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STOP-DWI holds first awards luncheon

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

On Tuesday, Nov. 22, the Genesee County STOP-DWI Advisory Board sponsored its premiere STOP-DWI Awards Luncheon at Terry Hills Restaurant & Banquet Facility.

Seven young people from districts in the county were honored for their commitment to the community for entering the Board’s STOP-DWI Poster Contest. There were First- through Third-place winners in two grade categories, 6-8 and 9-12, as well as a Grand Prize Winner. Additionally, the luncheon recognized two Top Cop Awards and a Coordinator’s Award.

The following young people were recognized for their STOP DWI poster submissions: 6-8th grade winners; Jessica Andrade, Isabella Biviano, Taylor Hutton and Grace Shepard. The 9th-12th grade winners are Isabella Riner and Morgan Harrington. The Grand Prize Winner whose artwork will appear on two billboards in Genesee County throughout the month of December is Kallie Totten, an eighth-grader from Elba Central School.

Batavia Police Officer Matthew J. Wojtaszczyk and Genesee County Sheriff Deputy Rich Schildwaster received the Top Cop Award for going above and beyond with DWI arrests during a twelve month time period. They were also honored for their dedication to keeping our community safe. Genesee County Sheriff Gary Maha received the Coordinator’s Award for his outstanding commitment to our community for the last 49 years.

The law enforcement honorees each received a challenge coin. STOP-DWI coordinator Matt Landers explained that there have been only 50 such coins made, each is sequentially numbers and they will be given out to honorees in the coming years. Genesee County Sheriff Gary Maha, who is retiring at the end of this year, received coin #1.

County budget discussion gets testy at times as big jump in property tax looks unavoidable

By Howard B. Owens

Here's something you don't hear often in the chambers of the Old County Courthouse: Members of the Genesee County Legislature raising their voices and talking over each other during a policy discussion.

Members of the normally decorous body got a little testy with each other at times Monday night during negotiations over the 2017 county budget that has no easy answers as state and federal mandates continue to drive up expenses, eating up more of what local taxpayers contribute to the county budget, leaving precious little left for essential local services.

A substantial property tax increase looks inevitable, bringing it up to a rate as high as $10.30 per thousand. That's a 5-percent increase in the levy. That would mean the Legislature would need to override the state-mandated tax levy increase, which the full body approved earlier in the evening.

As members chattered near the end of the discussion about what level of increase they could accept, Legislator Shelly Stein said, "We know we’re going over. We absolutely know we’re going over."

It's just a question of if they can find a way to cut expenses enough to shrink the size of the increase, and with each member of the Legislature having a good reason to protect this or that expenditure, reaching a consensus on what to cut is proving difficult. They agreed not to eliminate the request for two new corrections officers in the Sheriff's Office, nor to eliminate a road patrol position next year. They also won't eliminate a case worker position in the Public Defender's Office after PD Jerry Ader explained that the position legislators thought was grant funded really isn't. They couldn't agree on whether to make cuts in the planning department or the District Attorney's Office -- and County Manager Jay Gsell explained why a hiring freeze would be a bad idea.

Cuts to the highway department would leave an already depleted staff with fewer people to get road work done. You would have, Gsell said, all flagmen and no workers on road projects, for example. In social services, there has been a significant increase in case load post-Obamacare with no increase in staffing. Any cuts to the Department of Motor Vehicles would reduce county revenue. 

“We are a service business," Gsell said. "Even in this day and age with all the technology, the bottom line is, we deal with people, and most people on a face-to-face basis, and if we don’t, they still end up coming in our offices to get their problems resolved. If we were retail, we could do that kind of stuff, just stop hiring people, but then of course our shelves wouldn't get stocked."

Over the course of his tenure as county manager, Gsell said, the county has eliminated nearly 100 jobs, leaving all departments operating at a bare-minimum staffing level.

When Chairman Ray Cianfrini did a straw poll asking members what percentage of tax increase would members be willing to support, there was no support for a 7-percent or a 6-percent increase, but a passing majority was willing to go along with a 5-percent or 4-percent increase.

Cianfrini joked that he knew Legislator Andrew Young wants to hold it at zero percent, but Young said he raised his hand for 5 percent.

"I understand we’ve got to increase taxes," Young said. "We can’t help it and we should increase it less by cutting more is my opinion, but can’t allow ourselves to become insolvent either. "

The potential of insolvency is a real concern for Young, who has raised it several times during budget discussion. The concern is a big reason legislators are unwilling to take more than $500,000 from reserves to help balance the budget and don't want to transfer nearly $1 million in anticipated sales tax revenue from the road and bridge fund and use it to balance the 2017 budget.

Young, Robert Bausch and Marianne Clattenburg are all arguing that the county needs to come up with a five-year plan that will guide budgeting decisions, with more data and some anticipation of the variables the county might face on revenue and spending in the coming years.

"I've never been part of an organization that didn't have a plan for the future, and we don't have a plan," Young said.

If the budget process doesn't start sooner next year, Bausch said, and there's no budget discussion prior to an October meeting, then that meeting might as well be canceled right now because it will be a waste of time.

The Legislature will meet at 5 p.m. Monday to discuss the budget again.  

Attica woman critically injured after car slides off icy Route 98 in Alexander, strikes tree

By Howard B. Owens

An Attica woman is in critical condition at Strong Memorial Hospital tonight after her 2003 Chevy Trail Blazer hit a large, thick patch of compacted ice on Route 98 in Alexander and then turned sideways and slid into an oak tree.

Lorna Johnson, 53, was the lone occupant in the vehicle.

The SUV struck the tree right in the middle of the driver's side door.

Johnson was reportedly unconscious when first responders arrived on scene. It took more than 30 minutes to get her stabilized in an ambulance before she could be flown to Strong by Mercy Flight.

The patch of ice and compacted snow was at least 50 yards long and an inch or more thick, the result of blowing snow across the highway that melted on the road in the afternoon and then froze as the sun went down.

The SUV traveled off the road another 25 yards or more after leaving the iced area and struck the tree in the front yard of a residence.

The Alexander Fire Department responded, along with the Alexander ambulance, and volunteer firefighters extricated Johnson from her vehicle.

Mercy EMS, the Sheriff's Office and State Police also responded to the scene.

Speed unsafe for conditions may also have been a factor in the accident, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Deputy Kyle Krzemien and Sgt. Ron Meides are heading the investigation. Trooper Robert Breidenstein assisted at the scene.

(initial report)

County Highway Superintendent Message: Winter Driving

By Timothy Hens

There continue to be numerous vehicles off of the roadway today.  Drivers need to adjust their speeds to conditions.  Although many roads are treated and have wet pavement, there will be areas where the wind is blowing snow onto the road.  Slow down before attempting to drive through these areas.  Do not step on your brakes within the area that is filled in with blown snow.  This will cause you to lose control.

Additionally, due to a combination of warm ground temperatures, cold air temperatures, and wind there may be areas of black ice.  The occurrence of black ice usually increases towards the evening and overnight. 

Drivers need to adjust their driving to accommodate unknown winter conditions.  Give yourself more time and drive defensively.  Putting your car in a ditch, rolling your vehicle, or impacting another vehicle or a fixed object such as a pole or tree not only puts you and your passengers at risk, but it also puts first responders at risk as well.

Editor's Note: Originally submitted at 2:20 p.m.

St. Joe’s National Junior Honor Society collects donations for All Babies Cherished

By Howard B. Owens

Photos and information provided by St. Joe's:

Throughout the month of October, St. Joe’s National Junior Honor Society held a fundraiser to collect items for All Babies Cherished. Items and monetary donations totaled more than $300. Some items collected included diapers, wipes, pacifiers and baby clothes. Co-advisers Mr. Landfried and Mr. Bowman along with the NJHS students were invited by All Babies Cherished Director Sue Sherman to visit the office to see how their organization operates and where the donations go.

GCASA’s medical consultant receives lifetime achievement award

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Western New York Chemical Dependency Consortium held its annual Gold Key Awards and Holiday Luncheon in Buffalo on Friday, Nov. 18. Dr. Bruce Baker, currently a medical consultant for GCASA, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Dr. Baker graduated from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1959. He worked as the Genesee County Jail physician for 25 years, which is where he began addressing substance abuse issues with his patients. He also worked as the medical director of Hope Haven Alcohol and Chemical Dependency Inpatient Service at United Memorial Medical Center from 1963-2013. While Dr. Baker has been a physician for almost 60 years, he has worked in the addiction field for more than 35 years. 

Dr. Baker has been on the cutting edge of addiction medicine throughout his career. He was an early adopter of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). As the medical director at Hope Haven, he was responsible for the initiation of Suboxone treatment. He recognized early on, especially working at the Genesee County Jail, that individuals who suffered from addiction needed treatment, both medically and therapeutically. 

Dr. Baker is extremely knowledgeable about addiction. He shares his knowledge with others in a straightforward, uncomplicated way. He created an easy to understand document, Opioid Addiction and Medically Assisted Treatment, to share with his patients. In this document he describes what opiate addiction is, how the brain is affected, and how MAT can help. He truly wants to help people; and he does. Dr. Baker has helped thousands of patients in the WNY region recover from addiction. 

When asked about his greatest accomplishment in his career, Dr. Baker acknowledged his service of providing medical care to patients for more than 50 years. He adds that at 83 years old, he plans to continue practicing and loves the work he does at GCASA. Dr. Baker shared that of all the work he has done throughout his career, including delivering babies and working in his family practice, he feels most fulfilled in his work at GCASA. His compassion for his patients is exceptional. 

In addition to his career accomplishments, he’s very proud of his family. He and his wife raised six children and have a total of 21 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

More lake effect snow expected to hit region

By Howard B. Owens

A lake effect snow warning has been issued and is in effect until 4 a.m., Tuesday.

The storm will bring from three to five inches of snow today, but mainly over eastern Monroe and northern Ontario counties. 

Winds will be 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph, causing blowing and driving snow.

Accident with injuries reported on Route 98 in Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported at Alexander Road and Peaviner Road, Alexander.

Alexander fire and Alexander's ambulance are dispatched.

UPDATE 8:54 a.m.: This is a three-car accident. Mercy EMS also requested to the scene.

Photos: Lake effect snow falling on Batavia (UPDATED)

By Howard B. Owens

We've had a few hours now of steady, lake effect snow with a brisk wind, but accumulations are a couple of inches at best. A lake effect snow advisory remains in effect through tomorrow.

UPDATE 6:45 p.m.: A lake effect snow warning is now in effect for Genesee County. A band of lake effect snow is expected to drop snow at a rate of one to two inches an hour. No ETA for when the warning will be lifted or what the total storm accumulation might be.

Rollover accident reported on Warsaw Road, Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

Rollover accident reported at 9536 Warsaw Road, Le Roy.

Unknown injuries.

That's at the corner of Warsaw Road and Cole Road.

Le Roy fire and Le Roy ambulance dispatched.

Car into pole reported on Fotch Road, Stafford

By Howard B. Owens

There are possible injuries after a car has hit a pole in the area of 7789 Fotch Road, Stafford.

Stafford Fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 3:37 p.m.: A second caller reports the driver is not injured. There are wires  down.

Photos: Retirement party for Sheriff Gary Maha

By Howard B. Owens

More than 350 people attended Sheriff Gary Maha's retirement party at Batavia Downs on Saturday night and Maha was feted with more than a dozen gifts, certificates and plaques. 

Maha started his career in law enforcement as a dispatcher and film processor for the State Police 50 years ago. After a year with the State Police, the undersheriff of Genesee County invited Maha to apply for a deputy's position and he's been with the Sheriff's Office ever since.

He never set out to become sheriff, he said, and when Doug Call announced his retirement, he thought the appointment by Gov. Mario Cuomo would go to a fellow Democrat, but based on Call's recommendation (Call was a Democrat), Maha was appointed to the position. Maha never faced any opposition in any election.

Maha's final term ends Dec. 31 and Undersheriff William Sheron will become sheriff.

Livingston County Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty presents a plaque to Maha.

The County's Deputy Sheriff's Association presented Maha with a Smith & Wesson .38 revolver, exactly like the one he would have carried as his first service revolver. They also presented him with an updated permit to include the revolver.

Pole struck by vehicle on Route 20, Darien

By Howard B. Owens

There are no injuries in an accident in the area of 2276 Broadway Road, but the vehicle struck a utility pole and the utility pole snapped in half.

Darien fire is dispatched.

UPDATE 2:09 p.m.: Alexander fire requested to Route 20 and Alexander Darien Townline Road to shut down westbound traffic.

Stabbing reported on Tracy Avenue in the city

By Billie Owens

A person has reportedly been stabbed at 4 Tracy Ave. City police and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 4:45 p.m., Sunday (by Howard): We requested an update from Batavia PD. No new information. Still under investigation.

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.

Sponsor recognizes youth bowler for his perfect game

By Mike Pettinella

PRIZE FOR PERFECTION: Bill Hayes, left, owner of Turnbull Heating & Air and sponsor of the Turnbull Heating Junior Bowling program at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia, presents a $100 gift card from Dick's Sporting Goods this morning to Jordan Fluker, the 19-year-old Batavian who rolled a 300 game last Saturday in league competition.

"This is a worthy accomplishment -- something to be proud of and something that can carry you forward to future success," Hayes said, as parents and youth bowlers looked on during a brief presentation.

A story about the achievement can be found by clicking on the Pin Points link at the top of the home page. Photo by Mike Pettinella.

Photos: HLOM Wonderland of Trees Gala 2016

By Howard B. Owens

Friday evening the Holland Land Office Museum hosted its annual Wonderland of Trees Gala.

Anne Marie Starowitz with the manger she grew up with, now on display at HLOM. The ceramic set was a gift to her family from a local priest. The photo on the table, lower right, is her as a little girl with the manger.

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