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The unemployment rate in Genesee County was 5.1 percent for October according to the New York Department of Labor.

That's up from 3.4 percent in October 2019 and 4.7 percent in September.

There are 28,300 county residents in the labor force, down from 29,700 a year ago.

There are 400 more people in the labor force without jobs, jumping from 1,000 in 2019 to 1,400 this year.

The GLOW region unemployment rate is 5.2 percent, up from 3.6 percent a year ago.

Ridge A. Bono, 29, of Williams Street, Batavia, is charged with: second-degree strangulation; endangering the welfare of a child; second-degree harassment; and resisting arrest. Bono was arrested after an investigation of a domestic incident on Williams Street at noon on Nov. 12. The defendant allegedly resisted arrest when officers tried to take him into custody. Bono was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in Genesee County Jail. The defendant was due back in city court on Nov. 24. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer John Gombos, assisted by Officer Sean Wilson.

Daniel J. Christie, 31, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with third-degree criminal mischief. Christie was arrested after an incident at noon on Nov. 18 in which he is accused of breaking a door on Dellinger Avenue that did not belong to him. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Feb. 9. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Peter Post.

Danny D. Williams Sr., 32, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Williams was arrested after an incident at 1 p.m. on Sept. 29 during which he allegedly threatened physical violence against another person. He was issued an appearance ticket for Jan. 5 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

City fire and Batavia PD are responding to a location in the first block of Vine Street for a report of a resident burning leaves.

UPDATE 12:35 p.m.: Fire scene commander: "Recreational fire. We're not making him put it out."

“She always knew that I eventually would be a police officer,” said Kellogg, (photo at right), who has been appointed by Village Mayor Greg Rogers to succeed Chris Hayward as chief of the Le Roy Police Department.

Kellogg’s first day as the leader of the 18-member agency is Jan. 9 – the day after Hayward steps down after 35 years with the department.

He said he is dedicating his career to the memory of his mom, who lived in Le Roy until her passing in 2019.

The 35-year-old York Central School graduate grew up in Livingston County but has spent the past 17 years as a Genesee County resident. Hired by Hayward as a part-time officer in 2015, Kellogg said he believes this is where he is supposed to be.

“Getting into law enforcement is something that I’ve always wanted to do,” he said. “I completed an internship with the Le Roy Police Department back when I was 16 years old with Chief Hayward, who was a sergeant, himself, at that time.”

Kellogg said he completed other internships and worked in the private sector, gaining administrative and management experience as a loss prevention investigator/supervisor for Six Flags Darien Lake.

“I really enjoyed working at Darien Lake – at one time I supervised 100 seasonal security guards, EMTs (emergency medical technicians) and safety officers – but again, I always knew I wanted to get into law enforcement,” he said, noting that he worked at the amusement park for 13 years prior to leaving in 2016.

The year before, he successfully completed the Rural Police Training Academy course at Genesee Community College, and began his career in Le Roy, while also working for the Perry and Attica police departments on a part-time basis.

In 2016, Kellogg moved into a full-time role in Le Roy, and in 2019 he was promoted to sergeant.

He said when he learned that Hayward was going to retire, he jumped at the chance. He went through the interview process with a panel of business owners, church and civic leaders and police department personnel, and passed the test with flying colors.

Rogers said the department is fortunate to have Kellogg as part of the village law enforcement team.

“We have been impressed with him every day he comes to work. He’s on top of everything,” Rogers said. “While I haven’t looked forward to the day when we’d have to replace Chris, having a candidate like Greg makes it a lot easier.”

Kellogg said he is grateful for the trust placed in him by village officials.

“I’m proud and humbled to take on this role; it truly is an honor,” he said. “It’s something I’ve worked toward for a long time and I look forward to continue the community policing -- the things we’ve been involved in.”

Submitted photo.

Two days ago, I happened across Dan Sprague jamming on a little death metal on his way to band practice. Sprague said he's a member of three bands, including the folk-rock band he was practicing with that day.

A motor-vehicle accident is reported in the area of 5698 Byron Elba Road, Byron.

One person with a possible back injury is still in a vehicle.

Byron fire and South Byron fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 9:17 p.m.: Fire police from Elba requested to assist with traffic control.

UPDATE 9:27 p.m.: A Byron responding unit can return to quarters.

A lot has changed in the furniture business in the past 50 years. Shag carpet is out and twists and berbers are in, and good luck finding an avocado green loveseat.

But one thing hasn't changed at Max Pies. Phil Pies is still there every day to greet customers with a smile and a quip. 

"What do I love about the job?" Pies said during a celebration today of his 50 years in the business. "Meeting people. The people are the business."

Phil Pies is the third generation of Pies in the furniture business. Sticking around for 50 years, though, wasn't really something he expected when he started selling furniture.

"When I first came here, I didn't think I would actually stay here and here I am," Pies said. "I got involved in the business and I couldn't stop."

While hunting with her dad yesterday, Novalee Pocock, 14, from Bergen, had a close encounter of the raccoon kind. While in a wooded area, a raccoon came up to her and jumped in her lap. 

According to her mother, the raccoon cuddled right up to her to stay warm.

"She will never forget this encounter with the wildlife while hunting for deer with her dad," she said.

Submitted photo and information.

H.E. Turner & Co., Bohm-Calarco-Smith, and Burdett & Sanford Funeral Homes proudly present their 25^th Annual Service of Prayer & Remembrance at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12. 

Due to COVID-19, the service will be livestreamed to ensure your safety. 

“We hear from families how the service helps them through their grief, especially during this time of year," said Joshua Smith, of H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home. "For some of these families it will be their first year participating in the service, which means it is their first Christmas without their loved one, and for others, they come back year after year.” 

A candle in memory of your loved ones will be lit prior to the start of the service and remain that way throughout.

As always, one candle will be provided per deceased loved one and can be picked up at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St., Batavia on the following dates:

• Monday, Dec. 7 from 2-4 p.m.
• Wednesday, Dec. 9 from 2-4 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 11 from 5-7 p.m.

Call (585) 344-4295 to reserve your candle by Friday, Dec. 4. There is no cost for a candle and all who experienced the pain of loss are welcome to participate regardless of who took care of your loved one and arranged their funeral service.

The ecumenical service will combine music, prayer, Scripture reading, reading of the names of your loved ones and tolling of the bell in remembrance, and a message of hope by Reverend Roula Alkhouri, Ph.D., of Batavia First Presbyterian Church.

To register the name or names for your candle please call H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home at (585) 344-4295 or register online at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com by Dec. 4.

Press release:

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, both Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments will be closed on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 26^th & 27^th. We will not be updating the websites or the maps on these days and over the weekend. Our next update will be Monday afternoon to include data from today after 2 p.m. until Monday afternoon.

Many of our staff will be working to handle investigations and quarantine related issues. We hope you have a safe, healthy and Happy Thanksgiving.

Over this weekend, we can’t stress enough the importance to limit time with non-household members. Continue to do your best to limit the spread of COVID-19 and the flu by frequently washing/sanitizing your hands, wear a mask/face-covering over your mouth and nose when out in public and keep at least 6 feet from non-household members.

If you are not feeling well, please stay home and contact your primary care provider for guidance.

New Positives – As of 2 p.m.

• Genesee County received 34 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Alexander, Batavia, Bergen, Elba, Le Roy, Oakfield, Pembroke and Stafford. 
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. 
  • Eight of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Fourteen of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • Sixteen of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
  •  
• Orleans County received 11 new positive cases of COVID-19.

• The new positive cases reside Albion, Gaines, Clarendon, Murray, Ridgeway and Shelby.
• The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 40s, 50s and 60s.
• None of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
• Four of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.

Two of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.

Health Alert

The Genesee County Health Department has received a positive COVID-19 test from an individual who was at Kelly’s Holland Inn in Batavia (25 Evans St.) on:

• Tuesday, Nov. 17^th between the hours of 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 18^th between the hours of 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 19^th between the hours of 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 20^th between the hours of 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Contact tracing is in progress; however unidentified individuals may have unknowingly been in contact with the positive case. 

We advise all individuals who were at Kelly’s Holland Inn on the stated dates and times to monitor their symptoms for 14 days.

If symptoms of COVID-19 develop, contact your primary care provider to seek testing immediately and self-isolate until you receive your test results.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include but are not limited to: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea.

For more information please visit: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home.

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported at 5488 Ellicott Street Road, Bethany. The location is between Main Road and Clapsaddle Road. Stafford Fire Department and Mercy medics are also responding.

UPDATE 4:23 p.m.: Fire police are responding for traffic control.

UPDATE 4:31 p.m.: Injuries do not appear to be serious according to a first responder.

UPDATE 5:05 p.m.: A sedan was pulling out of a driveway onto northbound Route 63 and it pulled into the path of a southbound Chevrolet. No one in the sedan was injured. The two occupants of the Chevrolet were sitting up and talking with medics and were going to be transported to a hospital for evaluation. The investigation is ongoing. It is unknown at this time whether citatations will be issued.

Press release:

The Old Courthouse in Downtown Batavia will be lit with orange lights tonight through Dec. 10 in honor of Zonta International’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence.

Violence against women and girls is one of the most pervasive human rights violations and a global epidemic. It knows no national or cultural barriers; it takes place at home, in the workplace and in open spaces, and affects millions of women and girls in peacetime and conflict.

It includes psychological, physical and sexual violence, and harmful practices such as rape, female genital cutting, child marriage and human trafficking. 

Violence against women and girls threatens countries, inhibits economic progress, and prevents women from contributing to their community and creating better lives for themselves and their families. 

Zonta International’s ongoing service efforts are demonstrated through numerous local projects and programs and through partnerships with the United Nations and its agencies. 

Our ongoing advocacy efforts are built around the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign. Launched in 2012, the campaign has raised awareness of the global pandemic of women’s rights violations and has united Zonta clubs worldwide in conducting impactful advocacy actions to fight violence against women and gender inequality. 

During the 16 Days of Activism, Nov. 25 – Dec. 10, all Zonta clubs and districts are encouraged to take part in the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign and the Zonta Club of Batavia-Genesee County is proud to be part of this effort.

The Club can be reached at:   Batavia@zontadistrict4.org -- or by visiting our Facebook page.

A chimney fire that is possibly extending into the house is reported at 6821 Cole Road. Le Roy Fire Department is responding along with mutual aid from Bergen, Byron and the city's FAST team.

Le Roy ambulance is also responding.

A first responder says the residence is evacuated and there's heavy smoke inside the residence. It's gone to a second alarm.

The location is between Sweetland Road and East Bethany Le Roy Road.

UPDATE 3:46 p.m.: Engines from Stafford and Pavilion called to the scene. Town of Batavia is to fill in for Le Roy. The city's first platoon is called to city fire headquarters.

UPDATE 4:06 p.m.: Caledonia is asked to stand by with Batavia at Le Roy's fire hall. Thermal cameras are deployed at the scene.

UPDATE 4:29 p.m.: City FAST team went back in service at least 15 minutes ago. And Caledonia was released from service as well.

UPDATE 4:33 p.m.: Pavilion is put back in service.

UPDATE 4:37 p.m.: Stafford is back in service.

UPDATE 4:40 p.m.: Bergen is back in service.

State troopers have been dispatched to Pavilion Center Road in Pavilion, at the railroad crossing, for a report of a hunter standing on the railroad tracks shooting in the direction of vehicle traffic.

Alonzo C. Williams, 44, of Watson Street, Batavia, is charged with: criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony; and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, also a Class B felony. He was arrested after an investigation by the Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force, which is comprised of officers from the Sheriff's Office, Batavia Police Department and Le Roy Village Police Department. It is alleged that Williams sold a quantity of crack cocaine to an agent of the drug task force. Williams, who had an active arrest warrant, was located driving on North Street in the City of Batavia and he was taken into custody. Williams was arraigned in Genesee County Court, then released on his own recognizance. The drug task force was assisted by uniformed deputies, Batavia police and the District Attorney's Office.

Michael Eugene Weichman, 25, Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief, third-degree assault, and criminal obstruction of breathing. On Nov. 22, the Genesee County Sheriff's Office received a report of a domestic incident that occurred at 5 p.m. on Nov. 19 on Pratt Road. Weichman was identified as the suspect, then arrested and arraigned virtually at Genesee County Jail. A NYS parole detainer was put in place for Weichman and he remains in jail. The case was handled by Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Deputy Howard Wilson. Sgt. Andrew Hale also assisted in the case.

Shawn Phillip Wolcott, 38, of South Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt and obstruction of governmental administration in the second degree. Following a complaint of a violation of a court order, Wolcott was arrested at 4:49 p.m. on Nov. 22 on South Main Street Road. During his arrest he allegedly obstructed deputies by barricading himself in his home. Wolcott was released with an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Batavia Court on Dec. 10. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Jacob Gauthier.

Richard David Trykowski III, 39, Tinkham Road, Darien, is charged with: aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree; aggravated driving while intoxicated -- BAC of .18 percent or more; DWI -- first offense; moving from lane unsafely; unreasonable speed; and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Trykowski was arrested after an investigation of a one-car accident that occurred at 10:07 p.m. on Nov. 22 on South Lake Road in Pembroke. He was issued appearance tickets and is due in Pembroke Town Court on Jan. 7. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Jacob Gauthier.

A car vs. bicyclist accident is reported in the city at West Main Street and Montclair Avenue. City fire, police and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 2 p.m.: The bicyclist was standing up next to the bicycle when first responders arrived. The person has minor injuries and was taken to UMMC for evaluation. A female driver was southbound on Montclair Avenue and went to make a right-hand turn into West Main Street when the accident occurred. She says she looked both ways and it was clear, then the bicyclist suddenly appeared in front of her. The driver was not injured.

Due to the rise of coronavirus cases, there is an increasing demand for tests. Many of our health centers including Albion, Brockport and Hornell provide testing for people with and without symptoms.

At the Corfu, Batavia and Alexander locations we are testing people with symptoms who meet the criteria. To keep everyone safe, all testing is by appointment only. 

COVID-19 swab tests are available at our health centers outdoors to ensure safety for patients and staff, however, if you have symptoms, please call in advance for arrival instructions. Test results are typically back in three  to five days but in some cases can take up to seven business days. 

“We want the community to know that Oak Orchard Health is here for them should they need a COVID-19 test. We have several testing locations and options including a free LetsGetChecked Self-Collection Kit,” said Dr. Mary Obear, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Clinical Officer, Oak Orchard Health (inset photo left).

Regarding payment, Oak Orchard starts by billing the insurance companies (co-pays may apply), and should it not be covered, we also offer a sliding fee scale discount based on family size and annual income. For questions or more information, please call (585) 637-3905, ext. 221.  

The LetsGetChecked COVID-19 Self Collection Kits were purchased by Oak Orchard but are being given out free to our patients 18 years of age or older. They can be used at home but are in limited supply.

The kits can be used when appropriate based on current testing guidelines. The test kit comes with a UPS next day air return shipping label to send your sample back to the lab. They aim to deliver your results within 24-72 hours of your sample being received in their laboratory.  

Take a moment look at the COVID-19 testing options available at Oak Orchard Health. For more information, visit our website at or call (585) 637-3905.

It’s safe to say that Andrew Maguire, director of economic development for the Batavia Development Corporation, is thankful that several City of Batavia projects are progressing smoothly with the November holiday just one day away.

Maguire, at this morning’s BDC meeting via Zoom videoconferencing, updated the organization’s directors on the project tracking of four Building Improvement Fund ventures as well as three projects identified through the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative program.

Building Improvement Fund

• 109-111 Main St., Eli Fish Brewing Co. building. Maguire said the project, which calls for construction of three third-floor apartments, went out to bid last week and is being vetted through contractors.

The project is receiving $137,600 of the $600,000 in Building Improvement Funds that the BDC was awarded via the DRI.

“Hopefully, we get some really good bids back next month or in January so Matt (Gray) can get started,” he said.

• 206 E. Main St., Main Street Pizza Co. building. Maguire said the owner, Paul Marchese, is working with his architectural firm to finalize his designs.

“After that, we will run it through code and zoning to make sure there are no major issues. I’m hoping that can go out to bid in December sometime,” he said.

This project, which calls for two second-floor apartments in its initial phase, also qualified for $137,600 in Building Improvement Funds and another $75,000 through the New York Main Street grant program.

• 242 Ellicott St., corner of Ellicott Street. Maguire said the work – rehabilitating a one-bedroom unit upstairs along with numerous exterior improvements – is almost done.

The project was awarded $27,200 in NYMS funds.

• 39-43 Jackson St. (Art Ah La Carte, Gilliana’s Diner, Michael Anthony’s Hair Salon). Maguire said the project, which received $100,000 in BIF money, calls for façade work on the entire building and work on the roof as well.

“SBI (Single Burning Item) testing results came back – they were negative, as in positive, which is a good thing,” he said. “We wanted that to be negative so (the owner) doesn’t have any more hoops to jump through with ventilation systems and things of that nature. We will be working with the state to get plans finalized and get it out to bid.”

Downtown Revitalization Initiative

Maguire informed directors that the City Planning & Development Committee approved a redesign of the elevator shaft of the Ellicott Place (Save-A-Lot) project, design engineers are meeting frequently to finalize plans for the Healthy Living Campus (YMCA) and City Council expects to approve a design firm for the Jackson Square project next month.

Interview with Dan Ireland, CEO of UMMC. Scheduled to start at 11 a.m.