news

Genesee County is set to make new vehicle purchases for the Highway Department and Sheriff's Office after the Public Service Committee recommended approval Tuesday of the proposals.

At its next full meeting, the County Legislature is expected to approve purchase of:

• An asphalt paver from Ilton CAT, 4610 E. Saile Drive, Batavia, for a total amount not to exceed $169,900;
• A 2017 Model GU713 Mack cab and chassis, in conformance to Onondaga County bid specifications, from Beam Mack Sales, Rochester, in a amount not to exceed $156,743.37;
• Five 2016 SUV law enforcement vehicles from Van Bortel Ford, for a total purchase price of $113,955, including trade-in on four 2013 Ford sedan interceptors and a 2009 Chevy Impala.

The committee also recommend approval of five vehicles being declared surplus and sold at auction. The vehicles are a 2009 Ford Focus, a 2008 Jeep and three 2009 Chevy Impalas.

Submitted photo: Sheriff Gary Maha of Genesee County, center, proudly displays the Sheriff Grover Cleveland Award. He is only the fifth Sheriff to receive this prestigious statewide award. Sheriff James Voutour of Niagara County, left, and Sheriff Ron Spike of Yates County made the presentation on behalf of the Sheriffs’ Institute.

Press release:

Sheriff Gary Maha of Genesee County has received the New York State Sheriffs’ Association Institute's most prestigious award, the Sheriff Grover Cleveland Award.

On only five occasions has the Sheriffs’ Institute leadership presented the highest honor that can be given a sitting New York State Sheriff -- the Sheriff Grover Cleveland Award.

The previous winners – in order – are Sheriff James Bowen, Saratoga County, Sheriff John York, Livingston County, Sheriff Kevin Walsh, Onondaga County and Yates County Sheriff Ron Spike. (All but Sheriff Spike are retired.) Between those four men, they have served almost 125 years in the Office of Sheriff. When you add Sheriff Maha’s tenure as Sheriff the total jumps to over 150 years in the Office of Sheriff.

Maha became a Genesee County Deputy Sheriff in 1967. Two years later he was promoted to Senior Investigator. In 1977, he was promoted to Chief Deputy in charge of criminal investigations. In January of 1988, he was appointed interim Sheriff. He has since been elected to seven terms as Sheriff.

His accomplishments and contributions to public safety are not limited to Genesee County. Sheriff Maha has been very active in both state and national issues dealing with public safety.

On the local level particularly noticeable contributions under Sheriff Maha’s tenure has been the implementation of the state-of-the-art Enhanced 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center, the very effective joint drug task force with the City of Batavia and Village of Le Roy police departments and the positive culture of cooperation that has been built amongst all the county law enforcement agencies and law enforcement officers working in Genesee County.

Sheriff Maha is a past president of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association and currently serves as chairman of that organization’s Executive Committee. Governors from both parties have appointed him to criminal justice committee’s and councils including the Law Enforcement Accreditation Council, New York State Interoperable & Emergency Communications Board and the New York State Committee on Counter Terrorism.

On the national level Sheriff Maha is very active with the National Sheriffs’ Association. He serves as vice-chair of the National Sheriffs’ Criminal Justice Information/Technology Committee and is a member of the organization’s Homeland Security Committee.

Sheriff Maha is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va. He holds an associates degree in Political Science and bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

“Sheriff Gary Maha, who is the state’s longest-tenured Sheriff, is known not only in New York State, but at the national level as a 'Sheriff's Sheriff', said Sheriff Ron Spike, Yates County, upon presenting the Sheriff Grover Cleveland Award to Sheriff Maha.

(Maha announced last month that he will not seek reelection when his term expires Dec. 31, ending his 27-year run as Genesee County's top cop.)

At least a foot of snow has fallen in parts of Genesee County, and in some places more, according to various weather reports. And it's still coming down. Slow and persistant.

Above, Steve Ognibene clears his driveway.

Kibbe Park.

The tracks along the side of the Harvester Center.

William Morgan, Batavia Cemetery.

Harvester Avenue.

Landon Coles and Rebecca Salvaterra clearing snow on East Avenue.

As predicted, heavy wet snow hit Genesee County this morning, making for a tricky commute.

We've received notification of closings for GCASA and BOCES.

Above, the westbound Thruway from State Street Road.

UPDATE:

• Grace's Kitchen in Le Roy tonight is cancelled.
• The UMMC Urgent Care in Le Roy is closed.
• Bergen Town Hall is closing at noon.
• The Section V boys basketball playoff game in Pembroke tonight has been rescheduled. Pembroke will play Gananda tomorrow at 5 p.m. The Lady Dragons will play Avon tomorrow at  7 p.m., as originally scheduled. The cost is $4 per person per game.

Main and Oak.

Main and Court.

Looking east down Main Street, Downtown.

City Firefighter Christine Marinaccio shoveling in front of the Fire Station.

The 20th Annual Betty Ellison Memorial "Strike Out for Crossroads" bowling tournament that began last Friday and ran over the weekend will continue this week.

Starting Friday night at 6 o'clock at the Mancuso Bowling Center, 214 E. Main St., Batavia, the fundraising fun continues.

Saturday start times are 3 and 6 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m.

The team fee is $100.

For additional information call: Cindy (585) 993-0584 or Tara (585) 409-0136.

Megan C. Westbrook, 35, of Elmview Avenue, Lackawanna, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs, passing a red light and moving from lane unsafely. Westbrook was stopped at 12:13 a.m. Feb. 4 on Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Eric Foels.

Bradley W. Howard, 25, of Academy Street, Mayville, is charged with violation of probation. Howard was placed on probation for a DWI conviction. He allegedly absconded from probation immediately and failed to notify probation of a change of address. He was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Joseph William Freeman, 31, of Platten Road, Lyndonville, is charged with petit larceny. Freeman allegedly stole two cases of beer from Tops.

Jason C. Lusk, 35, of Collegeview Drive, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. Lusk turned himself in to Batavia PD.

Beaky S. Kamagy, 29, of Fowlerville Road, Piffard, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and moving from lane unsafely. Kamagy was stopped at 1:23 a.m. Feb. 6 on Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Davis Alexandre Prince, 20, of Ullswater Cresent, London, Ontario, Canada, is charged with trespass. Prince was allegedly trespassing on College Village property at 8:52 p.m. on Friday.

Jennifer Margaret Shaffer, 33, of Exchange Street, Attica, is charged with petit larceny. Shaffer was allegedly caught shoplifting from Walmart.

Sharon Denise Rawleigh, 45, of Benedict Street, Perry, is charged with petit larceny. Rawleigh was allegedly caught shoplifting from Walmart.

Caroline Marie Burgess, 47, of Benedict Street, Perry, is charged with petit larceny. Burgess was allegedly caught shoplifting from Walmart.

The National Weather Service is predicting from 4 to 8 inches of snow tonight and has issued a winter storm warning for a 24-hour period starting at 7 p.m.

The storm total could hit 15 inches.

Heavy, wet snow is expected from this storm, which could make travel hazardous and lead to power outages.

The most difficult travel conditions could hit during Tuesday morning's commute hours.

A car has reportedly driven into a shed at 9540 Halstead Road, Alexander.

The driver is said to be stuck in the vehicle, but not injured.

Alexander fire dispatched.

UPDATE 4:52 a.m.: A chief on scene reports that a family member there; the driver is out of the vehicle and in the family member's car, so Alexander's engine does not need to respond. However, the ambulance is requested to the scene for a sign-off.

A water pipe has reportedly burst at an apartment complex at 8542 W. Bergen Road, Le Roy.

A dispatcher was trying to talk a person through how to shut off the water while Le Roy fire was being dispatched. The person may have gotten it shut off.

Le Roy fire is responding.

UPDATE 4:34 a.m.: The water is shut off and Le Roy fire is back in service.

An attic fire is reported at 25 Hutchins St. in Batavia. City firefighters are responding.

UPDATE 8:02 p.m.: Command on scene reports this is a two-story, multi-unit dwelling and that both upstairs bedrooms are on fire.

UPDATE 8:17 p.m.: Fire is out. Checking for extensions.

UPDATE 8:18 p.m.: Capt. Bob Fix praised the residents for quickly pinpointing the fire location and contacting emergency dispatch. The residents said they were in the basement and repeatedly tried replacing a blown fuse. Subsequently, they smelled smoke and then they found a fire in the attic.

UPDATE 9:26 p.m.: City fire is back in service.

Pretty amazing weather graphic from our news partner, 13WHAM. For more weather coverage for 13WHAM, click here.

Crossroads House opened its 20th Annual Betty Ellison Memorial "Strike Out for Crossroads" bowling tournament Friday night at Mancuso Bowling Center, 214 E. Main St., Batavia.

The tournament continues tonight at 6 o'clock and on Sunday runs at 3 and 6 p.m.. The team fee is $100.

For additional information call: Cindy (585) 993-0584 or Tara (585) 409-0136.

UPDATE/CORRECTION: The tournament also continues Friday, Saturday and Sunday this coming weekend -- Feb. 19-21. Friday start time 6 p.m.; Saturday is 3 p.m., and 6 p.m.; and Sunday is 1 p.m.

An urgent winter weather message -- a wind chill warning -- was issued within the last hour by the National Weather Service in Buffalo and it will remain in effect until 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 14.

The affected area includes Genesee County and specifically the City of Batavia.

Winds are predicted to blow northwesterly from 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35. Wind chill values could dip as low as 30 below.

Wind chills and termperatures will reach dangerously cold levels. These frigid conditions could result in frozen pipes and will quickly lead to frostbite and hypothermia if you are not properly dressed.

A wind chill warning is issued when a strong wind will combine with cold termperatures to create dangerously cold conditions for exposed skin. The wind will make it feel like it is 25 degrees below zero or colder for several hours. Those planning to venture outdoors should use common sense and dress warmly, says the weather service.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins today released the following statement announcing this year's Congressional Art Competition and encouraging local high school students in New York's 27th District to participate.

"It is a tremendous experience for members of Congress and the hundreds of thousands of capitol visitors to view the artwork submitted by high school students from around the country as a result of this competition," Collins said. "I always look forward to seeing the artwork submitted by the talented students of NY-27 and the opportunity to welcome our winning artist to Washington."

Last year there were more than 85 submissions. The winning artist will receive a roundtrip flight to Washington, D.C., to see their artwork in the U.S. Capitol, where it will be on display for one year.

Now in its 34th year, the competition is open to all high school students in New York's 27th Congressional District. Submissions are due to either of Congressman Collins's two district offices by April 4. A reception and award ceremony will be held on Saturday, April 9, at Genesee Community College in Batavia. Local high schools have been notified regarding contest rules and submission guidelines.

Interested students should see their art teacher for details or contact Chris Catt from Congressman Collins's office at (585) 519-4002.

Press release:

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce announces the release of the Genesee County 2016 Vacation Planner for travelers. The travel resource is produced each year by the Chamber to showcase the wide array of activities and attractions that visitors can enjoy while visiting our area.

This year’s cover features visitors enjoying Darien Lake’s 600,000-gallon wave pool on a warm, summer day.

“We were are proud to be able to present our county’s largest tourism attraction on the cover of our vacation guide," said Kelly Rapone, the chamber's Tourism Marketing director. "The cover image was actually taken from aerial drone footage that was filmed of the park and conveys the fun that visitors can expect to have in our region.”

The visitor guide is a great planning tool for visitors, but is also very informative for our area residents who may be unaware of the leisure and recreational opportunities that we have right here in our own county, Rapone said, adding that the chamber hopes residents will plan fun, local outings when welcoming visiting friends and family this year.

Special features of this years’ guide include: the announcement of a new waterslide complex at Darien Lake; a new hotel offering at Batavia Downs Gaming; a local bee farm that has begun making mead; stay and play packages for golf; indoor waterpark and Darien Lake, as well as a new coupon section which provides even more value to this already affordable destination.

The Chamber produces 80,000 copies for year-round distribution at key tourism locations and consumer and trade travel shows throughout the Northeast United States and Canada.

Locals will receive a free copy inserted in the Feb. 27^th Penny Saver. A digital version can be viewed on the chamber's tourism Web site at www.VisitGeneseeNY.com.

If you play basketball or baseball, you hope to get a write-up in Sports Illustrated, a musician, Rolling Stone, a chef, Cook's Illustrated.

If you're a mechanic, a three-page spread in Transmission Digest puts you at the top of your game.

The folks at L&L Transmission were elated yesterday when the latest edition arrived and there they were on page four.

"It's pretty exciting for us to be featured in a nationwide magazine," said Danyell Selapack.

The article begins where Leon Selapack began, at 14, working in an automotive shop in Williamsville.

In 1978, he returned home to Batavia and opened a single-bay shop on the Southside. In 1998, he moved the business to its present location on Route 98.

The article also covers his inventions, including a two-piece plastic gear for Ford three-speed transmissions. It was a replacement part for a Ford-built part that often broke. The repair involved removing the entire transmission and tearing it down. With the new invention, the transmission could remain on the car and the new part easily slipped in.

Ford eventually fixed the problem.

"If I had invented it five years earlier, I would still be in Tahiti," Leon said.

To read the full story, click here.

Pictured, Danyell, Leon and Cameron Selapack.

That snowstorm that may be heading our way, the National Weather Service isn't backing down on the prediction, but they did push back the estimated time of its arrival.

And they added a wind chill watch.

The storm is now expected between 4 a.m. and 10 p.m., tomorrow.

It may bring accumulations of 7 to 14 inches.

The wind chill watch is for late tonight through Sunday morning.

Winds from the west at 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph late Friday and Friday night.

Visibility less than a quarter of a mile at times.

Temperatures could drop to zero at times with a wind chill value of 30 below.

Travel conditions could be hazardous. 

The forecast confidence remains at medium.

A two-car accident has been reported on South Street Road, Le Roy, in front of Le Roy High School.

Unknown injuries.

Le Roy fire and Le Roy Ambulance responding.

UPDATE 3:17 p.m.: Apparently, no injuries.

As much as six inches of snow is expected from a storm that may be headed toward Genesee County and could hit sometime between late Thursday night through Friday evening.

The National Weather Service has issued a lake effect snow watch.

Winds will be from the west at 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph with visibility as low as a quarter of a mile at times.

Travel conditions could be hazardous with blowing and driving snow.

The forecast confidence is medium. 

"There is still some uncertainty in the location and intensity of a band which is expected to develop late Thursday night and Friday," the weather service stated in its alert.

By this time tomorrow, the Bergen Volunteer Fire Department will have a brand-new ambulance in service.

It's a big moment for the department. 

The 2016 Ford Rescue replaces the ambulance involved in the crash Sept. 23 that took the life of Barry Miller.

"It’s a wonderful moment for us," said Julie Donofrio, of the Bergen Rescue Squad. "We all do this to give back to the community. We, of course, wish Barry was here, but this was a push from the whole department and something Barry would be proud of. It's also something the whole community can be proud of."

Donofrio said the whole community has been so supportive of the department and that enhances the meaning of the moment.

"It means the world to us to have this ambulance on the road representing Bergen," she said. "For the department, for the community, to help provide (for) all the people of the community that we provide service to, it's a wonderful feeling."

The new rig is fully outfitted with the latest rescue technology, including touch screen systems to monitor patients and also has state-of-the-art safety equipment, from the brush grill and light bars to the interior accommodations for responders and patients.

The department has been using a loaner the past several months and Donofrio said the plan is for volunteers to arrive at the department and transfer equipment from that ambulance to this new one in the morning and then put the new rig in service.