The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that on July 26, 2014 at 9:06 pm Sheriff’s Deputies responded to 4043 County Road 143 Trumansburg in the Town of Covert to investigate a Fatal farming accident. Upon arrival to the scene Sheriff’s Deputies located 24 year old Nathan Z. Hoover, of Seybolt Road Seneca Falls, entrapped in a piece of farming equipment. Through the investigation it was found that Hoover had been operating a skid loader and had pulled up alongside and appearently reached out to do something with a hay baling machine , when the front loader was released – coming down and crushing him. Deputies report that Hoover may have accidentally hit the front end loader control with his foot. Hoover was killed and pronounced dead at the scene by Seneca County Coroner Deborah Kelly. The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on scene by Trumansburg Ambulance and Fire D epartment.

It probably is not a job for the faint of heart, but somebody has to do it.

On Tuesday (7/29) at 2:27 p.m., Newark Police Officer Nicholas Dapolito spotted a vehicle driven by a man he knew was wanted on a warrant by the Wayne County Narcotics Enforcement Team.

Karmalus LT. Herrington (aka Kojak), age 40, residing at 332 Vienna Street, Apt. 3 in Newark  was stopped. Karmalus struggled with officers, and swallowed a plastic bag of suspected crack cocaine. He refused treatment by ambulance personnel at the scene.

Herrington was subsequently charged with one count each of the following charges related to the stop: Unlawful Possession of Marijuana – a violation, Consuming Alcohol in a vehicle – infraction, Equipment Violation Safety Glass – infraction,  Tampering with Physical Evidence – E-Felony, Resisting Arrest – a misdemeanor.

Karmalus was also charged with 3 counts each of the following: Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree – B-Felonies, and Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree -B-Felonies.

Karmalus was brought before the Village of Newark Court for arraignment and was remanded to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Jail on No Bail.

Once in jail, the clock began ticking. Herrington was held in the jail medical  unit and closely monitored for the next 18-24 hours for a bowel movement and possible recovery of evidence.

Then, just to ensure his safety, Herrington had to be transported to Newark-Wayne Community Hospital for a costly set of x-rays and a CAT scan to ensure nothing appeared in his system.

According to Wayne County Undersheriff, Rick House, the medical steps are necessary to avoid any consequences of a possible baggie of drugs rupturing in Herrington’s system while he was in custody. If any substance was found by the hospital tests, the Sheriff’s Office, following protocol would have been required to perform immediate surgery for removal to protect him.

House indicated the tests showed nothing in Herrington’s digestive tract and nothing in his bowel movement. The Undersheriff said he is awaiting the final bill for the hospital costs and constant monitoring while in custody.

The charges against Herrington stem from a several month long investigation of the distribution and sales of Cocaine in and around the Newark Community. Members of the Newark Police Department, Wayne-NET and NYS Police participated in the investigation. Also, information gathered during this investigation is believed to help in the future arrests of people involved in the distribution and sales of narcotics in and around the Village of Newark, and Wayne County.

Records show Herrington has an extensive police history, including drugs and violent felonies. He was sentenced to 2-4 years in state prison for a conviction for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 4th Degree.

The Newark Republicans will choose a mayoral candidate this Tuesday (8/12) beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Newark High School Auditorium. Two current Village Trustees, John Zornow and Jonathan Taylor will be vying for the village top job, with only registered Republicans allowed to nominate, cast ballots and be candidates.

The Trustees are hoping to unseat current Mayor Peter Blandino, who has held the post for the past 12 years as a Republican. Following disagreements with Blandino and his policies, it became evident the Newark Republicans were no longer going to endorse Blandino for another term.

Feeling the heat, Blandino announced last year that he would be switching his party allegiance and register as a Democrat. He has also let it be known that if a “certain person” wins the Republican caucus, he will then not seek reelection as a Democrat.

“There is definitely some animosity between two of us. I am not malicious, I just have strong feelings,” said Blandino.

John Zornow knows that he is not high on Blandino’s list and that his Republican challenger, Taylor, is the Mayor’s favorite to replace him.

For his part, Taylor said he has not been approached, or had any conversation with Blandino about possibly tapping the Mayor for a trustee seat that would open up if he (Taylor) is elected mayor. Taylor said any appointment to a trustee seat would come after a full board discussion and consensus.

The Democrats will hold their caucus on Thursday (8/21) at 7:00 pm at the American Legion, located at 200 East Union Street. The Town Caucus will come first, followed by the Village Caucus. According to Wayne County Democrat Chairman, Mark Alquist, the Democrats will be holding an “open caucus”, meaning the mayoral spot will be open to any, or no party affiliation. You must still be a  registered Democrat in Newark/Arcadia to nominate a candidate and to cast a ballot.

John Zornow, a recent past president of the Newark Rotary Club is also involved in the Elks Club, serves on the board of WayneCap, is  Past President of the Newark-Arcadia Historical Society, former Chairman of the Wayne County Planning Board, past member of the Newark Zoning Board, Past President of the Newark and Pioneer Library System. He has been a Village Trustee for the past four years.

Zornow made his intentions clear last year and began handing out cards asking for villagers’ support. He stated that his style of governing will be different from the current administration. “I will not micro-manage. I will be approachable and transparent,” he commented. John said he feels the position is full-time, something he said he will continue if elected. He also added that his role as a reporter for 13 years, covering town, village and occasionally county meetings gives him an insight, beyond being a trustee.

Jonathan Taylor was born and raised in Newark and has a wife, Cari and two children, a son age 5 and a daughter age 10. He is active in youth sports serving as a coach in baseball, basketball and soccer. He has been on the Village Board for the past two years and is a past member of the New York Farm Bureau Board of Directors, and various state agricultural committees. He currently works as a feed/nutrient manager for a dairy operation.

Jonathan  said he is open to community members, does his Board homework and feels he makes the best decisions necessary. He decided to run for the Village Board after being approached by community members and decided to put his efforts towards the mayor’s position.

On the Democratic side of the battle is current mayor Peter Blandino, who  was chastised several years ago for helping to appoint his wife to an open Village Trustee seat.

“I think Helen is the second most knowledgeable person in Newark. On the surface, it might not have looked right (to have her appointed to the board), but she is a great asset to the village, and that is what matters.” He noted too that he wishes she voted his way more often. He said she is really a very independent thinker.

Pete is proud of the many things that have been accomplished during his time in office.

“You always hope to leave things better than when you started, and I think I have helped accomplished that,” said the Mayor. We are in great shape now – our revenues and our expense are equal.”

He alluded to raising balances in the General and Water Funds. He is gratified that the parks are much improved, with softball diamonds and lights added. “I am also glad that I was a driving force in seeing through the DPW and Police Union contracts were completed,  as well as the upgrade of the Waste Water Treatment plant.”

As for his changing of party affiliations, Pete explains that, in a small town, if really does not matter if you are a Republican or a Democrat.

“I didn’t change my core values. I have always wanted what was best for the people of this village.”

His reasoning had to do with the “caucus process”. “If I have to win or lose in a general election, that is one thing, that is fair. But to lose in a caucus, and not have the chance to let all the people decide, is just not fair to all.”

(*Disclaimer, Mr. Zornow writes a column for this newspaper)

It is one of the tell-tale signs of a drug addict, the facial sores and lesions. Is it caused by the drug addict’s constant scratching at imaginary facial imperfections? Is it poor hygiene on the part of the abuser?

State Police out of Wolcott reported stopping a vehicle for Speeding on Lake Bluff Road in Wolcott at 1:58 a.m. on Thursday (8/7).

The driver, Katherine L. Finch, age 29, of 9822 Glenmark Road in North Rose was subsequently arrested for DWI-Drugs/Refusal to Submit to a Blood test, Possession of a Hypodermic Instrument and Criminal possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree-cocaine. She was additionally charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor vehicle with three license suspensions on three different dates.

Police found Finch in what they felt was a drug-induced state. Her appearance also lent itself to a possible long-term drug habit.

Finch’s face was  riddled with sores;  her arms showed the trench marks of  numerous past needle use. She was arraigned on the charges and remanded to jail on $250 cash bail.

So, what causes the sores that appear on many drug addicts?

According to Wayne County Supervisor of Substance Abuse, Chris Thomas, the Mental Health Department staff  see quite a bit of the skin lesions on drug addicts they serve. He attributes many of the bodily appearances to drug manufacturers and dealers who “didn’t pass chemistry class” and mix or use solvents in their formulas. He added that the condition is prevalent in many methamphetamine users. It occurs when the body is trying to purify itself of the toxins building up inside. The addict only worsens the effect of the toxins by scratching, or picking at the sores.

Thomas said he has also seen the condition in young kids using/abusing the drug Ritalin. The recent K-2 fad of synthetic marijuana and other “designer” drugs has also led to psychotic incidents of “picking” at the skin.

Basically, the Substance Abuse Supervisor said the sores are the total  result of a lifestyle of drugs, poor hygiene and bad needles.

The drug-induced sores condition does not happen overnight and arrest pictures over a period of time can also show a dramatic decline in facial muscles and the appearance of aging within a number of years and in some cases, months. The wearing away of tooth enamel, scaring, sores and unkempt appearances are all signs of a drug problem.

Want help? A place to start? For more information on drug counseling Call the Wayne County Mental Health at 946-5722.

At the Republican Caucus in Newark on Tuesday Night (8/12/14),  200+ participants perservered for nearly 3 hours to await the outcome of voting.  Both town and village positions were open for nominations. At just after 6:30 the Caucus for the Town seats (1-Justice, 1-Council seat, and 1-Highway Superintendent seat) got underway. That portion of the Caucus ran about 15 minutes. The outcome was that Richard VanLaeken won the nomination for the 1 year vacancy for Town Council (left open after the passing of Gary McIlwain). Dan Pullen who has been the interim Highway Superintendent was nominated for the remaining term of Dave Harden, who retired). No one was nominated by the Republicans for the open seat (of retiring Justice Michael Miller) for a 4 year term for Town Justice. VanLaeken vowed to do his best in retaining the seat to which he was appointed after McIlwain’s death. Pullen received much support and praise from those he has worked with him as Deputy Highway Superintendent for years.  

Following a break in the proceedings,  Village residents  signed in for their Caucus. Up for grabs were the seats of two retiring Trustees (Helen Blandino and John Zornow),  Village Justice, and  Mayor (4 year term). The outcome of the Mayor’s race was highly anticipated, and kept the crowd in attendance until the end, if not always with patience.  As Chairman Paul Cole, who ran the caucus, explained, ‘There is a process that must be followed, with signing in and verified registration, and the actual balloting and counting. He thanked everyone for their patience and understanding.

In the end, the 2 village trustees seat were filled by Stu Blodgett and Bob Bendix.  No one was nominated for the Village Justice seat. The mayor’s race for the Republican nomination came down to 5 votes (88 to 83) but was ultimately won by retiring Trustee John Zornow, over Trustee Jonathan Taylor, who will retain his seat on the Village board.

Congratulations were gracious following the outcome and both Mayoral candidates vowed to work side by side on the Board.  Bob Bendix, who received the nomination for a trustee seat, said he was “relieved that it was over” and was very grateful to his family, friends and the voters for the privilege. Stu Blodgett was not able to be present at the caucus, due to a work commitment, but his wife Julie accepted his nomination gratefully on his behalf.  Alan Schober, who also was nominated for a Trustee seat, but lost, thanked those who had supported him and indicated that he may step up to run for political office again.

John Zornow, the Republican nominee for Mayor this fall, was delighted with the outcome. He reiterated that he will make the position a full time 24/7 job and have an open door policy. He vowed to allowed Trustees to give their input on agenda items and budget decisions. John was especially grateful to many of the senior citizens who came out to support him and remained until the end of the very long proceedings.

The Arcadia/Newark Democrats will hold their caucus on August 21st at 7 pm at the American Legion hall in Newark, to present their late of nominees for town and village vacant seats.

Pictured are:  Nominees Bob Bendix for Village Trustee, John Zornow for Mayor, and  Republican Chairman Paul Cole.

He was always a small time blip on police radar, never a major player in anything and perhaps there was a reason why.

On Monday (8/4), the Wayne Narcotics enforcement team (WayneNet) were closing in on Dominique D. Lundy, age 20, residing at House’s Motel off Route 31 in the Town of Arcadia.

Lundy had been known to be “dabbling in weed” but otherwise had no police record. Information was received that Lundy was trying to move up the drug social ladder and was in possession of a large amount of cocaine.

Members of WayneNet, along with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team conducted a vehicle and traffic stop on Route 31 in Arcadia, near the Lyons town line. Information was that Lundy also had a hand gun and police were taking no chances.

Once the take-down was completed, police found Lundy in possession of 101 grams ( 3 1/2 ounces) of cocaine. He was charged with two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree and Criminal Possession With the Intent to Sell, both  Class B Felonies.

As for the weapon Lundy was supposed to have in his possession? Police were baffled when the realistic looking handgun was retrieved. Lundy too, was confused, telling police he had not yet fired the gun, but was waiting to find 9mm ammunition he thought the gun required. Come to find out Lundy had unwittingly purchased a starter pistol.

Lundy was arraigned before Newark Justice Michael Miller and remanded to jail on $1000 cash/$2000 bond. Grand Jury action is pending and police expect more charges in the case. Records show Lundy is not employed.

In a surprise move, long-time Macedon Town Clerk, Judy Gravino, handed in her letter of resignation, effective August 29th at Thursday’s (8/14) Town Board meeting.

Town Supervisor, Bill Hammond, said he was caught off guard by the move, but did know Gravino had been discussing retirement.

In her official letter dated August 11th, to the Secretary of State, Gravino wrote:

“Please consider this letter my formal letter of retirement effective August 30, 2014 from the position of the Macedon Town Clerk. My last day worked will be August 29, 2014. My term of office was to expire December 31, 2015.

While I am excited about my impending retirement, it is bitter sweet to leave the position that has been my life for so many years. It has truly been an honor and pleasure to serve the residents within my community. I have also been very fortunate to work with many wonderful people throughout my tenure with the Town of Macedon.”

Judy has served as the Macedon Town Clerk for 26 years, and served as District Director for the NY State Town Clerk’s Association for all of that time. She has also served on various committees include: Mixer Committee, Clerk of the Year Committee, Scholarship committee and is a member of the Wayne County Clerk’s Association, having served as past treasurer. She holds the title of Registered Municipal Clerk, having completed requirements prescribed by the Association for that certification.

As Macedon Town Clerk, she also serves as Records Management Officer, Registrar of Vital Statistics, Notary Public, Water Billing Clerk and works closely with the Wayne County Water & Sewer Authority.

Judy was instrumental in salvaging and restoring documents and Vital Records following a devastating fire in 2001 at the old Town Hall building. For a time, she worked from her car, home and makeshift office, recreating her vault and each file, page by page, and helped to save a priceless book collection stored in the library.

According to Hammond, the Town Board cannot officially act to select and appoint a Town Clerk replacement until after August 30th.

“Because of the timing, anyone selected would have to run for the position in the November election and, if elected, take office officially on January 1st, 2015.

In another move by the Board, they agreed to allow current police clerk, Tyler Robinson, to attend the regional Police Academy slated to begin in February of 2015.

Robinson, upon completion, would then become a Macedon Police Officer.

Tyler has been serving as the Macedon Police Clerk for a number of years.

According to Macedon Chief, John Colella, the process and posting to fill the police clerk position will begin in the near future.

Wayne County Sheriff’s Investigators reported the arrest early Friday (8/22) at about 3 a.m. of Rochester man as the result of an ongoing investigation into several larcenies of ATV’s (All Terrain Vehicle) and burglaries recently reported in the Town of Ontario area.

Wayne County Sheriff’s Investigators observed a flat bed pick up truck loaded with an ATV, and other items, operating in the area of the previously reported larcenies and burglaries, and stopped the vehicle on Ridge Road in the Town of Ontario.

Subsequent investigations with the Ogden Police Department revealed that the pick up truck had been stolen from a residence on Stony Point Road in the Town of Ogden and the truck owner was unaware his truck had been stolen.

Investigators also discovered that the ATV and other property on the back of the stolen truck had just been stolen from a residential garage on Lakeside Road in Ontario, and those homeowners were also unaware their property had been stolen during the night.

Christian A. Robinson, age 40, of 175 Warner Street in Rochester, was charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 3rd degree as a result of being in possession of the pick up truck that was stolen out of Ogden.

Robinson was also charged with Burglary 2nd degree, Grand Larceny 4th degree, 2 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a child and Criminal Mischief 4th degree as a result of the investigations.

Robinson was arraigned on the above charges before Justice Art Williams at the Town of Arcadia Court and was remanded to Wayne County Jail and is currently being held without bail

Robinson also had two juveniles with him at the time of the burglary in the Town of Ontario. The juvenile cases will be referred to Wayne County Family Court.

Wayne County Sheriff’s Investigators are continuing their investigations. Assisting in these investigations was the Ogden Police Department and the NY State Police.

It must have been a lovely wedding, one unforgettable moment when Matthew Dye, age 32,  married the love of his life, Caroline, back in 2010. The bride currently resides in Manhattan, but alas, Matthew is nowhere to be found in the Big Apple.

Move forward to 2013. There is Matt, all gussied up, standing next to the woman he is about to profess his un-‘dying’ love to – Nacira, in Sodus. The marriage goes off without a hitch.

Oops, there is one little snafu. Matt never got a divorce from the first Mrs. Dye, but he signed the marriage license and never gave a thought to wife number one. In New York, that crime is called Bigamy. Seems the State frowns upon having two current wives, but also signing documents contrary to that fact.

Matt, no newcomer to police, was already in the Wayne County Jail since May 12th on No Bail on charges of a parole violation. He was arraigned on the new charges and remanded back to the Wayne County Jail, again on No Bail. He will appear on the Bigamy charge in Sodus Town Court on September 2nd and the False Filing charge in Lyons Village Court on October 1st.

State Police out of Williamson were alerted to a robbery at the Hess Express on Route 104 in the Town of Ontario at 9 p.m. on Wednesday (9/3).

A man entered the convenience store and demanded money. “If you value your life, give me the money,” the man stated to the clerk. He left and got into a waiting car. No weapon was displayed.

The alert clerk got a detailed description of both the fleeing vehicle and the man. The car headed eastbound on Route 104. Police believe the man and passenger then switched seats with the robber taking over driving. Police also said the vehicle must have made a u-turn at Lakeside Road and Route 104 and began heading westbound. Alert police stationed and waiting, spotted the vehicle and made the traffic stop, taking both men into custody.

The driver, the man who entered the store alone and robbed it, Jordan Vilinsky, age 32, of Ridge Road in Ontario was also found to be intoxicated. He was charged with Robbery in the 2nd Degree and DWI/BAC with a blood alcohol level of .13%. He was additionally charged with Aggravated Unlicensed operation of a Motor Vehicle in the 2nd Degree. Records show Vilinsky has no prior arrest record.

The initial driver/passenger, Ronald Desbrough, age 30, of Williamson was charged with Robbery in the 2nd Degree. His police record shows minor misdemeanor arrests.

Both Vilinsky and Desbrough were arraigned and jailed on $5000 cash/$10,000 bond

No one doubts being a single mother, relying on your job to support yourself and two children is difficult, at best.

Whitney used to work for Walmart, then landed a better job earning $15 per hour, just under $31,200 per year. After bills are paid, there is little to nothing left for day care. She relies on her parents, who also feel the stress of the commitment of watching their grandchild while Whitney works.

Unfortunately, Whitney and her two children, ages three and four, fall well  above the federal poverty level of $19,790 per year

Even the lowest priced day care can cost a family over $150 per week for a single child. If you subtract the almost $300 per week for two children from Whitney’s estimated yearly salary of $31,200, that leaves her with $ 15,600 for rent, insurance, transportation, clothing and assorted living costs for a family of three.

Whitney is not alone in Wayne County. Her father questions why, with all  the taxes he pays, the County cannot help a single mother with the cost of day care? The family has been seeking help for the past two years, only to be told they are on a waiting list.

According to Wayne County Director of the Department of Social Services (DSS), Josh McCrossen, the County only receives so much for child day care. “First, you must be working to get any day care assistance. Second, we are presently canvassing our waiting list to expand the number of slots we have.”

The first to receive any benefits are those falling under the federal poverty level at 100%. Once that category is exhausted, the County can fill the remaining slots to a single mother in the 100% to 125% federal poverty level. Currently, Wayne County DSS has money for about 20 slots for day care costs.  Unfortunately, Whitney would still fall above that category and McCrossen said the chances of any child day care funds being available to her almost nil.

So, what is the answer?

McCrossen said the single mother must file for support from the child’s biological father. He stated that even if the man is in jail, or destitute, the filing will follow him. “Even if we (DSS) can get $15 to $25 per month from the father, it is better than nothing.”

The next option is to enroll young children in  a program like Head Start, that runs for most of the year, with payments ranging from nothing and upward on a sliding scale based upon family income. Throughout Wayne County, hundreds of families, some above the poverty level, are fighting to keep their heads above water with the added cost of day care. Families, with both spouses able to work, often find that it is financially better to have one stay at home full-time for the children, after day care, taxes and transportation are figured into the mix.

Others, like  Whitney, rely on parents and other family members to watch children while they work.

It began just after the Fourth of July.  Carol Adamowitz heard and saw something fly low over her house on Sunrise Drive in the Gananda development. The flying device then hovered over a neighbor’s residence before disappearing.

A second flying device, outfitted with red and green lights reportedly flew by, looked in ,and flew by another Gananda resident’s window.

Reports began coming in of late night flights, first happening between 8:30 p.m. and 9:00, the latest occurring around 11 p.m. The hovering craft, with its buzzing output seemed to hover over residences throughout the area.

Stephanie Majchrzak, of nearby Valley Drive in Gananda was out walking with her neighbor and saw two small lighted crafts hovering above. In another instance, while in her backyard, one flew over her head. She retreated inside, furious that her privacy was being violated. In another instance one was spotted over her driveway.

“These are things for fields, not for flying around in a neighborhood early in the morning and late at night,” she stated.

Last Saturday, a complaint was filed after a Gananda woman, was washing dishes when one appeared hovering outside her window. She grabbed her cell phone to begin recording the intrusion, but the craft quickly darted off.

A craft was spotted by people at a backyard cookout at one residence, hovering overhead.

One neighbor, frustrated and mad at the intrusions confronted one of the ownersd of the remote-controlled device, who apologized and has restricted his flights. Yet another needed a visit by Macedon Police, and was given a stiff warning.

Welcome to the new world of remote-controlled drones. Prices and technology have advanced to the point where the somewhat stable, camera -equipped devices, have become the latest fad.

No doubt the use of drones has played a major role in military surveillance and even weapon delivery in taking out enemy combatants.

With prices hovering around the double digits, to more sophisticated units costing thousands, the flying, mosquito-like drones have taken to the air in droves.

People, upset with privacy issues have swatted down some of the intruders in anger. Others, like the neighbors in Gananda, confront drone owners directly, or call police.

Unfortunately, laws have not kept up with the drone phenomena and lawmakers, both local and federal,  are scrambling to define low-flying airspace rules. The Obama administration’s FAA Modernization Act of 2012, cleared the way for commercial drones in the U.S. The FAA has been working to craft safety rules for private drone operators, but critics are crying the agency is taking too long to develope sound rules.

Two New York Assemblymen have introduced bills that would sharply limit the use of drones. Brooklyn Assemblyman Nick Perry in 2013, introduced his legislation that allows law enforcement to use drones to conduct criminal investigations, but requires agencies obtain a warrant before beginning any surveillance.

Perry’s bill also allows for the use of drones “by a person for lawful purposes, including recreational or hobby purposes,” a provision that mirrors current federal law. Commercial use of drones is currently prohibited until 2015, but the prohibition is widely ignored and not enforced.

Auburn R-Assemblyman Gary Finch has also floated a Bill trying to reign in drones for personal use, but few fellow assemblymen/women have jumped onboard in support.

“Unfortunately, our democratic style of government is reactive. We always wait until something bad happens, or something blows up before we act. Especially where there is a high density of people -  they expect and have always had issues with privacy. We expect not to be intruded upon.”

State Senator Mike Nozollio stated: “New York laws must keep pace with ever changing technology, including the sudden implementation of drone use throughout the state by individuals and businesses.  Privacy protection is a fundamental right and New York residents should continue to have an expectation of privacy, particularly in their own homes. As the technology utilizing the use of drones continues to grow and expand, we must do all possible to continue to protect the privacy and public safety of all New Yorkers”

Even the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), which represents the drone industry, has sharply criticized the agency for  dragging its feet on the issue.

Neighbors in Gananda, split between the towns of Macedon and  Walworth, have called police agencies and asked town supervisors to take action.

According to Walworth Town Supervisor, Patricia Marini, town attorneys said there was little the town could do to control airspace, but perhaps a question of privacy could be addressed.

Macedon Town Supervisor, Bill Hammond, said he is checking to see if the town, in anyway, could pass local laws to control the drones.

Meanwhile, 14 states have developed legislation meant to curb drone intrusions. Pressure is mounting on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to quickly release rules governing private drone use.

Companies like Google and Amazon have announced they are in early stage development of the use of drones in package delivery to private and commercial interests.

Police agencies are scooping up more developed drones for use in both search and surveillance, but that too has public concerns on just how far police can go in their use.

Macedon Police Chief John Colella, said he would love to have a drone for use in finding lost persons in fields and wooded areas and for live-remote marijuana searches. “It would be a lot cheaper than using a $8,000 an hour helicopter looking for a missing child.”

Even for the use by police, citizens are concerned on just how far drone use can go. The Gananda incidents have showed that a camera-equipped drone can easily hover by a homeowner’s window. Drones cannot only take pictures and video, but the addition of heat seeking technology for tracking fleeing criminals has become critical in the police arsenal, but has all this advancement stoked a “big brother in the sky” fear?

There are other positive uses of the developing technology. Macedon Supervisor Hammond, who is also a large farm owner, said he has heard of drones, with “amazing stability” being used on farms, travelling along with combines. They can also quickly traverse extensive farm fields, looking for  bug infestations, drainage and fertilization zones.

As a hobby, drones can be entertaining, and take overhead videos, or pictures of a homeowner’s property, or event. Imagine, though, the famous and rich and Hollywood weddings being breached, not only by bush jumpers armed with cameras and helicopters with long zoom camera lens, but a swarm of extremely close, intruding drones.

To make the topic even more intriguing, drone-like devices, some as small as a bird, still outfitted with cameras, but with much longer ranges, are already in development.

Albert Paley’s work can be seen everywhere from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London to the grounds of Constellation Brands in Canandaigua.

Paley, an acclaimed metal sculptor, is the first non-architect to receive the coveted lifetime achievement award from the American Institute of Architects. Commissioned by both public institutions and private corporations, he has completed more than 50 site-specific works. And, he has written and lectured extensively about his art.

On Sunday, Sept. 28, Paley will discuss his life’s work during a visit to Finger Lakes Community College. He’s the first of three speakers in the fourth annual George M. Ewing Canandaigua Forum, a series named for a late publisher and philanthropist.

Paley will be joined by moderator R. Roger Remington, a distinguished professor of design at Rochester Institute of Technology. The forum begins at 4 p.m. in the auditorium at FLCC’s main campus, 3325 Marvin Sands Drive, Canandaigua.

The talk-show style format allows for the audience to pose questions of guest speakers. During his visit Paley plans to discuss his creative process and creativity “as a fundamental human condition.”

“This public forum affords me the opportunity to address specific questions and concerns from the community, which in a standard lecture format, are very seldom realized,” said Paley.

His work has been the subject of several books, including the 2013 “Albert Paley on Park Avenue” about his exhibition of 13 sculptures on New York City’s Park Avenue. He designed the sculpture Animals Always for the St. Louis Zoological Park, completed the portal gates for the Renwich Gallery of The Smithsonian Institution and for the New York State Senate chambers.

Paley’s studio is in Rochester, where he also serves a distinguished professor and is an endowed chair at the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences at RIT.

Award-winning Canadian science fiction writer Robert Sawyer will give the second Ewing Forum talk, scheduled for Nov. 2. He has published more than 20 novels, several of which were penned in Canandaigua, where his parents had a vacation home until 2006. His novel “Flashforward,” was among them and was the basis for an ABC television miniseries by the same name.

The third speaker, Evan Dawson, is scheduled for Jan. 25, 2015. He won the international Wine Book of the Year award in London for his first book, “Summer in a Glass: The Coming of Age of Winemaking in the Finger Lakes.” He was a morning news anchor for the Rochester television station and ABC affiliate 13WHAM before accepting a position as host of AM 1370’s midday talk show “Connections” early this year.

The speaker series is named for the late George M. Ewing Sr., who passed away in September 2009 at the age of 87. He was the longtime editor and publisher of the Daily Messenger, later to become Messenger Post Media.

Launched in 2011, the forum is funded in part with an endowment from the Ewing family as well as support from Canandaigua National Bank & Trust and FLCC. Ferris Hills at West Lake is the series underwriter, while Lyons National Bank is the principal underwriter for Sawyer’s visit and will sponsor a community read featuring one of Sawyer’s works, along with a presentation by the author, tentatively scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 3 at Wood Library in Canandaigua.

A community committee plans the Ewing series. Season tickets are $40 for general admission for all three events. Single event tickets are $15 each or free with a current student ID. Tickets can be purchased online at www.gmeforum.org, by phone at (585) 785-1541, or email at gmeforum@flcc.edu. More information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/GMEForum.

Forum organizers always welcome sponsors. Donors receive tickets, admission to a reception with each speaker and other benefits. For more information, contact Caroline Delavan at (585) 394-0896.

Pal-Mac Youth Baseball has started organizing for the 2015 season.   The organization is in need of volunteers at all levels of involvement.

Monday, September 22nd 2014 has been set as the date for the organization’s annual meeting and election of officers. The annual meeting and election will be held at 7:00pm at the Palmyra American Legion, Cuyler St., Palmyra.

Names are being accepted for all officers (president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer). There are Commissioners at all league levels which include Senior, Major, Minor, Rookie and T-Ball.  Director positions exist for equipment, field’s coordinator, concessions, and public relations as well as the position of Chief Umpire.

The organization would welcome and encourage anyone interested in any of the officers’ positions to contact either Don Miller (585-301-1242) or Ken Prindle (315-307-0520) .It is recommend

Registration for youth baseball programs is open to all children between the ages of 5 and 12 years who are students in the Pal-Mac school district or residents of the towns of Palmyra and Macedon. Additionally, the organization conducts programs for youth between the ages of 13 and 15 years, which are open to all residents of the towns of Palmyra, Macedon, Walworth, and Marion in addition to the residents and students of the Pal-Mac school district.

State Police out of Lyons reported the arrest on Monday (9/8) at 8:06 p.m. of Cortney Giles, age 22, of West Sherman Avenue in Newark following a traffic stop on Trolley Road in the Town of Palmyra.

Giles was charged with Driving on a Suspended Registration, Operating on a Suspended License. She was additionally charged with Operating a Motor vehicle with an Unrestrained Child after police discovered Giles 10 month old baby laying on the back seat of the vehicle.

Giles was arraigned in Palmyra Town Court and released to reappear September 16th. The car and baby were turned over to the baby’s father.

Rehearsals began September 8th for the Newark High School October production of the romantic comedy “Almost, Maine.”

That means the cast of ten will be rehearsing at a feverish pitch to get the show ready to meet Director Steve Duprey’s standards before it opens three weeks from now.

But even working within such tight time frame, he is confident the cast is up to the challenge.

“Originally, the play was done with four people playing 19 roles,’’ he said. “We’re doing it with a cast of nine.”

Cast members include: NHS sophmores Joe Goodman, Cheyenne Humby, Mara Cornwell, Coby Frazier, Shelby Cramer and Ian MacTaggart; junior Corey Gardner; and seniors McKenna Martin and Sam Wersinger.

“Almost, Maine” a play by John Cariani, is comprised of nine love scenes that look at the ups and downs of love and loss in the remote, mythical town of Almost, Maine.

“It’s the single most performed high school show now in the country,’’ Duprey said. “It’s a very, very sweet, romantic comedy. But not every scene has a happy ending.’’

The show will run three nights and will be performed at 8 p.m. October 2-4.

Tickets will be $6 and will be available at the door.

He was always a small time blip on police radar, never a major player in anything and perhaps there was a reason why.

On Monday (8/4), the Wayne Narcotics enforcement team (WayneNet) were closing in on Dominique D. Lundy, age 20, residing at House’s Motel off Route 31 in the Town of Arcadia.

Lundy had been known to be “dabbling in weed” but otherwise had no police record. Information was received that Lundy was trying to move up the drug social ladder and was in possession of a large amount of cocaine.

Members of WayneNet, along with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team conducted a vehicle and traffic stop on Route 31 in Arcadia, near the Lyons town line. Information was that Lundy also had a hand gun and police were taking no chances.

Once the take-down was completed, police found Lundy in possession of 101 grams ( 3 1/2 ounces) of cocaine. He was charged with two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree and Criminal Possession With the Intent to Sell, both  Class B Felonies.

As for the weapon Lundy was supposed to have in his possession? Police were baffled when the realistic looking handgun was retrieved. Lundy too, was confused, telling police he had not yet fired the gun, but was waiting to find 9mm ammunition he thought the gun required. Come to find out Lundy had unwittingly purchased a starter pistol.

Lundy was arraigned before Newark Justice Michael Miller and remanded to jail on $1000 cash/$2000 bond. Grand Jury action is pending and police expect more charges in the case. Records show Lundy is not employed.

Both State Police out of Wolcott and Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the Presbyterian/Lutheran Church on Main Street in Red Creek on Tuesday (916) at 10:22 p.m. for a report of a man inside the building.

Upon arrival, Colton Ginther, age 22, of  Water Street in Red Creek  was in the process of causing considerable damage inside the church.

Police attempted to arrest Ginther and a struggle ensued. He was tazered with little effect and a Trooper and Sheriff’s Sergeant were injured in the scuffle. The Sheriff Deputy went to Newark Wayne Hospital for treatment. The trooper received contusions in the encounter.

Ginther was finally subdued and charged with Burglary in the 2nd Degree, two counts of Assault 2nd on a Police Officer, Aggravated Harassment in the 1st Degree-A Religious Premises, two counts of Resisting Arrest and Criminal Mischief in the 3rd Degree. Police sources were unsure why Ginther was causing damage inside the church, but they suspect drugs were involved. He told police at the time of his arrest that he wanted to “make it better”. On one basement table he allegedly wrote: “I promise I am not God.” Ginther had been reported missing from a clinic in Clifton Springs and a BOLO (Be On the Look Out) had been issued to police, prior to the Red Creek incident. Ginther was arraigned in Wolcott Town Court and remanded to the Wayne County Jail on $25,000 cash.

The Wayne County Office of the Sheriff reported the arrest on Friday (9/12) AT 6:14 P.M. of John P. Hallman, age 40, and his wife Maryann J. Hallman, age 40, both of 4119 West Walworth Road in the Town of Walworth for Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

The Hallmans were  charged as a result of an investigation by Wayne County Child Protective Services and the Wayne County Sheriffs Office. The investigation took place after Emergency Medical Service workers responded to the residence for a medical call and observed children living in unsanitary conditions.

Police and Child Protective personnel found cluttered rooms full of animal cages, liter, flies and garbage, even in the bedrooms of the children.

The Hallmans were transported to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office in Lyons for processing. They were both issued appearance tickets to appear in the Town of Walworth Court.

Records show the house is also the residence of Warren and Ann Hughes

Newark Village Police responded to an armed robbery at the Dollar General Store, located at the corner of West Miller and Mason Street at 9 p.m. on Monday (9/15). According to police, a black man, approximately 5’5” tall, dressed in a black hoodie and a mask shielding all but his eyes, entered the store and displayed a knife, demanding money. The clerks said the man had a “raspy” voice and left on foot heading southbound on Mason Street.

Anyone with information is asked to call either 911, or the Newark Police at 331-3701. All information will be kept confidential.