Skip to main content

New York Senator wants to prevent extra charges for paper bank statements

By Howard B. Owens

Banks that are pushing customers into paperless statements shouldn't charge higher fees to customers that don't want to or can't do business electronically, says Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.

“Thousands of seniors and families in this area do not have adequate access to the Internet or thousands more are simply not comfortable reviewing their finances electronically,” Sen. Gillibrand said in a statement.

“These New Yorkers shouldn’t be punished for wanting to receive their bank statements in the mail. My legislation will make sure that financial institutions cannot take advantage of seniors or struggling families by imposing more fees.”

Gillibrand has introduced an amendment to a banking bill that would ban fees for paper statements.

Out of the 22,700 households in Genesee County, 7,203 don't have internet access, according to Gillibrand.

In her press release, Gillibrand also cites national survey figures that say two-thirds of Americans prefer paper bank statements and writing checks for bills.

Alcohol and drugs ruled out in crash that killed Batavia man

By Howard B. Owens

A Batavia man who drove the wrong way on a Connecticut freeway March 25, causing a fiery crash that took his own life and the life of another driver, was sober at the time of the accident, according to a medical examiner.

The Day newspaper reports that no drugs or alcohol were found in a toxicology examine.

The findings confirm reports by witnesses that Lance Lewis, 36, was driving straight and at normal highway speeds prior to the crash.

That Lewis was not under the influence is a confounding revelation to investigators, who conceded Tuesday that answers may never be found.

"At this point, we need to start investigating other reasons or other possibilities of why he drove the wrong way," state police Sgt. William Bohonowicz said Tuesday. "We might not truly ever know. However, we now have to investigate aspects of possible suicidal tendencies or medical (reasons)."

The Day's coverage includes seven audio clips of 9-1-1 calls, first reporting the wrong-way driver, then reporting the accident. On one of the calls, the caller never responds to the dispatcher, but you can hear somebody in the background yelling for a fire extinguisher.

Witnesses also say that Lewis was driving with his headlights off. One witness says that when he first went on the freeway, it looked like he realized his mistake and started to turn around. But ended up making a 360-degree turn and continued down the freeway in the wrong direction.

Car fire reported on Kelsey Road

By Billie Owens

A car fire is reported across the street from 7890 Kelsey Road, close to Galloway Road. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE (4:59 p.m.): The current dispatch says it is not a car fire, but rather there are wires down. They are not in the roadway. This was caused when a farm vehicle, carrying an oversized load of scrap material, accidently pulled telephone lines down.

Jurors get information related to phone calls and auto records

By Howard B. Owens

BATAVIA, NY -- Phone, insurance and auto auction records were presented to the jury today in the murder trial of Scott F. Doll, the Corfu man accused of killing Joseph Benaquist on Feb. 16, 2009.

Jacob Ebel, the retail sales manager for the Verizon store on Lewiston Road, Batavia, took the stand first and explained how to read the call records for Scott Doll's phone.

The record shows that Doll made his final outbound call on Feb. 16 at 4:01 p.m.

Later in the morning when the Adesa auto auction manager, Warren Klaus, was on the stand, it was established that the 4:01 p.m. call was to the Adesa auction house in Akron.

The phone records also show that there were eight inbound calls to Doll's phone between 5:16 p.m. and 11:04 p.m. Some of them within seconds of each other. Several of the calls were from the same number.

Ebel could not say who the inbound calls were coming from and no witness testified this morning on that fact.

A theory of the case put forward by Doll's attorney, Paul Cambria, in his opening statement last week, was that Scott Doll went to Benaquist's house after he and Josh Doll failed to show up at the auction house as planned. Doll, according to Cambria, found Benaquist barely alive. His final words, Cambria said, were "The boy. The boy." 

Cambria said then that Scott Doll began to wonder if Benaquist meant his son, Josh Doll.

Insurance record testimony was given by Ed Sager, a State Farm underwriter. He testified that Benaquist had a personal auto policy with State Farm. 

Benaquist did not have a "garage owner's" policy, which would have allowed Benaquist to use dealer plates on any car and have those cars covered while in operation.

The personal policy first covered a 2006 Chevy Malibu from Aug. 17, 2006 to Sept. 10, 2008. Starting on Sept. 10, 2008, Benaquist had an insurance policy on a 2008 Pontiac G6.

At the time of Benaquist's death, there was coverage in place in his name, on the G6, a Chevy Corvette and a Nissan Altima.

Sager did not know if Benaquist had any other vehicles insured with another company, or if he might have a "garage owner's" policy through another company, he said in response to questions from Dan Killelea, also representing Doll.

There were six vehicles parked on Benaquist's property at the time of his death, according to previous testimony.

Klaus was on the stand when Judge Robert Noonan called for a lunch recess.

During his morning testimony, Klaus said that in February 2009, Scott Doll's auto dealer company, SF Enterprises, had two authorized agents with Adesa access cards -- one for Scott Doll and one for Brandon Doll.

In previous testimoney we learned Brandon's Card was in Benaquist's wallet at the time of this death.

Klaus testified that, while it's ideal that only the person issued the card ever uses it, it is possible for an unauthorized person to use another auto agent's card to gain access to the auction.

When authorized agents enter the auction area, they first swipe their cards into a computer system.

Computer records are kept of when people arrive at the auction. If the dealer buys a car that day, a computer-stored digital signature of the buyer appears on the sales receipt.

On the receipt for the 2006 Malibu, the digital signature of Brandon Doll appears on the receipt. The Malibu was purchased Aug. 15, 2006 for $12,500 with a $250 buyer's fee. The odometer read 15,981 miles at the time of purchase.

On the G6, the car was bought at auction on Sept. 9, 2008. The digital signature belongs to Scott Doll. The purchase price was $13,300 with a buyer's fee of $245. The odometer reading was 20,483 miles.

Klaus also testified that in January 2009 and on Feb. 12, 2009, auction access to Adesa was denied to SF Enterprises because of bounced checks. In both cases, the checks were made good the next day.

According to Klaus, auctions open to all dealers are only held on Tuesdays. Once a month, on a Monday, there is an auction open only to Ford dealers.

In February 2009, only Scott and Brandon Doll had access cards for the auction. But Klaus testified that upon reviewing the printouts of his company's computer records, he found many other people also had access cards from SF Enterprises. Klaus said the list is three pages long.

Reginald Wilson proclaims innocence before being given 15 year sentence for burglary

By Howard B. Owens

An angry and belligerent Reginald M. Wilson appeared before Robert C. Noonan this morning for sentencing on his burglary, 2nd conviction.

Wilson remained adamant that he did not break into the home of an 86-year-old woman on State Street in September.

"Look at my past modus operandi, Your Honor," Wilson said. "In the past it's just been robbery. In past time, yeah, I would have robbed somebody, but sneaking in to some old lady's house, that’s beneath me. That’s a savage thing and I would never do that."

Noonan said he didn't buy the logic that a man convicted of multiple robberies wouldn't also break into a house.

He imposed the maximum sentence available, which is 15 years on the burglary, 2nd, conviction and three-and-a-half  to seven years, served concurrently, on the criminal possession of stolen property conviction.

Wilson may have avoided a life sentence because New York's persistent felony offender law was recently declared unconstitutional for the purpose of imposing life sentences.

At the beginning of the hearing, Noonan explained that because of the ruling he would not consider a life sentence.

When Wilson entered the courtroom, escorted by two deputies, shackled and wearing jail orange and shower sandals with white socks, Wilson looked out at the gallery and said, "f---king clowns."

When it came time for Wilson to review his prior felony record, Judge Noonan asked him to look at it and Wilson refused.

When Noonan pressed Wilson to look at it, Wilson said, "I know it by heart."

The document listed felony convictions in Erie and Genesee counties going back to 1993, including two attempted robbery convictions and a rape, 3rd, conviction.

When asked if he disputed any of the convictions, Wilson said only the 1999 rape, 3rd, conviction, which he said if it happened today would be reduced to a sexual misconduct charge. He also complained that he had inadequate counsel at the time.

Noonan then read Wilson's prison record, which features stints of two or three years of prison followed by a year or two of freedom.

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman noted that Wilson has a 27-page criminal history, with 14 felony convictions and 30 arrests.

Based on the record, Noonan said, he felt compelled to impose the maximum possible sentence.

You’re are a career criminal," Noonan said. "You don't have to be on the street very long before you commit another crime."

Wilson said he plans to appeal his conviction. He complained that his attorney, Fares Rumi, failed to call key witnesses, in particular Joseph Dash.

Dash, who previously pled guilty for his part in the State Street burglary, would have offered testimony that would have exonerated him, Wilson said.

Displaying sharp, jailhouse-lawyer knowledge of legal proceedings, Wilson mentioned evidentiary statutes and case law as he rattled off reasons his conviction should be vacated.

"There are other witnesses willing to testify on my behalf, Wilson said. "If this goes to the appellate division, I'm confident it will be overturned."

It will be up to an appeals court, Noonan said, to decide those matters, but he had to proceed with sentencing.

When it came time for Wilson to sign an order of protection, ordering him to stay away from the burglary victim, Wilson at first acknowledged that he would have no reason to contact the elderly woman, but then he refused to sign the document.

At that point, Noonan reminded Wilson that when his case is heard on appeal, the justices will review the transcript of the sentencing and his actions would help tell them what kind of person he is.

"You already said what kind of person I am," Wilson shot back.

Defense attorney Rumi then asked to be relieved as Wilson's attorney for purposes of a June 24 restitution hearing. He said Wilson has been uncooperative since his jury trial conviction on March 31.

Wilson said he has been uncooperative because Rumi won't turn over court documents Wilson requested.

Rumi also said he hasn't been paid by Wilson.

Noonan said they could work that out themselves, but that he wasn't relieving Rumi until and unless Rumi files a written motion.

For previous coverage of Reginald Wilson, click here.

Speed blamed for accident on Route 77 in Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

Speed is being blamed for a truck-into-car accident on Route 77 in Pembroke at 7:11 p.m, Tuesday.

Hurt in the crash was 20-year-old Kyle A. Bilby of N. Pearl Street, Oakfield. Bilby was transported to UMMC with non-life-threatening injuries.

According to the report by Deputy Kevin McCarthy, Bilby was driving a 2000 Ford sedan south on Route 77 at an "unsafe speed" when he attempted pass a semi-truck on the right.

Bilby apparently lost control of his car and hit the truck.

The truck was driven by Alfonza R. Smith, Jr., 30, of Seneca. His passenger was Joseph E. Johnson, 42. Neither Smith nor Johnson were injured.

While McCarthy's report says that Bilby was driving at an unsafe speed, it does not list any citations issued.

Today's Dealls: Alex's, Main St., Margarita's, Settler's and more

By Howard B. Owens

T.F. Brown's, at 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Delavan's Restaurant and Tavern, 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY: To me, Delavan's is one of those restaurants where you wantto eat frequently until you try everything on the menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Margarita's Mexican Restaurant, 15 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: When you're looking for an authentic Mexican meal, Margarita's is the place to go. The food and atmosphere are perfect and the service is always outstanding. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Main St. Pizza Company, 206 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Pizza, wings, subs and even hamburgers and hot dogs, Main St. Pizza makes everything deliciously. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, NY: People come from all over the region for a fine dining experience at Alex's. It's best known for its ribs, of course, but Alex's seafood is also a favorite of the restaurant's diners. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Settler's Restaurant, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts, lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

SOLD OUT

Plans change: Wiard buildings destroyed in fire were going to stay

By Howard B. Owens

Redevelopment plans first published in 2005 for the area of Wiard Plow factory buildings show the section of buildings destroyed by fire being torn down.

However, when The Batavian spoke with Tom Mancuso of the Mancuso Business Development Group, Mancuso said the fire was a significant set back for redevelopment and the buildings destroyed were a key part of the project.

A reader pointed out this seeming contradiction, which we missed at first, so we got a message to Tom Mancuso -- who is traveling -- and Mancuso replied via e-mail:

Our current redevelopment plans for Swan had contemplated demolishing the street front buildings in order to create parking for the mixed use commercial/residential renovation of the 3 story building sections which have now been destroyed.

In view of this loss, we now need to evaluate the condition of the remaining structures, determine what will survive and decide what a feasible redevelopment of those sections might look like (and cost).

In a comment on our previous post, Tim Hens says:

The plan linked from the City Web Site is a "conceptual" plan from 2005. Things have changed in the redevelopment. I have been involved in the process and the Wiard Bldg was not one scheduled to be demolished.

Jurors digest testimony of five witnesses Tuesday afternoon

By Billie Owens

Five witnesses went before the jury in the trial of Corfu resident Scott Franklin Doll, yet the panel still got out 45 minutes early this afternoon.

The jurors heard from a DNA expert, two men from the Genesee County Sheriff's office, a banker and a car-buying customer of SF Enterprises.

Here are some of the dots the jurors may be obliged to connect.

Forensic Biologist Ellyn Colquhoun, a DNA expert with the Monroe County Public Safety Lab, continued her testimony after the lunch break and testified that DNA could potentially be found in a single drop of blood.

The strength of DNA testing is in its ability to eliminate individuals who don't match in a criminal investigation.

Of the 27 items submitted to the lab for analysis, she personally was responsible for nine items. And of the 27, only seven were analyzed to determine if other DNA was present.

The bloody overalls were hauled out again and she pointed out all the areas tested, noting that the knees were heavily saturated with blood.

A single speck of blood on murder suspect Doll's face, out of three present, had two DNA profiles -- victim Joseph Benaquist's and Doll's.

All of the other samples tested contained only Benaquist's blood and DNA, including the camouflage overalls, the sneakers, and the Ford Windstar.

"You don't know how that blood got where it did, only that it was on the items," asked Doll's co-counsel Daniel Killelea.

Correct, responded Colquhoun.

Swabs from the Nissan Altima and the Pontiac G6 found at the scene were submitted but never asked to be analyzed by the Genesee County District Attorney's office.

"Many things are submitted, but relatively few are tested," said Deputy District Attorney William Zickl during the jury's afternoon recess.

That is not willy-nilly. Ultimately, after convening with the D.A.'s office, the crime lab, on a case-by-case basis, determines which items get analyzed.

This was the case in regard to Benaquist's fingernail clippings snipped during the autopsy. They were submitted for analysis but ultimately that was not deemed of utmost importance. Only items with the greatest exculpatory evidence value is tested.

Lastly, she testified that while DNA testing typically takes six weeks, it has been known to take a year or more, noting that some incomplete cases on her desk are over 12 months old.

Next up was John Dehm, a youth officer with the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, which is part of the Criminal Investigation Division. He testified that he was selected, based on previous experience, to take aerial photos of the crime scene. He did so while aboard a State Police helicopter on Feb. 17, 2009, the same day Benaquist's body was found.

He also took part in two different ground searches in the vicinity. He testified that he was among a group of about 10 officers from the Sheriff's and State Police offices who fanned out along the roadways to search for evidence.

One such search occurred on the east side of North Lake Road, where Doll was found walking toward the crime scene. A second search, with about six participants, occurred along the west side of the same road. In both instances, a few searchers used rakes. There were no metal detectors or canines used in either search.

They found nothing of evidentiary value, but did not scour the area again.

"It's always possible we missed something," Dehm noted.

Then Sheriff's Deputy John Duyssen told the jurors he was an accident reconstructionist and a crime-scene diagrammer. He took measurements, at points indicated by Investigator Steve Mullen, and used those to create a scale drawing of the vicinity in which the crime occurred.

The upshot was that the Adesa Car Auction is nearly six miles (on a vehicle odometer) from the gas station/repair shop (Pembroke Enterprises) near Beneaquist's house on Knapp Road. If the other logical route is taken, the distance is 5.7 miles, with Killelea noting that the portion driven on Route 5 may be busier that other roadways and therefore take more time.

Commercial banker H. Michael Easton, who has been in banking for 31 years, testified on behalf of M&T Bank. Under questioning from District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, he verified several items for inclusion into evidence.

These included: a copy of Doll's bank statement for portions of 2008-09; the form Doll signed to open one of his several accounts on May 26, 2004; Doll's official business certificate as a registered car dealer from the New York DMV; and a copy of a check from Key Bank for $10,000, from Doll's business, SF Enterprises, deposited into the newly opened M&T Bank account.

Last up was car buyer Mark Kobal of Bergen. He told the jury that he had satisfactorily bought a car from Scott Doll a few years ago. When he decided to buy another car in 2008, he again contacted Doll. He told him he wanted to buy a Dodge Grand Caravan.

But Josh Doll is the one who went to the Adesa auction and bought a car for Kobal. Due to miscommunication, he bought the smaller Caravan, instead of the Grand Caravan. The vehicle was registered then and there at the auction, meaning Kobal owned it and had to pay for it.

After that was done and he explained his disatisfaction, it was agreed he'd go ahead and sell the smaller Caravan himself, and then take those proceeds and buy a Grand Caravan. That was done two or three weeks afterward.

But one Saturday afternoon, he lent the mini-Caravan to the Dolls so they could take it to Adesa to show the auction house financiers that they still "had possession of it," because there was a lien against it and proof of possession would satisfy the lien. Of course, they actually did not have possession of the vehicle. It was wholly Kobal's and he merely lent it to them for a few hours to help them out.

Kobal said that he dealt with both Scott and Josh in his transactions with SF Enterprises.

Intoxalock maker says Leandra's Law not perfect, but it will get better

By Howard B. Owens

Under provisions of Leandra's Law, when a person is convicted of DWI, and he can't afford to install an ingition-locking device, the manufacturer will be required to front the cost.

That's a problem according to Scot Lewton, owner of Owner of Consumer Safety Technology, maker of Intoxalock.

When DWI convicts don't have "skin in the game," meaning a financial investment, Lewton said, they won't take the program as seriously.

"When it’s totally free, we tend to have more abuses," Lewton said. "We tend to see  abuse of the equipment. We have a tendency to not get the equipment back. Without having some skin in the game, indigency can be the Achilles' Heel to a program."

He pointed out that the ignition-control program in New Mexico is failing, where the indigency rate is 40 percent of all convicted DWI subjects.

Lewton is in town for a couple of meetings in Batavia. The first was today. Lewton met with 13 Western New York probation directors to go over how Intoxalock works. The second is tomorrow with members of the Genesee County Legislature.

We happened to find Lewton at Bill's Auto on Evans Street today, and he displayed a sample of his company's device and talked a little about the new Leandra's Law provisions.

He was mildly critical of the law for not taking into account all of the impacts of such broad legislation.

"I think the law has merit," Lewton said. "I think it probably needs to be better defined, both for the monitoring side as well as for the manufacturing side. But the law is in place and it can be adjusted over time and I’m sure it will improve."

Some estimates say that over the next year, 25,000 more New Yorkers will be required to install ignition-control devices.

Lewton doesn't believe the rate will be that high.

He said there is a big difference between conviction and participation.

He expects the participation rate to be about 30 to 40 percent of all DWI convictions.

Some people won't participate because they choose not to drive, and many others will simply ignore the law and choose to drive illegally. Another group will find relatives not living them and switch their car registration and deny to judges they even have a registered vehicle.

With such low participation rates and four or five more companies supplying the devices in New York, Lewton doesn't anticipate his company having any trouble keeping up with demand.

Soon, Lewton said, his company will release the next generation of Intoxalock, which will include options for GPS and video.

Two-vehicle accident reported in front of the Flying J

By Billie Owens

A two-vehicle accident, with one person suffering from an arm injury, is reported on Route 77 in front of the Flying J truck stop. It is blocking traffic. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire personnel are responding along with Mercy BLS.

Pole and wires down on Richley Road, Darien

By Billie Owens

A utility pole and primary electrical wires are down in the roadway at Richley Road, just east of Colby Road, in Darien. The roadway will have to be shut down temporarily as a result from Richley down to Harper Road. Darien Fire Department is responding. National Grid has been notified.

 

Odor of accelerant found at Wiard Plow fire location

By Howard B. Owens

shadow01.jpg

"Shadow" knows. The State's fire dog knows how to smell out the fuels that feed intentionally set fires.

This afternoon, "Shadow" alerted three times on a patch of uncovered Wiard Plow factory floor -- a space that was more recently the office of a button-making operation -- indicating a chemical was used to help spread the fire that destroyed the building Saturday night.

The location of the probable accelerant is a space adjacent to the office where a smaller fire was found and extinguished earlier Saturday.

The evidence now -- including burn patterns -- makes it clear that two separate fires were intentionally set at the location.

Wooden studs between the two fire locations show that the second, hotter fire was on the east side of the wall between the two spaces. On the west side, where the first fire started, much of the paper that was thoroughly soaked by the fire department when it responded to the 1:40 p.m. fire was only charred, not destroyed. There was still an old family photo completely untouched by flames in the piles of paper.

The baseboard of the west side of the wall was also unscathed, further indicating most of the heat from the fire was contained to the east side of the wall.

On the east side of that wall is where "Shadow" told his master that he smelled some sort of fuel. On the west side of the wall, "Shadow" never alerted on any scents, even though he made at least three passes through the former room.

Batavia Fire investigators immediately got to work gathering material from the floor to be sent off to a crime lab for analysis.

The lab may be able to determine what kind of accelerant was used.

Yesterday, Batavia Police detectives said they have no suspects in the case. Four to five subjects were interviewed soon after the fire erupted at 7:40 p.m., Saturday.

This afternoon, Det. Kevin Czora and Det. Todd Crossett were not immediately available for comment on developments in the case.

firestart.jpg

Above, Lt. James Steinbrenner points to burn patterns from the fire. The stud is shows more burning on the east side of the wall between two offices, and the baseboard behind the stud is still intact. This indicates that the fire which consumed the building started on the east side of the wall. The smaller fire put out earlier in the day was on the west side of the wall.

shadow02.jpg

Here "Shadow" alerts on a second spot where he picked up a strong odor of accelerant. When "Shadow" finds accelerant, he immediately sits down. The last spot the dog's nose was at is where an investigator places a marker.

shadow03.jpg

"Shadow's" reward for good work is getting to play tug, using a rolled up towel, with his master.

DNA expert confirms blood found on Doll's coveralls came from Benaquist

By Howard B. Owens

BATAVIA, NY -- DNA expert Ellyn Colquhoun testified today in the murder trial of Scott Doll and confirmed that the blood found on Doll's coveralls, in and on his van and on his shoes was that of his friend and business associate Joseph Benaquist.

Colquhoun is a forensic biologist with the Monroe County Public Safety Lab in Rochester.

Assistant District Attorney Will Zickl went through, methodically and thoroughly, more than two dozen blood samples that were tested at the lab and introduced each sample -- noting its evidence number and location it was found -- and asking Colquhoun to confirm the nature of the evidence and what she found.

Presenting charts that compared the DNA markers of each sample with that of a sample taken from Benaquist's autopsy, Colquhoun confirmed the samples where that of Benaquist.

One sample -- the blood found on Doll's cheek -- contained both Benaquist's and Doll's DNA, Colquhoun testified.

At the lunch break, Doll's attorney Paul Cambria said, "We don't dispute that it's Benaquist's blood," indicating that during the afternoon cross examination of Colquhoun will be limited.

The process of blood evidence introduction was careful and precise, with Zickl using the same set of questions for each new sample. Still, even some of the jurors who are normally the most attentive were finding it hard to stay riveted to the process. And Juror 8, who has previously been admonished about apparently falling asleep during proceedings, struggled to sit up straight and keep his eyes open.

Another forensic biologist, Stephanie Honeycutt, was on the stand first. It was her job to first receive the blood evidence, analyze it and do the initial tests to confirm that it was human blood. All of the blood samples were human, she said.

Rochester man accused of rape in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

When Batavia Police responded to a 9-1-1 hang up call early this morning, they found a woman who claimed to have been raped and said the suspect was still at the residence, according to a news release from BPD.

Charged with rape in the first degree and sexual assault, 1st, is Lamar T. Anderson, 27, of 17 Mead St., Rochester.

The call came in at 12:45 a.m., and when police arrived they found the victim, who claimed to have been assaulted by Anderson.

Anderson was jailed without bail.

Investigators dig into rubble of Wiard Plow building

By Howard B. Owens

fireinvestigation01.jpg

Investigators were on scene at the former Wiard Plow factory building this morning with a backhoe in an attempt to dig into the rubble and find the origin of Saturday's fire.

Digging started in the same location as the first fire on Saturday because, Lt. James Steinbrenner said, photos taken early in the second fire show that area as the hottest spot.

The backhoe was being used to remove the largest pieces of debris, and then investigators would use hand tools to dig down to the floor level.

Once the origin of the fire is located, investigators hope to determine the cause of the fire.

fireinvestigation02.jpg

Man charged with DWI following accident that sends him to the hospital

By Howard B. Owens

A Batavia man was charged with DWI following a three-car accident in Oakfield yesterday that sent him to UMMC with non-life threatening injuries.

None of the other people in the other two cars were taken to the hospital following the accident, though two people are listed as injured on the Sheriff's Office report.

John B. Lepkowski, 48, was reportedly driving south on Route 63 when his 2002 Ford sedan drifted into the northbound lane.

The accident occurred at 3:52 p.m.

His car sideswiped a 2008 Chevy SUV driven by Peter S. Neer, 59, of East Bethany. The Ford then collided head on with a 2009 Chevy SUV driven by John Martello, 64, of Wayland.

Martello and his passenger, Linda S. Martello, 64, both reported minor injuries.

John F. Crable, 59, was a passenger in Neer's car.

Lepkowski was charged with DWI, failure to keep right and driving left of pavement markings.

Photo submitted by Tom Smith.

Car on fire on Ellicott Street Road, Bethany

By Billie Owens

A car fire, with flames showing, is reported in Bethany at 5486 Ellicott Street Road. That's between Mayne and Clapsaddle roads. Law enforcement is on scene and the Bethany Fire Department has been notified. Stafford Fire Department, however, is called to respond.

UPDATE 10:24 a.m.: But now it is Bethany Fire on scene.

Massive tree limb down in St. Joe's cemetery

By Howard B. Owens

Among the wind damage from Saturday was a massive tree limb that came down in St. Joe's cemetery on Harvester Avenue. As of yesterday evening, it hadn't been removed yet. The limb knocked askew several headstones when it fell.

Police Beat: Reported domestic fight leads to alleged drug arrest

By Howard B. Owens

Joshua Stanley Martaus, 26, of Batavia, is charged with possession of a hypodermic instrument, possession of a controlled substance not in its original container and harassment, 2nd. Martaus was arrested at 3:30 a.m., today, following an investigation into a domestic incident on Overlook Drive in Batavia. Martaus was accused of dragging a woman by the hair down a hallway.

A 16-year-old Byron girl is charged with harassment, 2nd. The girl allegedly punched her foster sister in the face. Following arraignment, she was released to the custody of the Department of Social Services.

Richard R. Klaver, 49, of Medina, is charged with two counts of official misconduct, promotion of prison contraband, 1st, and possession of narcotics with intent to sell. The arrest and incident location is in the Town of Pembroke on May 7. Klaver was jailed on an unspecified cash bail. The State Police released no further information on this arrest.

Daniel J. Youll, 46, of Alexander, is charged with DWI and aggravated DWI. Youll was stopped by State Police at 1:42 a.m., Saturday, in the area of 3242 Stannard Road, Alexander.

Accidents from the State Police blotter:

6:34 a.m., May 10, Donahue Road, Batavia, one vehicle; Driver 1: Dennis R. Say, 39, of Batavia. No injuries reported.

Top Items on Batavia's List

The Batavia Housing Authority is seeking a positive, hardworking teammate to perform a variety of outdoor landscaping tasks, primarily mowing, with some trimming and cleanup work. The Groundskeeper is independently responsible for outdoor landscaping tasks on a weekly basis with some flexibility. This job may require some weekend hours when necessary. Part-time position Pay Range: $19.00/hr - $22.00/hr Anticipated start date: May 2024 Application deadline: April 29, 2024 See full job description at: https://www.co.genesee.ny.us/Groundskeeper.pdf Complete Civil Service Application at: https://cms1files.revize.com/geneseecountynew/CivilServiceApplication2022Revision-09.22.22.pdf Contact Information Nathan Varland Executive Director Batavia Housing Authority 400 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020 (585) 344-1888 nvarland@bataviahousing.org Location: Batavia
Tags: Jobs offered
Seasonal cook at Stafford Country Club. Immediate start, great work environment, competitive pay! Please send resumes to: HR@Staffordcc.com
Tags: Jobs offered
For Rent - Lower 1 Bedroom Apartment Private country setting, lower one bedroom apartment with all appliances and parking. Sunroom with gas fireplace and patio. Includes water and heat. NEW LOWER PRICE! $1000/Month plus electric. No pets, no smoking. References and security deposit required. Available June 1st, 2024. Call 585-344-3141.
Tags: Rentals

Authentically Local