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Five people were hospitalized late this afternoon after a T-bone accident at the intersection of Griswold Road and West Bergen Road, Le Roy.

The extent of the injuries is not known at this time. Troopers are handling the investigation. There has yet to be a press release issued on the accident.

There were a driver and three passengers in the vehicle that was struck. 

The car with heavy front-end damage was heading south on West Bergen Road and the car that was struct was heading west on Griswold Road.

Le Roy fire responded to the scene.

(Initial Post)

Photos and information provided by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

About 70 members of rod and gun clubs in Genesee County were at the Northwoods Sportsman Club in Le Roy this afternoon to fire one shot each at noon to protest the SAFE Act and express support for Rep. Chris Collins' bill to block the SAFE Act at the Federal level.

Both Collins and State Senator Micheal Ranzenhofer were on hand to participate in the "Shot Heard Around New York" event at precisely noon today.

Collins said his bill, the Second Amendment Guarantee Act, has a good chance at passage if it gets out of the Judiciary Committee for a vote on the House floor because the NRA has said it will score the vote if it comes to a floor vote.

Even though New York's SAFE Act is the impetus for the bill, many members of Congress, both Republicans and Democrats, recognize this isn't just a New York issue because their states could also pass bills that violate the Second Amendment.

"I absolutely support the 10th Amendment, states' rights," Collins said. "Some folks have said this is a Federal preemption of sorts, and I’ve tried to remind them what we’re doing here is preventing a state from restricting Second Amendment rights; just like a state cannot restrict First Amendment rights, a state cannot restrict religious freedom, and they should not be able to do as New York has done -- restrict Second Amendment rights."

The bill has not been popular in Albany, Collins said.

"Andrew Cuomo knows this is a real fight because we know how he does things," Collins said. "He threw a tantrum in his office. The report we got back was there were objects being thrown through the area. That’s typical of what we’ve heard of the governor.

"He knows once we get this passed he can sue us all day long, but we’re going to make sure it’s written in a way that we’re simply saying that a state cannot preempt federal law when it comes to restrictions or requirements on long guns."

Ranzenhofer thanks Collins for his efforts.

"Every year issues come before us and we stop a lot of bad legislation from coming through, but we need your help on this particular piece of legislation," Ranzenhofer said. "You know with our governor, he is not going to sign a repeal bill.

"That’s why I’m so thankful that Congressman Collins is leading this fight in Congress because when you can’t do it directly this is the option that we have, doing it at the Federal level and saying 'New York State, this is not going to happen.' "

A two-car accident, blocking, is reported at Griswold Road and West Bergen Road, Le Roy.

There's a report of CPR in progress.

Le Roy fire and Le Roy ambulance dispatched.

UPDATE 4:19 p.m.: Mercy Flight #9 out of Buffalo is available if needed.

UPDATE 4:27 p.m.: Cancel Mercy Flight.

UPDATE 4:22 p.m.: Two victims, unresponsive but breathing.

UPDATE 4:38 p.m.: An additional ambulance requested to the scene.

NOTE: We anticipate more coverage of this accident, but I won't be available for further updates of this post.

The Alzheimer's Association held its annual Walk to End Alzheimer's through Batavia today.

The Genesee Symphony Orchestra performs today as part of Genesee Community College's 50th Anniversary Fall Gala in the brand new Richard C. Call Arena.

The concert starts at 5 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

The trails have not always been happy for "Cowboy," and now, the roads he's traveled have brought him back to the Genesee County Animal Shelter and into the care of Volunteers for Animals.

A couple of years ago, Cowboy was found abandoned in a field with a herd of cows. That's how he got his name. He had health issues, including a broken jaw that required his muzzle to be wired shut.

The volunteers nursed him back to health, but while he was still living at the shelter, a couple allegedly stole him. Cowboy was found with them after the duo allegedly robbed a store in Le Roy and then were involved in an accident on Keeney Road.

Cowboy was returned to the animal shelter. Eventually, he was adopted. His new owner seemed to be doing great with him. She was seen out regularly walking him and Cowboy seemed to be in great shape -- except for maybe wolfing down a few too many calories -- on home visits.

"It was a great adoption," said volunteer Gina Lippa, who was keeping tabs on Cowboy. "I actually went and did home visits for a while. Great adoption. The owner, well there were two owners, but the primary owner was doing wonderfully with him and multiple volunteers had seen her walking around town with him. When I did home visits his coat was clearing right up. She was doing great with him."

After about two months, Lippa lost contact with the owner.

Last week, by coincidence, Lippa found a picture of Cowboy on the adoption page of Fairport-based Lollipop Farm's website.

Arrangements were made to return Cowboy to Batavia and he arrived here at the shelter this afternoon.

It's not clear how Cowboy wound up at Lollypop. The adoptee owner was originally from New York City, so Lippa speculates that she returned to NYC, giving Cowboy to a new owner. At some point, Cowboy was delivered to Lollypop with all of his paperwork intact from the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

Lippa said he's available for adoption. He's a sweet and gentle boy and shows no signs of food aggression or other aggression, but he's not at all fond of cats. He gets along with other dogs.

      Bennie Wright

Bennie "Beans" Wright, 32, of Jay Street, Rochester, was arrested on a sealed indictment Wednesday night at a residence on Maple Street for allegedly selling drugs in the City of Batavia.

Wright was located and identified as a warrant suspect while police were looking for evidence in a shooting earlier in the day on Thorpe Street.

He is accused of selling crack cocaine to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force.

He is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance and criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Wright was arraigned in Genesee County Court and jailed on $25,000 bail.

Press release:

The Village of Oakfield will be holding a public hearing at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 25th, at Village Hall, 39 Main St. in Oakfield.

The purpose of the public hearing is to hear public comments the possible creation of a Fire Protection District or a Fire District that would encompass the Town and Village of Oakfield with the Oakfield Fire Department that would provide a better service to them and allow the Fire Department to become its own taxable entity or contract its services to local municipalities.

The Oakfield Fire Department is currently owned and operated through the Village of Oakfield and its budget with fiscal support from the Town of Oakfield. The Village would like to seek the input of the public, including, but not limited to, the Village and Town of Oakfield residents, to better decide if this process is in the residents' best interest. 

This is the first step toward beginning this lengthy process.

If it is decided to be in the residents' best interest, more public hearings must occur. Joint meetings between the Village of Oakfield, Town of Oakfield and the Oakfield Fire Department must occur in the case of a Fire District as all entities need to be in a formally binding agreement, which will, in turn, be subject to public permissive referendum.

In the case of a Fire Protection District, the Village and Town may have a fire protection contract with the Oakfield Fire Department separately as it will become its own entity.

All parties that are interested in attending will be given the opportunity to speak in front of the Village Board of Trustees if they so chose.

NOTE: This is a corrected version with some language changes sent over by the village. It was copyedited for AP Style and clarity.

An adult male has reportedly fallen 30 feet from a tree at a residence on Richmond Avenue, near Verona Avenue, Batavia.

The patient is alert at this time. No other word on possible injuries.

City fire and Mercy EMS responding.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced $2,220,000 in federal funding for the Village of Wyoming and $2,858,000 in federal funding for the Town of Byron. This $5,078,000 was awarded through the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Water and Waste Disposable Loans and Grants Program.

The Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary waste disposal, and stormwater drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas.
 
“Communities throughout all of Western New York deserve reliable access to clean drinking water,” Congressman Chris Collins said. “Constructing and maintaining water systems oftentimes are costly projects, but the Water and Waste Disposable Loan and Grant Program provides federal assistance to ensure rural communities, like the Town of Byron and Village of Wyoming, are still able to provide clean water for their residents. I’m proud to announce this $5,078,000 award and I know it will help residents of both communities grow stronger and healthier.”

The Town of Byron has been awarded a USDA Rural Development loan of $2,108,000 and a grant of $750,000, both of which will be used to address the lack of clean, accessible drinking water in the area. The Town of Byron intends to create Water District #8, a project which is estimated to cost $2,858,000, will extend public water service to 107 residential users in the town who currently do not have access to safe potable water.

“On behalf of the Town of Byron, myself, and residents of the affected area, we greatly appreciate the work that Congressman Collins has done on our behalf,” said Peter Yasses, Byron Town supervisor. “Most of the residents have had to haul drinking water in, and so this funding will address that issue and ensure we can provide adequate fire protection as well.”

The Village of Wyoming has been awarded a USDA Rural Development loan of $1,554,000 and a grant of $666,000 to assist with fund restorations and replacements to local water systems. The Village of Wyoming intends to address ongoing issues with on-site wastewater systems, which have been causing groundwater quality impairments within the Village’s public water supply.

This project, which is projected to cost $2,220,000, will provide a secondary source of water to 163 residential and commercial users and will ensure the Village’s water supply is preserved and protected.

“This is something our Village needed, as we have less than 500 village residents and only one water well,” said Nate Norton, Village of Wyoming mayor. “This USDA funding will allow us to redo our water system, which has been a priority of ours for years. This will have a significant and direct impact on the quality of life of for here in Wyoming and we thank the Congressman for his support. We look forward to improving our water systems in the near future.”

To learn more about the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program, including eligibility requirements, please click here.

The students in Tracy Schlagenhauf leadership class at Oakfield-Alabama High School saw the news of destruction in Texas and Florida in the aftermath of hurricanes Harvey and Irma and considered the friends and family they have in those states and decided they wanted to do something to help.

They wanted to do something more than just raise money. They wanted to provide assistance in a way that was more tangible, so they came up with the idea of creating school, cleaning and hygiene kits.

Now they're trying to rally not just their fellow students at the elementary school and high school, they're trying to get the whole community involved.

"We don't usually dive right in the projects but the kids felt very passionate about what has been happening in our country," Schlagenhauf said. "There are a lot of them who have family and friends that have been affected by Harvey and Irma. We wanted to do something to help so the kids formulated a plan and decided to do it."

The goal is to create 150 to 200 kits to send south. They're hoping to have school and community members donate the items directly (items can be dropped off at the school's attendance office) but monetary donations will be accepted to help pay for shipping.

Here are copies of fliers listing items needed: here, here, and here.

Junior Rebecca Cramer said she and her friends were upset by the news they saw coming out of Texas and Florida and really wanted to do something to help. She said people need help getting a new start and money alone isn't enough.

"I think that we're going to have a good turnout and since it's the elementary school and the high school," Cramer said. "I think we're going to have a lot of supplies and we will be able to make a lot of kits between the school kit, the cleaning kit and the hygiene kit, and we will be able to donate a lot."

Senior Juliana Makarevic said she was devastated when she saw the news coming out of Texas and Florida.

"I was very upset," she said. "I have family down there, too, so this helps out in their community. We're all working together to help a bigger cause."

Top photo: Bryson Tobolski, Seth Seppala, Trevor Maier, Lindsey Walton, Rebecca Cramer, Melissa Voltura, Serina Velleta, Juliana Makarevic, Evan Dusky, Nicholas Boumler, Erik Maier and Lexie Tambe.

The Lil Irish Fall Ball Camp for grades 2-8 starts Oct. 8 at Notre Dame High School,

The four-week camp for young basketball players will be coached by Tom McCulley, Notre Dame's girls' varsity coach, JV coach Otis Thomas, and St. Joe's sixth-grade coach Kati Sisson.

The cost is $30 per person or $50 for a family. A T-shirt is included in the cost.

The sessions are Sundays, with second through fifth grade from 2 to 3 p.m. and sixth through eighth grade from 3 to 4 p.m.

The camp includes fundamental instruction, individual practice, and teamwork.

Download Sign Up Form.

Press release:

What: Genesee Community College's 50th Anniversary Fall Fest, Homecoming and Cougar Weekend

When: Friday and Saturday, Sept. 22-23

• Cougar Crawl: Tonight from 5 to 10  in Downtown Batavia
• Multiple Events: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Batavia Campus
• Where: Downtown Batavia, Genesee Community College, One College Road, Batavia
• Who: Open to the Public

Background

After Friday night's third annual "Cougar Crawl" in downtown Batavia featuring stops at local establishments for food, drink and special discounts, the public-at-large is cordially invited to Genesee Community College's Homecoming Fall Fest at the Batavia Campus on Saturday, Sept. 23, starting with the Car Cruise, Tours and Craft Market at 10 a.m., and continuing with a variety of events throughout the day and into the evening.

The overall schedule of events follows:

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. -- Craft and Vendor Market -- Inside William W. Stuart Forum

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. -- Car and Bike Cruise -- North Parking Lot

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. -- Public Tours of the new Richard C. Call Arena and Student Success Center

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. -- Family Fun in the Cougar Den -- Cafeteria

1 - 3 p.m. -- *Firefly Power Wind Turbine Demonstration -- Conable Technology Building Hallway

5 - 6:30 p.m. -- Lollapalooza Gold Gala Concert by the Genesee Symphony Orchestra with a post-concert reception -- Richard C. Call Arena

7:30 p.m. -- Alumni Soccer Gamer -- Under the lights on the Turf Field

*Among the newest events to be added to the daylong itinerary is the Firefly Power Wind Turbine Demonstration that will be occurring from 1 - 3 p.m. at the monitoring station located in the east hallway on the first floor of the Conable Technology Building. Genesee Community College is delighted to introduce this newly installed wind energy unit to the community, which comes after a lengthy, five-year review of wind turbine technology.

Originally, GCC had partnered with several area school districts under a special grant, but unfortunately, the first unit met with technical difficulties and was not able to be repaired. Tim Landers, GCC's recently retired director of Buildings and Grounds, persisted in researching new turbine technology that could use much of the existing infrastructure from the old unit, and continue the original mission of providing area students, both at the high school and college level, with a hands-on learning experience about renewable energy resources.

Landers patiently watched as the Firefly Power came on to the market realizing that the vertical axis, carbon-fiber blades that are lightweight and yet nearly indestructible offered many advantages. Engineered in Canada, manufactured in the United States, the patented design of the blade is, in itself, an industry game-changer.

For further information come to the demonstration and meet the founders and patent holders of Firefly Power or go to: http://www.fireflypower.com/.

Kathleen Mary Barnes, 31, of Gaines Basin Road, Albion, is charged with petit larceny. Following a complaint of shoplifting at the Rite Aid on West Main Street, Batavia, at 12:39 p.m. Wednesday, the suspect vehicle was spotted passing the Sheriff's Office on Park Road and a traffic stop was initiated. It's alleged that Barnes stole $300 worth of dental and oral care merchandise. The driver, Shane Beardsley, was arrested on a warrant. The investigation was conducted by investigators Joseph Graff and Chad Minuto and deputies Chris Erion and Kevin McCarthy.

Elise Mikhalyla Ruckdeschel, 24, of Chestnut Ridge, Buffalo, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speeding. Ruckdeschel was stopped at 12:46 a.m. today (Sept. 22) in the area of 3194 Route 5, Batavia, by Deputy Howard Wilson.

Ballard Polk Maye, 31, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana, 4th, and headlight violation. Maye was stopped at 9:26 p.m. Tuesday on East Main Street, Batavia, by Richard Schildwaster.

A plan for upgrades and renovations at the Byron-Bergen schools that lost by only six votes in March was approved by a wide margin in a districtwide vote yesterday, with 338 citizens voting yes to 112 no votes.

The $18.4 million project is very similar to the $20 million capital improvement project voters rejected March 31. The new plan eliminates some parking lot work at the bus garage and some work in the elementary school gymnasium, Superintendent Mickey Edwards said.

Edwards said the plan will not increase local taxes.

The capital improvement project involves district-wide energy savings, which include installing energy-efficient lighting and improving/replacing heat, boiler, HVAC, and dehumidification systems, along with other improvements.

Projects that have received assistance from the Genesee County Economic Development Center for more than a decade have added $4.85 million to local property tax revenue, Steve Hyde told members of the County Legislature yesterday during the Ways and Means Committee meeting.

Hyde, who is CEO of the GCEDC, made his presentation as part of the annual department review for the industrial development agency.

It has helped assist in a build-out of more than 2.5 million square feet of new manufacturing space around the county and another million square feet that have been renovated.

There are currently about 80 projects still within their 10-year PILOT (Payments In Lieu Of Taxes) cycle making payments to local taxing jurisdictions.

"Then there are 64 PILOTS that have actually graduated, so to speak," Hyde said (meaning, they're beyond the 10-year lifespan of their PILOTS). "They've expired and they're back paying full taxes. That aggregate (PILOTS and projects that have graduated) is paying almost five million dollars a year in tax payments to county schools and municipalities."

Hyde said as a return on investment for the county's portion of GCEDC's operating budget, that's about a 22-1 return.

"What's happened really is is that even though our total number of PILOTS have gone down, a lot them have graduated and are paying full taxes," Hyde said. "We're also doing larger projects these days. The shovel-ready strategy has made us more of an ecosystem that is attractive to bigger investment."

The biggest project in the pipeline is WNY STAMP (Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park), which contractors starting working on this past month, bringing in water lines and grading for roads and other infrastructure.

STAMP is expected to be the future home of the solar wafer manufacturing plant of 1366 Technologies, but Hyde said there is a lot of interest in the project.

"We're seeing a lot of conversation about STAMP and it's readiness to market," Hyde said. "We actually have a sales funnel with 10 projects in it right now. These are one- and two-year deals but the promise is there for continued growth."

The challenge for business development in New York, as always, Hyde said, is the reputation the state has for being a poor place to do business. That hasn't changed, but Hyde said there is improvement.

"To the credit of the state and the governor, they've done a lot over the past few budget years," Hyde said. "They've moved income taxes for manufacturing down to zero, so that's really helpful because most of our strategies are around shovel-ready sites. That's about bringing advanced manufacturing back and we've got a much better tax climate in New York to help us be successful."

Press release:

State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer today has announced $167,000 in state funding for student programs throughout Genesee County.  

“As a State Senator, I am committed to delivering state dollars to ensure our students are successful inside and outside the classroom,” Ranzenhofer said. “As another academic year begins, this funding will help to support existing tools and create new tools for students across Genesee County. Each one of these programs will help to develop student achievement in high school and beyond.”

School districts and organizations receiving funding are as follows:

Byron-Bergen School District: $85,000 to Expand Existing STEM Program
The funding will be used to further develop the District’s Inquiry-Based STEM Program to include a STEM Robotics and Programming Career Exploration Lab. The program utilizes engineering, robotics and coding to develop solutions to real-world science problems and exposes students to skills and careers in the STEM fields.

“It is projected that 65% of today’s students will be employed in jobs that don’t yet exist, and STEM programs will help our youth to become future innovative creators of programs, apps and inventions,” said Byron-Bergen Superintendent Mickey Edwards. “On behalf of the children of Byron-Bergen Central School District, I am overjoyed to express our thanks to Senator Ranzenhofer for obtaining state funding to expand our STEM program.” 

Pavilion Central School District: $55,000 for a New Ag Education Program
The funding will be used to purchase equipment and supplies for a new Ag education program being offered to students for the first time this academic year. The program consists of classroom instruction, supervised work experiences, and integrated student leadership development activities through FFA.

“The Pavilion Central School District and Board of Education deeply appreciate Senator Ranzenhofer's strong support of our Ag program. This state-of-the-art program will benefit Pavilion students in many areas of college and career readiness,” said Pavilion Superintendent Kenneth Ellison. 

Agriculture and its related industries are the number one economic driver for Genesee County and New York State.

Genesee County Youth Bureau: $17,000 for Afterschool Programs
The funding will be used to support programs throughout the county to provide safe, structured and healthy afterschool programming for youth.

“The Youth Bureau’s main mission is to support programs in Genesee County for the betterment of our children, youth, and families. We appreciate the additional funds to help us achieve our goals,” said Genesee-Orleans & City of Batavia Youth Bureaus Executive Director Jocelyn Sikorski. 

Learning Center at Gillam-Grant: $10,000 to Support Afterschool Enrichment Programs
The funding will be used to support tutoring services, afterschool homework help, and educational enhancement classes for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

“With the support of Senator Ranzenhofer, there are so many benefits for students at the Learning Center. Students can get involved in new interests– art, computer classes, robotics– and receive additional support to help them excel in their studies,” said Gillam-Grant Community Center Executive Director Peggy Swapceinski. 

The Learning Center at Gillam-Grant is the first nonprofit tutoring center in Genesee County. Services are available to students in area school districts in Genesee and Monroe counties.

A suspect has been arrested and charged with attempted murder in the shooting yesterday on Thorpe Street in Batavia.

Being held without bail is Tyshawn King 24, of Maple Street, Batavia.

King is also charged with assault in the first degree.

The shooting was discovered by Batavia police officers after receiving a complaint around 4:50 p.m. of a fight on Thorpe Street.

Upon arrival, officers learned that there had been a shooting and the victim had gone to a house on Evans Street to seek medical attention.

Assistant Chief Todd Crossett said investigators still don't know what started the fight.

Two other people were detained yesterday and after being questioned were released.

The victim, who was shot in the hand and abdomen, is in stable condition at ECMC after surgery last night and is alert and able to talk, Crossett said.

Batavia PD thanked community members for assisting in the investigation.

People in the area of Thorpe and Maple pointed police to the residence where the suspect fled, at the corner of Thorpe and Maple, and shared information about what they saw.

"To them, it is very generic information, but in the big scope of things, when we put the pieces together, it really helps us," Crossett said.