Press release:

Five Star Bank has announced a $5,000 donation to Genesee County Habitat for Humanity for the construction of a family home in the area.

"We are committed to the well being of the communities we serve,” said Marty Griffith, regional president of Five Star Bank. “Genesee County Habitat for Humanity serves its community with diligence and sincerity, and Five Star Bank fully supports their mission. We want to help foster strong, safe communities, and they are the ideal partner for this vision."

Five Star Bank has also announced $5,000 gifts to the counties of Livingston, Chemung, Orleans, and Ontario, as well as Genesee Valley Habitat for Humanity organizations in support of the bank’s commitment to the communities it serves. The bank also served as the 2013 presenting sponsor of the Habitat for Humanity Leaders Build Luncheon, and the co-sponsor of the Leaders House.

A possible chimney fire is reported at 368 Martin Road on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation. The house is filled with smoke Alabama Fire Department is responding along with mutual aid from East Pembroke and Indian Falls. Akron is put on standby. The location is between Bloomingdale Avenue and Erie County's Scotland Road.

UPDATE 10:47 a.m.: A firefighter on scene reports the fire is contained to the fireplace, and they will need equipment to tear into it in an effort to keep it contained.

UPDATE 10:55 a.m.: Akron is told they can stand down.

UPDATE 11:03 a.m.: East Pembroke and Indian Falls are on scene along with Alabama.

UPDATE 11:14 a.m.: Indian Falls is back in service.

UPDATE 11:23 a.m.: The fire is out. Alabama command and other responders are back in service.

The Town of Batavia Fire Department's new ladder truck was used in a unique way this morning -- to practice a water rescue at Indian Falls.

Many times over the years people have fallen at the falls and rope teams have been brought in for a precarious rescue that involves climbing down steep cliffs and/or crossing rapid waters. 

Today, the rescue team trained with the ladder extended over the falls and being lowered down to the water for a practice rescue.

Also participating were Pembroke and Indian Falls.

Photos courtesy Town of Batavia Fire Department.

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Dylan Brew sent in this photo from Genesee County Park.

Le Roy will play for an opportunity for the Class C Sectional Championship after ousting top-seeded East Rochester/Gananda, 21-14.

The Oatkan Knights will be playing for their 15th sectional championship in school history, in an attempt to extend their Section V record that is shared with rival Cal-Mum.

After reaching the finals last season before losing to Hornell, Le Roy needed to defeat the top seed in Class C and the 2012 Class B champions in East Rochester/Gananda.

The Bombers got off to a fast start, striking just 1:39 into the game, as Zach Hauser found Andrew Fischer on a 51-yard touchdown pass to take the early 7-0 lead.

Le Roy struggled to move the ball on their first possession and were forced to punt. The Knight defense regained their composure, stopping East Rochester/Gananda quickly.

At this point junior Ryan McQuillen asserted himself into the contest.

After being beaten on the Hauser-Fischer touchdown pass, McQuillen atoned for his mistake by taking the Bombers’ punt back to their 31-yard line. Two plays later McQuillen knotted the game on a 26-yard touchdown pass from Mike McMullen with 4:02 remaining the first quarter.

“(McQuillen) did an outstanding job for us all day,” said Le Roy Head Coach Brian Moran. “He was in good position on that touchdown play; he just didn’t make the play. Sometimes that happens, when play goes bad, you make the next play and the next play, that’s what football is all about.”

The two teams would play to a stalemate for the remainder of the first half, trading turnovers and punts.

Le Roy would break that tie coming out of halftime, marching down the field on the opening possession of the half that Nick Egeling capped off -- a drive that lasted 5:27 with a 14-yard touchdown scamper to take a 13-7 lead.

The Bombers managed to move the ball on the ensuing possession but were unable to score. Le Roy was also unable to move the ball and East Rochester/Gananda took over as the fourth quarter began.

East Rochester/Gananda finally began to find their rhythm on the ground after being stifled by a formidable Knight front. The Bombers kept their 10-play drive alive on a strong third-down run from Nate Teeter, followed by another that put them on the cusp of the end zone. Kendrick Watson would finish off the drive with a two-yard touchdown plunge, taking a 14-13 lead with 5:30 remaining.

The Knights would answer though, needing only six plays to regain the lead after senior Peter Privitera took a third-down carry 45 yards for a touchdown, punctuated by a McMullen quarterback sneak on the two-point conversion to take a 21-14 lead with 2:46 to go in the game.

The Bombers would not go away quietly though, after their comeback attempt appeared to be dead, Hauser found Riley Palmer on fourth down for a gain of 45 yards, taking the ball to the Le Roy 45-yard line.

Le Roy’s defense would the step up to the plate.

Kody Lamkin came up with a sack on Hauser for a loss of nine yards and two plays later McMullen would seal the game by intercepting Hauser with less than a minute remaining in the game.

“Football is a tough game,” Moran said. “You have to be tough and physical. That’s Le Roy football.”

Le Roy (8-1) will play Livingston County foe Wayland-Cohocton next Friday for the Class C championship at Sahlen’s Stadium in Rochester.

“It’s a Livingston County Final,” Moran said. “We play great football out here and we are looking forward to that game.”

Kickoff will be at 5 p.m.

Stats for the game: Peter Privitera, 20 carries, 124 yards, one TD; Tom Kelso, 12 carries for 73 yards. Mike McMullen was four for 9 for 45 yards and one TD. Ryan McQuillen caught three passes for 40 yards and a TD. Kody Lampkin had nine tackles, two for losses. Tom Kelso had seven tackles. Brian Hodges, Steve Cappotelli, Zack Fitzsimmons and Nick Egeling had five tackles each. Cappotelli and Brandon Van Grol each had a sack and McQuillen had an interception.

To purchase prints of photos, click here.

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at Route 63 and Batavia Oakfield Townline Road. It is blocking traffic. Mercy medics, law enforcement and Town of Batavia Fire Department are responding.

UPDATE 4:06 p.m.: There are three or four injuries; one of the patients is a child. A second Mercy rig is requested.

UPDATE 4:13 p.m.: A third ambulance is requested. There is a total of four patients.

UPDATE 4:27 p.m.: The roadway is no longer blocked.

UPDATE 4:31 p.m.: Two of the ambulances are taking patients to Erie County Medical Center; no word yet on the destination of the remaining rig.

UPDATE 4:50 p.m.: The last rig is also going to ECMC. The assignment is back in service.

A two-car accident is reported at Judge Road and Route 77 in Alabama. There are said to be no injuries but it is blocking traffic. Alabama Fire Department is responding along with law enforcement.

UPDATE 12:14 p.m.: A Sheriff's deputy on scene reports there are three vehicles involved.

UPDATE 12:15 p.m.: There is a minor injury -- a hand laceration.

UPDATE 12:17 p.m.: Mercy medics are called to respond in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 12:20 p.m.: Alabama command cancels the medical response.

UPDATE 12:22 p.m.: One of the Alabama units called is standing down, another is on scene.

Letter:

The unbelievable has happened! The Roundabout for East Rd. and Rt. 20 in Bethany is officially cancelled. The DOT has withdrawn the plans for the roundabout and went with what the public wanted, a more practical, fiscally responsible and incremental approach.

Debbie and I wish to whole heartedly thank all of our family, friends, neighbors, strangers, officials and the media who supported us during the past 5 years as we opposed this project and fought to save our home.

Thanks to the almost 10 thousand people who signed our petitions or the facebook page to support our effort.

Thank you to Senator Michael Ranzenhofer & Assemblyman Steve Hawley, who with NYS DOT representatives Eric Thompson and Kevin Bush crafted a compromise to benefit the public. I think Washington could learn a lesson here.

Thank you to Genesee County Legislators and all of the other County officials who, with the Town of Bethany Supervisor and Town Board members would not let our fight die and kept the pressure on.

We wish to extend a special thank you to Jamie McClurg for creating “Save the Douglas House” Facebook page.

Again, a thousand thank yous to all for your help in saving our 200 yr old home while still improving the safety of the intersection. We are so grateful for all the support we have received.

Sincerely
Tom and Debbie Douglas
 

The Rochester Amerks mascot "Moose" paid a visit to St. Joe's for the school's Halloween party Friday night as a special guest of Matthew Neal, 10.

Matthew won the visit when he went with his father, Herb, to an Amerks game on "Halloween Night." Dressed as Willy from the TV show Duck Dynasty, Matthew won that night's costume contest as decided by the fans.

Originally, the prize was for Moose to go trick-or-treating Halloween night with the contest winner, but because of weather concerns prior to Halloween night, the Amerks scheduled Moose for the party at St. Joe's.

Photo by Alecia Kaus. Information provided by Herb Neal.

Power lines are reportedly on fire near the residence at 164 S. Main St., Batavia.

City fire being dispatched.

UPDATE 8:04 a.m.: City fire on scene. Fire seen on the lines. National Grid notified.

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A person wearing tan pants with bushy hair reportedly forced his way into a residence on Meadville Road, Alabama, went into the bathroom and then left.

He apparently didn't steal anything or harm anybody.

The resident reports the man came to the door and after opening the door, words were exchanged and the man barged in.

The man was last seen heading north on Meadville Road.

A deputy is responding.

A caller to dispatch reports a person "may be in the water" above the falls near the Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant, located at 7948 Alleghany Road. Mercy medics and Pembroke and Indian Falls fire are responding. A woman in the parking lot says she thinks she saw a person in the water and that the person has been there at least an hour. Mercy Flight is put on standby. The fire crews are going to put up a light tower.

UPDATE 6:34 p.m.: "What I think we've got here is a pumpkin at the top of the falls," says a responder. "We need a pair of binoculors to see it. But I think it's a pumpkin from what I can tell."

UPDATE 6:36 p.m.: All responding units are told to proceed in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 6:38 p.m.: "We're going to put up the light tower, but I think it's a pumpkin," says Pembroke command.

UPDATE 6:41 p.m.: Emergency responders are going to talk to people at the restaurant in an attempt to get more information about the incident.

UPDATE 6:45 p.m.: "It's been confirmed it's a pumpkin, you can disregard," the dispatcher tells an officer. "Disregarding the pumpkin," is the reply.

UPDATE: A picture of the pumpkin sent in by a reader:

A resident of Hutchins Street reports finding a 3-year-old child wandering on Main Street in the city and could find no parent or guardian. So the person brought the child home and called police, who are on scene.

UPDATE 6:06 p.m.: Police are continuing to try and locate a family member of the child, but at this point they have no idea who that is. The on-call DSS case worker is being contacted "because we might need some assistance with child care," says an officer.

UPDATE 6:20 p.m.: It's been determined that the child lives on South Swan Street.

The gas tank on a passenger vehicle is reported to have fallen off in the area of Bank and North streets in Le Roy. Police responded and determined that the gas tank had been leaking "over a wide area" -- on the trip from Batavia to Le Roy. An officer is speaking with a rep from the Department of Environmental Conservation to determine what, if anything, should be done in terms of cleaning up the spill.

UPDATE 6:09 p.m.: The Le Roy assignment is back in service. The DEC determined nothing needed to be done.

Press release:

State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer has announced today that his new petition drive, encouraging the State Assembly to pass the Public Assistance Integrity Act, has garnered more than 3,300 signatures since launching the campaign one week ago.

“Thousands of Western New York residents have added their voice to mine in calling on the State Assembly to pass a bill that protects our tax dollars,” Ranzenhofer said. “We are sending a powerful message to the State Assembly: a fraud prevention measure is needed to prohibit welfare benefits from being spent on alcohol, cigarettes and other non-essential items.”

Senator Ranzenhofer launched the online petition on Oct. 25. 

“I hope that residents will consider adding their voice to the thousands who have already expressed their support for passing the Public Assistance Integrity Act. It is not too late to sign my online petition, and I encourage residents to join our campaign to protect taxpayer dollars,” Ranzenhofer said.

Residents can still sign the petition by visiting ranzenhofer.nysenate.gov.

The Public Assistance Integrity Act (S.966) would prohibit using EBT cards for tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, lottery tickets, and ATM cash withdrawals at liquor stores and casinos.  Senator Ranzenhofer is a co-sponsor of the legislation. The bill passed the State Senate on June 18. The State Assembly has not taken action on the bill.

EBT cards work like a debit card for public assistance recipients, containing both a Food Stamp and Cash Assistance component. Strict regulations already guide what can be purchased for Food Stamps. Cash assistance is intended to pay for items not covered by Food Stamps, such as soap, toothpaste, school supplies and toiletries. Currently, there are no restrictions on the use of Cash Assistance.

Federal aid received by New York may be at risk if the State Assembly does not pass the bill. The federal government has mandated that states implement a fraud prevention system by February 2014. If New York State does not act accordingly, the Federal government will penalize the State by cutting federal funding for Cash Assistance by 5 percent or $120 million.

The absolutely best thing Amy Worthington ever did for her business was move it to Downtown Batavia, she said.

In locating Amy's Fluffy Friends on Ellicott Street near the intersection of Liberty, she has given her business more visibility and the Business Improvement District has given her more avenues to promote her shop and get involved in the community.

"I participated in the Wine Walk, the Sidewalk Sale, the OktoberFest with the Rotary Club and I'll be part of Taste of the Holidays," Worthington said. "They've been reaching out to businesses to get more involved, and I'm all for that, to bring more feet to Batavia."

Worthington moved her dog grooming business from Corfu one year ago today because with her son starting school at Jackson, she wanted her business to be located closer to her family. Most of her clients were from Batavia and they told her, she said, that if she was in Batavia, they would make more appointments.

"And I wanted to be where I called home," she said. "This is where I grew up."

The move has been a stunning success.

A year ago, she hadn't even cracked 150 clients. Today, she has 375. That's an impressive 150-percent growth in business in just 12 months.

The success has allowed her to expand a bit. She's also started selling some retail items, such as collars and leashes.

Clients have requested more services, so now she does teeth cleaning, she said.

Worthington said she's blown away by how well the move worked out for her.

"I can't believe it," she said. "I love it."

A caller reports a "big leaf fire" at 4226 Big Tree Road, Pavilion.

Pavilion Fire Department is responding.

A chief is on scene. A Time Warner employee called it in and was unable to put out the fire himself with an extinguisher. It's unknown how the fire started. Nobody is home at the residence.

#4 Le Roy Oatkan Knights (7-1) vs. #1 East Rochester/Gananda Bombers (7-1)

Class C Semifinal, 2 p.m. Saturday at Caledonia-Mumford

The Le Roy Oatkan Knights take on top-seeded East Rochester/Gananda in pursuit of their eighth Class C title game berth since 2001.

Senior running back Peter Privitera led the Knights to a 26-12 victory over Dansville last week in the quarterfinals. Privitera rushed for 115 yards on 28 carries and two touchdowns in the win.

The Knights’ ground game also rushed for over 200 yards for the fifth time this season, as junior Tom Kelso also chipped in with 95 yards.

Le Roy has the ability to grind it out on the ground as they did last week, rushing for 232 yards, or they have the ability to move the ball through the air.

After getting off to a shaky 1-for-8 start a week ago, junior quarterback Mike McMullen recovered to go 4-of-6 for 70 yards and two touchdowns in the second half. He also eclipsed the 20-touchdown mark last week and currently has 21 touchdown passes this season.

Ryan McQuillen continues to make plays for Le Roy, as he has accounted for 14 total touchdowns this season. On offense, 11 of his 22 receptions have resulted in touchdowns and he has 367 receiving yards.

Top-seeded East Rochester/Gananda also comes in with a balanced attack after beating Elba/Byron-Bergen, 34 to 6.

Quarterback Zach Hauser has thrown 15 touchdown passes this season, including a 7-for-13 performance last week that netted him 135 yards and a touchdown.

Andrew Fischer was once again Hauser’s favorite target. After catching nine touchdown passes in the regular season, Fischer had four receptions for 92 yards last week.

The ground game continued to be solid also, as Jake Miller ran for 122 yards and two touchdowns.

East Rochester/Gananda is searching for their first sectional championship since 1985.

Final note: Both teams have balanced offenses, whoever can remain balanced for the majority of the game, should advance. If Le Roy gets an early lead, they will undoubtedly use their running game to control the ball and the clock.

#3 Alexander Trojans (7-1) vs. #1 Clyde-Savannah Golden Eagles (7-1)

Class D Championship Game, 1 p.m. Sunday at Sahlen’s Stadium

The Alexander Trojans look to take home their first sectional championship in school history as they take on top-seeded Clyde-Savannah on Sunday at Sahlen’s Stadium.

Alexander comes into the contest at 7-1 after going only 6-18 in the last three seasons.

“We knew this was going to be our last year and seniors have worked really hard,” said Alexander running back Dylan Scharlau. “We have been in the trenches fighting against bigger and better players since we were freshmen. Now as seniors, we know it’s our time.”

Scharlau racked up 161 yards on 30 carries and a touchdown en route to a 28-0 upset win over Notre Dame last week, avenging an early season loss. The senior is averaging 182 yards per game this season and has found the end zone 17 times.

“You can always leave one kid for [Scharlau], because he’ll shake the first one and run over the next two,” said Alexander Head Coach Tim Sawyer. “He doesn’t put the ball on the ground and he’s a tough kid. I’m glad he is on my team.”

The Trojans have also gotten solid play from another senior, quarterback Nelson Burke.

Burke has completed 37-of-73 passes 594 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also went 5-for-10 for 67 yards, a touchdown and an interception last week.

“It’s almost like having a coach on the field,” Sawyer said of Burke. He’s a very good quarterback and a very good game-manager. He keeps the offense at an even keel. He’s been a rock for us this year.”  

Clyde-Savannah (7-1) is making their second-consecutive appearance in the Class D Finals after falling to Notre Dame last year.

The Golden Eagles are led by quarterback Joe Faniel. The senior has thrown for 11 touchdown passes, rushing for another seven, and accounting for a total of 20 on the season.

Last week Faniel earned Class D Offensive Player of the Week honors after completing 5-of-6 passes for 137 yards and a touchdown while rushing for another 143 yards and a touchdown in a win over Perry.

His favorite target is six-foot-five inch senior tight end Kam DiSanto, who has caught five touchdown passes this season. DiSanto has also earned on Class D Player of the Week on defense on two occasions this season

The Golden Eagles boast Section V’s best defense, which comes in allowing just 6.6 points per game. Even their lone loss of the season was impressive. As Clyde-Savannah held Section V’s highest scoring offense to just 15 points, falling to Dundee 15-12 in Week 5.

Final note: Alexander’s defense is also stout, giving up the third-fewest points in Section V, so it should be a defensive battle for most of the game.

Burke won the quarterback battle last week, and if he can win it this week, the Trojans could have their first sectional crown in school history.

“We’re getting healthier and stronger,” Sawyer said. “Clyde is a very good team, but so are we.”

These are the latest indictments issued by the Genesee County Grand Jury:

Terrel A. Goodson, an adult male, is accused of predatory sexual assault against a child, a Class A-II felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 2, Goodson committed first-degree rape in the City of Batavia by engaging in sexual intercourse with a girl less than 11 years old. In count two, he is accused of the same crime by engaging in oral sexual conduct with a girl less than 11 years old. In count three, he is accused of first-degree sexual abuse, a Class violent felony, for allegedly subjecting a minor under the age of 11 to sexual contact.

Timmy L. Taylor is indicted on five counts of first-degree criminal contempt, Class E felonies, for allegedly violating a court order of protection in October in the City of Batavia. It is alleged that Taylor intentionally placed, or attempted to place, a protected person in reasonable fear of physical injury, serious physical injury or death by repeatedly following the person or engaging in a course of conduct or repeatedly committing acts over a period of time. He allegedly violated the court order of protection in the City of Batavia on Oct. 6 and Oct. 20 with the intent to harass, annoy, threaten or alarm a protected person or otherwise subject that person to physical contact or threatened to do so. He's accused of striking, shoving, kicking or otherwise subjecting the protected party to physical contact or threatening to do so. He's is accused of intentionally placing, or attempting to place, the protected party in reasonable fear of death, imminent serious physical injury or physical injury. In counts six and seven, he is accused of third-degree assault, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly intending to cause physical injury to another person, causing injury to such person or to a third person on Oct. 6 and 20th, respectively. In counts eight and nine, he is accused of second-degree strangulation, a Class D violent felony, for intending to impede normal breathing or circulation of blood to another person, applying pressure on the throat or neck of the person, thereby causing stupor, loss of consciousness for any period of time, or any other physical injury or impairment, on Oct. 6 and 20th, respectively. In count 10, he's accused of first-degree coercion, a Class D felony, for compelling or inducing a person to engage in conduct which the person had a legal right to abstain from engaging in or, conversely, the person had the right to engage in legally. This allegedly was done on Oct. 20 by instilling fear of physical injury. In count 11, Taylor is accused of second-degree unlawful imprisonment, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly restraining another person on Oct. 20.

Leon C. Bloom Jr. is accused of first-degree burglary, a Class B felony, for entering or remaining unlawfully inside a dwelling on Fordham Drive in the City of Batavia late on Sept. 22 or early on Sept. 23 with the intent of committing a crime. In so doing or in fleeing the scene, it is alleged he physically injured a person who was not a participant in the alleged crime. In count two, he's accused of strangulation in the second degree, in the same incident, for allegedly intending to impede normal breathing or circulation of the blood of another person, applying pressure to the person's throat or neck thereby causing stupor or loss of consciousness for any period of time or any other physical injury or impairment. In count three, Bloom is accused of third-degree assualt, a Class A misdemeanor, for intending to cause physical injury to another person or causing such injury to the person or a third person.

Matthew J. Vandorn is accused of third-degree burglary, a Class D felony, for allegedly knowingly entering and remaining unlawfully in a barn on Dillon Road in the Town of Pavilion on July 4th or 5th. In count two, he is accused of fourth-degree grand larceny, a Class E felony. He allegedly stole property valued at more than $1,000 in the Town of Stafford on July 1st or 2nd, specifically two Yamaha motorcycles, made in 1994 and 2005, respectively. In count three, he is accused of criminal possession of stolen property, 4th, a Class E felony. It is alleged that between July 1 and July 18 in the Town of Stafford he knowingly possessed stolen property with the intent to benefit himself or someone other than the owner, or to impede the recovery of the property by the owner. The property's value was more than $1,000 -- the two motorcycles noted in count two of the indictment. In count four of the indictment, Vandorn is accused of third-degree burglary, a Class D felony, for allegedly entering or remaining unlawfully in a building on Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road in the Town of Oakfield on June 29 and June 30 with the intent to commit a crime. In count five, Vandorn is accused of criminal possession of stolen property, 3rd, a Class D felony, for allegedly knowingly possessing stolen property with the intent of benefitting himself or someone other than the owner, or to impede the recovery of the property by the owner and the value of it exceeded $3,000. The property was a Honda TRX four-wheeler and a Yamaha 350 Raptor four-wheeler. In count six, he is accused of grand larceny, 3rd, a Class D felony for allegedly stealing property on June 29 and June 30 valued at more than $3,000, the aforementioned four-wheelers.

Samantha A. Lora is accused of driving while intoxicated, a Class D felony, for driving a 2013 Chevrolet on Interstate 90 in the Town of Pembroke on May 1 while impaired by alcohol. In count two, she accused of the same crime while she had a passenger age 15 or less, which is a Class E felony. In count three, Lora is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony, for operating a motor vehicle while knowing or having reason to know, that her license was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn in the state of New York, and while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Jeremy M. Denton is accused of driving while intoxicated as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on May 10 in the Town of Bergen he drove a 2004 GMC pickup truck on Route 19 while intoxicated. In count two of the indictment, he is also accused of having a BAC of .08 at the time.

The Griswold Road bridge over the Black Creek in the Town of Stafford has been reopened to traffic yesterday. The bridge was closed in the summer of 2012 due to its poor condition. Using federal aid, the County had a replacement designed by Barton & Loguidice Engineers and awarded a construction contract for the new bridge to Ramsey Constructors on Aug. 14. Construction took about 11 weeks to complete.

Recently many motorists have not been stopping at the Caswell Road -- Griswold Road intersection due to the bridge/road closure. With traffic flowing on Griswold Road again, motorists using Caswell Road are cautioned to make a full stop at the Griswold Road intersection before proceeding through the intersection.