Judge Joseph Nowakowski was accused of sending unwanted text messages that were unrelated to the clerk's duties, according to a statement issued by the NYS Commission on Judicial Conduct.

The commission statement did not provide details on the content of the messages.

After the clerk reportedly asked Nowakowski to stop sending messages, he allegedly retaliated by seeking her termination as a court employee.

The judge resigned on June 1 as part of an agreement with the commission. Under the agreement, Nowakowski is barred from ever again serving in any judicial capacity.

Nowakowski, who is not an attorney, became a judge in 2022, and his term was set to expire in 2025.

The commission received a complaint about Nowakowski in February. 

Commission Administrator Robert H. Tembeckjian made the following statement: “There is no place for sexual harassment in the courts, particularly among the judiciary, who must set and exemplify the highest standards of conduct for all to emulate. The Commission considers such matters seriously and takes action as appropriate and necessary.”

No word on injuries.

Bethany Fire and Stafford Fire dispatched. Mercy EMS dispatched.

The Genesee County Highway Department is announcing the commencement of the first round of NOVA Chip Paving on Monday. This project will enhance road surfaces across several vital routes, improving driving conditions and extending the life of local roadways.

Schedule and Locations: 

Perry Road (Pavilion/LeRoy): 

• June 3 - 4: Route 20 to Route 19
• June 5 - 6: Route 20 to Route 63

Linden Road (Bethany):

• June 10 - 11: Bethany Center/Linden intersection to Silver/Linden intersection

Brookville Road (Alexander):

• June 12 - 13: Brookville/Creek intersection to Brookville/Route 20 intersection

Dodgeson Road/Bennett Road/Simonds Road/Sumner Road (Darien):

• June 17 - 20: Dodgeson/Halstead intersection to Sumner/Harper intersection

Weather permitting, the entire project is expected to be completed by June 20.

Road Closures and Access:

During work hours (Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. - 4 p.m.), the affected roads will be closed to through traffic. Emergency responders will be able to pass through the work zones as needed. 

Local schools, including Le Roy School, Pavilion School, Alexander School, and Pembroke School, have been notified to ensure school buses can still pick up and drop off students without disruption. Adjustments will be made to accommodate school transportation needs. 

Residents and commuters are advised to plan alternate routes during this period.

Austin Malek, 22, of North Street, Le Roy, is charged with strangulation 2nd, assault 3rd, unlawful imprisonment, and obstructing governmental administration 2nd. Malek is accused of assaulting a female victim at about 2 a.m. on May 2 at a location on North Street in the village of Le Roy.

Photos by Philip Casper.

Zachery Greer, of East Bethany, is among the more than 670 students who graduated from the University of Mississippi in December 2023.

Greer, who majored in Criminal Justice, received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree in the School of Applied Sciences.

"Congratulations to our December 2023 graduates who are distinguished by their dedication to academic success," UM Chancellor Glenn Boyce said. "They accomplished so much during their years at the university. I applaud them and can't wait to see all the ways they will continue building their legacies that began here."

December 2023 graduates are invited to walk across the stage at the University of Mississippi 2024 Commencement exercises, which will be held May 8-12. Morning Convocation will be held on Saturday, May 11 at 9 a.m. in the Grove. In the case of inclement weather, Morning Convocation will be held at 9 a.m. in the Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss.

If you’re planning to visit Genesee County Park  to see the total solar eclipse on April 8, you might want to take some refreshments, a blanket, and for certain — Alexander Hamilton.

County Highway officials have suggested charging $10 per vehicle for parking that day due to the expected surge in visitors and the need for additional staffing, overtime, traffic control, and related additional expenses. 

Dylan T. Jordan, 22, of Bliss, was arrested on a warrant on Jan. 29.  The arrest stems from an incident reported on Jan. 15. Jordan is accused of engaging in a fight with police officers in the emergency room at UMMC. Jordan allegedly placed an officer in a headlock and attempted to strangle him. Jordan was charged with attempted assault 2nd, attempted strangulation 2nd, criminal obstruction of breathing, obstructing governmental administration 2nd, and harassment 2nd. Jordan was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision.

All but a few of about 200 residents were on board with creating Water District #5 in the Town of Bethany, and after the Town Board approved a resolution for a revised water district Wednesday evening, those property owners have 30 days to challenge the move or let it ride into the next phase of development, Supervisor Carl Hyde Jr. says.