Doug Emblidge
13WHAM
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Past articles by Doug:
Ginny Ryan lived her dream, continues to inspire
My friend Ginny never talked about it much – losing her dad, Joe.But when a parent dies when you’re 7, it has to be transformative.Ginny’s mom, also a Virginia → Read More
Surge in Rochester violence renews discussion of criminal justice reform
Amid the wave of violence in Rochester, there is a search for common ground between law enforcement and lawmakers. → Read More
Friend says slain Rochester Police officer was 'built for this job'
Officer AnthonyMazurkiewicz could have retired nine years ago. He probably could have moved to a desk job. → Read More
Community comes together after series of losses hits Naples hard
There was a parade in Naples Friday afternoon to honor a young volunteer firefighter who died in an accident on his job last week. For the people of the village, his death was the latest in a string of bad news this month. But this small village is getting through it: together. Naples, Ontario County (WHAM photo) There's a lot of sadness hanging in Naples right now, which makes what's happening… → Read More
Search is on after Rochester mob hitman escapes federal custody
A man convicted of slaying three people and attempting to kill two others has gone missing from federal custody. Dominic Taddeo, 64, is due to be released from custody in less than a year. But, as of March 28, the federal Bureau of Prisons lists him as "escaped" after he did not return to a Florida Residential Center - a halfway house - after an authorized appointment Monday. → Read More
Social Security Disability saga: A Fairport woman's fight to restore her benefits
Two years ago this week, as the pandemic began, the Social Security Administration shut down most of its in-person services. Ever since, anyone needing to get in touch with the agency had to call or go online. For a lot of people, it seemed the safety net of Social Security was broken. Stephanie Shirley certainly felt that way. The Fairport woman was forced to stop working after a breast cancer… → Read More
Board of trustees responds to controversy at Aquinas Institute
Trustees of Aquinas Institute are responding to a culture war controversy that's dividing its families, students, and alumni. The trustees say they are are "committed to unifying our beloved school. " As the Rochester Beacon first reported, a debate was ignited when a wealthy alum spoke at the school in November. Robert Agostinelli's comments reflected his desire - and that of some others - to… → Read More
Pittsford man buys radio ad space in search of kidney donation
A Pittsford man is taking his search for a kidney donor to the airwaves. Rao Gurijala spent $1,000 in ad space to get the word out about his need for a kidney. The ad is running on Fickle 93. 3 in Rochester. While his campaign could change his life, it could also benefit others like him who are facing a long wait for a transplant. Gurijala is one of 100,000 Americans waiting for a kidney… → Read More
Meal delivery is about more than just the food, Rochester volunteers say
There's a lot of news about shortages this year. But our community can be thankful this week for a plentiful supply of good people. Three thousand people will have a complete Thanksgiving meal Thursday, thanks to Karen Iglesia, founder of the nonprofit Primetime 585 and the army of people who answered her call for help. "Well I got recruited as a volunteer – and both my kids play sports – and… → Read More
Sick of callers asking if you have an expired car warranty? You're not alone
At Mobile Music in Canandaigua, they like to get phone calls. From customers. Not scammers. "Would you rather get robocalls or have a root canal? " 13WHAM asked owner Tim Chaapel. "Root canal," he replied. "They are a real pain especially now that they’re tricking you and it comes up on your caller ID as being so-and-so from Canandaigua. Being in business – I’ve got to answer it. " Chaapel says… → Read More
Absentee ballots will decide close races in Monroe County Legislature
While Republicans had a lot to celebrate locally and across the country on election night, the balance of power in the Monroe County Legislature remains undecided Wednesday. Several races are too close to call. Who wins will be determined by absentee ballots. That won't happen for more than a week. If the results from election night stand, the GOP will add to their majority. But Democrats are… → Read More
State ban on some materials to take effect New Year's Day
It's almost time to say farewell to foam peanuts. And restaurants will be changing their take-out containers. New York will soon ban some products made of expanded polystyrene - what most of us call Syrofoam. While the ban will likely help the environment, it will also come at a cost to consumers. At Eric's Office in Canandaigua, customers head home with roughly 500 polystyrene food containers… → Read More
Chili native who lost husband on 9/11 shares message of peace, hope
Sara Wightman was a young bride living in Manhattan on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001. The Chili native and Aquinas Institute graduate was getting ready for a business trip when her husband, Pete, left for his job at the World Trade Center. He would never come home. So much has happened since Sara lost Pete, the man she married just four months before the attacks on 9/11. → Read More
Canandaigua hospital CEO says vaccine mandate could cripple health care systems
Mike Stapleton began his career as a patient tech, then worked for years as a registered nurse, so he's been on the front line. But, as CEO and president of Thompson Health, the mandate has him scared - and he's asking for help. "Pre-COVID, we had 90 openings in this health system out of 1,800 positions. This morning, I have 294," Stapleton said. His worries come a month after New York State… → Read More
Fairport grad captures frontline workers with talent and compassion
When the pandemic started, a young artist went looking for a way to honor frontline health care workers. Julia Maddalina didn't have the means to make a significant monetary donation. But what the Fairport grad lacked in treasure, she made up for with talent - and compassion. Serena from New York was one of the first to agree. It was very early in the pandemic. "It really just snowballed after I… → Read More
They were opposed to the COVID vaccine
The recent rise in COVID cases is prompting a change of heart for some people who were hesitant to get the vaccine. Danielle, Marlek, and Sarah each received their COVID vaccine at a pop-up clinic at the Lyell Avenue library Thursday. Each had their own reasons. "I decided to get vaccinated. I just had a baby and wanted to protect her," said Sarah O'Brien. But during her pregnancy, O'Brien, a… → Read More
'They want a peaceful life': Push is on to save Afghan translators
As United States troops withdraw from Afghanistan, there's a new plan to save the Afghan translators who worked with them throughout a 20-year war. Evacuation flights are to begin at the end of July. Some of them will be coming to Rochester. And while they will be welcomed, their arrivals will also pose a challenge. As troops leave Afghanistan, the danger grows for the translators who helped… → Read More
Father of Brighton murder victim: 'I want justice done for my daughter'
It's been almost 40 years since the notorious Brighton ax murder. Ever since, the victim's father has lived with not only the pain of losing his daughter, but also the knowledge that the person who killed her has not been brought to justice. Bob Schlosser, 94, said not a day goes by that he doesn't think about his eldest daughter, Cathleen. "I pray for her every night. It never gets out of your… → Read More
Mayoral race: Evans, Warren face off in debate
Six days after the arrest of her husband, Rochester's mayor is back in campaign mode. City Councilman and banker Malik Evans is hoping to unseat Lovely Warren as she seeks a third term. And if he wins the primary next month, he will almost certainly do that. On Tuesday, the two took part in a debate. The mayor talked about her record - and addressed her personal and legal troubles. "I have a… → Read More
Some Hilton parents frustrated with district's law firm choice
A longtime elementary school principal in Hilton remains in jail, accused of sexually abusing 11 boys at the school. Once the criminal investigation into Kirk Ashton is complete, the district will begin one of its own. But some parents remain concerned about who will be leading the district's probe. Ashton was the principal of Northwood Elementary for 17 years before he was put on administrative… → Read More