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Farm equipment travels along, sparking grass fires

By Billie Owens

A piece of farm equipment being driven on Quaker Hill Road is reported to be sparking, causing several small brushfires along the roadside as it heads down the roadway. The driver, apparently, is oblivious.

Several calls came in reporting the incident in the vicinity of 6054 Quaker Hill Road. The equipment is still traveling along. Orleans County is being notified.

Elba Fire Department is called to respond.

UPDATE (2:25 p.m.): In the 5000 block of Quaker Hill Road there is reportedly a large brushfire now, heading into the woods.

UPDATE (2:30 p.m.): All Elba manpower and equipment is ordered to Route 19 and the Genesee-Orleans county line to fight the brushfires.

UPDATE (2:52 p.m.): The brushfires were pronounced out a few minutes ago. Fire police are holding traffic until the fire trucks and their equipment can be packed up and leave the scene.

UPDATE (3:06 p.m.): The road is open, the units are back in service, and the volunteers firefighters are en route to the Pizza Pantry in Corfu.

Elba teen bags 10-point buck

By Gretel Kauffman

Early Saturday morning, Alexis Aratari surprised herself by killing her first buck -- and then surprised herself further when she discovered that it was a 10-point deer.

"It was really shocking," she says. "My heart was going about a mile a minute."

The feat, which is impressive for anyone of any age, was even more incredible in Alexis's case due to the fact that she has only been hunting for two years.

"It's really rare to have girl hunters, especially teenagers, get that big of a buck," the 16-year-old explains. "So it was really lucky that my first buck was a 10-pointer. It was beginner's luck."

Alexis, who goes out hunting every day during the season, says that she spotted the buck at around 8:30 Saturday morning. When she shot at it with her bow, it dropped right away. Her father, Mike Aratari, who was in a tree on the other side of the field, had seen the buck earlier and hoped that she would get it.

"We both thought it was just a six- or eight-pointer," Alexis said. "When he heard the shot, he yelled for me to stay up in the tree and he looked at it and told me it was a 10-pointer. I couldn't believe it."

"Now he says he has to try to top it," she laughs. "He's been hunting for 20 years, and he's only gotten two 10-pointers."

Hunting is clearly in Alexis's blood. Along with her father, her uncle and aunt also enjoy the pastime.

"All my family is really proud," she says. "We sent them all pictures, and my uncle in Florida has been telling everyone about it."

So what exactly will become of the massive buck?

"We're sending it to get mounted, and we're going to put it up on the wall next to my dad's 10-pointer," she says with a grin.

Police Beat: Drug charges follow traffic stop in Elba

By Howard B. Owens

Shane M. Bartlett, 21, of Drake Road, Brockport, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs, unlawful possession of marijuana and operating without a front bumper/plate. Bartlett's vehicle was stopped at 5:03 p.m., Thursday, on North Byron Road, Elba, by Deputy Bradley Mazur.

Cory J. Zeiner, 21, of Lake Road South, Brockport, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana, 5th.

Local quilter wins in 24th annual quilt contest in Old Forge

By Billie Owens

Mary Ellen Ames, of Elba, won the "Best Traditional Quilt" award at the 24th annual Northeast Quilts Unlimited competition held at the Arts Center in Old Forge, NY.

Her quilt is entitled "Harvest Song," and along with the others in the competition, it will be on display there until Nov. 11. The quilt display is a favorite yearly event that transforms the gallery into "a pleasant plethora of pattern and patchwork."

Handmade artisan quilts from across the nation are hung gallery style for everyone to see in their full glory. The competition features both traditional and eclectic quilts as well as wall hangings

For more information, click here.

Three people injured in four-car accident at Daws Corners

By Howard B. Owens

Three people were injured in a four-car accident at Daws Corners -- Route 98 and Batavia-Elba Townline Road -- this afternoon.

A westbound car reportedly pulled out from Batavia-Elba Townline Road and was struck by a car traveling southbound on Route 98. Each of those cars then hit two others at the intersection.

Joseph N. Mattison, 20, of Merriman Road, Byron, was cited for alleged failure to yield. Mattison, who was driving a 1994 Chevy sedan, was among the three people injured and transported to UMMC by ambulance.

Also injured were Bob K. Rathman, 39, of Heritage Estates, Albion, and Chrystal Bush, 17, who was a passenger in a car driven by Suanne Quackenbush, 49, of Gillett Road, Byron.

Quackenbush was not injured.

The fourth vehicle was driven by Benny S. Giambrone, 84, of Farnsworth Road, Oakfield.

The accident was investigated by Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello.

(Initial Report)

Four cars in accident at Daws Corners

By Billie Owens

A four-vehicle accident, with one of them possibly on fire, is reported on Batavia-Elba Townline Road at the intersection of Route 98 (Daws Corners).

Two people are reportedly injured, one of them a woman who is seven-months pregnant.

Elba fire is responding along with Mercy EMS.

The accident is blocking the roadway.

UPDATE (5:30 p.m.): Two women with minor injuries were taken to UMMC, including the pregnant female.

CLARIFICATION (6:10 p.m.): From reader Shannon Laurer: "Actually they took the pregnant female and two males to the hospital! She was a passenger in one vehicle, her mother the driver accompanied her and each of the two males was a driver in the other vehicles involved, the third male driver involved did not need medical assistance."

Thanks, Shannon. Most helpful!

Elba Class of 2012 to hold pulled pork dinner

By Gretel Kauffman

Come enjoy a delicious pulled pork dinner on Thursday, October 14 at Elba Central School. The school is located at 57 S. Main St. in Elba.

The dinner will be held in the school cafeteria from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The meal, which consists of a pulled pork sandwich, salt potatoes, cole slaw, and a cookie, can either be taken out or eaten in the cafeteria.

Tickets are $9 and can be purchased pre-sale through Kelly Carlie at 585-757-9967, ext. 1602, or at the door. The dinner is to benefit the junior class of 2012.

Police Beat: Driver charged with DWI following accident in Elba

By Howard B. Owens

Austin W. Smith, 24, of Batavia, is charged with DWI and aggravated DWI. Smith was reportedly involved in an accident at 8:24 p.m., Saturday, on Route 262, Town of Elba. The accident was investigated by State Police. (initial report)

Steven M. Keaton, 38, of 50 Gilbert St., Le Roy, is charged with three counts of criminal contempt, 2nd. Keaton is accused of violating an order of protection by being with the protected person on three different occasions.

Cassandra Kay Dembik, 18, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with unlawfully dealing with a child. Dembik is accused of hosting an underage drinking party.

Lawrence Joseph Owczarczak, 55, of West Point Drive, East Amherst, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Owczarczak is accused of grabbing a young man by the arm on Friday evening.

David N. Taplin, 33, of 16 Skyline Circle, Brockport, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Taplin reportedly turned himself in at Batavia Police headquarters in regard to a bench warrant.

Jerry T. Saddler Jr., of 112 State St., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Saddler is accused of violating an order of protection by allegedly contacting a woman he was barred from contacting.

Gregory Seppe, 52, with no permanent address, is charged with criminal trespass, 2nd. Seppe is accused of entering a dwelling on Columbia Avenue without permission. Seppe was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Nicholas A. Antonucci, 23, of 4192 Broadway Road, Alexander, is charged with disorderly conduct and unlawful possession of marijuana. Antonucci is accused of repeatedly shouting obscenities at 10:45 p.m., Friday, while in a parking lot at 214 E. Main St., Batavia.

Jodi L. Reed, 38, of 7428 Pearl St. Road, Oakfield, is charged with possession of a forged instrucment, 2nd, and petit larceny. Reed is accused of passing a forged check at a local bank on Aug. 3.

Lancers' defense contains Notre Dame's ground game in 19-7 victory

By Howard B. Owens

Elba/Byron-Bergen's strong defensive line was able to bottle up the middle of the field against Fighting Irish on Saturday, containing Notre Dame's powerful running game and limiting the home team to 190 total yards.

Notre Dame's only score came at the end of the first half, when the Lancers botched a field goal attempt and senior Mike Pratt scooped up the loose ball and raced 75 yards for the touchdown.

The Lancers moved to 3-2 with the 19-7 win. The Irish are now also 3-2.

Dylan Bordonaro continued to set the pace for the Lancers, rushing for 162 yards on 25 carries and being a force on defense.

Bordonaro scored for the Lancers on runs of 16 and 27 yards. Elba/BB's other touchdown came on a six-yard pass from Eric Kowalik to Cameron Fonda.

Nate Jonathan had seven tackles for the lancers, plus two sacks and a forced fumble. Brandon Shuknecht notched 12 tackles and made a fumble recovery.

In other Genesee County football action Friday and Saturday:

  • Batavia traveled to Bath where the Blue Devils (1-4) lost 29-12. Ryan Pyatt carried the ball 13 times for 120 yards and Aaron Gugel completed 11 of 25 for 117 yards. Justin Washington scored on a 12-yard pass and Gugel scored on a one-yard run.
  • Pembroke (4-1) beat Oakfield-Alabama (0-5), 33-6 (coverage).
  • Attica (4-1) shut out Alexander (0-5), 38-0.
  • Le Roy (3-2) dropped Warsaw 48-0. Tommy McQuillen rushed for 172 yards and three touchdowns.

With Holley's win over Baker, three teams in the Genesee Region, including Pembroke and Attica, now have identical 4-1 records.

This coming Friday and Saturday's games:  Batavia will be at home at 7 p.m., Friday, for seniors night against Bishop Kearney; Cal-Mum brings a 4-1 record into Le Roy at 7 p.m., Friday, for what is traditionally an exciting game against two big rivals; also on Friday at 7 is Notre Dame at Pembroke and Holley at Alexander. On Saturday, Oakfield-Alabama is at Elba/Byron-Bergen.

More pictures from Elba/BB vs. ND after the jump:

Big barn wingding - fiddle contest, square dancin' in Elba Oct. 16

By Billie Owens

The Historical Society of Elba will host a fun night of music and square dancing beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16.

There will be a barn dance, literally, fiddle competition and square dancing.

The fundraiser will be held at the Torrey's new barn on Route 98, halfway between Daws Corners and the Village of Elba, on the east side of the road. Watch for them road signs. (The barn is Amish-built, red roof, white sides. There's a windmill, too.)

The Elba High School Jazz Band will play at 6, followed by the fiddlers, then the dancing, accompanied by Kelly's Oldtimers Band.

Refreshments will be available. Don't miss this wingding! Call Ron Komar at 757-2590 to sign up for FIDDLE contest or to get more information.

"...Rosin up yer bow and play yer fiddle hard!" -- Charlie Daniels Band ("The Devil Went Down to Georgia")

Bands, fiddle competition, square dancin' in Elba

By Billie Owens

The Historical Society of Elba will host a fun night of music and square dancing beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16.

There will be a barn dance, fiddle competition and square dancing. The fundraiser will be held at the Torrey's new barn on Route 98, halfway between Daws Corners and the Village of Elba, on the east side of the road. Watch for signs. (The barn is Amish-built, red roof, white sides. There's a windmill, too.)

The Elba High School Jazz Band will play at 6, followed by the fiddlers, then the dancing, accompanied by Kelly's Oldtimers Band.

Event Date and Time
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Elba Historical Society hosts Roast Beef Dinner

By Billie Owens

The Historical Society of Elba will be serving its slow-cooked Roast Beef Dinner on Thursday, Oct. 7 at the Elba Fireman's Recreation Hall.

That's on Route 98, corner of Route 262 in Elba.

The dinner will also include real mashed potatoes, homegrown winter squash, cabbage salad, pickled beets, assorted desserts, coffee, tea or milk.

Takeouts at start at 4:30 p.m., serving begins at 5 until gone. Adults $8.50, 12 and under $4.50. Children 4 and under FREE. If you wish, coffee and dessert only may be purchased for $3.

You may reserve tickets at the door by calling June Chamberlain at 757-2791.

Dinner numbers are given as you arrive -- no standing. Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee, and beginning at 5, browse the Chinese Auction items.

You may participate in the Chinese Auction without purchasing a dinner. Items will be given at 6 p.m.

Auction items include fresh local produce, baskets of canned and boxed food products, paintings, things for kids, gift certificates and much more.

Alexander 3 Elba 1

By Chad Flint

 Alexander moved to 6-0 in the league and 7-0-1 overall Friday with a 3-1 win over Elba.  Goals were scored in the final 10 minutes of the 1st half by Julia Pettys (assisted by Megan Schmieder and Abby Shilvock) and Abby Shilvock (assisted by Schmieder).  In the 2nd half Schmieder converted a pass from Shilvock 4 minutes in give Alexander a 3-0 lead.  Elba would break up the shutout in the final minutes to win 3-1.  Hannah Wilson had 6 saves in the win.

Alexander plays Wheatland-Chili at 4:30 at home Tuesday.  Wheatland is 5-0-1 in the league and Alexander is 6-0.

Genesee ARC 5K draws a crowd of participants

By Howard B. Owens

Michael Richenberg, 20, from Elba, won the Genesee ARC 5K in Elba on Saturday. His 18:44 time beat Batavia High basketball player Collin Mulcahy, 16, by 12 seconds.

The other top 10 finishers were:

Kimberly Mills, 19, Basom, 19:08
Kevin Lavare, 30, New York, 19:14
Judy Arlington, 44, Lockport, 20:38
Chad Minuto, 34, Batavia, 21:04
Justin Carlson, 13, Le Roy, 21:07
Tom Moran, 57, Batavia, 21:17
Michael Skowronski, 13, Lewiston, 21:21
Patrick Miller, 45, Spencerport, 21:32

The top two women walkers were Kayla Russo, 16, of Williamsville, at 27:06 and Laura Felice, 74, of Jamestown at 40:37.

The top two men walkers were Paul Spiotta, 52, at 42:17 and Clarice Parrag-Graney, 68, at 44:07.

For complete results, click here.

Lancers let a chance at victory slip through their fingers

By Howard B. Owens

Fumbles proved costly for the Lancers on Saturday, as more than one drive was snuffed by a lost ball.

The final score: Elba/Byron-Bergen 12 - Holley 24.

The Lancers held Holley's powerful offense scoreless in the first half, but blew a chance to take a lead in the second quarter on a fumble deep in Holley territory.

And that's pretty much how it would go the next couple of times Elba/BB took possession of the ball.

Holley finally broke the deadlock in the third quarter on a Chad Barhydt four-yard run. On the next drive, Holley made it 16-0 (with two-point conversions) on a two-yard run by Cadizsh Norford.

A 25-yard run by Spencer Greean would seal the deal for Holley, despite two touchdown passes from Eric Kowalik in the fourth quarter.

Kowalik hit Matt Ramsey on a 22-yard strike, and Ramsey also took a pass from Kowalik 65 yards for a score.

On both scores, Elba/BB failed on two-point conversion attempts.

For Elba/BB, Kowalik completed 10 of 12 passes for 178 yards and he rushed for 43 yards. Ramsey had five catches for 141 yards.

The Lancers are now 2-2 and Holley is 3-1.

In other Genesee County football action on Friday, Oakfield-Alabama (0-4) fell to Barker (2-2), 28-7; Attica (3-1) dropped Pembroke (3-1), 38-12; Notre Dame (3-1) beat Alexander (0-4), 33-12; and Batavia (1-3) won over Penfield (0-4), 20-14.

In the Genesee Region division, four teams now have 3-1 records: Holley, Attica, Pembroke and Notre Dame.

Also, interesting story from the D&C about how players in Section V are getting bigger.

More pictures from the Elba/BB game after the jump:

Elba Democrats Select a Candidate for Highway Superintendent

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

Monday night, Democrats in Elba held a caucus and selected a Mark Yungfleisch to run for the office being vacated by current Highway Superintendent Allan Totten. Yungfleisch is a long time Elba resident who has worked for the Highway Department in Elba previously. He is a former Elba Fire Department Assistant Chief and is currently employed at Reisdorf Oil.

Yungfleisch cited experience as his primary motivation for seeking the office. ‘I have a Class A license, I’m very familiar with the equipment and I understand the maintenance, scheduling and budgetary needs of the department,’ he said after the caucus.

Lancers dominate Alexander in 35-0 victory

By Howard B. Owens

Dylan Bordinaro was all over the field Saturday, making tackles, picking off passes and rushing for 85 yards.

The senior linebacker/running back scored two touchdowns and was a big part of Elba/Byron-Bergen's 35-0 victory over Alexander.

“This off-season, right at the end of the school year, he asked, 'What do I need to do to get better?'" said Head Coach Michael Cintorino. "We said, 'You’ve got the ability, you’ve just got to go hard every single play.'"

That's exactly what Bordinaro has done so far this season.

"He never wants to come out of the game," Cintorino said. "And it doesn’t matter if it’s practice, doesn’t matter if it's warm ups, doesn’t matter if it's agilities, doesn’t matter if it’s game day – he’s got one speed and that’s all he goes."

On the Trojan's side of the ball, injuries are making it a tough early fall in Alexander. After seeing at least two more players go down Saturday, Head Coach Dave Radley said it may be time to drop the JV program and bring those players into varsity to fill roster spots.

"It's back to the drawing board," Radley said.

For the Lancers (2-0), Eric Kowalik passed for 109 yards and completed five of 12 passes. Brandon Shucknecthad seven tackles and one sack.

Lucas Phillips ran for 57 yards  on 19 carries for Alexander (0-2).

Scores:

E-Dylan Bordinaro 42-yard interception
E-Bordinaro 29-yard run
E-Bordinaro 45-yard interception
E-Matt Ramsey 86-yard pass from Eric Kowalik
E-Bordinaro 9-yard run

Photos: Top, Elba/BB QB Eric Kowalik is leg tackled by Quinn Jared. Below, Matt Ramsey making the reception for his 86-yard TD catch.

More pictures after the jump:

Elba in the 1940s is topic of presentation

By Billie Owens

The 1940s is the topic of a presentation Sept. 16 by Helen Batchellor, of Stafford, including stories related to Elba.

She is a native of Elba and will bring items from that era to view. According to the host, the Elba Historical Society, her programs are always entertaining.

It will be at the Historical Society of Elba's Museum on Maple Avenue.

Refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m. and the presentation is at 7. Everyone is welcome to attend.

A meeting of the historical society will follow the program. It is important that all members
try to attend as nominations for all offices will be taken and a board member will be
selected.

If you wish to nominate a member for an office this will be the meeting to do it. Voting will take place at the Oct. 14th meeting.

Police Beat: Bergen man accused of possessing stolen dirt bike

By Howard B. Owens

James C. Oehler, 18, of Route 19, Bergen, is accused of possession of stolen property, 5th. At 9:16 p.m., Sunday, Oehler was allegedly found in possession of a dirt bike that was reported stolen from a residence in the Village of Bergen on July 25.

James Anthony Marchegiano, 22, of Westside Drive, Chili, is charged with a DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle. Marchegiano was stopped at 11:36 p.m., Friday, on Sumner Road by Deputy Chad Minuto. Marchegiano was allegedly observed driving his car in an erratic manner in the parking lot following the Rascal Flatts concert at Darien Lake.

Grant Arnold Sundown, 46, of Skye Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with criminal mischief. Sundown allegedly punched another person in the head. When that person attempted to call 9-1-1, Sundown allegedly ripped the phone line from the wall while the caller was on the phone with Genesee County Emergency Dispatch.

Steven James Scott, 19, of Ford Road, Elba, is charged with trespass and unlawful possession of alcohol by a person under 21. Scott was allegedly on the property of College Village at 12:52 a.m., Friday, without permission.

Narciso Gullen, 36, of Route 98, Elba, is charged with possession of a forged instrument, 2nd. Gullen allegedly tried to use a forged federally issued residency card. He was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Richard Anthony Orlando, 31, of Cable Street, Buffalo, is charged with criminal mischief and unlawful possession of marijuana. At 12:30 a.m., Sunday, deputies responded to a report of a verbal domestic incident at a campsite in Alexander. Orlando allegedly smashed a television set and a fan and turned over a refrigerator. Orlando was jailed on $150 bail.

Joseph Aaron Monkelbaan, 38, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with trespass. Monkelbaan is accused of going onto a neighbor's property at 7:21 p.m., Friday, without permission and causing a disturbance.

Kevin A. Hutzler, 21, of Darien, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to keep right. Hutzler was stopped by State Police at 8:41 p.m., Thursday, on Colby Road.

Anthony R. Cogdill, 40, of Darien, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Cogdill was stopped by State Police at 9:23 p.m., Thursday, Harper Road, Alexander.

Richard J. Rookey, 77, of Batavia, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI and moving from lane unsafely. Rookey was stopped by State Police 8:14 p.m., Wednesday, on Clinton Street and East Avenue.

James V. Wells, 25, of Batavia, is charged with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct/obscene gestures. Wells was arrested by State Police at 12:24 a.m., Wednesday at College Village. No further details were released.

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