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Just Kings Social Club hosts Juneteenth celebration in Williams Park

By Billie Owens

Juneteenth

In recognition of the Juneteenth holiday -- a national commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, you are invited to join in the celebration and learn more via this PBS link.

Event Date and Time
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Juvenile who jumped in Indian Falls has not been seen coming to the surface, rescue units responding

By Billie Owens

Deputies, the Emergency Service Unit Water Rescue Team, and the East Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are responding to the Log Cabin Restaurant in Indian Falls for a report of a juvenile who jumped into the water and has not been seen since.

"Confirmed unable to locate at this time," says a first responder on scene.

The restaurant is located at 1227 Gilmore Road.

"Swimmers times five in the water -- no responders just other swimmers -- in the water searching. Just want to keep a head count," a first responder tells dispatch.

The missing person is described as an 18-year-old male wearing black shorts. 

UPDATE 3:57 p.m.: All county rescue team members are called to the scene along with the city's water rescue crew and the Alden Dive Team.

UPDATE 4:04 p.m.: The city's second platoon is called to fire headquarters. Corfu fire will be dispatched to any Indian Falls and East Pembroke calls. Three civilian swimmers are now out of the water; two swimmers remain in the water.

UPDATE 4:07 p.m.: "Just offshore from where individuals are standing now, that's where he went under," says a first responder, noting that all civilian swimmers/searchers are out of the water. Some rescuers are asked to search downstream.

UPDATE 4:12 p.m.: Rope rescuers will have to be deployed to get the civilians out of the way. Some are reportedly climbing up the side of the falls to get out. Medics are standing nearby in case they need medical attention. Five firefighters are donning life jackets and preparing to search a half-mile downstream, according to command.

UPDATE 4:17 p.m.: All the civilians are not out of the water yet; two are still in the creek.

UPDATE 4:27 p.m.: The two remaining in the water are now out. Medics are checking out some of those who were in the water. Others are told to sit down -- they are on the opposite side of the creek from the rescuers -- until rescuers can get to them and take them to safety. "I don't want them crossing the water," said command.

UPDATE 4:31 p.m.: They are interviewing several eyewitnesses.

UPDATE 4:42 p.m.: "How far down did you go?" asks a rescuer about the firefighters who looked downstream. "About 75 yards. It was pretty dry down there," is the reply.

UPDATE 5:29 p.m.: The Alden Dive Team is on scene gearing up to go underwater to look for the missing teenager.

UPDATE 5:44 p.m.: Divers are searching underwater.

UPDATE 7:13 p.m.: Officials at the scene have confirmed the 18-year-old missing male swimmer is deceased.

UPDATE 8:43 p.m.: The Sheriff's Office has released the ID of the victim. He is Jacob C. Minnick, 18, of Lockport.

Motorcycle vs. woodchuck accident reported in Darien

By Billie Owens

A motorcycle vs. woodchuck accident with injuries is reported in the Town of Darien at Colby and Sharrick roads. The bike rider has a leg injury. Corfu Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics. Law enforcement is on scene.

UPDATE 10:09 a.m.: The motorcyclist, in addition to having upper left leg pain, has an injured right eye and some abrasions on his right side. The woodchuck is reportedly deceased.

UPDATE 10:28 a.m.: There's a tree down, which is causing an unknown-type wire to bow about five feet off the ground. A first responder says it's not in the roadway and there's no footpath, so it's not impeding traffic.

Five local students named to Spring dean's list at SUNY Morrisville

By Billie Owens

SUNY Morrisville recently announced those students who were named to the dean's list for the Spring 2021 semester. To be named to the dean's list, a student must achieve a 3.0 to 3.99 grade-point average for the semester and complete 12 credit hours.

  • Shelby Brandes, of Stafford 
  • Jack Doemling, of Le Roy
  • Jason Doemling, of Le Roy 
  • Destry Mullen, of Stafford
  • Braeden Zimmerman, of Bergen

SUNY Morrisville's curricula are enriched with applied learning and pave the way for opportunity at both the Morrisville and Norwich campuses. An action-oriented, interactive learning lab, the college is a national leader in technology and has been lauded for its exemplary, innovative and effective community service programs.

The college was ranked among the Best Regional Colleges in the North by U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges 2021 issue and was also recognized in the Top Public Schools, Regional Colleges North in the 2020 Best Colleges rankings. For more information about SUNY Morrisville, visit or connect with us at: www.morrisville.eduFacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube.

Batavia's Ilianthe Curie named to Spring dean's list at Missouri State University

By Billie Owens

Each semester, students at Missouri State University who attain academic excellence are named to the dean's list. 

For undergraduate students, criteria include enrollment in at least 12 credit hours during the spring semester and at least a 3.50 grade-point average (on a 4.00 scale).

Ilianthe Curie, of Batavia, made the list. Curie was among more than 5,000 students named to the spring 2021 dean's list.

 

Dog tied to cart corral with empty bowl nearby and sign saying 'Do Not Pet' at Walmart

By Billie Owens

An animal control officer headed to Bethany for a complaint that some ducks may be inadequately sheltered, is asked to stop at Walmart first. A caller says there's a dog tied to a cart corral in the last aisle in front of the grocery entrance.

There's an empty bowl by the dog and a sign that says "Do Not Pet."

UPDATE 3:17 p.m.: A couple of deputies are heading to Walmart to assist the animal control officers who says a female whom she detained at the vehicle wants to leave. The female then got in the vehicle and started to leave "even though I told her not to," says the officer, but now the driver has stopped.

UPDATE 3:20 p.m.: Deputies are on scene.

UPDATE 3:29 p.m.: After speaking with the driver, all officers have cleared the scene. The animal control officer is continuing to the Bethany complaint, which is in the 10,000 block of Silver Road.

Batavia's Cameron Clark named to Spring President's List at SUNY Morrisville

By Billie Owens

SUNY Morrisville recently announced that Cameron A. Clark, of Batavia, was named to the President's List for the Spring 2021 semester. Cameron is majoring in Business Administration -- BBA.

To be named to the President's List, a student must achieve a perfect 4.0 average for the semester and complete 12 credit hours.

SUNY Morrisville's curricula are enriched with applied learning and pave the way for opportunity at both the Morrisville and Norwich campuses. An action-oriented, interactive learning lab, the college is a national leader in technology and has been lauded for its exemplary, innovative and effective community service programs.

The college was ranked among the Best Regional Colleges in the North by U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges 2021 issue and was also recognized in the Top Public Schools, Regional Colleges North in the 2021 Best Colleges rankings. For more information about SUNY Morrisville, visit or connect with us at: www.morrisville.eduFacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube.

Two GC students graduate with honors from Elmira College

By Billie Owens

Elmira College celebrated the graduation of 192 students during its 163rd Commencement on Sunday, June 6. The Class of 2021 included 95 honor graduates receiving summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude honors.

  • Lydia Milligan, of Pavilion: summa cum laude 
  • Kyra Stella, of Batavia: cum laude 

Founded in 1855, Elmira College is a private, residential, liberal arts college offering 25-plus majors, an honors program, 17 academic societies, and 18 Division III varsity teams. Located in the Southern Finger Lakes Region of New York, Elmira's undergraduate and graduate student population hails from more than 20 states and nine countries.

Elmira is a Phi Beta Kappa College and has been ranked a top college, nationally, for student internships. The College is also home to the Center for Mark Twain Studies, one of four historically significant Twain heritage sites in the United States, which attracts Twain scholars and educators from around the world for research on the famous literary icon. Proud of its history and tradition, the College is committed to the ideals of community service, and intellectual and individual growth.

Corfu Farmer's Market

By Billie Owens
Join us every Monday from 4-7 p.m. at the Corfu Farmer's Market! Located in the Corfu Presbyterian Church parking lot at 63 Alleghany Road (Route 77) in Corfu, the Market features fresh produce, packaged food, crafts, food trucks and live music!
Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/corfufarmersmarket/
Event Date and Time
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Le Roy fire called to second rekindle of barn fire on Warsaw Road

By Billie Owens

Le Roy's brush truck is called to the scene of Monday's barn fire at 9420 Warsaw Road. They are asked to proceed in nonemergency mode.

UPDATE 2:37 p.m.: The hot spots are out and the crew is picking up and preparing to leave.

Oakfield's Olivia Carroll graduates from SUNY New Paltz

By Billie Owens

SUNY New Paltz is pleased to congratulate May 2021 graduate Olivia Carroll, of Oakfield.

Located in the heart of a dynamic college town, 90 minutes from metropolitan New York City, the State University of New York at New Paltz is a highly selective college of about 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

One of the most well-regarded public colleges in the nation, New Paltz delivers an extraordinary number of majors in BusinessLiberal Arts & SciencesEngineeringFine & Performing Arts and Education.

New Paltz embraces its culture as a community where talented and independent minded people from around the world create close personal links with real scholars and artists who love to teach.

Oakfield's Olivia Carroll named to Spring dean's list at SUNY New Paltz

By Billie Owens

SUNY New Paltz is proud to congratulate Olivia Carroll, of Oakfield, for being named to the dean's list for the spring 2021 semester.

Dean's list designation is reserved for students who excel academically and earn at least a 3.3 grade-point average in a semester with a full-time course load.

Two local students earn degrees at Elmira College

By Billie Owens

Elmira College celebrated the graduation of 192 students during its 163rd Commencement on Sunday, June 6 on Carnegie Lawn at the College. The exercises included 169 undergraduate and 23 graduate students, including:

  • Lydia Milligan, of Pavilion: Bachelor of Science
  • Kyra Stella, of Batavia: Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science

Founded in 1855, Elmira College is a private, residential, liberal arts college offering 25-plus majors, an honors program, 17 academic societies, and 18 Division III varsity teams. Located in the Southern Finger Lakes Region of New York, Elmira's undergraduate and graduate student population hails from more than 20 states and nine countries.

Elmira is a Phi Beta Kappa College and has been ranked a top college, nationally, for student internships. The College is also home to the Center for Mark Twain Studies, one of four historically significant Twain heritage sites in the United States, which attracts Twain scholars and educators from around the world for research on the famous literary icon.

Proud of its history and tradition, the College is committed to the ideals of community service, and intellectual and individual growth.

Big rig and two passenger vehicles wreck in Elba by Village Park

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident involving two passenger vehicles and a tractor-trailer is reported in front of the Village Park in Elba, 40 S. Main St. Unknown injuries. The location is between West Avenue and Drake Street Road.

A first responder says one of the vehicle ended up at 18 S. Main Street. Elba Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 3:27 p.m.: Some Speedy Dry is needed to soak up a spill. One of the vehicles involved is a black SUV.

UPDATE 3:28 p.m.: A first responder says to "back it down" -- only minor injuries. Medics are on scene. A tow company is called.

UPDATE 3:30 p.m.: Command calls for traffic to be shut off at Mechanic Street.

UPDATE 4:08 p.m.: Mechanic Street and South Main are being reopened.

Dog locked in red pickup outside BJ's in Batavia

By Billie Owens

A dog is reportedly locked inside a red F-1 50 pickup truck in the parking lot of BJ's Wholesale Club at 8330 Lewiston Road, Batavia. An officer is responding.

Monday's barn fire in Le Roy has rekindled, Le Roy fire is responding

By Billie Owens

Le Roy Fire Department's brush truck is called back to the site of yesterday's barn fire, which is rekindling. The location is 9420 Warsaw Road, between Perry and Cole roads.

UPDATE 2:12 p.m.: The rekindle is extinguished. Le Roy is back in service.

Three GC students named Outstanding Undergraduate Scholars at RIT -- in top 1 percent

By Billie Owens

More than 100 Rochester Institute of Technology students were named as Outstanding Undergraduate Scholars for the 2020-2021 year.

Since 1976, RIT has honored the top 1 percent of undergraduate students who are able to maintain a high standard of academic excellence while also giving back to their community through civic or volunteer work, conducting research, or being engaged in co-op or work in their field of study.

Award recipients, including the following, were honored during a virtual celebration earlier this year:

  • Triton Adamski, of Corfu
  • Lucas Kohorst, of East Pembroke
  • Celia Mercovich, of Bergen

Rochester Institute of Technology is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls about 18,600 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the U.S.

The university is internationally recognized and ranked for academic leadership in business, computing, engineering, imaging science, liberal arts, sustainability, and fine and applied arts. RIT also offers unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation. Global partnerships include campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai and Kosovo.

Kitten was hung up in motor of sedan outside Petco, appears not to be injured

By Billie Owens

A kitten was reportedly briefly caught in the motor of a black sedan parked outside Petco off Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia. "It's doesn't appear to be injured," relays the dispatcher.

An officer was responding but the kitten has been freed and assistance is no longer needed. The sedan is hitched to a black trailer.

Law and Order: Darien man charged with attempted aggravated assault and menacing deputies

By Billie Owens

Dean Matthew Conboy (inset photo, right), 56, of Harper Road, Darien, is charged with: two counts of attempted aggravated assault upon a police officer; two counts of menacing a police officer; unlawful imprisonment in the first degree; second-degree menacing; attempted assault in the second degree; three counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree; and obstructing governmental administration in the second degree. At 7:19 a.m. June 11 on Harper Road in Darien, Conboy was arrested after allegedly menacing a person with a butcher knife and attempting to cause physical injury, resulting in the victim barricading themselves in a bedroom. It is also alleged that the defendant attempted to cause serious physical injury to deputies and placed them in reasonable fear of physical injury and death as he grabbed and armed himself with a butcher knife while deputies struggled to take him into custody. After arraignment in Genesee County Court, Conboy was put in jail on $10,000 bail, $40,000 bond or $60,000 partially secured bond. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth, assisted by Deputy Robert Henning and Investigator Kevin Forsyth.

Kevin McCoy, 54, was arrested at 7:30 p.m. June 8 and charged with second-degree menacing and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. It is alleged that he threatened three people with a knife during an argument in a parking lot on East Main Street. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in jail without bail. McCoy was due back in court June 10.

Jason Jones, 50, was arrested at 6:30 p.m. June 3 on charges of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree and unlawful possession of fireworks. The charges stem from an incident where Jones was being taken into custody on an unrelated matter. Officers allegedly found a collapsible baton and fireworks in Jones' vehicle. He was processed at Batavia Police Headquarters and arraigned in Batavia City Court. He was put in jail on $5,000 bail, $10,000 bond, or $20,000 partially secured bond. He is due back in court July 1.

Jeffery Michael Johnson, 33, of Forest Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree and possession of a hypodermic instrument. At 5:53 p.m. June 10, Johnson was arrested on Forest Avenue following a home check by GC Probation and the Sheriff's Office. Allegedly, they found fentanyl and 13 hypodermic needles in the bedroom and in his vehicle. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Oakfield Town Court on July 12. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Gauthier.

Jason Jones, 50, was arrested by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post at 6:08 p.m. on June 3 on Dewey Avenue and charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He allegedly had contact with an individual with an active order of protection against him. Jones was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in jail in lieu of $500 bail. He is due back in court July 1.

Michael Lytle, 32, was arrested on June 8 and charged with second-degree menacing in connection with a disturbance that occurred at 10:43 a.m. June 4 on State Street, Batavia. It is alleged that Lytle displayed a pellet gun that was perceived to be a real firearm following a verbal dispute with the victim. He is due in Batavia City Court on June 27.

Christopher Taylor, 21, is charged with second-degree harassment and endangering the welfare of a child. He was arrested after a disturbance at 7:07 p.m. June 6 and arraigned in Batavia City Court. He was then released on his own recognizance and is to return to court June 24.

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