriety tests; he was subsequently arrested. Constantino was processed and released on appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Stafford Court.

Zachary M. Bower, 19, of Shady Lane, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The defendant was allegedly found in possession of marijuana while a deputy was investigating a suspicious vehicle near the Village of Bergen Park at 2:36 p.m. on Sept. 29. He was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Bergen Town Court on Nov. 2. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Erion.

Michael Robert Simcick, 22, of Keeney Road, Le Roy, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. He was arrested after the strong odor of marijuana was allegedly detected emanating from his vehicle during a traffic stop at 5:44 p.m. on Oct. 3 on West Main Street in Le Roy. He is due in Le Roy Town Court on Oct. 20. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Law and Order: Canadian arrested for DWI in parking lot at Darien Lake, allegedly almost struck several pedestrians

By Billie Owens

Christopher James Borsella, 23, of Beaver Street, Thorold, Ontario, Canada, is charged with driving while intoxicated and aggravated driving while intoxicated -- with a BAC of .18 percent or higher. On Sept. 23, Borsella was arrested following a driving complaint at 11:46 p.m. on Sept. 22 at Darien Lake Theme Park, 9993 Alleghany Road, Darien. Borsella allegedly was driving in the parking lot and almost struck several pedestrians. He was issued an appearance ticket for Darien Town Court on Oct. 18. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Jason Saile.

Joseph R. Powell,  29, of Rochester,  was arrested by State Troopers in Batavia for driving while intoxicated following a traffic stop on Route 33 in the Town of Batavia. He allegedy crossed the pavement markings into oncoming traffic. Powell was transported to the Batavia barracks where he allegedly submitted to a positive breath test resulting in a BAC of .10-percent. Powell was processed for DWI and released with traffic tickets returnable to the Town of Batavia Court on a later date.

Thomas Joseph Gravanda Jr., 23, of Holley Street, Brockport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and speed in excess of 55 MPH. Following a traffic stop at 8 a.m. on Sept. 22 on Clinton Street Road, Stafford, Gravanda was found to allegedly be in possession of marijuana. He was arrested for that and also cited for speeding. He is due in Stafford Town Court on Oct. 20. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer.

Accident with minor injuries reported at routes 33 and 237, Stafford

By Billie Owens

A minor-injury accident involving two vehicles is reported at the intersection of routes 33 and 237 in Stafford. Stafford Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 11:05 a.m.: No injuries, says a medic on scene. Both vehicles off the roadway, one will need to be towed because "the back tires are pushed in," says another first responder.

Landmark Society announces winners of annual Preservation Awards

By Billie Owens

The Landmark Society of Genesee County has announced the honorees for this year's annual Preservation Awards.

They will be feted at a dinner and awards ceremony starting a 6 p.m. on Oct. 15 at the First Presbyterian Church of Le Roy, located at the corner of routes 5 and 19.

The honorees are:

  • The First Presbyterian Church of Le Roy -- 7 Clay St., Le Roy
  • Gregg and Debbie McAllister -- 21 Ross St., Batavia
  • David and Robyn Tufts -- 438 E. Main St., Batavia
  • Garth and Amy Swanson -- 6209 Main Road, Stafford
  • Chris and Michelle Krtanik -- 4835 Linden Road, East Bethany
  • Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant -- 1227 Gilmore Road, Corfu

Cost for the dinner is $18 per person. Please RSVP by Oct. 7 to: Landmark.Genesee@gmail.com or by phoning 585-757-2455.

Photo: Tree and blue sky in Stafford

By Howard B. Owens

Driving back from Bergen this morning, I saw a beautiful clear blue sky and one of my favorite trees on Route 33, Stafford.

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