Wayne County Life

Dear Neighbors,

On November 16, while driving home from a meeting, I observed a vehicle that struck a pole in the Village of Newark and left the scene of the accident. After a brief pursuit, I apprehended the driver and turned him over to the Newark Police Department for the DWI arrest. This is not the first time this year I have been the first car on a scene during the evening. I do not do this on a daily basis, but when it happens it happens quickly. It is an instant reminder of what our deputies, correction officers, court security officers and other law enforcement officers do every day and night for us in providing public safety. Please thank them this holiday season for what they do for you.

The Wayne County Sheriffs’ Department was busy in November:

·     On Veterans’ Day, the Honor Guard presented a 21-gun salute at the Ontario American Legion. 

·     On Election Day, and for several days following, deputies under court order, secured ballots at the Board of Elections in Lyons by locking and unlocking the room where ballots were secured until election results were finalized.

·     Deputies spoke to 150 third-grade students at the Ontario Elementary School on the Eddie Eagle Program. The students received the message, “If you see a gun – Stop, Don’t Touch, Leave the Area, and Tell an Adult.”  Deputies also issued 300 child IDs through Operation Safe Child.

·     Deputies participated at the Red Creek Health Fair inspecting 20 car safety seats with 12 seats failing.  New seats were issued to replace the failed seats in order to help keep the children safe as passengers.

·     Snowmobile Safety Courses were instructed in Ontario and Lyons, certifying 42 children and four adults

·     A joint Sobriety Check Point was conducted on Friday, November 26^th from 9 p.m. - 3:00 a.m. Saturday with two Newark PD officers and 13 deputies. The joint effort arrested one driver for DWI and three individuals for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. 17 traffic summons were issued. 

Sergeant Tim Powell completed 20 years of service, Court Security Office Dan Carr 15 years and Correction Officer Joilynn Rising five years. I salute them for their service.

Crime Prevention Tip:  Do not keep all of your valuables in one place. The first places theives look when entering a house is the bedrooms, the dresser drawers, and this time of year – under the Christmas tree. Use several hiding places that would not be easily found by someone searching your home. Be creative. A little prevention goes a long way in deterring crime, so protect yourself by locking your doors and windows. If you are gone for a period of time ask a friend or your neighbors to watch your home and report any suspicious activity immediately by calling 911.

In October, 158 males and 38 females (196 total) were committed to the jail facility, 146 court transports and 14,221 inmate meals were served. Inmates worked a total of 1,729 hours of labor in laundry, facility cleaning and food service. Court Security Officers cleared 3,885 people entering the Hall of Justice through the magnetometer securing 116 weapons (knives, razors, and scissors). Deputies traveled 112,118 miles on patrol, investigating 124 motor vehicle accidents, 6 missing persons, 17 animal complaints, 1,567 miscellaneous complaints, 534 minor crimes, 37 major crimes and 8 fires totaling 2,293 complaints received. Deputies issued 284 traffic tickets, 11 DWIs and made 74 criminal arrests. The Records Office processed 35 pistol permit applications and 30 pistol permit amendments requiring a Brady Check. The Civil Office served 149 legal papers, handled 14 evictions, received $176,476.01 (including bail and fines) and paid out $131,304.00 to creditors. $14,797.53 was remitted to Wayne County Treasurer Thomas Warnick for the county’s General Fund.

Please contact me at 315.946.5797 or bvirts@co.wayne.ny.us with any questions or concerns you have.

I wish everyone a safe Christmas and New Year. Please drive responsibly!

Sincerely,

Barry Virts, Sheriff