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Driver who reportedly fled scene of accident charged with DWI

By Howard B. Owens

A driver who allegedly fled the scene of an accident Wednesday night has been charged with felony DWI.

Two people were hospitalized as a result of the accident at 9:19 p.m. in the area of 6312 Townline Road, Byron.

Taken into custody after reportedly being located at the Byron Hotel was Chester Llewellyn Sherman, 52, of East Lee Road, Holley.

Injured in the accident were Mark J. Puma, 40, and Carlos M. Chavez, 29. Both were taken by Mercy EMS to UMMC. Puma lives on Creamery Road in Bergen.  Chavez's residence was not contained in the accident report.

Besides the DWI charge, Sherman was charged with a felony count of driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident and following too closely.

Sherman was driving a 1998 Chevy pickup eastbound when he reportedly rear-ended a 1999 Chevy sedan driven by Puma. Puma had just backed onto the roadway and was headed east when his car was struck by Sherman's. Puma's car was forced off the roadway into a mailbox and then the car hit the front porch of a residence.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Joseph Graff.

(initial report)

A driver has reportedly left scene of accident in Byron

By Howard B. Owens

The driver of one vehicle in a two-car crash at on Townline Road near Byron-Holley Road, Byron, has disappeared according to a chief on scene.

Byron and South Byron fire departments are responding. A chief asked to confirm that law enforcement was en route.

No report on injuries.

GCC today announced Dean's List students for Fall 2010

By Billie Owens

Today, Genesee Community College announced the Genesee County students who are among 612 on the Dean's List for the Fall 2010 semester. These students earned a quality point index (grade-point average) of 3.50-3.74.

The honorees, their hometowns and attendance status, are:

ALABAMA

Jake Nadolinski, full time

ALEXANDER

Daniel Dudek, part time

Sabrina Herman, full time

Clayton Miller, part time

Teresa Morris, full time

John Ognibene, full time

Laurie Schwab, part time

Cindy Schwartz, part time

Stacy Wirth, full time

Lacey Wolfley, full time

BASOM

Kassondra Conrad, full time

Andrew Greene, full time

Danielle Hirtzel, full time

Ely Winnie, part time

BATAVIA

Jenise Albert, part time

Valeria Antonetty, part time

Jessica Barone, full time

Christopher Blachowicz, full time

Ann Brade, part time

Alex Brasky, part time

Katherine Clemm, full time

Neil DeLillo, part time

Richard DelPlato, part time

Nicole DiSalvo, full time

Erin Dobbertin, full time

Melissa Dorman, full time

Ian Dries, full time

Delores Dyer, full time

Ashley Falcone, full time

Charles Ferraro, full time

Kaelie Grazioplene, full time

Rachel Guppenberger, full time

Kimberly Gutzmer, full time

Brett Hake, part time

Shauna Hutchinson, part time

Kimberly Ianita, full time

Jessica Jaszko, full time

Katie Kosciolek, part time

Gregory Kryman, full time

Jenna Lynn Leach, full time

Shelly Lopez, full time

Elizabeth Martin, full time

Emily Mott, full time

John Mullen, part time

Colleen O'Donnell, full time

Daniel Oquendo, full time

Joseph Pedro, full time

Theresa Pellegrino, part time

Joshua Que, full time

Meagan Roese, full time

Amy Roggow, part time

Erin Ruzzi, full time

Erin Schafer, part time

Joseph Schlossel, part time

James Schnellinger, part time

Amber Shea, full time

Trisha Smith, part time

Brian Sprague, full time

Kathryn Svensen, part time

Mark Temperato, part time

Wendy Walker, part time

Todd Warren, full time

Katelyn Wickson, part time

Caitlin Wilkinson, full time

Mercedes Wollek, full time

Cameron Wright, full time

BERGEN

Karen Beaney, part time

Ryan Chatham, full time

Carrie Cooper, part time

Samantha Elliott, full time

Amanda Heale, full time

Gary Heale, part time

Kelsey Hill, part time

Cynthia Mack, part time

Rebecca Mosher, full time

Tavy Shippers, part time

Ashley Spangenburg, part time

Miranda Tardy, full time

BYRON

Kevin Jackson, full time

Mark McLaughlin, full time

Timothy Nicholas, full time

CORFU

Eric Allen, full time

Shannon Bartlett, part time

John Bernardini, part time

Patrick Betz, full time

Stacy Brockway, part time

Joseph D'Amato, full time

Lisa Falkowski, part time

Melissa Gardner, full time

Jessica Gerould, full time

Ashley Ingram, full time

Jamie Johnson, full time

Tracy Kearney, full time

Victoria Rebmann, full time

Kara Rykert, full time

Ashlin Thuman, part time

Dana Wolbert, full time

DARIEN CENTER

Larissa DeMuth, part time

Abigail Engel, full time

Nadine McClurg, part time

Alexander Muench, full time

Rebecca Piechowiak, full time

Michelle Waldo, full time

EAST BETHANY

Sarah Baird, part time

Karen DeFelice, full time

Ian Lawson, part time

EAST PEMBROKE

Lucinda Barber, part time

ELBA

Michael Anauo, full time

Keenan Hughes, part time

Christopher Johnson, part time

Jeana Pfalzer, full time

Danyelle Scarborough, part time

LE ROY

Jennifer Beherns, part time

Joeylyn Berl, part time

Jacob Bortle, part time

Ashley Carney, part time

Jason Coniber, part time

Chad Cummings, part time

Margery Fitzsimmons, part time

Jamie Givens, part time

Bridget Grayson, part time

Anthony Macaluso, full time

Sharlene Majors, full time

Melissa Meadows, full time

Brenda Melton, full time

Caleb Nicodemus, full time

Joel Pitts, part time

Bethany Roth, full time

Katherine Stearns, part time

Jeremy Tiede, part time

Duane Weber, part time

Bradley Wight, part time

Sharon Wynn, full time

OAKFIELD

Kari Adams, full time

Amanda Bachorski, full time

Ariel Bentkowski, full time

Kristen Casper, full time

Julie Mendez, full time

Kendra Moak, full time

Sara Mooney, full time

Nathan Oaksford, part time

Veronica Rebert, full time

Maria Sanders, full time

Olivia Waldron, full time

PAVILION

Matthew Berkemeier, part time

Daniel Case, part time

Marie Hart, part time

Jeannie Kirch, part time

Brian Leach, full time

Emily Mess, full time

Julia Sallade, full time

Deborah Schroeder, full time

Peter Sherman, part time

James Smart, full time

STAFFORD

Amber Carmichael, part time

Jacob Cone, part time

Mark Williams, part time

Genesee Community College offers more than 60 academic programs and certificates, including the brand-new Veterinary Technology A.A.S. degree and Polysomnographic Technology A.A.S. degree, (the study of sleep disorders).

Genesee is accessible through seven campus locations throughout Western New York, as well as through online classes in the Distance Learning Program.

College housing is available at College Village, just a three-minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes and state-of-the-art technology both inside and out of the classroom, Genesee Community College is known for being "high-tech" and "high-touch." Find out more at <http://www.genesee.edu >.

Alleged meth lab in South Byron may be tied to first one found in Alabama 18 months ago

By Howard B. Owens

The arrest today of two South Byron residents for allegedly manufacturing methamphetamine has its roots in a Nov. 12, 2009 meth lab raid in Alabama, according to Sgt. Steve Mullen, head of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force.

"If we're doing our jobs, a search warrant doesn't just end with that search warrant," Mullen said. "It opens doors into other investigations."

In the Alabama case -- the first suspected meth lab found in Genesee County -- Kenneth W. Mosholder and associates, including a woman who lived on Jackson Street, Batavia, were accused of manufacturing meth. Mosholder died while awaiting prosecution, but Mullen said the one-time Texas resident's recipe for making meth apparently spread throughout the county.

A handful of meth lab raids -- though not all of them -- since 2009 were based on threads connected to Mosholder's arrest, Mullen said.

"Once something like that grows in a community, it can take deep roots and take years to get out," Mullen said.

Many task force cases are built on other cases, Mullen said.

"Any single arrest looks like a snippet, but they're really scenes from the same movie," Mullen said.

Arrested in connection with the alleged meth lab in South Byron were Matthew J. Zon, 29, of Byron, and Tricia M. Tundo, 24, of Byron.

Zon and Tundo were apprehended during a traffic stop on Thursday night, but the couple wasn't discovered by accident, Mullen said. They were identified after months of investigation and observation while detectives built a case that would ultimately justify their apprehension.

Following the traffic stop, Zon and Tundo were allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine, meth lab material and drug paraphernalia.

Mullen said it's too soon in the investigation to say for certain whether Zon and Tundo were allegedly producing meth for sale. They have not yet been charged with any drug sales counts.

This morning, a contingent of investigators and crime lab specialists were on scene at 6319 E. Main St., South Byron, to execute a search warrant in an effort to determine whether Zon and Tundo were producing meth at their residence.

During the search, investigators carried out several items that appeared to be chemicals and implements used in the manufacture of meth. Test results on the items have not yet been released.

The search started with State Troopers in chemical-protection suits entering the house and retrieving two pet dogs, one a reportedly aggressive pit bull.

A deputy involved who helped transfer the dogs to the Animal Control vehicle said the dogs had a heavy odor of meth on them.

If Tundo and Zon were manufacturing meth in the house, the smell would permeate the entire residence, "just like burnt popcorn," said an investigator.

The odor of meth manufacturing, depending on the process used, according to sources, smells something like a mixture of burnt plastic and ammonia. 

Investigators were at the South Byron scene for hours, from before 8 a.m. until after 3 p.m. and Mullen was still at the office working on the case after 7 p.m.

And the execution of a search warrant in a drug case, said Mullen, is only a small portion of what goes into an investigation. It can take months to build a case in order to get a warrant, and the investigation doesn't stop with an arrest.

"The research and investigation really takes months," the sargeant said. "Even though we're at the end of a 12- or 13-hour day, the research began months ago."

Zon and Tundo are both charged with unlawful disposal of methamphetamine laboratory material, a felony, and criminal possession of a controlled substance as well as criminally using drug paraphernalia.

The disposal charge is based on evidence gathered during the investigation that Zon and Tundo disposed of waste material along roadways in the area.

Mullen said the production of one ounce of meth produces a significant quanity of waste chemicals. 

One law enforcement official at the scene said that was one of the parts that bugged him the most about a case like this.

He said, potentially, some Boy Scout could be out on a clean-up day and come across some contaminated materials and become gravely ill.

The traffic stop Thursday night was initiated by Deputy Brian Thompson, whose K-9 "Pharaoh" assisted in the search of the vehicle.

Tundo was reportedly driving, though she allegedly did not have a valid NYS driver's license. 

Additional charges may be pending, Mullen said, and the Drug Enforcement Agency, which was involved in the 2009 raid in Alabama, will be consulted.

Besides the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and State Police, assisting at the scene were the South Byron Fire Department, Genesee County Emergency Services, the Health Department,  Animal Control and Mercy EMS.

More pictures after the jump:

Suspected meth lab found in South Byron home

By Howard B. Owens

The Sheriff's Office and State Police were 6319 E. Main St.,  in South Byron this morning to retrieve and dismantle a suspected methamphetamine lab.

In connection with the operation, two people are reportedly in custody. Their names and the nature of the charges have not yet been released.

South Byron Fire Department and Mercy EMS along with Genesee County Emergency Services were also on scene.

UPDATE: Post updated with specific street address, and map corrected.


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Police Beat: Tireless car struck by train, driver arrested

By Howard B. Owens

Shane Wheeler, 31, of Sackett Road, Bergen, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, failure to reduce speed for hazard and moving from lane unsafely. Sheriff's Deputies responded to the area of routes 33 and 19 area following a complaint of a car on the road driving only on tireless rims. Upon arrival, deputies located fresh scrape marks on the roadway and followed the marks. An accident scene was located at the intersection of Lyman and Coward roads in Byron. The scrape marks continued north on Coward and onto the CSX railroad right-of-way. While searching the right-of-way, deputies discovered the vehicle had become stuck and was struck by a passing train. Wheeler was located, uninjured, and deputies determined he was allegedly operating the vehicle while intoxicated. The incident was investigated by deputies Howard Carlson and John Weis.

Grant A. Sundown Jr., 46, of Skye Road, Basom, is charged with felony aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, DWI and aggravated DWI. Sundown was stopped at 8:25 a.m. Thursday on Lewiston Road, Oakfield, by Deputy Bradley Mazur.

Kevin Christopher Heschke, 25, of St. Marks Street, Le Roy, is charged with felony DWI and failure to keep right. Heschke was reportedly observed by a Le Roy Police officer swerving and driving left of the pavement markings on Church Street on Thursday night. Heschke reportedly fled his vehicle and was caught in a nearby backyard. He was jailed on $1,500 bail.

Jessica Marie Poodry, 22, of Bloomingdale Road, Alabama, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, reckless driving, and failure to notify DMV of address change. Poodry is accused of leaving the scene of a personal injury accident at 1:35 a.m. Friday on Gilmore Road, Pembroke. The accident was investigated by Deputy Jason Saile.

Koro Karanja Prince , 18, of Troy Avenue, Brooklyn, is charged with criminal trespass, 2nd. Prince is accused of being in an apartment at College Village after being banned from the property.

Armekco Devanta Austin, 19, of Monica Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, and criminal trespass, 2nd. Austin is accused of being inside a room at College Village after being banned from the property.

Joshua M. Gaudioso, 22, of 3232 Fillmore Ave., Caledonia, is charged with obstructing governmental administration, 2nd, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Le Roy Police assisted Sheriff's deputies in locating Gaudioso who was wanted on a warrant. Gaudioso allegedly struggled with officers when located. Following his arrest, a bag of marijuana and a pipe were allegedly found on him.

Quick action saved house in South Byron in early Sunday morning fire

By Howard B. Owens

UPDATE 6:30 p.m.

An alert neighbor and a quick response from the South Byron Fire Department helped prevent a house fire early Sunday morning from becoming an inferno.

The fire was reported by a neighbor at 3:34 a.m., according to the Sheriff's Office, at the Samuel Ferrara residence, 6307 E. Main St. Road, South Byron.

The caller reported seeing smoke and flames from under the eave of the porch.

"Fast action by neighbors, the homeowner and a quick response by the South Byron Fire Department are credited with limiting the damage to the porch only," said Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble.

The Byron Fire Department also responded.

Chief James McKenzie both departments turned out in force for the early morning alarm.

"I was impressed with the turnout we had," McKenzie said. 

McKenzie said a good portion of the fire was knocked down by the resident and a neighbor by the time the first truck rolled up.

The neighbor had fire extinguishers and the resident had a garden hose.

Because there was extension into the walls, firefighters had to open a couple of walls to get to the fire and ensure it was out.

There were no injuries reported.

The cause was apparently a discarded cigarette.  The fire caused an estimate $30,000 to $40,000 damage.

South Byron and Byron firefighters cleared the scene at 7:03 a.m.

Two Byron men named winners in ACORN photo contest

By Billie Owens

The Association for Conservation of Recreational and Natural Spaces, Inc. -- ACORNS -- announced the winners of its second black and white nature photography contest.

Top honors went to Mark Kulikowski, of Byron, for his photo titled “Butterfly," a close-up of a Monarch butterfly on milkweed blossoms.

“I took the photo while at the park for a family reunion," Kulikowski said. "I go to the park often with my family.”

Second Place went to George Squires, also of Byron, for “Winter in the Park,” a photo capturing the majesty of the park in winter.

Honorable Mention went to Peggy Tirrell, of Avon, for “Through the Trees II” and to Kulikowski for his photo titled “Frog."

The winners were selected by a panel of judges, including Jim Taillie, president of ACORNS.

“We were impressed with the quality of the entries," Taillie said. "The photos truly reveal the beauty and diversity in the Genesee County parks. Our panel of judges had a difficult time choosing the winners.”

The contest encourages visitors to enjoy Genesee County parks. Photographers were required to submit photos that were taken at either the Genesee County Park and Forest in East Bethany or the DeWitt Recreation Area in Batavia.

The winning photos are displayed at the Nature Center in the Genesee County Park and Forest and are available for viewing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday and from noon to 4 p.m. on weekends as staff and volunteers are available.

The Nature Center is located at 11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany. All photos can be also viewed on-line at: http://acorns.shutterfly.com/pictures.

For more information contact Julia Garver at 343-8514 or jagarver@yahoo.com, or go to http://acorns.shutterfly.com/.

ACORNS  is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit volunteer organization formed to support the Genesee County parks by assisting with environmental programs and park maintenance, offering recreational opportunities and promoting the parks. Call 344-1122 for more information.

Byron resident accused of getting numerous forged prescriptions filled at local pharmacies

By Howard B. Owens

A 35-year-old Byron resident is facing 101 charges related to possessing and receiving prescription drugs in four Genesee County jurisdictions.

Sege D. Kalmbacher Sr., was taken into custody by the Local Drug Task Force and arraigned in City of Batavia, Town of Batavia, Le Roy and Pembroke. He was jailed on $50,000 bail.

Kalmbacher was identified as a suspect during an investigation into the theft and use of prescription drug forms. The case began when Le Roy Police received a complaint from a pharmacy in the village of somebody using a forged prescription.

A computer was reportedly used to create the prescriptions.

Task force investigators allege that Kalmbacher was able to successfully fill several prescriptions for narcotics at area pharmacies using the forged forms going back to December.

Kalmbacher was charged as follows:

City of Batavia: Eight counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, for receiving narcotics on nine different occasions; eight counts of possession of a forged instrument, 2nd; eight counts of criminal possession of stolen property, 5th; eight counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument; and criminal possession of stolen property for allegedly submitting nine stolen and forged prescription forms.

Town of Batavia: Nine counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, for allegedly receiving narcotic drugs on nine different occasions in the Town of Batavia; nine counts of possession of a forged instrument, 2nd; nine counts of criminal possession of stolen property, 5th; and nine counts criminal possession of a forged instrument and criminal possession of stolen property for allegedly submitting nine stolen and forged prescription forms.

Village of Le Roy: Three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, for allegedly receiving narcotic drugs on four different occasions in the Village of Le Roy; four counts of possession of a forged instrument, 2nd; four counts of criminal possession of stolen property, 5th; and four counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument and criminal possession of stolen property for allegedly submitting nine stolen and forged prescription forms.

Town of Pembroke: Four counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, for allegedly receiving narcotic drugs on four different occasions occasions occasions in the Town of Pembroke; four counts of possession of a forged instrument, 2nd; four counts of criminal possession of stolen property, 5th; and four counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument and criminal possession of stolen property for allegedly submitting nine stolen and forged prescription forms.

In Pembroke, Kalmbacher was also charged with 27 counts of computer trespass for using a computer he did not have permission to use to create prescription drug forms.

Photos: Byron Fire Department installation dinner

By Howard B. Owens

The Byron Fire Department, incorporated in 1920, installed its new officers and honored its volunteers at a dinner in Byron on Saturday night.

Byron responded to 167 calls in 2010, with 131 of them for EMS, 11 car accidents, one working house fire, one small dump fire, one midsized dump fire, one large dump fire and one gas leak.

Howard Ivison was awarded a 60-year award and Lester Barnard was awarded a 67-year award.

Kevin McKenrick, Steve Lockner and John Durand were awarded their life memberships.

Zack Johnson and Eddie Sharp received the most training hours award.

Judy Yager was awarded a life membership in the Ladies Auxiliary.

Wayne Austin is the new chief. Former chief John Durand becomes 1st assistant chief. David Chup is president and Ken McKenrick Jr., is chairman of the board of directors. Tim McKenrick is president of the exempt officers and Laura Platt is president of the Ladies' Auxiliary.

More pictures after the jump:





 

Police Beat: Albion woman accused of driving on drugs with children in the car

By Howard B. Owens

Lorrie B. Fischer, 32, of 128 W. State St., Albion, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, three counts of aggravated DWI (children in the vehicle), criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, moving from lane unsafely, and improper or unsafe turn. At 5:19 p.m., Sunday, Fischer was reportedly observed driving in an erratic manner by an off-duty Batavia police officer. Fischer was stopped by Officer Chris Davis. There were children ages 11, 12 and 14 in the car.

Robert L. Williams Jr., 20, and Shante R. Williams, 27, and Sarah L. Marcello, 18, all of Batavia, are all charged with harassment, 2nd. Officers Marc Lawrence and Chris Camp investigated an alleged incident at 4:45 p.m., Saturday, in the area of 112 State St., Batavia. Robert Williams accused Marcello of hitting him. Marcello accused Shante Williams and Robert Williams of hitting her. All three were issued appearance tickets for Batavia City Court on March 15.

Tyler Alan Cole, 18, of Alley Road, Darien, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child. Cole is accused of hosting a party where people under 21 were allowed to consume alcohol. The party was investigated at 5:06 a.m., Sunday.

Michael Roberrt Turturro, 32, of Jeffery Drive, Depew, was arrested on a family court warrant and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation and no seat belt. Turturro was stopped by Deputy Chris Parker on Alleghany Road in Alabama.

Billy Joe Budziszewski, 19, of Alleghany Road, Corfu, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd. Budziszewski allegedly threated another person during a phone call.

Shane I. Crosby, 34, of 62989 W. Main St., Byron, is charged with a felony count of DWI, aggravated DWI, speeding and unlicensed operation. Crosby was stopped at 3:45 a.m., Sunday, on West Main Street, Batavia, by officer Kevin DeFelice.

Thomas M. Pillo, of 8991 Alexander Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI, no tail lamps. Pillo was stopped at 11:57 p.m., Friday, by Det. Richard Schauf on School Street, Batavia.

Tiffany J. Howard, 20, of 210 S. Swan St., Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. Howard is accused of unlawfully entering an apartment on West Main Street at 8:42 p.m., Saturday, and punching a person in the face.

Timothy K. Schiffmaker, 20, of 19 Hyde Park, Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass, 2nd, and criminal mischief, 3rd. Schiffmaker is accused of breaking into a house in the city at 6:15 a.m., Saturday, damaging a door in the process. Schiffamker was confronted and held by the resident until police arrived.

Lauren E. Charache, 31, of 3 East Ave., Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd. Charache was issued a citation for unlicensed operation following a traffic accident in the city on Sept. 3. Charache was taken into custody by Trooper Bentley outside of the city and turned over to city police. She was jailed on $500 bail.

Gary R. Sitarski, 48, of Pembroke, is charged with DWI and aggravated DWI. Sitarski was stopped by State Police at 10:07 p.m., Saturday, on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia.

Michelle L. Cramer, 26, of Canton, Ohio, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Cramer is accused of having physical contact with another person. The alleged incident took place in Byron on March 4. Cramer was arrested by State Police. No further details released.

Michael A. Cintron, 47, of Lackawanna, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Cintron was stopped at 11:50 a.m., Friday, by State Police on Route 77, Pembroke.

Grand Jury Report: Woman faces 25 counts for using stolen gift cards

By Billie Owens

The following indictments were issued by the Genesee County Grand Jury:

Deanna Leach is indicted on 25 counts. Of those, 19 are for forgery, 2nd, a class D felony. Five are for petit larceny, a misdemeanor. And one is for falsifying business records, 1st, a class E felony.

She is accused of illegally using gift/debit cards valued at $50 each at a store in the Village of Le Roy on or about Jan. 6, 15, 21, 26 and on about Feb. 7 and 21, all in 2010.

As for the petit larcenies, she is accused of stealing gift/debit cards from the same store on multiple occasions.

Lastly, she is accused of falsifying business records at the same store by not making "a true entry in the business record" that a gift/debit card had been activated.

David W. Wells is indicted on two counts, both class E felonies. He is accused of driving his Chevy Silverado while intoxicated on or about Sept. 17 on Byron Holley Road in the Town of Byron. He is also accused of aggrevated driving while intoxicated, with a BAC of .18. He was convicted of DWI in August in the Town Court of Bergen.

John T. Reagan is indicted on one count of driving while intoxicated, a class E felony. He is accused of driving his Audi while intoxicated on or about Aug. 27 on Sumner Road in the Town of Darien.

James Kosiorek is indicted for assault, 2nd, a class D felony, stemming from an incident on or about Oct. 13 in the Village of Le Roy. He is accused of intending to cause serious physical injury to another person and then causing serious injury to that person by means of a dangerous instrument (which in this case was his sneakers).

Peter S. Brigzna is indicted for driving while intoxicated, a class E felony. He is accused of driving his Ford Tempo on Bank Street Road in the Town of Byron while intoxicated on or about Nov. 12.

Photos: Wednesday afternoon along Caswell and Byron roads

By Howard B. Owens

Yesterday a reader said she was hoping I would take some more pictures of the countryside of Genesee County again soon, and with a nice sky and a little time late yesterday afternoon, what more encouragement did I need?

I started out along Caswell Road near South Byron (the two pictures below) and then headed out to this cemetery (above) along Batavia-Byron Road, which I spied some time ago as a potentially good place for a sunset picture.

Byron-Bergen hosts 'Winterfest'

By Howard B. Owens

Today was "Winterfest" at Byron-Bergen school. It is a fundraiser for the middle school and high school featuring vendors from throughout the region.

Seated above, Kari Pardun, from Brockport, explains her business, Tastefully Simple, to Pavilion residents Cheryll Ferneays, left, and Roberta Graney.

Below, Katrina Wilkins, of Byron, drops by Reggy Pollizi's Tupperware booth.

Teenager suffers head injury in rollover on Rte. 490 west

By Billie Owens

An 18-year-old female has suffered a head injury in a rollover accident on Route 490 in the westbound lanes near the Bergen exit.

Bergen Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding, and possibly Churchville, since this incident is close to the Monroe County line.

UPDATE 8:40 p.m.: Churchville responders and Monroe County Sheriff's deputies are cancelled.

Car into tree, injuries reported on Byron-Holley Road

By Howard B. Owens

A car has hit a tree and injuries are reported in the area of 6481 Byron-Holley Road, Byron.

Byron and South Byron Fire and ambulance dispatched.

UPDATE 9:30 p.m.: Byron chief reports minor injuries.

UPDATE 9:44 p.m.: All units back in service.


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Winter Fest Fundraiser at Byron-Bergen school

By Billie Owens

The BB Winter Fest Fundraiser is set for noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26 at Byron-Bergen Middle/High School in the cafeteria. It is located at 6917 W. Bergen Road in Bergen.

Come shop from vendors such as Pampered Chef, Lia Sohpia Jewelry, Scentsy, Thirty – One Gifts, Mary Kay Makeup, Party Lite Candles, Celebrating Home, Tupperware and Tastefully Simple -- all in one place!

All profits will be donated to the fifth- and sixth-grade class trip going to Boston/NYC. Questions? Email Megan Wahl at mwahl@bbschools.org.

Event Date and Time
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Photo: Snow Dragon

By Howard B. Owens

The residents at 5645 Ebb Road, Byron, found something creative to do with the piles of snow plowed and piled up next to their driveway -- they built a snow dragon.

Growing Gillam-Grant: A chance for the community to reconnect with its community center

By Howard B. Owens

For the past seven months, the staff at Gillam-Grant Community Center on West Bergen Road, Bergen, has been hosting members of the community -- a dozen at a time -- for a tour and information session about the 30-year-old center.

The "Growing Gillam-Grant" programs provide insight into what Gillam-Grant is about through the stories of the seniors, adults and children who have benefited from and contributed to Gillam-Grant.

"We share the stories so people understand what we do," said Peggy Swapceinski, executive director.

It's also a chance for members of the community to provide feedback on programs and services so Gillam-Grant can evolve, Swapceinski said, and continue meeting the community's needs.

Gillam-Grant provides programs that vary from adult education and senior meals, to children's day camps and crafts. The current newsletter also promotes an upcoming theater performance, bus trips and fitness classes.

Growing Gillam-Grant sessions are by invitation, but open to anyone who is interested in learning more about the center. To request an invitation to a future event, call (585) 494-1621.

Photos: Above, Loren Penman explains some of Gillam-Grant's programs, and below, Shirley Wade tells the story of a Gillam-Grant patron.

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