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A pair of brothers from Batavia are suspects in a string of burglaries in Batavia and Stafford, including one who was stopped Thursday night on Washington Avenue and allegedly found in possession of a stolen handgun. 

The handgun was allegedly taken in one of the burglaries and after the burglary, the serial number had been partially removed.

TeeSean T. Ayala, 19, of Walnut Street, Batavia, was reportedly driving the car stopped by Investigator Chris Parker on Thursday night on Washington Avenue. Parker recognized the vehicle as possibly linked to the string of burglaries.

The driver of the vehicle pulled into the driveway of a residence on Washington Avenue -- by coincidence, the home of County Manager Jay Gsell -- and somebody in the vehicle threw the handgun out the window.

The appearance of a gun prompted a multi-patrol response from local law enforcement.

Ayala, a former standout basketball player at Batavia High School, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 2nd, criminal possession a weapon, 3rd, unlawful possession of marijuana, and plate obstructed.

His brother, Malik Isiah Ayala, 27, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property.

Malik Ayala is accused of being in possession of stolen property at Pawn King on Oct. 24 valued in excess of $3,000.

Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster said both arrests are the result of an investigation into burglaries that occurred in the City of Batavia, Town of Batavia, and Stafford. 

In all, at least five burglaries are believed to be connected to the same suspects, Brewster said.

TeeSean Ayala was ordered held on $15,000 bail. Malik Ayala's bail was set at $20,000 cash or $40,000 bond.

Brewster said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible.

Press release:

Ten area firefighters from six fire departments successfully completed the Rescue Tech Basic course held at the Genesee County Fire Training Center on Sept. 17.

This 24-hour course prepares students for a wide variety of possible rescue scenarios.

Specialized rescue, search, technical rescue management, risk and priorities, use of ropes, knots and rope systems in a low-angle environment as well as the establishment of landing zones for helicopter operations were addressed.

The program involved demonstrations as well as practice sessions.

Congratulations to the following personnel:

• CITY OF BATAVIA FD: Stefano Napolitano
• TOWN OF BATAVIA FD: Joshua K. Boyle, Clayton A. Gorski
• BETHANY FD: Richard J. Klunder III
• CORFU FD: Glenn J. Eck, Daniel Smith, Jacob D. Stiles
• ELBA FD: Michael Pfendler
• STAFFORD FD: Dean A. Brooks, Randal J. Henning 

To find out more about volunteering in your local community, visit ReadyGenesee.com.

Press release:

Nine members of the Genesee County Emergency Support Unit/Hazardous Materials Response Team recently received Hazardous Material Technician certification.

The Hazardous Materials Technician program is offered regionally by the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC). 

Certification requires successful completion of a five modular training program consisting of a total of 84 hours. The modules focused on:

• Modular 1:  Primary Skills for the Hazardous Materials Responder
• Modular 2:  Interpreting the Hazardous Material Environment
• Modular 3:  Managing the Hazardous Materials Incident
• Modular 4:  Advanced Skills for the Hazardous Materials Responder
• Modular 5:  Specialty Skills for the Hazardous Materials Responder

Hazardous materials are a vital component in a multitude of today’s industries. HazMat related incidents pose a threat not only to the community and the environment but to emergency responders as well.

Mitigation and response expertise is essential for an efficient and effective response, minimizing risk and threat. The Genesee County Emergency Support Unit responds to a multitude of incidents each year.   

Team members, having been trained in all categories of unknown industrial chemical hazards in liquid, aerosol, powder, solids and vapor/gas forms and who have received Hazardous Material Technician certification, are: 

• ALABAMA: Gary Patnode
• ALEXANDER: Tom Green, Lance Scharlau    
• TOWN OF BATAVIA: James W. Bouton, Patrick J. Spear
• BYRON: Mark S. Holley
• CORFU: Lori A. Santini, Brian D. Schollard
• DARIEN: Jeffrey D. Luker 

To find out more about volunteering in your local community, visit ReadyGenesee.com.

Press release:

The Genesee County Office of Emergency Management Services in conjunction with the NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control offered a four-hour Alternative Fuel Vehicles & New Technologies class to any emergency response personnel.

The class, held on Monday, Nov. 5, at the Fire Training Center, was attended by 11 Genesee County fire personnel.

Information about the hazards of the new fuels such as methanol, compressed natural gas and electric power; as well as the pressures created within fuel cylinders were addressed in addition to safety information on other possible hazards related to alternative fuel vehicles. State Fire instructor David Harrington addressed the changing technology of the automobile. 

Participants included:

• ALABAMA: Rick Brunea, Ronald Bauer, Max Maerten, Ryan Thompson
• CITY OF BATAVIA: Stefano Napolitano
• TOWN OF BATAVIA: James Bouton
• BETHANY: Richard Klunder III
• CORFU: Shawn Myers
• SOUTH BYRON: Theresa Hammer
• INDIAN FALLS: Edwin Mileham, LuAnne Mileham

To find out more about volunteering in your local community, visit ReadyGenesee.com.

Press release:

A fall Basic Exterior Firefighter Operations (BEFO) program was held at the Genesee County Fire Training Center.  The 79-hour program began in August and concluded on Nov. 6. Twenty-four students completed the 79-hour program from nine county departments and three neighboring departments.

The BEFO program is an entry-level program for the volunteer fire service designed to prepare students to respond to emergencies as exterior firefighters.

Students are instructed in fire extinguishers, building construction, forcible entry, ladder deployment, incident command, drafting operations, and hazardous materials operations level.  In addition, students are trained in ropes and knots, and first aid/CPR.

The Genesee County participants were:

Town of Batavia -- Thomas Marlowe  

Bergen -- Brandon Cunningham

Bethany -- Rick J. Klunder III and Jose E. Torres

Corfu -- Jayden D. Eck, Casey L. Felski, Ethan J. Librock, Dylan L. Lang, Megan G. Stiler, Elizabeth S. Tebor

East Pembroke -- Samantha M. Cavalieri             

Elba -- Mark E. Anuo

Le Roy -- William M. Crandall, Adam G. Hamel and Chelsea M. Pierce

Oakfield -- Garrett M. Gibson and Noah R. Toal  

Stafford -- Megan E. Burton and Kenneth V. Collins

To find out more about volunteering in your local community, visit ReadyGenesee.com.

Press release:

One hundred and twenty-seven students were joined by family, faculty, and staff in Byron-Bergen School's the Fourth Annual Turkey Trot.

The Turkey Trot is an initiative, started by the Health and Wellness Committee, to promote physical fitness and healthy lifestyles. The non-competitive run/walk kicked off in a flurry of excitement on Nov. 8 at 3:30 p.m. behind the Elementary School. The brisk evening was ideal for outdoor activity and, though the sky was overcast, no rain fell.

“The students love this event,” said Elementary School Physical Education teacher and event organizer Danielle Carson. “I hope that this experience will inspire them to get outside more often to hike, bike, or just run around.”

From the starting line behind the four-square court, participants followed the one-mile course through the wooded cross-country trail, along the soccer stadium, over to the high ropes course, and back to the four-square court finish line.

The buildings and grounds crew had prepared the forest section of the course by marking roots, stones, and other tripping hazards with orange paint.

The orange markers were not the only splash of color. Orange, yellow, and brown leaves provided a vivid backdrop as the participants followed the well-worn path through the woods.

“Planning the Turkey Trot at the height of the fall foliage creates a unique experience for our students and their families,” said Elementary Principal Brian Meister. “It’s a chance to get outside and exercise, but it is also a chance to appreciate the beautiful natural resources we have on campus.”

After the trot, students and families gathered in the cafetorium with lots of smiles and rosy cheeks for a healthy snack.

The Turkey Trot is also the non-official kick-off to the District’s Holiday Community Service project. Annually, the District partners with community organizations to collect toys, clothing, wrapping supplies, and – in 2017 – more than 1,200 nonperishable food items. This year’s Turkey Trot participants started it off on the right foot by donating more than 100 nonperishable food items.

Celia Murillo-Rios, left, and Michael Cook, students at Batavia Middle School came out the big winners Thursday night at the school's annual Family Night when their names were drawn in a giveaway of two bicycles.

The girl's bike was donated by the school's Parent-Teacher Association and the boy's bike was donated by the Batavia Police Benevolent Association.

Also pictured, Maureen Notaro, 7th and 8th grade VP, and Brian Sutton, 5th and 6th grade VP.

Submitted photo.

On Wednesday, students at Pavilion Central School presented a check for $721 -- plus gave two one-dollar bills in cash -- for the K9 Fund to help the Genesee County Sheriff's Office buy a crime-fighting service dog. A total of $723!

The students held a fundraiser on Nov. 5, which was designated "Hat Day." Students donated a dollar to participate in Hat Day and and staff made a donation so they could "dress down" in casual clothes that day.

Pictured at the check ceremony are: Back row, from left -- Chief Sheriff's Deputy Jerome Brewster, Kris Hoffmeister, Ashley McMaster, Sheila Eigenbrod, Charles Martell, Ken Ellison and Jon Wilson. Front row, from left -- K9 Handler / Deputy Christopher Erion, students Molly McMaster and Kennedy Quigley, and School Resource Officer / Deputy Cory Mower.

Constantine D. Murrell is indicted for the crime of second-degree robbery, a Class C violent felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 25 at the Kwik-Fill gas station/convenience store at the intersection of Ellicott and Jackson streets in the City of Batavia that Murrell forcibly stole a 2008 automobile. In count two, he is accused of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony. It is alleged in count two that during the commission or attempted commission of the aforementioned felony that he cause physical injury to a person. in count three, he is accused of reckless driving, a misdemeanor, for driving the 2008 vehicle in a manner that interfered with the free and proper use of the roadways and/or unreasonably endangered users of those roadways. In count four, Murrell is accused of unlawful lfeeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the third degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count four that he attempted to flee an officer, knowing that he had been directed to stop, and that his speeds equaled or exceeded 25 miles per hour above the speed limit or he engaged in reckless driving.

Dylan J. Perry is indicted for the crime of third-degree burglary, a Class D felony. It is alleged that between Dec. 1 and Dec. 2 he knowingly entered and remained unlawfully in a building located on Broadway Road in the Town of Darien with intent to commit a crime. In count two, Perry is accused of petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two that Perry stole $300 in U.S. currency and a pair of work boots while inside the property on Broadway Road.

Antonio J. Goodson is indicted for the crime of criminal contempt in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Aug. 22 in the City of Batavia that he violated a duly served order of protection by being in the presence of the protected party. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Goodson is accused of having been convicted of criminal contempt in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor, on Jan. 19 in City of Rochester Court. That conviction was for a violation of a stay away family offense order of protection and was within five years of the crime alleged in the current indictment.

Thomas J. Claffey is indicted for the crime of driving while ability impaired by drugs, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on June 18 in the Town of Stafford that he drove a 2016 Chevrolet on Route 33 while his ability to do so was impaired by use of a drug. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney's Office, Claffey is accused of having been convicted for DWI, as a misdemeanor, on July 28, 2008, in Town of Irondequoit, and that conviction was within 10 years of the crime alleged in the current indictment.

Press release:

BATAVIA -- The Board of Directors of the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation is excited to announce the launch of its Community Youth Grant. This grant will be awarded to charitable organizations whose primary mission is to facilitate youth activities for children up to age 18.

It supports one of three mission priorities established by the foundation -- ”to assist youth organizations and youth athletics.” The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation Community Youth Grant will award funding twice annually based on the schedules below. 

Winter 2018 Funding Cycle:

• Application form available today -- Nov. 16
• Applications are due Jan. 18
• Award notices will be sent to applicants by Feb. 18

Summer 2019 Funding Cycle:

• Application form available on May 1
• Applications are due July 1
• Award notices will be sent to applicants by Aug. 1

The online application is available at:  https://michaelshope.org/new-grants/. There are no geographic limitations for recipients, but preference may be given to the Western New York region. Organizations may receive one grant annually. Requests for program advertising will be directed to the appropriate grant cycle.

About the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation Inc.

It was established in 2007, is in memory of Michael C. Napoleone, the 8-year-old son of Mark and Laurie Napoleone from Batavia, who died from Burkitts Lymphoma/Leukemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer. During Michael's illness, the community rallied around the family to assist with food, gas, medical bills and other necessities. The not-for-profit foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, was created to give back to those who cared, to give forward to those in need, and to support research efforts in finding a cure for childhood cancer.

Prizes:
First Place (highest combined scores) -- $150 / Second Place (combined scores) -- $50 / Highest-scoring word -- $35

Press release:

Please be advised that Jennie-O Turkey Sales LLC has recently issued a recall of it's raw ground turkey products that may be associated with an illness outbreak of salmonella. 

Of these products, Tops Friendly Markets ONLY carried minimal quantities of:

• Jennie-O Italian Seasoned Ground Turkey with a use by date of 10/2/18
• Jennie-O Taco Seasoned Turkey with a use by date of 10/2/18

This recall does NOT impact any other Jennie-O product currently carried by Tops stores.

Customers who may have purchased these items from our stores will be receiving a call alerting them of the recall. Those with questions re: the recall can contact Jennie-O Consumer Engagement Team at 1-800-621-3505.

BUFFALO – The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is now accepting applications for the 2019 Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Legacy Funds competitive grant process.

Grants will support the following areas of interest:

• Caregivers

• Community Assets*

• Design and Access

• Youth Sports

Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located within the eight counties of Western New York, including: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming.

For Caregivers and Design and Access grants, government agencies also may apply.

*For Community Assets grants, only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that reside in Erie County may apply.

Applications are due Jan. 7.

For more information about deadlines and eligibility, and to apply, please visit

www.cfgb.org/nonprofits/grants/ralph-wilson-legacy/

###

About the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, a 501 (C)(3) organization, was established in 1919 to enhance and encourage long-term philanthropy in the Western New York community. The Foundation’s mission is: Connecting people, ideas and resources to improve lives in Western New York. For nearly 100 years, the Community Foundation has made the most of the generosity of individuals, families, foundations and organizations who entrust charitable assets to its care. For more information, visit www.cfgb.org.

About the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Legacy Funds
The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Legacy Funds were established at the Community Foundation to provide support to four areas that were important to Mr. Wilson: caregivers, community assets, design and access, and youth sports. Endowment funds, like these created to honor Mr. Wilson, are designed to grow over time and provide funding for charitable causes according to a client’s wishes.

It wasn't a lot of snow that fell overnight but it was wet and heavy and that made it hard to shovel, said Bob Pappalardo, above, who was clearing a driveway on Summit Street this morning.

Paul Lamendala, below, said the snow wasn't much easier to clear with a snow blower on the sidewalks outside of City Church/St. Anthony's on Liberty Street.

The snow is tapering off through early afternoon and Saturday and Sunday are expected to be partly cloudy.

Law enforcement is responding to Mill Street in Le Roy for a report of four dogs left unattended for several weeks.

A motor-vehicle accident with three minor injuries is reported at Route 33 and Donahue Road, Batavia. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

A second ambulance is called in. The roadway is blocked; traffic control is needed.

Multiple city police units are on scene and officers have guns drawn after a gun was thrown out of a car at 317 Washington Ave. No further information.

More T/K.

UPDATE 5:24 p.m.: According to Sheriff's Office Sgt. Andrew Hale, a suspect vehicle in a string of recent burglaries "all over" was spotted by a marked Sheriff's patrol car traveling on Washington Avenue with two occupants. Sheriff's Investigator Christopher Parker, working patrol, turned around and followed the vehicle, which turned into a driveway randomly in an attempt to elude the Sheriff's unit. (By coincidence, it happens to be the residence of County Manager Jay Gsell.) One of the occupants threw out a 22-caliber semi-automatic pistol in an attempt to ditch the weapon. It was never pointed at anyone and no threat was made. The occupants did not attempt to flee. Two brothers, one age 19 and the other age 14, were transported to the Sheriff's Office for questioning. If charges are brought, more information will be released by law enforcement, Hale said.

The defense attorney for Jennifer Serrano, the 48-year-old woman accused of killing an 18-year-old Hinckley resident in a hit-and-run accident in Darien on Aug. 11, will be given a chance to challenge any statements obtained by police from her during the investigation that led to her arrest.

Judge Charles Zambito granted the motion today by Frank LoTempio for the hearing, known as Huntley Hearing, which is pretty standard in criminal cases.

LoTempio will be able to question the officers involved in obtaining statements from Serrano to determine whether or not her rights were violated and whether the statements were legally obtained.

Serrano was allegedly the driver of a vehicle that struck and killed Connor Lynskey after the Jason Aldean concert at Darien Lake. Lynskey and a group of people were walking on Sumner Road back to the Darien Lakes State Park, where they were camping, when he decided to run ahead to catch up with a friend. He was reported missing later that night. His body was found by a deputy the next day.

About a half-hour later, Serrano was stopped and charged with DWI but she did not mention the possible prior accident and was only connected to the accident the next day through police investigation.

At the DWI stop, where she reportedly almost hit a patrol vehicle, Serrano may have tried to talk the deputy into letter her go, according to police reports.

Serrano appeared in court shackled alongside LoTempio and co-counsel Jack Sanchez dressed in gray sweatpants and an orange sweatsuit hoodie jacket.

She is being held on $100,000 cash bail or $200,000 bond while her case heads toward a possible trial.

LoTempio also filed a supplemental motion challenging the search warrants used in the case. He had filed the motion after recently receiving copies of the warrants and the statements used to obtain them. District Attorney Lawrence Friedman will be given time to file a written response before Zambito rules on the motion.

A 24-year-old Oakfield resident involved in a serious injury accident in Corfu in April is facing up to six years in prison after pleading guilty this afternoon in County Court to aggravated vehicular assault.

Jacob J. Szumigala also agreed to plead guilty to DWI as a misdemeanor and aggravated unlicensed operation.

As part of the plea deal, Szumigala must also plead guilty in Town of Oakfield on a pending DWI case.

Szumigala is out of jail pending sentencing at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 15 and must abide by court instructions and the agreement or statutory enhancements could be added to his guilty plea, which would mandate a five- to 15-year prison term.

There is no minimum prison term and Szumigala could receive a probationary sentence if he abides by the terms of the plea agreement.

On April 18, Szumigala was driving a 2008 Hyundai Sonata with North Carolina plates on West Main Street Road through Corfu when his car rear-ended a Honda driven by James M. Hoskins, of Corfu. Hoskins' car then struck a westbound pickup truck. Hoskins was seriously injured in the accident.

In court today, Szumigala admitted that his BAC exceeded .18 percent at the time of the accident and that he was driving recklessly.

A month earlier, Szumigala was arrested by State Police for allegedly driving drunk on Lockport Road, Alabama. That case is still pending in the Town of Oakfield Court.

Photo: File photo of April 18 accident.

A winter weather advisory is in effect from 4 p.m. this afternoon (Nov. 15) until 7 a.m. Friday, Nov. 16, according to the National Weather Service office in Buffalo.

Snow is expected. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches expected across Orleans, Monroe and Genesee counties.

The snow may mix with sleet this afternoon and evening. The snow may mix with freezing rain this afternoon and evening across portions of Northern Erie and Genesee counties with less than a 10th of an inch of ice accumulation.

Plan on snow-covered and slippery roads. Periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain will result in slippery roads and limited visibilities. Slow down and use caution while driving.