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Alexander

Chimney fire reported on Bennett Road, Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

A chimney fire has been reported at 2225 Bennett Road, Alexander.

The location is just east of Simmons Road.

Darien Fire, all equipment, with one tanker from Alexander and one from Corfu, requested to the scene.

Mercy EMS also dispatched.

UPDATE 4:34 p.m.: Chief on scene says, "no smoke showing."

UPDATE 4:37 p.m.: Fire appears out. A thermal camera is requested.
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Sentence corrected for Ron Wendt

By Howard B. Owens

Ronald J. Wendt, convicted last year in the drinking-and-driving death of an 18-year-old Dansville girl, appeared in County Court today to have his sentence on two of his charges corrected.

On two charges of assault, 2nd, Wendt was given two-and-a-half to seven years as an "indeterminant" sentence, meaning he could serve any portion of that range and be eligible for parole. 

Since his initial sentence, however, authorities realized that on charges of assault, 2nd, a defendant cannot receive an indeterminate sentence.

Today, Judge Robert C. Noonan sentenced Wendt to a two-and-a-half years determinant sentence on those charges.

The change doesn't effect Wendt's sentence on other charges and since the sentencing on all 11 counts were concurrent, Wendt could still be eligible for parole in little more than a year (he served more than a year in jail while awaiting trial prior to his conviction).

For previous sentencing coverage, click here.

Also in court this morning, Patricia Hardesty, accused of shooting her husband in the knee during a domestic dispute in August, entered not guilty pleas to three felony charges, including assault, 1st, and assault, 2nd. Hardesty is out of jail and under the supervision of Genesee Justice. Her husband requested that no order of protection be placed in the case, so none was issued. The couple continues to reside together in their County Line Road home.

Rollover accident with injuries, entrapment in Alexander

By Billie Owens

A two-car rollover accident with injuries and entrapment is reported in Alexander on Broadway Road near Brookville Road.

One vehicle is upside down, the other is near a creek. Mercy Flight Batavia is on standby.

Alexander Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE 5:04 p.m.: There are two patients. One man is in a truck which landed upside down. He is conscious and alert but his leg is trapped.

UPDATE 5:09 p.m.: Mercy Flight is cancelled.

UPDATE 5:14 p.m.: Fire chief on scene reports a stop sign was knocked down and the state Department of Transportation has been notified. Two flatbed tow trucks are being dispatched for the vehicles involved in the accident.

UPDATE 5:16 p.m.: The man whose leg was trapped in his upside-down truck is now out.

County Planning: Car repair and sales business in Darien voted down

By Howard B. Owens

A Darien resident who wants to open a small business for auto repairs and sell a few cars at 606 Broadway got a little push back from the Genesee County Planning Board.

On Thursday, the board disapproved the proposed business because it apparently does not have a complete site plan according to code.

However, a representative of owner Mark Bernen said the site plan was completed exactly according to instructions from the Town of Darien Planning Board.

"We went back and forth and back and forth with the Town of Darien Planning Board," said Joyce Stevens. "He did everything on plans exactly like they said."

Planning Director Jim Duval said that the county's vote is advisory and the town board has the capacity to override the vote.

In another matter, Andrew Schmieder received approval to construct a new small house at 3438 Railroad Ave., Alexander.

Schmieder purchased the property at the county auction with the intent to restore the existing home, but it was too badly damaged by flooding and had to be torn down.

He said his mother will live in the new house.

Two-car accident just outside Village of Alexander

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident is reported on a hill just outside the Village of Alexander. It's on Route 98 in the area of Goodman Road. One man is reportedly feeling faint.

It is partially blocking the roadway. Law enforcement is called to help with traffic. Alexander Fire Department is responding along with an ambulance.

Traffic is being stopped on northbound Route 98 at the underpass. One lane of traffic is allowed southbound.

House fire in Darien

By Billie Owens

There is a house on fire at 1081 Broadway Road, across from Warner Road, in Darien, according to a call to dispatch.

Alexander fire, along with Darien and Corfu are en route. It has gone to a second alarm.

A City of Batavia Fast Team is also called along with Mercy EMS. Bennington and Attica fire are also called.

UPDATE 1:50 p.m.: Traffic is being shut down at Route 20 and Harlow Road and at routes 20 and 77.

UPDATE 1:58 p.m.: National Grid is called. Corfu advised to muster all available manpower.

UPDATE 2:22 p.m.: The American Red Cross is called in to provide aid to one individual.

UPDATE 2:35 p.m.: "A car blew through the intersection at Harlow Road (which is closed to traffic at Route 20) and right into the back of him," says a firefighter. A car rear-ended a water tanker truck, creating more havoc and one less tanker at the fire. Mercy EMS at the fire scene are handling the incident. No word on injuries.

UPDATE 4:27 p.m. (by Howard): Emergency Management Coordinator Tim Yaeger just notified dispatch that Route 20 will be closed for at least another two hours. Right after, a truck got through the road block due to a "miscommunication" and a trooper is helping it make a three-point turn. 

Also, the homeowner, Diane Allison is upset, displaced, but physically OK. Allison was worried about her cats and fire crews have started looking for them.

Eight fire companies responded to the scene. 

I'll have pictures later.

Two-car accident with injuries in Alexander

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident is reported in Alexander at 3678 Broadway Road (Route 20) at Brookville Road.

There are minor injuries.

Alexander Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding.

Rollover accident at Darien-Alexander TL Road

By Billie Owens

A one-car rollover accident, unknown injuries, is reported at 11233 Darien-Alexander Townline Road close to the Genesee County line.

Alexander Fire Department has been dispatched.

UPDATE 11:53 a.m.: The fireman at the scene advises that the tow truck called should bring water gear because the vehicle is stuck in a creek. They also should be prepared to winch it out. The driver is stuck inside.

UPDATE 12:39 p.m.: All units are back in service. "Bennington handled the transport," says a firefighter." Presumably, the driver got out and is okay and/or was taken care of.


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Two car wrecks in Alexander

By Billie Owens

Two car accidents are reported at 9922 Alexander Road, near Peaviner Road, in Alexander.

One is a rollover with no injuries, involving a single vehicle. The other consists of two cars that went into a ditch.

Alexander fire is responding.

UPDATE 3 p.m.: Neither accident involves injuries. The roadway is not blocked. The accidents occurred about a quarter mile apart. An ambulance is called to evaluate the driver of the car which landed on its roof, although the driver seems to be uninjured. The other accident scene just requires a tow truck to get the cars out of the ditch.

UPDATE 3:03 p.m.: Now a fireman says that there are "three victims in the second accident, all underage." They have called their parents. A second ambulance is requested to the scene, although there is no indication of injuries.

Police Beat: Man who argued with cabbie and cops arrested

By Howard B. Owens

Dorsie M. McGill Jr., 26, of 21 Buell St., Batavia, is charged with theft of services and resisting arrest. McGill allegedly got into an argument with a taxi driver over the amount of fare due, then struggled with police officers Frank Klimjack and James DeFreze when they attempted to take him into custody. McGill was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Vincent D. Henning, 33, of 610 Ellicott St., Batavia, is charged with two counts of petit larceny. Henning is accused of renting two laptop computers at two different rent-to-own stores and then selling the laptops to a pawn shop.

Veronica Garcia, 30, of 2414 Walker Road, Alexander, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle and speeding. Garcia was stopped at 10:59 p.m., Friday, on Pearl Street Road by Officer Dan Coffey.

Melissa Courtney Kent, 19, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and consumption of alcohol inside a motor vehicle. Kent was charged following a call at 1:56 a.m., Saturday, of a car off the road on Route 5 in Pembroke.

Ricky Dean Newbould, 52, of Oak Orchard Road, Elba, is charged with felony DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, failure to keep right and improper right turn. Newbould was arrested following the investigation of a motor-vehicle accident at 5:01 a.m., Sunday, on Hundredmark Road, Elba.

Troy Damien Schimley, 17, of Clifton Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right and operating a vehicle in violation of a restricted license. Schimley was stopped at 2:39 a.m., Sunday, by Deputy Kevin McCarthy on Wortendyke Road, Batavia.

Vidis E. Malejs, 73, of Buffalo, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to yield right-of-way. Malejs was charged following a report of a property damage accident at 6:20 p.m., Saturday, on Park Road.

Tammy J. Green, 40, of Attica, is charged with DWI, aggravated driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, unsafe start. Green was reportedly involved in a property damage accident at 9 p.m., Saturday, in the parking lot of Alabama Tee Off, on Route 77 in Alabama.

Adam Lee Leaton, 20, of Caswell Road, Byron, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child. Leaton is accused of hosting an underage drinking party.

Jamie L. Broadbent, 27, of 60 Swan St., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Broadbent is accused of shoplifting a six-pack of soft drinks and over-the-counter medication from Tops Market.

Tyler P. Schroeder, 18, of Oak Street, Oakfield, is charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Schroeder is accused of allowing a 14-year-old to drive the car of another person. A 17-year-old was also in the vehicle. The car was stopped by Deputy James Diehl at 6:36 p.m., Saturday, at the intersection of Pratt and Kelsey roads, Batavia. The 14-year-old was referred to Genesee County Family Court.

Two-story house fire on Route 20 in Alexander

By Billie Owens

A two-story house fire is reported in Alexander at 3971 Broadway Road -- Route 20.

The location is between Brown's Mill and Telephone roads.

Alexander Fire Department is responding, along with a ladder truck and tanker from the Town of Batavia.

East Pembroke and Darien will also be helping or on standby. Other mutual aid companies are en route or at the ready also, including Bethany, Stafford, Pavilion and Attica.

It has gone to a second alarm. The initial call reported a barn fire.

Responders are asking for the Sheriff's Department to shut down part of Route 20 to traffic.

UPDATE 6:56 p.m.: Responders say they need lights and tools to open the structure up for ventilation. A pond across the road may be one source of water to fight the fire.

UPDATE 7:13 p.m.: Dispatch says traffic is snarled at the "cloverleaf" in Alexander -- the junction of routes 98 and 20 -- and there's not yet traffic police to re-route vehicles.

UPDATE 7:18 p.m.: National Grid is on scene.

UPDATE 7:22 p.m.: The City of Batavia's Fast Team is called in. A firefighter is heard to say "Holy S%#@!" followed by something about a propane tank being located at the rear of the building.

UPDATE 7:35 p.m.: A firefighter says the propane tank "has been secured." The fourth platoon from the City of Batavia is called to city fire headquarters to stand in.

UPDATE 7:41 p.m.: It seems like sort of a scramble at this point to get enough water. A crew is trying to "get a draft" out of a hydrant on West Bethany Road, with apparently little success thus far.

UPDATE 8:05 p.m.: Fire police are requested at Tapp Road to handle the overflow of traffic from the main thoroughfares. "It's just me, myself and Jill," comes the response, "Tractor-trailer traffic is backed up all the way to my house." The reply: "We'll make do." Also, a tanker from York has been asked to fill in at Pavilion.

UPDATE 8:12 p.m.: Reportedly there are two law enforcement officers west of Route 20 handling traffic control and dispatch notified them that in the next 20 to 30 minutes, personnel from the American Red Cross will be coming through. That usually means people have been displaced from their home and need emergency assistance. Also, an engine from East Pembroke has been called to fill in at the Alexander Fire Hall.

UPDATE 8:21 p.m.: Good progress is being made on the second floor of the structure, says a firefighter. The traffic on the outlying roadways is another matter. It was suggested that traffic be diverted to Brookville Road. But a traffic officer says backed-up semis have been pulling out into the roadway -- wherever it is that they are stuck -- and the others are "getting antsy." Plus, icy roads could especially pose a problem for the heavy-laden truckers. "I say have 'em wait. Do what you have to do," says the man in charge. A bit later, the supervisor says "if they don't want to go, tell them to put their flashers on and go to the next (truck). Make it quick though." Now Darien is asked to standby in Alexander and it is suggested that maybe they should give Alden Fire Department a call, too.

UPDATE 8:43 p.m.: The fire has spread to the attic. The crew from Alden is en route to standby at the Alexander hall.

UPDATE 8:46 p.m.: A big-rig driver asks if he can go down Route 354, down into Wyoming County. The officer checks with his superior who says "It's too slick. No way."

UPDATE 9:32 p.m.: They say they are just mopping up and doing overhaul at this point. So clearing out traffic from around the scene is probably the biggest task at hand. Hey, now there's some pizza and coffee for the hard-working crews.

Unsafe speed in snow blamed for accident in Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

Unsafe speed in light snow is being blamed for a two-car accident on Buffalo Street Road near Bowen Road at 11:39 a.m., Wednesday, that caused one minor injury.

Cited for allegedly not wearing a seat belt was George Campbell IV, 21, of Hastings Avenue, Buffalo.

No citation is listed in the accident report related to speed.

Campbell was reportedly traveling southbound on Buffalo Street Road when his 2000 Buick sedan started to skid. Campbell reportedly over corrected, causing him to strike a car in the rear driven by Samuel A. Palmeri, 43, of Dundee Street, Albion.

Campbell suffered a minor injury and was treated at the scene.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Lonnie Nati.

(Initial Report)

Rollover accident, no injuries, in Alexander

By Billie Owens

A one vehicle rollover accident, without injuries, is reported at 10154 Goodman Road in Alexander.

The vehicle landed on its side.

Alexander Fire Department is responding.

The location is between Stannard and Sprague roads.

UPDATE 12:40 p.m.: The driver is out of the vehicle.

Grand Jury Report: Indictment filed against accused child rapist

By Howard B. Owens

Gregory A. Jones is indicted on a charge of predatory sexual assault against a child, a Class A-11 felony. Jones is accused of raping a child of less than 13 years of age while in an apartment at 34 Main St. in the Village of Le Roy.

Craig A. Tiberio-Shepherd is indicted on a charge of DWI as a felony. Tiberio-Shepherd is accused of driving drunk Aug. 14 in the Town of Pembroke.

Dominic J. Cordello Jr. is indicted on charges of DWI as a felony and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater as a felony. Cordello is accused of driving drunk on Aug. 11 in the Town of Alexander.

Matthew A. Beccue is charged with a misdemeanor count of criminal possession of stolen property, 5th, and criminal possession of stolen property, 5th. Beccue is accused of possessing two stolen Dell desktop computers. The Grand Jury did not find sufficient evidence to indict Beccue on felony charges, but did find sufficient evidence to sustain the misdemeanor charges, so the case is returned to the Pavilion Town Court.

Jason L. Pask is indicted on a charge of criminal mischief, 2nd. Pask is accused of damaging another person's car, a 2010 Camaro SS, causing damage in excess of $1,000 in value, on July 24.

Tacoya S. Johnson is indicted on charges of criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd, and grand larceny, 3rd. Johnson is accused using a forged instrument to steal more than $3,000 while at a local bank branch on Oct. 31, 2007.

Dannielle D. Sturgis-Ruise is indicted on charges of criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd, and grand larceny, 4th. Sturgis-Ruise is accused of using a forged instrument to steal more than $1,000 from a local bank branch on Oct. 27, 2007.

William A. Muoio III is indicted on charges of DWI as a felony and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater as a felony. Muoio is accused of driving drunk Aug. 22 in the Town of Le Roy.

Jennifer L. Coombs is indicted on charges of DWI as a felony and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater as a felony. Coombs is accused of driving drunk June 30 in the Town of Byron.

Cheryl A. Vagg is indicted on a charge of driving while ability impaired by drugs as a felony. Vagg is accused of driving while under the influence of drugs July 3 in the Town of Alabama.

The Grand Jury returned a "no bill" (finding insufficient evidence to support the charges) on Shawn C. Wetmore. Wetmore was charged in the City of Batavia of burglary, 3rd, criminal possession of stolen property and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Police Beat: Investigation into stolen firewood leads to recovery of gun stolen 10 years ago

By Howard B. Owens

Basilio Martinez, 47, of Route 33, Bergen, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 4th, criminal possession of a weapon 4th and petit larceny. Martinez was arrested following an investigation into stolen firewood from a residence on Parmelee Road, Le Roy, at 5:30 p.m., Sunday. The homeowner confronted the suspect and was able to obtain a partial plate number of the suspect's vehicle. Martinez was located in Bergen and allegedly found in possession of stolen firewood and a shotgun that was reported stolen out of Livingston County in 2000. The investigation was conducted by Deputy Bradley Mazur.

Glenn Howard Wright, 40, of of 5400 Broadway Road, Bethany, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon 4th.  Wright was arrested following a police response to his residence on a check-the-welfare call at 10:16 a.m., Tuesday. Wright, reportedly a convicted felon, was allegedly found in possession of a 12 gauge double barrel shotgun.

Sharon Lee Awall, 43, of Dodson Road, Alexander, is charged with two counts of grand larceny 4th. Awal is accused of stealing a wallet with credit cards, debit cards and jewelery worth more than $1,000.

A 16-year-old Le Roy youth is charged with criminal impersonation 2nd and identity theft 3rd. The youth is accused of tyring to use a false identity to purchase alcohol at a local gas station. He was allegedly in possession of an out-of-state identification belonging to another person.

Alexander couple accused of sex act in public view

By Howard B. Owens

An Alexander couple were arrested today for allegedly engaging in a sex act in a public place.

The pair was reported to the Sheriff's Office by security personnel with a business on Veteran's Memorial Drive after they were allegedly witnessed engaged in sexual activity at 4:11 p.m.

Charged with public lewdness were Kelly Anne Brown, 34, and Karl James Hulshoff, 34, both of Broadway Road in Alexander.

Brown and Hulshoff were allegedly engaged in a sex act in a parked car in the vicinity of 4180 Veterans Memorial Drive.

They were arrested by Deputy James Diehl and released on an appearance ticket.

Police Beat: Driver accused of hit-and-run in the city arrested

By Howard B. Owens

Justin J. Wheeler, 37, of Attica, is charged with driving with ability impaired by drugs and failure to keep right. Wheeler is accused of being involved in an alleged hit-and-run accident on South Main Street, Batavia, and was subsequently stopped on Route 98, Town of Alexander, for allegedly operating erratically. (initial report)

Thomas Anthony Sobczak, 45, of West Main Street, Corfu, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana. Sobczak was stopped on an unidentified road in Batavia at 2:45 p.m., Nov. 15, for allegedly following too closely behind a semi-trailer by Deputy Brian Thompson. Thompson reported allegedly finding marijuana and codeine in Sobczak's possession.

Jeffrey M. Kohorst, 22, of 6105 Main Road, Stafford, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speeding. Kohorst was stopped at 9:51 p.m., Saturday, in the City of Batavia by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Michael Todd Dibble, 19, of Indian Falls Road, Corfu, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Dibble was stopped at 11:35 p.m., Saturday, on Route 5, Town of Batavia, for an alleged traffic violation by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

A 16-year-old of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth was charged following a traffic stop on Angling Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Brian Thompson. A 16-year-old passenger in the car was also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The 17-year-old driver was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, reckless driving and speeding (90 mph in a 55 mph zone). The reckless driving drive stems from an alleged attempt to elude law enforcement with four passengers in the car.

Gary David Doctor, 28, of East Main Street, Corfu, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and unsafe tires. Doctor was stopped on Route 33, Pembroke by Deputy Brian Thompson.

Dylan James Hawkins, 18, of Hilltop Acres, Morrow Road, Pavilion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Hawkins was reportedly a passenger in a vehicle stopped on East Avenue by Deputy Brian Thompson. The 17-year-old driver, of Bryant Street, Batavia, was also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

Teriance M. Schramm, 20, of Edwards Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon and unlawful possession of marijuana. Schramm was allegedly seen on Nov. 15 walking down Ross Street with nunchaku ("nunchucks") in his pocket. He was questioned by Deputy Matt Butler and also found to allegedly possess marijuana.

Summer Ogden, 34, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt and disobeying a court order. Ogden was arrested by State Police at 8:32 a.m., Saturday. No further details released.

Driver says he fell asleep prior to accident on Route 98

By Howard B. Owens

A driver says he fell asleep just prior to his car drifting into the northbound lane of Route 98 causing a two-car accident that sent four people to the hospital.

The accident occurred at 4:58 p.m., Thursday, on Route 98 near Railroad Avenue, Alexander.

Ian L. Prial, 20, of 52 West Ave., Attica, was cited for alleged failure to keep right. He and his passenger, David P. Bartholf Jr., 19, were taken to EMMC for treatment.

The driver of the other car, Suzanne E. Wheeler, 38, of Allegheny Road, Darien Center, said she managed to slow down a bit prior to the crash. She, along with 11-year-old Logan K. Wheeler, were taken to UMMC for treatment.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

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