I read this and then got out my hanky. What with all the gum disease and the pitiful condition of this poor pooch...what a crying shame.

Nook is Pet of the Week because this one kept on keepin' on and was rescued.

Here's what Nook had to say:

"I had no name. At least none that I could recall. All I know is that the Animal Control Officer came to get me. I was running around a neighborhood but I had no home. I had seen better days. I was around 13-years-old, matted and I stunk.

The Animal Control Officer had to open all the windows in her truck while she drove me to the vet's office. When we got into an examination room, they had to open the windows and turn on the exhaust fan.

They talked awhile about me. The word "euthanasia" -- whatever that is -- was mentioned a couple times. Next thing I knew, I was on my way to the Genesee County Animal Shelter. I stayed there awhile. They hoped someone would come to claim me, but no luck. I can't understand why.

Then some humans "took pity on me," whatever that means. They took me to their home. There were lots of other animals so I had plenty of new friends.

But I had some dental issues. I had teeth growing in all directions and most of them wiggled when you touched them. My new humans took me back to the vet. When I woke up I had no teeth. None! That and a few gallons of antibiotics took care of my "aroma."

Things have been dandy ever since. They tell me I'm like a new dog. They call me 'Nook.' They say they're lucky to have me, but I know who the real lucky one is. It's me -- Nook!"

A woman who allegedly crashed the U.S. border crossing from Canada, somehow managed to elude law enforcement until a Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy spotted her 2000 Hyundai westbound on Route 5 in the Town of Le Roy this morning.

When Deputy J.L. Baiocco attempted to stop the car at 7:45 a.m., the driver reportedly sped away, which began a pursuit with speeds exceeding 100 mph.

It's unknown if Baiocco was initially attempting to stop the car for an alleged traffic violation, or if the Sheriff's Office had been supplied with a description of the suspect vehicle.

When City Police learned of the pursuit, Lt. Eugene Jankowski attempted to lay a spike strip on East Main Street at Summit and Liberty, but was unable to get the device down in time. The car got to the city too quickly, Jankowski told us this morning.

"It was going so fast that it was kicking up a cloud of salt dust," Jankowski said. "There was zero visibility behind it."

In Batavia, the driver reportedly made a right turn on Route 98 and headed north. City police broke off its part of the pursuit at the city limit. State police joined the pursuit at that point and Orleans County Sheriff's deputies took lead in the pursuit when the Hyundai passed into Orleans.

According to a Genesee County Sheriff's Office release distributed this afternoon, after passing through the Village of Albion, the woman lost control of her car on westbound Route 18 and crashed, allowing Orleans law enforcement to apprehend her.

Taken into custody, and transported to Strong Memorial Hospital for minor injuries, was Crystal Pinnock, 23, of Ontario, Canada.

It's unclear how Pinnock managed to elude the Border Patrol after allegedly entering the United States.

The Sheriff's Office said charges are pending in every jurisdiction that the car reportedly passed through and the investigation is ongoing.

Santa's helpers were at the YMCA this afternoon to help Don Carroll and Santa get ready to distribute gifts tomorrow to local children.  Carroll said more than $6,000 in toys will be distributed and that he had enough candy for every child in Batavia.

A car and snowmobile have collided at 7958 Townline Road, Bergen.

The dispatcher initially indicated to Mercy EMS that the injuries did not appear to be serious.

The dispatcher also indicates that that they've lost contact with the 911 caller, "who was trying to take off with the female."

UPDATE 12:12 p.m.: A 7-year-old has suffered minor facial injuries.

UPDATE 12:16 p.m.: Townline Road at Route 19 is being closed.

UPDATE: 12:59 p.m.: The road was reopened to traffic at 12:33 p.m.

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A small, dark-colored car raced down Main Street at more than 100 mph this morning a little before 8, but little information is available yet about the nature of the chase.

The vehicle was being pursued by a Sheriff's deputy, but the Sheriff's Office has little information to release at this time.

Sheriff Gary Maha answered an e-mail and said, "This is a female from Canada and she may have crashed the border early this morning. Still under investigation."

Lt. Eugene Jankowski said when he heard about the pursuit -- which may have started in the Town of Le Roy, just east of Stafford, at about 7:45 a.m. --  he tried to get spikes down on East Main Street at Summit and Liberty. But the car was past his location before he could get positioned.

"I couldn't get the strip out in time," Jankowski said. "It was going so fast that it was kicking up a cloud of salt dust. There was zero visibility behind it."

The car zoomed through downtown at least 100 mph, Jankowski said and turned right onto Route 98. City police participated in the pursuit up to the city limits.

A reader wrote in this morning:

It looked like a dark Neon going from Stafford into Batavia followed by a Genesee County Sheriff's vehicle just before 8 a.m. A Sheriff's S.U.V. was parked on the side of East Main Street waiting (it turned around and gave chase). The car was traveling around 80+ mph. Several other police vehicles gave chase from the Tim Horton (restaurant) area.

Jankowski estimated that it took the car less than 15 minutes to get from Le Roy to Albion.

There is no word yet on what happened to the car and driver from that point.

Jankowski said the police are conferring with the District Attorneys office on what, if any, charges to file against the driver. One consideration, Jankwoski said, is that the driver is going to face multiple charges in other jurisdictions and what and where to charge the driver will be a matter of efficiency.

UPDATE: A reader writes;

According to my scanner, Orleans County was unable to set spikes as well. She  made it to 104 where she flipped it.  She was in custody and will be facing  numerous charges, including failure to obey traffic signals, speeding, etc.  The various departments involved were Genesee County Sheriff, Orleans County Sheriff and Albion PD.

The following is the third video in the "Countdown to Christmas" video series. The final videos will be posted on Christmas day.

What does Christmas mean to you? Tell us in the comment section below.

The 10-day forecast on weather.com says there's a 50-percent chance of snow on Christmas Day, but in the meantime, it's just going to be cold.

There's a 40-percent chance of snow on Tuesday, but otherwise, temperatures will range from 18 to 28 degrees, though we will see some sun.

Christmas Day will warm to 35, according to the current prediction, with snow expected both Christmas Day and Boxing Day. No word yet on how much snow to expect.

The Batavia Area Jaycees announced the winners of their annual Holiday Lights Contest. Above is the overall winner, 3 South Main St., Batavia.

Most traditional, 10 Highland St., Batavia

Simple & Elegant, 120 Elm St., Batavia

Most Colorful, 206 N. Spruce St., Batavia

Friends of the Lighting Company, 133 Union Ave., Batavia

Most Commercial, 3927 W. Main St. Road., Batavia

Steve Ognibene sent over a few pictures from Thursday night's Christmas dinner for the Knights of Columbus.

More pictures after the jump:

Deputy Ronald E. Meides, right, with Sheriff Gary Maha, was named the Genesee County Sheriff's Office 2009 Officer of the Year today during a luncheon at the department's Park Road facility.

The Distinguished Service Award went to Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Gary D. Diegelman. Pictured left to right below: Steven Sharp announcing the award, Director of Emergency Communications while Undersheriff Bill Sheron, honoree Diegelman, Sheriff Maha and Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble.

More pictures and the complete list of award winners after the jump:

Emergency Services Dispatcher Beth Hynes-Fisher

Emergency Services Dispatcher Larry Buck

Deputy Brian Thompson

Information Technology Systems Specialist R. William (Bill) Oliver

Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble presents awards to, left to right: Deputy Patrick Reeves, Sgt. Gregory Walker, Deputy Chris Parker and Deputy Bard Mazur, seated with his son.    

Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello

Sgt. Brian M. Frieday

Deputy James Diehl

Deputy Jason Saile

Full press release on the awards from the Sheriff's Office:

Sheriff Gary T. Maha Announces Departmental Awards Presented to Members of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for Exceptional Service During 2009.

Officer of the Year – Deputy Ronald E. Meides

Deputy Ronald E. Meides has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since March 28, 1991.  During 2009, Deputy Meides has distinguished himself in the performance of service to the citizens of Genesee County and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. His professional skills and devotion to duty has been unwavering over his eighteen year career.  Deputy Meides has demonstrated exceptional competency, organization and leadership.  He often volunteers for additional responsibilities while remaining one of the statistically busiest deputies.  Deputy Meides performs his duties with dedication, motivation and professionalism and has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Distinguished Service Award – Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Gary D. Diegelman

Gary D. Diegelman is a Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office since September 1, 1980.  Sr. Dispatcher Diegelman’s professionalism to the citizens of Genesee County coupled with his experience and knowledge of emergency dispatch operations has been a source of pride for the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.  He continues to go above and beyond the call of duty for the citizens of Genesee County and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.  Sr. Dispatcher Diegelman has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Meritorious Service Awards

Undersheriff William A. Sheron, Jr.

Undersheriff William A. Sheron, Jr. has been with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since June 4, 1977.  Undersheriff Sheron’s leadership, dedication and commitment continue to enhance the services of the Sheriff’s Office.  His efforts and assistance with computerization of the Sheriff’s Office has led to great technological strides for this Office.  Undersheriff Sheron performs his duties with motivation dedication and professionalism and has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Brian A. Thompson

Deputy Sheriff Brian A. Thompson has been employed by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since November 1, 1991.  Deputy Thompson’s self-initiated activity consistently goes beyond the obvious, often resulting in the detection of crimes that would otherwise go unnoticed.  Deputy Thompson manages to be both tenacious and compassionate at the same time in his everyday dealings with the public.  Deputy Thompson has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Sergeant Steven C. Mullen

Sergeant Steven C. Mullen has been employed by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since August 19, 1991.  Sergeant Mullen continually displays leadership, professionalism and dedication as Sergeant in the Criminal Investigation Division.  Sergeant Mullen supervises the daily operations of the Local Law Enforcement Drug Task Force where criminal investigations and arrests are at an all-time high.  Sergeant Mullen is always available and continually goes above and beyond to meet the mission of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.  Sergeant Mullen has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Emergency Services Dispatcher Larry J. Buck

Emergency Services Dispatcher Larry J. Buck has been employed by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since August 24, 1996.  During 2009, Dispatcher Buck was appointed to the position of Communications Training Officer.  Not only was Dispatcher Buck a tremendous help during multiple bank robberies in progress this year, he also assisted with training of three new Emergency Services Dispatchers.  Dispatcher Buck demonstrates great teamwork in the Dispatch Center and has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Emergency Services Dispatcher Barbara J. Eddy

Emergency Services Dispatcher Barbara J. Eddy has been employed by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since March 2, 1981.  During 2009, Dispatcher Eddy has often times assumed the position of Officer-In-Charge of the Dispatch Center and has performed this function with great competence and efficiency.  Dispatcher Eddy was also a tremendous help during multiple bank robberies in progress this year and coordinated the capture of three larceny suspects when acting as Officer-In-Charge.  Dispatcher Eddy demonstrates great teamwork and leadership in the Dispatch Center and has brought great credit upon herself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Emergency Services Dispatcher Beth A. Hynes-Fisher

Emergency Services Dispatcher Beth A. Hynes-Fisher has been employed by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since February 16, 2002.  During 2009, Dispatcher Hynes-Fisher was appointed to the position of Communications Training Officer.  She was instrumental in the training of three new Emergency Services Dispatchers and performs her duties with motivation, dedication and professionalism.  Dispatcher Hynes-Fisher demonstrates great teamwork in the Dispatch Center and has brought great credit upon herself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Information Technology Systems Specialist II R. William (Bill) Oliver

IT Systems Specialist Bill Oliver has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since June 26, 2006.  During 2009, IT Systems Specialist Oliver worked diligently with the LeRoy Village Police Department, LeRoy Volunteer Fire Department and the LeRoy Ambulance Service to facilitate the consolidation of dispatch services and records management with great success.  Over the past three years IT Systems Specialist Oliver has implemented a completed system changeover, automatic vehicle location upgrades and two consolidated projects.  Bill demonstrates great teamwork and has brought credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Genesee Justice Counselor Roseanne M. Smart

Genesee Justice Counselor Roseanne M. Smart has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Genesee Justice Program, since June 5, 2006.  Roseanne plays an important role in a number of Genesee Justice programs, including the DWI Conditional Discharge Program, Community Service and Victim Services, and therefore she carries a very large caseload.  Despite the number of clients she has, Roseanne always gives each case her full attention and treats each individual with compassion and respect.  Roseanne goes above and beyond to ensure that each and every one of her clients issues are addressed.  Roseanne performs her duties with dedication, motivation and professionalism and has brought great credit upon herself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Commendation Awards

Sergeant Brian M. Frieday

Sergeant Brian M. Frieday has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since May 13, 1996.  Sergeant Frieday is the Officer-In-Charge of the night shift and on October 12, 2009 at approximately 12:47 AM, he was patrolling along on Route 77 in the Town of Pembroke when he observed a garage on fire.  Sergeant Frieday reported the fire to the Dispatch Center and then went to the house where he notified the elderly owners and escorted them out of the house to safety.  Sergeant Frieday kept them safe until members of their family arrived.  Sergeant Frieday’s alertness and quick action limited the fire to the garage and ensured the safety of the elderly couple.  Sergeant Frieday has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Sergeant Steven C. Mullen

Sergeant Steven C. Mullen has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since August 19, 1991.  Throughout this past year, Sergeant Mullen developed information with regard to sales and production of methamphetamine within Genesee County.  During his investigation, multiple undercover methamphetamine purchases were made and sufficient information was developed for the issuance of search warrants for residences in the Town of Alabama, City of Batavia and Village of LeRoy.  Three methamphetamine labs were located and dismantled and those responsible were arrested.  Sergeant Mullen has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Sergeant James M. Meier

Sergeant James M. Meier has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since October 4, 1986.  Sergeant Meier, along with Deputy Jason Saile were instrumental in the apprehension of one of the Elba Bank robbery suspects on June 18, 2009.  One of the suspects had hidden himself in some very thick brush and Sergeant Meier and Deputy Saile went into the brush and took him into custody.  It had been reported that this suspect was armed.  Sergeant Meier has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello

Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since February 29, 1992.  Sergeant Sanfratello was instrumental in the consolidation of dispatch services with the City of Batavia and Village of LeRoy police departments.  Sergeant Sanfratello was a key contributor in the migration process of these police agencies to the New World software by providing them with hands on instructions and technical support.  Sergeant Sanfratello performs his duties with dedication, motivation and professionalism and brings great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigator Ronald G. Welker

Investigator Ronald (Pete) Welker has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since May 11, 1994.  During this past year, Investigator Welker developed information with regard to methamphetamine sales and production within Genesee County.  During the course of his investigation, multiple purchases of methamphetamine were made and sufficient information was developed for the issuance of search warrants.  Search warrants were executed at residences in the Town of Alabama, City of Batavia and Village of LeRoy, which resulted in the discovery of active methamphetamine labs.  These methamphetamine labs were dismantled and those responsible arrested.  Investigator Welker has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigator Kristopher A. Kautz

Investigator Kautz has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since February 4, 1988.  On February 16, 2009, Investigator Kautz was assigned to assist in the investigation of a man who had been found walking on North Lake Road in the Town of Pembroke.  This man was wearing bloody coveralls and sneakers.  Investigator Kautz conducted a thorough investigation, interviewing the man, collecting critical evidence and following-up with additional interviews. Investigator Kautz’s attention to detail and adherence to proper police procedures subsequently resulted in the location of a homicide victim and the placement of murder charges against the man.  Investigator Kautz has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy James M. Diehl

Deputy James M. Diehl has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since March 17, 2008.  On February 16. 2009 Deputy Diehl was working the afternoon shift and at approximately 8:41 PM he was assigned a call of a suspicious person in the vicinity of North Lake road and Route 5 in the Town of Pembroke.  Deputy Diehl located a man walking along North Lake Road in the bitter cold, wearing bloodstained coveralls and sneakers and carrying a vehicle jack.  Although the man stated that the blood was deer blood, Deputy Diehl followed proper police procedures and placed the man in his patrol car.  Deputy Diehl’s adherence to proper procedures and excellent follow through with interviewing the individual, led to the discovery of a homicide and subsequent murder charges against the man.  Deputy Diehl has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Sheriff Patrick J. Reeves

Deputy Sheriff Patrick J. Reeves has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since February 17, 1996.  On February 16, 2009, Deputy Reeves was Officer-In-Charge of the afternoon shift.  At approximately 8:41 PM, a suspicious person call was received in reference to a man in the vicinity of North Lake Road and Route 5 in the Town of Pembroke.  Responding to assist Deputy Diehl, who had located a man covered with blood walking on North Lake Road, Deputy Reeves recognized the man and interviewed him.  Deputy Reeves’ careful interviewing and adherence to proper police procedures were crucial in the investigation that subsequently let to murder charges against the man.  Deputy Reeves has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Jason E. Saile

Deputy Jason E. Saile has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since July 18, 2005.  Deputy Jason Saile was instrumental in the apprehension of one of the Elba bank robbers on June 18, 2009.  When one of the suspects was located in very thick brush, Deputy Saile, along with Sergeant James Meier went into the brush and took the suspect into custody.  It had been reported that this suspect was armed.  Deputy Saile has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy John R. Duyssen

Deputy John R. Duyssen has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since April 19, 1993.  During April 2009, Deputy Duyssen handled a complaint from an elderly man who had been transferred to the New York State Veterans Home.  This elderly man had lost some of his valuable personal property consisting of purple hearts, bronze stars, silver stars, letters from United States Presidents and personal photos and books.  This gentleman had accumulated these items while serving in the United States military.  Deputy Duyssen recognized the importance of these items to this man, who gave of himself fighting for his Country, and therefore worked diligently, going above and beyond, to recover most of the items, which were eventually returned to the man.

Deputy Duyssen has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Correction Officer Peter M. Hoy

Correction Officer Peter M. Hoy has been a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office since June 29, 1998.  Correction Officer Hoy has been instrumental in ensuring that the Genesee County Jail has an outstanding record for taking and reporting inmate DNA samples, as required by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.  Officer Hoy consistently does an efficient and thorough job regarding the inmate DNA samples.  When it is necessary to obtain a DNA sample from an inmate, Jail supervisors know that Officer Hoy will get it done on a timely basis and it will be done correctly.  Correction Officer Hoy has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office

Longevity Awards 

Investigator Roger M. Stone, 35 years

Correction Officer Randy L. Smith, 25 years

Deputy Eric J. Koziarski, 20 years

Investigator Ronald G. Welker, 15 years

Deputy Daniel M. VanValkenburg, 15 years

Deputy Nathan W. Balduf, 15 years

Deputy John P. Weis, 10 years

Deputy Bradley D. Mazur, 10 years

Certificates of Appreciation

Tiffany Szmanek Assistant Director, Genesee Justice

Paul Caffo Detective, Batavia Police Department

Sgt. Gregory Walker Genesee County Sheriff’s Office

Deputy Bradley Mazur Genesee County Sheriff’s Office

Deputy Patrick Reeves Genesee County Sheriff’s Office

Deputy Chris Parker Genesee County Sheriff’s Office

David Barton Chief, Darien Lake Security

Timothy Yaeger & Staff Emergency Management

Neil Gagne Genesee Justice

Graham Corp. announced today that it has won a $25 million contract to produce parts for a new Navy aircraft carrier, and that the engineering and manufacturing will be done in Batavia.

Graham will construct four steam surface condensers for Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, which is building a second carrier in the Gerald R. Ford class.

The carrier, designated CVN 79, has not yet been named.

Revenue from the contract award will hit the Graham books in in fiscal 2012, which begins April 1, 2011, and will continue into fiscal 2014.

Flames are showing on the second floor at 199 Skye Road, Alabama.

Mutual aid was requested from Akron and Wilksonville, but both fire departments are tied up on another structure fire in Erie County.

A Pembroke tanker is now being dispatched to aid the Alabama Fire Department.  Mutual aid is also being requested from Oakfield.

The fire is on the reservation of the Tonawanda Band of Seneca Indians, west of Alabama.

UPDATE 9:37 p.m.: Alabama first responder reports the house is fully involved. The house is two houses east of Council House Road.

UPDATE: 9:57 p.m.: Water tankers from Darien and Corfu have been requested to assist. Oakfield is on location.

UPDATE: 10:04 p.m. "We're on our last tanker at the scene," said a firefighter there now. Niagara-Mohawk, the power company, is traveling to the fire site, but Alabama #2 says "No truck can get past us." They need lights.

UPDATE: 10:20 p.m. "We should be good on water," says an official on scene, noting there are three water tankers at the location.

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A reader e-mailed us this photo of the combine fire in Elba we posted about earlier today.

A driver reportedly tried making a left hand turn off Bank Street Road onto Batavia-Elba Townline Road yesterday afternoon at 2:54, leading to a head-on collision with another car.

Cited for failure to yield right-of-way was Ryan S. Worthington, 20, of 6918 Ellicott St. Road, Pavilion. Both he and his passenger, Alyssa R. Naylor, 17, were uninjured.

Suffering minor injuries were Aleander M. Dutton, 18, of 7078 Batavia-Byron Road, Byron, and Katelyn D. George, 18.

The accident was investigated by Deputy James Diehl.

A car making a left-hand turn from Route 5 into Valu Plaza allegedly caused an accident this morning that sent one person to the hospital.

Transported to UMMC was Charles Williams, 61, of 2641 Centerline Road, Varysburg. Williams reportedly suffered injuries to his arm.

A passenger in his car, Jane Williams, no age given, is listed in the Sheriff's Office report as in shock, but was not transported to a hospital.

The driver who reportedly turned into oncoming traffic is Theodore Kedzierski, 63, of 76 Maple Ave., Oakfield.

Kedzierski was driving a 2000 Ford pickup truck. Williams was driving a 2005 Chevy pickup.

Kedzierski was issued a citation for alleged improper turn.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Brian Thompson.

Initial Report from this morning.

Traffic is stopped at Downey and Galloway roads for a truck vs. car accident.

Three people are reportedly injured.

Town of Batavia Engine 24 is responding as well as Mercy EMS.

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For the second time today, the Elba Fire Department is being dispatched to a combine fire.

The fire is described as "fully involved."

The location this time is 7402 Bank St. Road.

UPDATE 3:25 p.m.: The fire is confirmed fully involved. It's about 500 feet from a barn. Byron's grass truck has been requested to the scene.

View Larger Map

UPDATE: A reader sent in the photo below.

An Alabama man suffered minor injuries after allegedly falling asleep at the wheel and striking a parked car on Thursday.

The 5:15 p.m. accident occurred as Brandon W. Benben was reportedly driving northbound on Route 77 in the area of Sumner Road.

Benben's 2000 Toyota sedan reportedly drifted off the left side of the road, struck a utility pole and a garage before hitting the parked car.

Benben did not require transportation to a hospital. He reportedly suffered minor cuts to his arms.

Deputy Patrick Reeves handled the accident investigation and cited Benben for allegedly crossing a no-passing lane with double yellow markers.

New York's struggling dairy farmers are going to receive a good chunk of federal aid, the D&C reports this morning.

The USDA announced a nationwide distribution plan that favors smaller dairy farmers for a $290-million aid package. Some $40 million of the funds are slated for New York's farmers.

Checks will be mailed this week and there is no application process.

“Dairy farmers are the backbone of New York’s agricultural economy, and they are in the middle of the worst crisis in recent memory,” Sen. Charles Schumer said. “This congressional aid could not come a moment too soon.”

The average dairy farmer, with 116 cows, according to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's office will receive about $7,400.

Read More.

Gerald C. Rosario, 45, of Oakfield, is charged with grand larceny in the fourth degree for allegedly stealing a credit card. Rosario was arrested by State Police on Wednesday in Albion at 11:48 a.m. He was issued an appearance ticket. No further details are available

Tiffany Joy Howard, 19, of 5049 E. Main St., rear, Batavia, is charged with harassment. Howard is accused of being verbally abusive and making physical threats to another person over a period of time.

Michael B. Marchese, 48, of Stafford, is charged with criminal contempt. Marchese was arrested by State Police in the Town of Batavia on Wednesday at 8:31 p.m. He was released on an appearance ticket. No further details available.

UPDATED: The following reports came in just after I posted the initial Police Beat.

Ronald K. Nobles, 65, of 74 Thistlewood Lane, Spencerport, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI and failure to keep right. During the investigation of another car accident at 9:25 last night on Gulf Road in the Town of Le Roy, Nobles allegedly drove his car off the right shoulder and struck a utility pole. Upon further investigation by Deputy M.R. Butler, it was determined that Nobles was allegedly driving drunk. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Steven M. Binder, 20, of 9364 Creek Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd degree. Binder is reportedly the subject of an order of protection requiring him to stay away from GCC, where his ex-girlfriend attends classes. On Tuesday at 1:30 p.m., Binder was allegedly found on campus.