It was 14 degrees and lake effect snow was falling, but Thomas Gilbert, who was riding home on Jackson Street, still said, "this is great weather for a bike ride."

There is a lake effect snow advisory in effect until 4 a.m. and a wind chill advisory in effect until 10 a.m.

Forecasters are calling for four to eight inches of snow with winds from the west at 15 to 25 mph.

A 4-wheeler is reportedly on fire inside the garage at 204 Naramore Drive. City firefighters are responding.

UPDATE 3:37 p.m.: A resident sprayed water on the blaze and firefighters doused it fully with an extinguisher. It's out and the city crew is returning to service. There was no extention into the house.

Darwin Zuniga-Rocha, Eliseo Mateo-Perez and Uriel Ramirez-Perez are accused of first-degree rape, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on Nov. 16, 2014, in the Town of Elba, they engaged in sexual intercourse with another person by forcible compulsion.

Nathan L. Royse is accused of first-degree burglary, a Class B violent felony. It is alleged that on July 9, 2014, he knowlingly entered or unlawfully remained in a dwelling on Wood Street in the City of Batavia with intent to committ a crime. In the course of the alleged crime, he or another participant is accused of causing physical injury to a person who was not a participant. In count two, Royse is accused of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony, for allegedly causing physical injury to a person not participating in the commission of a felony or attempted felony.

The four men named in these Grand Jury indictments are to be arraigned in Genesee County Court on Thursday.

A lake effect snow advisory is in effect from 4 this afternoon until 10 a.m. Wednesday, according to the latest weather update from the National Weather Service office in Buffalo. Snow accumulations are expected to be four to seven inches in the heaviest bands, which will include far southern Genesee County.

Also, a wind chill advisory remains in effect 10 a.m. Wednesday until 10 a.m. Thursday. Winds are predicted of 15 to 25 mph with wind chill values as low as 20-degrees below zero.

The combination of snow and blowing snow will greatly reduce visibility and result in snow-covered roadways, which can create hazardous driving conditions.

Bitterly cold wind chills will result in dangerous conditions for exposed skin. Avoid prolonged exposure to cold to prevent frostbite and hypothermia. If you will be outdoors use common sense and dress warmly.

The 237 students of Bigodi Secondary School in Uganda will soon be able to study in a new classroom thanks to the efforts of two Michigan State University graduates who on their own have raised nearly $10,000 and leave today to complete their project.

The students, Kirk David Mason, of Lansing, Mich., and Sarah Scott, of Bethany, were inspired to build the project through the life of Benson Bamatura, a Ugandan conservationist who died early last year.

Scott, who has a degree in zoology, met Bamatura while in a student exchange program in 2013 in Uganda.

When Bamatura died, he left behind five children. When researching options for ways to honor Bamatura, the Bigodi officials offered to ensure an education for Bamatura's children in exchange for the construction of a classroom.

Strictly tapping into their own personal network of friends and family, plus some fundraisers in Lansing, Mason and Scott were able get just about $100 shy of their $10,000 goal.

"We tried company sponsors, but since were weren't a nonprofit, there wasn't much interest," Scott said. "A lot of companies were like, 'it's a great project, but since you're not a nonprofit, we're not going to donate.' It's all been about friends and family."

Their trip will encompass more than building the classroom. Both are certified to teach English in a foreign language, so will instruct teachers on English. Mason, a documentary filmmaker with a degree in media, will make a series of short videos for students around the world to learn more about conservation and that part of Africa's natural habitat.

Both Mason and Scott have arranged with their former schools -- Pavilion locally and Mason's school near Lansing  -- to establish pen pal programs with Bigodi students.

There is also an arts program project they're pursuing with the Wyoming County Arts Council.

"We hope to build a bridge between two different cultures," said Mason, who is making his fifth trip to the region.

The school is in the midst of wildlife sanctuaries and near Africa's own "Great Lakes" area (such as Lake Victoria, which feeds the Nile) and among the conservation topics Mason plans to explore with his films are the issues effecting those lakes as well as our own Great Lakes.

Other topics to explore include regional sustainable food programs, sustainable agriculture and work on a documentary about food systems and food provisions.

"We e-mailed as many people as we could think of to make as many connections as we can," Scott said.

They hope to raise even more money to either generate funds for school supplies and books or perhaps also build a second classroom.

Mason sees the trip as a responsibility to fulfill because he's benefitted so much from his education. Scott's motivation is similar.

"I feel very fortunate to get the education I've received," Scott said. I want to be able to give back."

And she didn't want to just be all talk, either.

"I've always wanted to be able to do something like this and then actually stick to what I say I'm going to do, because a lot of people say, 'oh, let's do this' and then don't actually do it," Scott said. "I wanted to actually make something happen."

The trip, Scott believes, might also be a good career move.

"Pretty much all of Uganda is a biodiversity hot spot, so I’m really excited to just work in that environment," Scott said. "I’m hopefully going to be networking. There’s a lot of research that goes on in that area looking at primates and there are thousands of species of birds there, too, so it’s a pretty exciting place to be as a zoologist. I’m going to make as many connections as I can and hopefully find more work in that area, too."

Links:

• Kirk Mason on Vimeo
• Classroom for Benson
• Contribute

There is now a prescription drug drop box at the Sheriff's Office, 165 Park Road, Batavia. Residents are encouraged to drop off unwanted pharmaceuticals anytime, 24/7. Drop-offs are anonymous. Sharps, such as syringes, as well as thermometers, aerosol sprays, inhalers and hydrogen peroxide are not accepted.  The Sheriff's Office will properly dispose of the pharmaceuticals. 

Photo and information submitted by the Sheriff's Office.

Press release:

City Bureau of Maintenance crews have started picking up Christmas trees. We will continue to pick up trees through Jan. 30. City residents are asked to place their trees in the parkway without bags, stands, or decorations as these can damage equipment. Please keep trees free of snow and ice so they are visible.

Emily Edgerton, Payton Malloy and Amanda Malloy

Payton Malloy, a 13 year old from Oakfield who is an animal loving class clown, is entering this new year with increasingly difficult obstacles.

Payton has very complex medical problems which originated at birth and involve both physical and mental disabilities. These problems have been getting worse over the past year and have been affecting the family greatly. As the problems grow, Payton is losing the skills she has worked hard to learn and the skills many take for granted.

At times, she has trouble climbing stairs, walking and sleeping due to chronic pain. She will be undergoing two surgeries in the next few months on her knee and will be needing specific equipment including a wheelchair/adult stroller, stair lift and other necessary components.

“The hardest thing is what we are going through right now-- the possibility of her losing all of her skills, not being able to walk -- something that she worked so hard for,” said Amanda Malloy, Payton’s mother. “She is going to be 14 soon and there is all of the teenage stuff that I feel like we are going to miss out on like prom and driving and all that kind of stuff, and that is kind of hard for us and it is an everyday struggle. But, we are so fortunate for the things that she can do that I try not to let the negative overcome the positive. We are just fortunate for what she is able to do.”  

Although Payton is struggling, this does not alter her bubbly presence nor her ability to stay strong in hard times.

”The best part [about being Payton’s mother], I would say is just watching her learn and grow and enjoy life so much. Even though she has so many obstacles in her way, she doesn’t let anything bring her down. I mean, she inspires me every day,” Amanda said.

To help out, Payton’s best friend of six years, Emily Edgerton, created and planned “Wheels for Payton.”

“I just want to be able to help the family because they are going through so much and I want to help Payton,” says Emily.

Payton’s family is increasingly thankful for Emily’s support and presence in Payton’s life.

“There are no words to express my gratitude for Emily. This was all her idea. She is a really important part of Payton’s life. Payton looks forward to seeing her every day and if she doesn’t get to see her, she gets very emotional and upset and it kind of interferes with her day,” Amanda said. “She opens her heart to Payton and to us. She is always offering her help in doing things, watching Payton, etc.. We just really want Emily to be recognized for the good person that she is. She did not have to do this.”

“Wheels for Payton” will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. this Saturday, Jan.10, at Oakfield-Alabama High School. It will include a spaghetti dinner and basket raffle. Pre-sale tickets are $6 and the tickets bought at the door will be $8. The food can been eaten there or taken home. All proceeds will benefit Payton. If you need any information, contact Teri Roberts at 519-2747.

“This [fundraiser] would mean that we could provide things that Payton has to have," Amanda said. "These are not luxury items and these are not things that we want to spend our money on. We would love to go on vacations and buy whatever we wanted but that is just not the case and these items that Payton needs are thousands of dollars. Fortunately, we have people like Emily and Teri, who are willing to volunteer their time and help us. These things will help us improve the quality of life for Payton and make it easier for us to take care of her.”

The family is overjoyed by the amount of support they get from the community.

“This is one of the benefits of having a small community because everyone is willing to help. I mean people who don’t even know Payton ask what they can do. It is just really nice to just see that because there is so much bad in the world. It is just nice to see that people are still willing to be helpful,” Amanda said.

Public support has already touched the lives of the Malloy family and they are very thankful. They hope many people can come out this Saturday to eat spaghetti and raise money for the fun-loving and inspiring Payton Malloy.

The man killed in a hit-and-run accident in Newstead has been identified, and he's from Corfu.

The victim was 38-year-old Francis A. Meldrum Jr., according the the Erie County Sheriff's Office.

A passerby reportedly found Meldrum's body in the roadway along Indian Falls Road shortly after midnight.

Authorities believe either an SUV or truck hit Meldrum, but are not ruling out a passenger car. There were apparently no witnesses and no physical evidence to help identify the vehicle was found at the scene.

The Erie County Sheriff's Office is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver whose vehicle hit Meldrum.

While low gas prices could mean a reduction in revenue for local governments, it could also mean significant cost savings, County Highway Superintendent Tim Hens said today.

Hens wasn't available last week when The Batavian provided an exclusive report on how falling gas prices means a reduction in sales tax revenue for local governments, but he did get back to us today about the cost side of the equation.

Hens says his best guess at this point is the county could see $75,000 to $100,000 in annual fuel spending savings.

That money will allow his department to replace aging equipment that might otherwise be deferred even longer.

Hens also anticipates a 20-percent reduction in the cost of asphalt, which would result in a cost savings of about $240,000, or rather, make it possible to buy more asphalt to cover more deteriorate roadways.

"That's a few more miles of paving that we wouldn't otherwise be able to do," Hens said. "We are about 26 miles behind on maintenance due to tight budgets and limited state and federal money, so this will let us play catch up a little bit."

Hens won't know the adjusted price of asphalt until April or May and said he's only making a guess at this point.

The county budgets $1 million for the purchase of unleaded and diesel fuel for its fleet of vehicles, which includes the highway department and Sheriff's Office.

Any savings this year would only be a one-time surplus, Hens noted.

While falling gas prices could mean people drive more, Hens said an uptick in travel would buck the trend from the past decade of falling fuel consumption. Less consumption has meant less money available from gas taxes for roadway construction and repair.

Sometime between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., New Year's Day, even as Laura Ford and her son where home, somebody snuck onto the porch of the Ford residence and stole this chainsaw carving of a bear.

Bill Ford bought the bear as a one-year anniversary present for Laura about four years ago.

The Fords are asking if anybody has information that may help in its recovery, to please call the Sheriff's Office at (585) 343-5000. The case is being investigated by Deputy Corey Mower.

The Alexander Volunteer Fire Department has begun a fundraising campaign to come up with $150,000 for a new ambulance.

The normal lifecycle of an ambulance is 10 years, and the current ambulance is 15 years old.

They've set up a GoFundMe.com page.

The page states:

We are a small farming community and our department is made up of hard-working community volunteers. Our members are not paid for our medical training and we are not paid for our service. When members of our community call 911, we respond to their emergencies without cost to the patient or their insurance company. Our ambulance receives NO funding from the local government and is funded ENTIRELY by donations and fundraisers.

WE NEED A NEW AMBULANCE TO CONTINUE PROVIDING CARE TO OUR NEIGHBORS!

An appeal denied this morning will keep Dashawn Butler locked up, at least pending further appeals.

A jury found Butler guilty Nov. 21 of guilty of criminal use of a firearm, 2nd, criminal possession of a weapon, 2nd, and attempted assault, 1st.

Judge Robert C. Noonan sentenced Butler to eight years in prison Dec. 22.

Attorney Thomas Burns filed a motion for a stay of his client's sentence pending and the appeal was heard in a telephone conference call this morning with Justice Eugene Fahey, NYS Appellate Division, Fourth Department. 

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman and Burns argued their positions with Fahey, and Fahey issued his ruling at the hearing's completion.

Butler was transferred from the Genesee County Jail to the Department of Corrections on Friday, and Fahey ruled Butler will stay in the prison system while his other appeals move forward.

A new attorney will be appointed to Butler for the appeal process.

The man who shot a neighbor's dog on New Year's Eve won't be arrested, Sheriff Gary Maha said today.

Maha released the information report on the incident and in a statement the neighbor said he had started carrying his .357 Magnum that day because the dog had become increasingly aggressive toward him.

Another neighbor, a 78-year-old man, who said he saw the incident, told Deputy Bradley Mazur that he saw the dog charge across the shooter's yard and heard the dog growling and believed the dog intended to attack the man. He then heard two gun shots, but didn't see the dog get hit.

While Maha made no statement about why there will be no arrest, he shared a copy of Agriculture and Markets law, which says there is no liability when a person has a reasonable belief that he or she is being attacked by a dog and then kills that dog.

The dog's name was Pepper and she was owned by Greg Gass, a resident of Dodgeson Road, Alexander.

The Batavian first broke the news of the incident after the Gass family created a Facebook page called Justice for Pepper. 

The Gass family does not believe Pepper was an aggressive dog.

"She was the sweetest little thing," Jen Gass said. "She played with a little 5-year-old who pulled her ears and would play roughly, and Pepper never did anything about it. She played with other dogs and never had a problem. I know she's a big dog. She looks like a big dog and people can be intimidated, I guess, but she didn't have a mean bone in her body."

In his statement to police, the man who shot Pepper said the dog had been coming onto his property more frequently.

He said the day before the incident, Pepper, a bullmastiff, had been in his yard and acted aggressively toward him and his two grandchildren, ages 7 and 8. 

Once the dog saw me, it became aggressive towards me by barking and growling at me and snapped at me," the man wrote. "I was yelling and pointing at the dog to go home and I was concerned for my safety as well as my grandchildren. I then heard my neighbor, Greg, who is the dog owner, calling the dog's name. The dog did not leave right away when Greg was calling it to come home. I only yelled at the dog and I did not kick the dog or make any other physical contact. The dog ran towards the front yard and Greg was in the back yard. The dog never actually went to him. This was not the first time Greg's dog had been on my property. The dog was more aggressive with each time it was over here."

That incident convinced the man to start carrying his gun, he said.

He said he went out to his shed at about 12:34 p.m., New Year's Day, and the dog started to run directly at him and was barking and growling.

"I pulled out my gun and I yelled at the dog, 'go home, go on,' and the dog never stopped running at me," he said. "I was in fear for my own safety and took two steps backwards. The dog was about three feet from me and lunging at me and I shot the dog. I shot two rounds at the dog and I believed that the first round was in the upper chest just under the dog's neck. The second round was in the front of the dog's head."

Greg, he said, yelled over, "Did you just shoot my dog?" The man said he did.

Greg came over and asked the man, "When did you start carrying?" The man told him, "since yesterday when your dog did the same thing."

Mazur reviewed a surveillance video of the incident and wrote in his report that he consulted with Assistant District Attorney Melissa Cianfrini and provided his interpretation of what the video showed and shared what he had been told by the shooter and the witness. Mazur said Cianfrini advised him there was no crime committed and that the neighbor had a right to protect himself.

A Bethany resident accused of causing a brain injury to a toddler appeared in County Court today, but his case was continued to another date because his newly hired attorney was unable to make an appearance this morning.

Anthony P. Dibble, 25, was arraigned last week on a sealed indictment charging reckless assault of a child and assault in the second degree. 

In an interview following Dibble's appearance, Assistant District Attorney Will Zickl said the toddler, a 2-year-old female, suffered a very serious brain injury and underwent surgery to relieve swelling in her brain.

"Fortunately, she is recovering at this point," Zickl said.

Asked for a prognosis, Zickle said, "I don't know the prognosis and I don't even know if the medical professionals would predict that because neurological injuries are very tricky, especially predicting the future."

Dibble is the child's biological father, Zickl said; however, the child lives with her mother, who is not a Genesee County resident.

The parents are not married, Zickl said.

By mutual agreement, the toddler was staying with Dibble on an overnight visit in August.

The injured child was driven to UMMC by Dibble and from there was taken by Mercy Flight to Women & Children's Hospital in Buffalo, where the surgery was performed.

Zickl declined to discuss the circumstances the prosecution believes led to the girl's injuries.

The indictment accuses Dibble of causing a serious physical injury to the brain of a child less than 5 years old by shaking the child or slamming or throwing the child so as to impact the child's head on a hard surface or object.

He is also accused of intending to cause physical injury to a person under 7 years of age and caused such an injury by biting the person. 

Buffalo attorney Dominic Saraceno has apparently been retained to represent Dibble. Because of a prior commitment, he couldn't be in court today on relatively short notice, but did contact the office of Judge Robert C. Noonan and ask that the case be continued to a later date.

Dibble is due in court again at 10:45 a.m., Jan. 22.

Ricky N. Porter Jr., 24, of Gilbert Street, Le Roy, and a 16-year-old male from Brighton (name not released by Le Roy PD), were charged with assault, 3rd. Porter and the teen allegedly punched another person numerous times, causing facial fractures, swelling and lacerations. The victim required hospital treatment. The teen was also charged with criminal mischief, 3rd. It's alleged that after turning himself in at Le Roy PD headquarters, he punched a window, damaging the window and hurting himself. After being treated for the injury, he was arraigned on both charges and jailed on an unspecified amount of bail.

Renee L. Coughlin, no age provided, of Bergen, is charged with DWI and criminal possession of a weapon, 4th. Coughlin was stopped by State Police in Olean. During the investigation, troopers allegedly found she was carrying a stun gun.

Joseph B. Hogan, 75, of Corning, is charged with federal criminal tax fraud, 4th, and possession of unstamped cigarettes. Hogan was stopped on Route 77 in the Village of Corfu by Officer Michael Petritz for allegedly driving 47 in a 35 mph zone.

William James Bick, 25, of Dorman Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and driving left of pavement markings. Bick was stopped at 2:33 a.m. Dec. 27 on Oak Orchard Road by Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello.

Laticia S. Anderson, 29, of Wilson Street, Rochester, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and menacing, 2nd. Anderson was allegedly involved in a fight at 16 Bank St., Batavia, at 10 p.m. Sunday. She was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Katie Rose Wishman, 29, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny, possession of a hypodermic instrument and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Wishman is accused of shoplifting from Dollar General. She was allegedly found in possession of a hypodermic needle and a small amount of crack cocaine upon her arrest.

Cody David Cutitta, 28, of Broadway Road, Alexander, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 4th, petit larceny, identity theft, 3rd, and forgery, 3rd. Cutitta allegedly used a credit card without authorization to obtain goods and services at two locations in the City of Batavia and one in the Town of Batavia.

Crystal L. Marsceill, 34, of Oak Street, Batavia, was arrested on warrants for alleged failure to appear on an aggravated unlicensed operation charge and on a grand larceny charge. She was jailed on $5,000 bail.

UPDATE: Marsceill was also arrested in Wyoming County. Marsceill was reportedly a passenger in a vehicle stopped at 2:58 a.m. Saturday on Route 19, Warsaw. A deputy asked for her name and birthdate to perform a warrant check and was told she would be arrested if she lied about the information. Marsceill allegedly gave an incorrect first name. The deputy found a felony warrant for her arrest out of the City of Batavia. She was charged with false personation and turned over to Batavia PD.

Erica M. Raphael, 30, of Oak Orchard Road, is charged with petit larceny. Raphael allegedly stole merchandise from Dollar General.

Casey J. Halsey, 34, of Silver Lake, is charged with aggravated harassment. Halsey was arrested in the Town of Batavia by State Police for an alleged incident reported at 10:30 a.m. New Year's Day. Halsey was held on an unspecified bail. No further details released.

Andrea L. Osborne, 30, of Albion, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Osborne was stopped at 10:20 p.m. on New Year's Day in the Town of Batavia by State Police.

Bloomberg: Being Poor Is Getting Scarier in the U.S.

Saturday, on the gleaming polished hardwood of Notre Dame High School, it was the first time brothers Mike and Rick Rapone faced off as head coaches.

It was the first time in more than a half-dozen years Notre Dame and Le Roy met in a regular season basketball game.

It turned out that it was the first time this season that the Oatkan Knights scored at least 70 points.

The offensives' explosion also sent the Fighting Irish to their first home defeat in 62 games.

"We struggled all year," said Rick Rapone, head coach of the now 2-5 Knights. "We haven't made our shots. We had a tough transition from football to basketball. Those kids had a great year. Eleven of my 13 kids are football players. We struggled to shoot, struggled to shoot, struggled to shoot. Tonight, we couldn't miss."

Le Roy was 31-66 from the floor (47 percent) and 10-19 from beyond the arch (52) percent and five players hit double figures in scoring.

Nick Egeling 15, Kody Lamkin 13,Tom Kelso and Ryan Boyce, 11 each and Tom Dunn, 10. Dylan Laney was a point shy of hitting the decade mark.

Mike McMullen scored only five points, but helped lead his team on the court and contributed 10 rebounds, 12 assists, two steals and three blocked shots.

"I told the kids before, our record was not an indicator of the kind of basketball team we are and we probably just beat the top basketball program, them and Batavia High, in this area, on their court," Rick Rapone said. "They had a 61-game home winning streak that we just snapped. It's great for the boys."

The Irish drop to 4-2 on the 78-59 loss.

"The team that wanted it more won," Notre Dame's Mike Rapone said. "We didn't show up with the attitude it takes to win a game like this. I've been warning them all week that records don't mean anything when you play a game like this. Le Roy showed up to play and we didn't."

Josh Johnson had 16 points and Tyler Prospero had 12. Caleb Nellis and C.J. Suozzi each had eight.

Mike Rapone said the two teams used to meet every year, but a Le Roy head coach a few years ago stopped scheduled games with Notre Dame, even though the home-and-home series each year was always a big draw.

Saturday, even the JV game (Notre Dame won 45-36) filled the bleachers and the crowd jammed onto the stage and spilled out into the hallway of the gym. 

Fans of both teams were boisterous and the arena was filled with a championship-game feel.

As for the contest of brothers, both coaches downplayed the significance of the matchup. They embraced before the game and then got down to business.

The scoring outburst by the Knights might signal a turnaround for Le Roy's season, Mike Rapone noted. They made it hard for the Irish to get back in the game, once they fell behind in the second quarter.

"They hit a lot of big shots and they got the lead," Mike Rapone said. "When we made a run at them, they hit the shots they needed."

Rick Rapone said his boys were obviously happy with the win and he was clearly proud of their effort.

"They are excited and they should be," Rick Rapone said. "They beat a hall of fame coach, a top-notch program, I think the winningest program in Section V, on their court. Come on, hall of fame coach, 61-game winning streak, their court, top program, the kids deserve it all. They did fantastic."

To purchase prints, click here.

An Erie County man who apparently lost control of his vehicle on an icy Route 20 in Pavilion yesterday died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

Christopher J. Hartnett, 44, of Woodward Drive, West Seneca, was driving his 2007 Dodge minivan eastbound when the vehicle slid off the road and struck a tree.

The accident was reported at 4:48 p.m. on Route 20 near South Street Road.

He was extricated from the van by volunteer firefighters and transported by Mercy EMS to an area hospital, where he died upon arrival.

Two passengers, Andrew Hartnett, 14, of West Seneca, and Jonah Cross, 10, of Amherst, were both injured. Andrew Suffered a head injury and some lacerations and was taken to Strong, where he's listed in stable condition. Jonah suffered minor injuries and was transported to Strong for a precautionary evaluation.

A dog in the vehicle appeared to be unharmed and was taken to the animal shelter until family members could pick him up.

Pavilion and Le Roy fire departments responded to the scene.

Trooper Steve Brady assisted the Sheriff's Office at the scene.

The accident is being investigation being conducted by Deputy Chad Minuto along with Crash Management Team members Sgt. Eric Seppala and Deputy James Diehl.