Top 10 most-read stories of the week: Isaiah is Auburn's homecoming king, downtown building purchased
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- Megan Blarr
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AUBURNÌý— At first, 16-year-old Isaiah Baker wasn't planning to go to homecoming this year.Ìý
A senior at Auburn High School, Isaiah's family was preparing for a different kind of party that weekend —Ìýa cancer benefit for one of his aunts who recently stopped treatment.
"My sister was diagnosed with stage four cancer in March and she just got too sick to continue treatment," Isaiah's mom, Nikki Baker, said. "So we were going through a really tough time."Ìý
But then, while cooking for the benefit Friday afternoon, Nikki got a phone call from Isaiah's teacher, Danielle Manzone, who had some pretty exciting news.Ìý
Isaiah had made homecoming court, a group of four boys and four girls nominated for homecoming king and queen. And he was the first student with Down syndromeÌýto be considered for the crown.Ìý
"We were surprised because nowadays kids are bullied all the time, especially kids with disabilities," Nikki said. "But the kids at (Auburn High School) are wonderful, and I've never had any issues with bullying with Isaiah."Ìý
"It's just nice to know that when he's away from (Nikki) for all those hours... people are really being nice to him," Isaiah's aunt Tracie Baker added.Ìý
Still, after the initial shock and excitement wore off that Isaiah was nominated, it seemed he was actually an obvious choice for king.Ìý
"All of (his teachers) got a bit emotional when they announced it because we were just so excited for him," Manzone said. "But looking back, I wasn't surprised he was nominated because everybody loves Isaiah. He truly lights up the room when he walks in... and he is a very well-liked individual at the school."Ìý
So Isaiah went to the football game Friday night, wearing his court sash and Maroons shirt, and he rode in a trolley limo with the other candidates for king and queen. Then, Saturday night, Isaiah's name was called for the crown, and the first thing he did — after a dance with the queenÌý—Ìýwas call mom.Ìý
"He Face-timed me on his phone and I just started bawling my eyes out," Nikki said, noting that she was still at her sister's benefit. "He was crying, telling me that he did it. That's all he kept saying: 'I did it, Mom! I did it!'"
"I felt happy," Isaiah recalled, smiling. "I cried happy tears when they called my name... and I had fun with my friends."Ìý
And according to Isaiah's grandmother Jeannie Baker, this couldn't have come at a better time for his family.Ìý
"We really needed this right now," she said. "It's a wonderful thing to know that there are still good people out there that treat Isaiah great. And they all bring so much joy not only to his life, but his family's life as well."Ìý
- David Wilcox
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A divisive downtown Auburn building has been purchased, and will get new tenants and possibly a new look as a result.
The concrete building at 63 Genesee St., formerly a branch of Marine Midland and HSBC banks, has been purchased by KyleCroft Development. Assessed at $1,094,000, the building was sold to KyleCroft by First Niagara Bank for $240,000, according to Cayuga County property records.Ìý
Earlier this summer, KyleCroft the adjacent 41-53 Genesee St. buildings, known as the Nolan block because it was the home of until 2002. (Pawn King now stands where the neighboring Nolan's Sporting Goods did until 2004.)
Grant Kyle, of KyleCroft, said Monday that the concrete bank purchase complements that of the Nolan block.ÌýThe 27 parking spaces behind the former will be usable by tenants of the latter, where KyleCroft plans to develop 14-16 upper-story apartment units above street-level commercial spaces.
The bank, however, will be strictly commercial in use, Kyle said, and leases with tenants are being finalized.
Kyle added that KyleCroft's ownership of both properties could benefit the city of Auburn, which has been eyeing the area behind them for a , downtown welcome center and production facility. The city recently for a grant from the Environmental Protection Fund Local Waterfront Revitalization Program to begin planning the project, which could also see the closure of the stretch of Ìýseparating the properties from the Owasco River.
Unlike First Niagara, Kyle said, KyleCroft would enthusiastically partner with the city to help realize the project.
"I think it's going to make it easier for the city to accomplish some of their plans," he said.
Kyle said the concrete building is in "really great shape," and that HSBC installed a new roof shortly before First Niagara the bank's upstate New York operations in 2012. Closed since that time, the building requires little structural work outside of some bathrooms whose accessibility needs to be brought up to code.
KyleCroft is also planning to work on , an example of the mid-20th-century style of architecture known as brutalism.ÌýNamed after "béton brut" — French for "raw concrete" — the style has been called cold and unimaginative, and the Auburn bank is colloquially known as "the bunker."
Possible aesthetic improvements to the building include landscaping and coloring through lighting, though Kyle ruled out painting it. An art history major who focused in architecture, he appreciates the style — but he also understands why people find it unattractive as it presently stands at the corner of Genesee and North streets.
"I love it. I just think it needs to be incorporated better into downtown," he said. "It has value to it. It just needs a little love."
- мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼ staff
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The Cato-Meridian football team has canceled its game on Friday after a number of players were suspended, according to Superintendent Noel Patterson.
The Blue Devils were scheduled to host Watertown IHC at 7 p.m. at Cato-Meridian High School, but in an email Thursday, Patterson said the team had to forfeit the game due to a lack of eligible players.
"Cato forfeited (Friday's) game due to the suspension of a number of team members for an incident that took place off school grounds," he wrote. "The team will resume its regular schedule on Oct. 1 against Beaver River."
Patterson did not reply to a request for more detail on the "incident" that led to players being suspended.
Section III Executive Director John Rathbun could not be reached for comment Thursday, but Rathbun reportedly told that Cato-Meridian was investigating a hazing incident.
Three games into the season, Cato-Meridian possessed a 1-2 record that included a 34-26 win over Weedsport on Sept. 9 in its second game of the season.
In its other two games this year, Cato-Meridian fell to Sandy Creek 47-28 Sept. 2 to open the season and was dealt its second loss Sept. 16 against Bishop Ludden 40-34.
The Blue Devils finished with a 1-7 record in 2015.
- мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼ staff
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The driver and three students were treated for injuries Friday after a school bus went off the road and into a ditch on Route 90 near Laraway Road in Montezuma.
The Port Byron Central School District bus went off the road at about 3:15 p.m. Emergency radio transmissions indicated that the bus driver may have suffered from a medical problem before the accident. There were no reports of serious injuries among the students on the bus, but three students, in addition to the driver, were taken from the scene by ambulance.
Port Byron superintendent Neil O'Brien said shortly after 5 p.m. that all of the students had been released from the hospital.
O'Brien said the school district "would like to thank the state police and first responders who did such a wonderful job taking care of the students and driver."
Auburn-based state police said that the investigation into the accident was ongoing.
- Megan Blarr
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AUBURNÌý— Over the last 15 years, Deb Buttaro has gotten to know her patients quite well. A dental assistant in Auburn, she enjoyed her job, listening to people's stories in between root canals and routine cleanings. But now those people aren't her patients anymore.Ìý
They're her customers.Ìý
On Sept. 11, Buttaro opened her own shop on West Genesee Street in Auburn. It's called The Leaning Tree House Kids Boutique, a consignment shop that specializes in secondhand items for children.Ìý
"I'll have to get used to calling them customers and not patients because they've been my patients for so many years," she said smiling. "I'm learning as I'm going along. This is way different than anything I've ever done."Ìý
Roughly one year ago, Buttaro said, she began looking for something else to do with her life after pain in her back — from countless hours of standing bent over during dental proceduresÌý—Ìýbecame too severe.Ìý
That's when Buttaro's daughter had an idea.Ìý
"My daughter owns a consignment shop in Saratoga and she said, 'Mom, I think this would be a wonderful thing for you,'" Buttaro said. "Because I could work at my own pace and still get to talk to people and be personable."
So Buttaro began brainstorming a theme for her own shop. At first, she considered selling secondhand clothes and items for all ages, but decided she should narrow it down to something special — something Auburn was missing.Ìý
"I wanted to bring something to the area that is not here... where people could come in, get quality items and not have to spend a fortune," she said. "And the little ones just struck me to be more fun."Ìý
With six grandchildren between the ages of 1 and 8, Buttaro decided to focus on children, collecting used items and clothing for newborns through size 7-8. Most of her product came from a store out in Clyde, she said, which recently closed after more than 20 years in business. In addition, her daughter brings things from Saratoga and her sister-in-law creates handmade baby blankets, meaning it's not just local items at Buttaro's store.Ìý
"We have a little bit of everything to suit your child," she said, smiling. "And everything here has been cleaned and tested to ensure an excellent quality in the product. ... It's really not your typical secondhand shop."Ìý
Its name inspired by a leaning tree in her backyard, The Leaning Tree House Kids Boutique officially opened its doors last week. Buttaro will host a grand opening at her shop on West Genesee Street Saturday, Sept. 24, to encourage more people to stop by. She will be offering a 20-percent discount on anything in the store that day and will have "treats and all kinds of goodies" available for new customers.Ìý
"One customer came in and said this was something we've needed here (in Auburn) for a long time," Buttaro recalled. "She said, 'There are other stores, but you're personable and your stuff is beautiful.' So I hope that more people will come in and see what I have to offer."Ìý
- Greg Mason
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JORDAN — Katie Hinman was 12 years old when Jordan hosted its first fall festival in 1946.
The event was much smaller back then, she described. Hosted nearÌýthe heart of the village, Hinman said the main attraction of the first annual fall festival wasÌýan auction of a variety of items, like car parts and household appliances.
Hinman said she managed a popcorn stand back then. And as the festival , the Jordan native — now 82 — was still working a food stand, this time atÌýa pastry booth.
Jordan's three-day extravaganza concluded on Sunday with some of its festival's most popular events, the greased pole climb contests andÌýan antique and classic car show. As they have in the past, proceeds from the festival will be donated to a variety of agencies, includingÌýthe Jordan Pool, the local food bank and the Jordan Bramley Library.
Hinman said the event has grown a lot since 1946. The festival is now held along Beaver Street, while the auction from the inaugural event only lasted around 10 to 15 years, having died off when yard sales grew popular, Hinman said.
This year's festival also featuredÌýhay rides, a chicken barbecue and performances by several local groups, including the Jordan-Elbridge High School marching band and the Jordan-Elbridge Community Band.
"You can't argue with success," Hinman said.
Shirley Drummond first got involved with the fall festival with her husband in 1964 when they moved into the area fromÌýRhode Island.Ìý
She first started as an attendant for a booth called the Treasure Chest, which sold donated pieces of jewelry at very low prices — popular with children looking for a gift for mom, Drummond said. She later served as the festival's chair for 25 years until stepping down after 2011.
On Sunday, Drummond was back at the festival, saying one of her favorite parts about it — other than the food — is catching up with people in the community she does not get to see too often.
"When September comes, it's time for the fall festival," Drummond said. "It's a community fundraiser and it's what you do in Jordan."
Now Drummond, 86, is hoping more volunteers get involved to continue the tradition.
She and Hinman both said the majority of the festival's volunteers are either the elderly or younger teens, and Drummond would like to see more middle-aged individuals get involved.
"Everybody from the community can benefit from this," Drummond said. "It's a wonderful community event and we really need to keep it going. So many organizations benefit from it and we can't lose that."
- Robert Harding
- Updated
With some help from the defense, the Buffalo Bills ran their way to victory Sunday.Ìý
LeSean McCoy rushed for 110 yards and two touchdowns, Tyrod Taylor added 76 yards and a score on the ground and Stephon Gilmore had two interceptions in the Bills' 33-18 win over the Arizona Cardinals.Ìý
The Bills had 208 rushing yards against the Cardinals, which entered Sunday's game with the 11th-best run defense in the league.Ìý
Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer struggled against the Bills' defense. He threw four interceptions and was sacked five times Sunday. The bright spot for the Cardinals was David Johnson, who had 83 rushing yards and two touchdowns.Ìý
With the win, the Bills improve to 1-2 this season. The Cardinals fall to 1-2.Ìý
Here is the Buffalo Bills Week 3 report card:Ìý
GRADING THE UNITS
OFFENSEÌý
QuarterbacksÌý- C-
Tyrod Taylor wasn't great, but he didn't need to be. The Bills had success running the ball and Taylor's arm wasn't needed. He had 119 passing yards and added 76 yards on the ground. He did throw an interception on a deep pass intended for Marquise Goodwin.Ìý
Sammy Watkins didn't play, but that shouldn't matter. The Bills have some good weapons, whether it's Charles Clay or Robert Woods. Taylor needs to get those guys involved in the pass attack.Ìý
Running backsÌý- A
LeSean McCoy rushed for 110 yards and two touchdowns. His 24-yard touchdown run in the first half was a great play design and he had some good blocking along the way. The Bills can take pressure off Taylor by getting McCoy going. McCoy should get a decent amount of touches going forward.
Taylor had 76 rushing yards, including 49 on one play. He scored on a 20-yard run in the third quarter. The Bills' rushing attack was absent in the first two games. That wasn't the case Sunday under new offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn.Ìý
ReceiversÌý-ÌýD
The Bills' receiving corps missed Sammy Watkins. Robert Woods led the way with six catches for 51 yards and Walter Powell had three catches for 28 yards.Ìý
Tight end Charles Clay didn't register a catch. Marquise Goodwin had one catch for 6 yards. LeSean McCoy had three receptions, but only 6 yards.Ìý
If Watkins misses any length of time, the Bills will need a receiver to step up. Is that Woods? Is it Powell? The passing attack needs to be better than it was Sunday.Ìý
Offensive lineÌý- B-
This grade would be better, but Taylor was sacked four times. Not all of those sacks were on the offensive line. Still, though, you want to keep the quarterback upright.Ìý
The run blocking was great Sunday, mainly in the first three quarters. McCoy was able to find room to run and that's mainly due to the line in front of him. The aforementioned 24-yard touchdown run was a good example of that. McCoy had a big hole and wasn't touched on his way to the end zone.Ìý
DEFENSE
Defensive lineÌý- A-
The Bills' defensive line will get minus for the Cardinals being able to average 5 yards per run. That's one of the only knocks against this unit, though.Ìý
The Bills had five sacks Sunday. Jerry Hughes registered two tackles and a sack. He also had two quarterback hits. Kyle Williams had a great game with four tackles and a sack.Ìý
LinebackersÌý- A
The inside linebackers had good games. Zach Brown led the Bills with 12 tackles (10 solo). Preston Brown had five tackles (four solo) and a tackle for a loss.Ìý
On the outside, Lorenzo Alexander continues to shine. He had six tackles (four solo) and 1.5 sacks. Alexander now has three sacks in the Bills' first three games this season. With Shaq Lawson out of action, Alexander's performance should make Rex Ryan smile.Ìý
Defensive backsÌý- A
The secondary bounced back after a terrible game against the New York Jets with a masterpiece against the Cardinals. Carson Palmer couldn't get anything going.Ìý
Corey White, who filled in for the injured Ronald Darby, had nine tackles (eight solo) and an interception to clinch the win for the Bills. White did a nice job against the Cardinals' receivers. He didn't allow any big plays and came up big late in the game.Ìý
Stephon Gilmore was one of the Bills' top performers. He had four passes defended and two interception. He added three tackles (two solo). After struggling against the Jets, this was a nice showing. He seemed to be all over the field.Ìý
Corey Graham had a great all-around effort. He had four tackles (four solo) and a sack. He also had three passes defended and an interception. He was quiet in the Bills' first two games this season. That wasn't the case against the Cardinals.Ìý
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicking and puntingÌý-ÌýB
Dan Carpenter converted both his field goal attempts, but did miss one of his four extra point tries. Why he continues to kick those extra points from the right or left hash is something that should be addressed. Some of these extra points he misses wouldn't be misses if he kicked from the center of the field.Ìý
Colton Schmidt didn't have a great day punting the ball. He had five punts for 178 yardsÌý— a 35.6 yards per punt average. He did have one punt land inside the 20.Ìý
Returns and coverageÌý-ÌýA
Brandon Tate continued to show he can be a weapon in the return game. He had a 20-yard kickoff return and a 31-yard punt return in this game. The Bills scored a touchdown when the Cardinals botched the snap on a field goal attempt. Aaron Williams scooped up the loose ball and returned it 53 yards for a touchdown.Ìý
COACHING
Grade: B+
Overall, a solid coaching effort by Rex Ryan's staff. The defense was ready to make Carson Palmer's life miserable and the offense under new coordinator Anthony Lynn got the job done.Ìý
The only criticism: Lynn needs to figure out a way to get the pass attack going. That wasn't consistent Sunday. Hopefully that changes in the weeks to come.Ìý
OVERALL TEAM PERFORMANCE
Grade: A-
There were a lot of good things in this game. It was a good effort for a team that many had already written off this season. Tyrod Taylor did enough to get the win. LeSean McCoy was a factor. And the Bills defense forced turnovers.Ìý
The defense deserves a lot of credit. After a terrible performance against the Jets, the unit came in against one of the NFL's better teams and shut them down for most of the game.Ìý
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
OFFENSE:ÌýLeSean McCoy. McCoy had 17 carries for 110 yards and two touchdowns. He also had three catches for 6 yards. McCoy's 24-yard touchdown run was one of the highlights of the game.Ìý
DEFENSE:ÌýStephon Gilmore. Gilmore didn't have a good game against the Jets. That was probably one of the worst games of his career. But he showed up on Sunday. He had two interceptions, three tackles (two solo) and four passes defended in the win.Ìý
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
Third down defense. One of the Bills' weaknesses has been third down defense. It doesn't help when you commit penalties after making a big stop. It also doesn't help when you decide to only rush three against a team with plenty of firepower. The Bills have to get their third down defense squared away. And the team has to be more disciplined in those situations.Ìý
STAT OF THE GAME
5. The number of takeaways the Bills had Sunday against the Cardinals. The Bills scored on a 53-yard fumble return by Aaron Williams. Stephon Gilmore had two interceptions and Corey Graham and Corey White each had one in the victory.Ìý
STAT OF THE GAME II
10. The number of sacks the Bills have registered in the first three games. Lorenzo Alexander and Jerry Hughes have been getting a lot of pressure on the quarterback from the outside. A healthy Kyle Williams in the middle helps, too.Ìý
NEXT GAME
The Bills (1-2) will play at 1 p.m. Sunday against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. The game will be televised on CBS.Ìý
- Greg Mason
- Updated
One person is dead after a head-on crash between two vehicles Saturday afternoon in Sterling, state police confirmed Monday.
Emergency crews were called around 1:30 p.m. to the scene of state Route 104 and State Barn Road, near the border with the town of Victory. Troopers said a 2012 Honda Accord heading west on State Barn Road continued onto state Route 104, but failed to yield to a 2003 Buick Century heading east along Route 104, resulting in the collision.
The operator of the Honda was pronounced dead at the scene, troopers said. One passenger in the vehicle was transported to Oswego Hospital for treatment, while three others were seriously injured and taken to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, troopers said.
Two people were in the Buick. Troopers said the driver was treated at the scene and released, while the passenger was transported to Oswego Hospital with minor injuries.
State police has not yet released the names of the individuals involved in the crash. The investigation is ongoing; troopers said charges are pending. The case will be reviewed by the Cayuga County District Attorney's Office.
In addition to state police investigators, personnel from the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office and Lakeshore Rescue were called to the scene with fire and ambulance services from Fair Haven and Red Creek, troopers said.
- мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼ staff
- Updated
An Auburn man charged with the alleged armed robbery of a convenience store was arrested Friday for the alleged rape of a teenager.
The Auburn Police Department said that Lucas A. Corrado, 23, of 215 Genesee St., allowed a 15-year-old Auburn girl to stay at his residence for three days without her parents consent and that he had sex with the girl more than once during that time.
Police said Lucas was processed on the new charges Friday at the Cayuga County Jail, where he has been held since his arrest on Sept. 16. when officers were dispatched to the Kwik Fill at 302 Genesee St. after receiving a report of a 3:13 a.m. robbery.
Witnesses told authorities that a man entered the convenience store, appeared to display a handgun and demanded money. After the clerk handed over an undisclosed amount of money, the suspect fled the scene.
Witnesses identified Weston Rhodes, 21, of 215 Genesee St., Auburn, as the person who entered the store and demanded money from the clerk while displaying a BB gun.
Corrado allegedly assisted Rhodes in planning the robbery, and police said that he had money stolen from the store at the time of his arrest.
Rhodes was charged with second-degree robbery and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Corrado was charged with second-degree robbery.
Police are asking than anyone with information related to Corrado's alleged involvement with the 15-year-old, or who may have had similar contact with him, to contact detective Meagan Kalet at (315) 255-4702 or (315) 253-3231. Police said that callers may remain anonymous.
- Gwendolyn Craig
- Updated
A 33-year-old Auburn man is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after an alleged domestic incident with a woman.
Auburn police arrested Joseph Smith, of 7 Cayuga St., Friday night after he allegedly assaulted and strangled his girlfriend, who had an order of protection against him. Following the fight, police said Smith left the area of Seymour Street, driving to his home while intoxicated. He was also operating the vehicle with a revoked license and without an interlock device.Ìý
Smith was charged with first-degree criminal contempt, a felony, for violating the order of protection. He was also charged with driving while intoxicated with a previous conviction and first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, also felonies.
Smith is facing several misdemeanor charges, including obstruction of breath, third-degree assault and failure to use an interlock device.
Smith was arraigned Saturday morning and remanded to the Cayuga County Jail where he was being held without bail. Ìý
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- Megan Blarr
AUBURNÌý— At first, 16-year-old Isaiah Baker wasn't planning to go to homecoming this year.Ìý
A senior at Auburn High School, Isaiah's family was preparing for a different kind of party that weekend —Ìýa cancer benefit for one of his aunts who recently stopped treatment.
"My sister was diagnosed with stage four cancer in March and she just got too sick to continue treatment," Isaiah's mom, Nikki Baker, said. "So we were going through a really tough time."Ìý
But then, while cooking for the benefit Friday afternoon, Nikki got a phone call from Isaiah's teacher, Danielle Manzone, who had some pretty exciting news.Ìý
Isaiah had made homecoming court, a group of four boys and four girls nominated for homecoming king and queen. And he was the first student with Down syndromeÌýto be considered for the crown.Ìý
"We were surprised because nowadays kids are bullied all the time, especially kids with disabilities," Nikki said. "But the kids at (Auburn High School) are wonderful, and I've never had any issues with bullying with Isaiah."Ìý
"It's just nice to know that when he's away from (Nikki) for all those hours... people are really being nice to him," Isaiah's aunt Tracie Baker added.Ìý
Still, after the initial shock and excitement wore off that Isaiah was nominated, it seemed he was actually an obvious choice for king.Ìý
"All of (his teachers) got a bit emotional when they announced it because we were just so excited for him," Manzone said. "But looking back, I wasn't surprised he was nominated because everybody loves Isaiah. He truly lights up the room when he walks in... and he is a very well-liked individual at the school."Ìý
So Isaiah went to the football game Friday night, wearing his court sash and Maroons shirt, and he rode in a trolley limo with the other candidates for king and queen. Then, Saturday night, Isaiah's name was called for the crown, and the first thing he did — after a dance with the queenÌý—Ìýwas call mom.Ìý
"He Face-timed me on his phone and I just started bawling my eyes out," Nikki said, noting that she was still at her sister's benefit. "He was crying, telling me that he did it. That's all he kept saying: 'I did it, Mom! I did it!'"
"I felt happy," Isaiah recalled, smiling. "I cried happy tears when they called my name... and I had fun with my friends."Ìý
And according to Isaiah's grandmother Jeannie Baker, this couldn't have come at a better time for his family.Ìý
"We really needed this right now," she said. "It's a wonderful thing to know that there are still good people out there that treat Isaiah great. And they all bring so much joy not only to his life, but his family's life as well."Ìý
- David Wilcox
A divisive downtown Auburn building has been purchased, and will get new tenants and possibly a new look as a result.
The concrete building at 63 Genesee St., formerly a branch of Marine Midland and HSBC banks, has been purchased by KyleCroft Development. Assessed at $1,094,000, the building was sold to KyleCroft by First Niagara Bank for $240,000, according to Cayuga County property records.Ìý
Earlier this summer, KyleCroft the adjacent 41-53 Genesee St. buildings, known as the Nolan block because it was the home of until 2002. (Pawn King now stands where the neighboring Nolan's Sporting Goods did until 2004.)
Grant Kyle, of KyleCroft, said Monday that the concrete bank purchase complements that of the Nolan block.ÌýThe 27 parking spaces behind the former will be usable by tenants of the latter, where KyleCroft plans to develop 14-16 upper-story apartment units above street-level commercial spaces.
The bank, however, will be strictly commercial in use, Kyle said, and leases with tenants are being finalized.
Kyle added that KyleCroft's ownership of both properties could benefit the city of Auburn, which has been eyeing the area behind them for a , downtown welcome center and production facility. The city recently for a grant from the Environmental Protection Fund Local Waterfront Revitalization Program to begin planning the project, which could also see the closure of the stretch of Ìýseparating the properties from the Owasco River.
Unlike First Niagara, Kyle said, KyleCroft would enthusiastically partner with the city to help realize the project.
"I think it's going to make it easier for the city to accomplish some of their plans," he said.
Kyle said the concrete building is in "really great shape," and that HSBC installed a new roof shortly before First Niagara the bank's upstate New York operations in 2012. Closed since that time, the building requires little structural work outside of some bathrooms whose accessibility needs to be brought up to code.
KyleCroft is also planning to work on , an example of the mid-20th-century style of architecture known as brutalism.ÌýNamed after "béton brut" — French for "raw concrete" — the style has been called cold and unimaginative, and the Auburn bank is colloquially known as "the bunker."
Possible aesthetic improvements to the building include landscaping and coloring through lighting, though Kyle ruled out painting it. An art history major who focused in architecture, he appreciates the style — but he also understands why people find it unattractive as it presently stands at the corner of Genesee and North streets.
"I love it. I just think it needs to be incorporated better into downtown," he said. "It has value to it. It just needs a little love."
- мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼ staff
The Cato-Meridian football team has canceled its game on Friday after a number of players were suspended, according to Superintendent Noel Patterson.
The Blue Devils were scheduled to host Watertown IHC at 7 p.m. at Cato-Meridian High School, but in an email Thursday, Patterson said the team had to forfeit the game due to a lack of eligible players.
"Cato forfeited (Friday's) game due to the suspension of a number of team members for an incident that took place off school grounds," he wrote. "The team will resume its regular schedule on Oct. 1 against Beaver River."
Patterson did not reply to a request for more detail on the "incident" that led to players being suspended.
Section III Executive Director John Rathbun could not be reached for comment Thursday, but Rathbun reportedly told that Cato-Meridian was investigating a hazing incident.
Three games into the season, Cato-Meridian possessed a 1-2 record that included a 34-26 win over Weedsport on Sept. 9 in its second game of the season.
In its other two games this year, Cato-Meridian fell to Sandy Creek 47-28 Sept. 2 to open the season and was dealt its second loss Sept. 16 against Bishop Ludden 40-34.
The Blue Devils finished with a 1-7 record in 2015.
- мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼ staff
The driver and three students were treated for injuries Friday after a school bus went off the road and into a ditch on Route 90 near Laraway Road in Montezuma.
The Port Byron Central School District bus went off the road at about 3:15 p.m. Emergency radio transmissions indicated that the bus driver may have suffered from a medical problem before the accident. There were no reports of serious injuries among the students on the bus, but three students, in addition to the driver, were taken from the scene by ambulance.
Port Byron superintendent Neil O'Brien said shortly after 5 p.m. that all of the students had been released from the hospital.
O'Brien said the school district "would like to thank the state police and first responders who did such a wonderful job taking care of the students and driver."
Auburn-based state police said that the investigation into the accident was ongoing.
- Megan Blarr
AUBURNÌý— Over the last 15 years, Deb Buttaro has gotten to know her patients quite well. A dental assistant in Auburn, she enjoyed her job, listening to people's stories in between root canals and routine cleanings. But now those people aren't her patients anymore.Ìý
They're her customers.Ìý
On Sept. 11, Buttaro opened her own shop on West Genesee Street in Auburn. It's called The Leaning Tree House Kids Boutique, a consignment shop that specializes in secondhand items for children.Ìý
"I'll have to get used to calling them customers and not patients because they've been my patients for so many years," she said smiling. "I'm learning as I'm going along. This is way different than anything I've ever done."Ìý
Roughly one year ago, Buttaro said, she began looking for something else to do with her life after pain in her back — from countless hours of standing bent over during dental proceduresÌý—Ìýbecame too severe.Ìý
That's when Buttaro's daughter had an idea.Ìý
"My daughter owns a consignment shop in Saratoga and she said, 'Mom, I think this would be a wonderful thing for you,'" Buttaro said. "Because I could work at my own pace and still get to talk to people and be personable."
So Buttaro began brainstorming a theme for her own shop. At first, she considered selling secondhand clothes and items for all ages, but decided she should narrow it down to something special — something Auburn was missing.Ìý
"I wanted to bring something to the area that is not here... where people could come in, get quality items and not have to spend a fortune," she said. "And the little ones just struck me to be more fun."Ìý
With six grandchildren between the ages of 1 and 8, Buttaro decided to focus on children, collecting used items and clothing for newborns through size 7-8. Most of her product came from a store out in Clyde, she said, which recently closed after more than 20 years in business. In addition, her daughter brings things from Saratoga and her sister-in-law creates handmade baby blankets, meaning it's not just local items at Buttaro's store.Ìý
"We have a little bit of everything to suit your child," she said, smiling. "And everything here has been cleaned and tested to ensure an excellent quality in the product. ... It's really not your typical secondhand shop."Ìý
Its name inspired by a leaning tree in her backyard, The Leaning Tree House Kids Boutique officially opened its doors last week. Buttaro will host a grand opening at her shop on West Genesee Street Saturday, Sept. 24, to encourage more people to stop by. She will be offering a 20-percent discount on anything in the store that day and will have "treats and all kinds of goodies" available for new customers.Ìý
"One customer came in and said this was something we've needed here (in Auburn) for a long time," Buttaro recalled. "She said, 'There are other stores, but you're personable and your stuff is beautiful.' So I hope that more people will come in and see what I have to offer."Ìý
- Greg Mason
JORDAN — Katie Hinman was 12 years old when Jordan hosted its first fall festival in 1946.
The event was much smaller back then, she described. Hosted nearÌýthe heart of the village, Hinman said the main attraction of the first annual fall festival wasÌýan auction of a variety of items, like car parts and household appliances.
Hinman said she managed a popcorn stand back then. And as the festival , the Jordan native — now 82 — was still working a food stand, this time atÌýa pastry booth.
Jordan's three-day extravaganza concluded on Sunday with some of its festival's most popular events, the greased pole climb contests andÌýan antique and classic car show. As they have in the past, proceeds from the festival will be donated to a variety of agencies, includingÌýthe Jordan Pool, the local food bank and the Jordan Bramley Library.
Hinman said the event has grown a lot since 1946. The festival is now held along Beaver Street, while the auction from the inaugural event only lasted around 10 to 15 years, having died off when yard sales grew popular, Hinman said.
This year's festival also featuredÌýhay rides, a chicken barbecue and performances by several local groups, including the Jordan-Elbridge High School marching band and the Jordan-Elbridge Community Band.
"You can't argue with success," Hinman said.
Shirley Drummond first got involved with the fall festival with her husband in 1964 when they moved into the area fromÌýRhode Island.Ìý
She first started as an attendant for a booth called the Treasure Chest, which sold donated pieces of jewelry at very low prices — popular with children looking for a gift for mom, Drummond said. She later served as the festival's chair for 25 years until stepping down after 2011.
On Sunday, Drummond was back at the festival, saying one of her favorite parts about it — other than the food — is catching up with people in the community she does not get to see too often.
"When September comes, it's time for the fall festival," Drummond said. "It's a community fundraiser and it's what you do in Jordan."
Now Drummond, 86, is hoping more volunteers get involved to continue the tradition.
She and Hinman both said the majority of the festival's volunteers are either the elderly or younger teens, and Drummond would like to see more middle-aged individuals get involved.
"Everybody from the community can benefit from this," Drummond said. "It's a wonderful community event and we really need to keep it going. So many organizations benefit from it and we can't lose that."
- Robert Harding
With some help from the defense, the Buffalo Bills ran their way to victory Sunday.Ìý
LeSean McCoy rushed for 110 yards and two touchdowns, Tyrod Taylor added 76 yards and a score on the ground and Stephon Gilmore had two interceptions in the Bills' 33-18 win over the Arizona Cardinals.Ìý
The Bills had 208 rushing yards against the Cardinals, which entered Sunday's game with the 11th-best run defense in the league.Ìý
Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer struggled against the Bills' defense. He threw four interceptions and was sacked five times Sunday. The bright spot for the Cardinals was David Johnson, who had 83 rushing yards and two touchdowns.Ìý
With the win, the Bills improve to 1-2 this season. The Cardinals fall to 1-2.Ìý
Here is the Buffalo Bills Week 3 report card:Ìý
GRADING THE UNITS
OFFENSEÌý
QuarterbacksÌý- C-
Tyrod Taylor wasn't great, but he didn't need to be. The Bills had success running the ball and Taylor's arm wasn't needed. He had 119 passing yards and added 76 yards on the ground. He did throw an interception on a deep pass intended for Marquise Goodwin.Ìý
Sammy Watkins didn't play, but that shouldn't matter. The Bills have some good weapons, whether it's Charles Clay or Robert Woods. Taylor needs to get those guys involved in the pass attack.Ìý
Running backsÌý- A
LeSean McCoy rushed for 110 yards and two touchdowns. His 24-yard touchdown run in the first half was a great play design and he had some good blocking along the way. The Bills can take pressure off Taylor by getting McCoy going. McCoy should get a decent amount of touches going forward.
Taylor had 76 rushing yards, including 49 on one play. He scored on a 20-yard run in the third quarter. The Bills' rushing attack was absent in the first two games. That wasn't the case Sunday under new offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn.Ìý
ReceiversÌý-ÌýD
The Bills' receiving corps missed Sammy Watkins. Robert Woods led the way with six catches for 51 yards and Walter Powell had three catches for 28 yards.Ìý
Tight end Charles Clay didn't register a catch. Marquise Goodwin had one catch for 6 yards. LeSean McCoy had three receptions, but only 6 yards.Ìý
If Watkins misses any length of time, the Bills will need a receiver to step up. Is that Woods? Is it Powell? The passing attack needs to be better than it was Sunday.Ìý
Offensive lineÌý- B-
This grade would be better, but Taylor was sacked four times. Not all of those sacks were on the offensive line. Still, though, you want to keep the quarterback upright.Ìý
The run blocking was great Sunday, mainly in the first three quarters. McCoy was able to find room to run and that's mainly due to the line in front of him. The aforementioned 24-yard touchdown run was a good example of that. McCoy had a big hole and wasn't touched on his way to the end zone.Ìý
DEFENSE
Defensive lineÌý- A-
The Bills' defensive line will get minus for the Cardinals being able to average 5 yards per run. That's one of the only knocks against this unit, though.Ìý
The Bills had five sacks Sunday. Jerry Hughes registered two tackles and a sack. He also had two quarterback hits. Kyle Williams had a great game with four tackles and a sack.Ìý
LinebackersÌý- A
The inside linebackers had good games. Zach Brown led the Bills with 12 tackles (10 solo). Preston Brown had five tackles (four solo) and a tackle for a loss.Ìý
On the outside, Lorenzo Alexander continues to shine. He had six tackles (four solo) and 1.5 sacks. Alexander now has three sacks in the Bills' first three games this season. With Shaq Lawson out of action, Alexander's performance should make Rex Ryan smile.Ìý
Defensive backsÌý- A
The secondary bounced back after a terrible game against the New York Jets with a masterpiece against the Cardinals. Carson Palmer couldn't get anything going.Ìý
Corey White, who filled in for the injured Ronald Darby, had nine tackles (eight solo) and an interception to clinch the win for the Bills. White did a nice job against the Cardinals' receivers. He didn't allow any big plays and came up big late in the game.Ìý
Stephon Gilmore was one of the Bills' top performers. He had four passes defended and two interception. He added three tackles (two solo). After struggling against the Jets, this was a nice showing. He seemed to be all over the field.Ìý
Corey Graham had a great all-around effort. He had four tackles (four solo) and a sack. He also had three passes defended and an interception. He was quiet in the Bills' first two games this season. That wasn't the case against the Cardinals.Ìý
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicking and puntingÌý-ÌýB
Dan Carpenter converted both his field goal attempts, but did miss one of his four extra point tries. Why he continues to kick those extra points from the right or left hash is something that should be addressed. Some of these extra points he misses wouldn't be misses if he kicked from the center of the field.Ìý
Colton Schmidt didn't have a great day punting the ball. He had five punts for 178 yardsÌý— a 35.6 yards per punt average. He did have one punt land inside the 20.Ìý
Returns and coverageÌý-ÌýA
Brandon Tate continued to show he can be a weapon in the return game. He had a 20-yard kickoff return and a 31-yard punt return in this game. The Bills scored a touchdown when the Cardinals botched the snap on a field goal attempt. Aaron Williams scooped up the loose ball and returned it 53 yards for a touchdown.Ìý
COACHING
Grade: B+
Overall, a solid coaching effort by Rex Ryan's staff. The defense was ready to make Carson Palmer's life miserable and the offense under new coordinator Anthony Lynn got the job done.Ìý
The only criticism: Lynn needs to figure out a way to get the pass attack going. That wasn't consistent Sunday. Hopefully that changes in the weeks to come.Ìý
OVERALL TEAM PERFORMANCE
Grade: A-
There were a lot of good things in this game. It was a good effort for a team that many had already written off this season. Tyrod Taylor did enough to get the win. LeSean McCoy was a factor. And the Bills defense forced turnovers.Ìý
The defense deserves a lot of credit. After a terrible performance against the Jets, the unit came in against one of the NFL's better teams and shut them down for most of the game.Ìý
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
OFFENSE:ÌýLeSean McCoy. McCoy had 17 carries for 110 yards and two touchdowns. He also had three catches for 6 yards. McCoy's 24-yard touchdown run was one of the highlights of the game.Ìý
DEFENSE:ÌýStephon Gilmore. Gilmore didn't have a good game against the Jets. That was probably one of the worst games of his career. But he showed up on Sunday. He had two interceptions, three tackles (two solo) and four passes defended in the win.Ìý
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
Third down defense. One of the Bills' weaknesses has been third down defense. It doesn't help when you commit penalties after making a big stop. It also doesn't help when you decide to only rush three against a team with plenty of firepower. The Bills have to get their third down defense squared away. And the team has to be more disciplined in those situations.Ìý
STAT OF THE GAME
5. The number of takeaways the Bills had Sunday against the Cardinals. The Bills scored on a 53-yard fumble return by Aaron Williams. Stephon Gilmore had two interceptions and Corey Graham and Corey White each had one in the victory.Ìý
STAT OF THE GAME II
10. The number of sacks the Bills have registered in the first three games. Lorenzo Alexander and Jerry Hughes have been getting a lot of pressure on the quarterback from the outside. A healthy Kyle Williams in the middle helps, too.Ìý
NEXT GAME
The Bills (1-2) will play at 1 p.m. Sunday against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. The game will be televised on CBS.Ìý
- Greg Mason
One person is dead after a head-on crash between two vehicles Saturday afternoon in Sterling, state police confirmed Monday.
Emergency crews were called around 1:30 p.m. to the scene of state Route 104 and State Barn Road, near the border with the town of Victory. Troopers said a 2012 Honda Accord heading west on State Barn Road continued onto state Route 104, but failed to yield to a 2003 Buick Century heading east along Route 104, resulting in the collision.
The operator of the Honda was pronounced dead at the scene, troopers said. One passenger in the vehicle was transported to Oswego Hospital for treatment, while three others were seriously injured and taken to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, troopers said.
Two people were in the Buick. Troopers said the driver was treated at the scene and released, while the passenger was transported to Oswego Hospital with minor injuries.
State police has not yet released the names of the individuals involved in the crash. The investigation is ongoing; troopers said charges are pending. The case will be reviewed by the Cayuga County District Attorney's Office.
In addition to state police investigators, personnel from the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office and Lakeshore Rescue were called to the scene with fire and ambulance services from Fair Haven and Red Creek, troopers said.
- мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼ staff
An Auburn man charged with the alleged armed robbery of a convenience store was arrested Friday for the alleged rape of a teenager.
The Auburn Police Department said that Lucas A. Corrado, 23, of 215 Genesee St., allowed a 15-year-old Auburn girl to stay at his residence for three days without her parents consent and that he had sex with the girl more than once during that time.
Police said Lucas was processed on the new charges Friday at the Cayuga County Jail, where he has been held since his arrest on Sept. 16. when officers were dispatched to the Kwik Fill at 302 Genesee St. after receiving a report of a 3:13 a.m. robbery.
Witnesses told authorities that a man entered the convenience store, appeared to display a handgun and demanded money. After the clerk handed over an undisclosed amount of money, the suspect fled the scene.
Witnesses identified Weston Rhodes, 21, of 215 Genesee St., Auburn, as the person who entered the store and demanded money from the clerk while displaying a BB gun.
Corrado allegedly assisted Rhodes in planning the robbery, and police said that he had money stolen from the store at the time of his arrest.
Rhodes was charged with second-degree robbery and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Corrado was charged with second-degree robbery.
Police are asking than anyone with information related to Corrado's alleged involvement with the 15-year-old, or who may have had similar contact with him, to contact detective Meagan Kalet at (315) 255-4702 or (315) 253-3231. Police said that callers may remain anonymous.
- Gwendolyn Craig
A 33-year-old Auburn man is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after an alleged domestic incident with a woman.
Auburn police arrested Joseph Smith, of 7 Cayuga St., Friday night after he allegedly assaulted and strangled his girlfriend, who had an order of protection against him. Following the fight, police said Smith left the area of Seymour Street, driving to his home while intoxicated. He was also operating the vehicle with a revoked license and without an interlock device.Ìý
Smith was charged with first-degree criminal contempt, a felony, for violating the order of protection. He was also charged with driving while intoxicated with a previous conviction and first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, also felonies.
Smith is facing several misdemeanor charges, including obstruction of breath, third-degree assault and failure to use an interlock device.
Smith was arraigned Saturday morning and remanded to the Cayuga County Jail where he was being held without bail. Ìý
