Jason Armstrong, 48, is charged with: two counts of first-degree rape; two counts of endangering the welfare of a child; and one count of second-degree strangulation. He was arrested at 12:34 a.m. June 28 after an investigation of an incident at 12:18 a.m. that morning on Hutchins Place. He is accused of forcibly raping a person in front of their children. He was arraigned later that morning in Batavia City Court and put in Genesee County Jail without bail.

Melton Chisom, 46, was arrested at 3 a.m. June 24 on Maple Street in the City of Batavia. Chisom is charged with: second-degreed assault; criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree; and second-degree menacing. The charges stem from an incident June 24 in which it is alleged that Chisom engaged in a physical altercation with another person and held a knife to the victim's face, causing injury which required stitches. Chisom was processed at BPD, arraigned in city court and put in jail with no bail. The defendant is due back in court on July 21.

Dawn Orlando, 51, was arrested on June 25 on Wood Street in Batavia. She is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and criminal obstruction of the breathing of a person less than 17 years old by putting pressure on the person's neck. After arraignment in Batavia City Court, she was released on her own recognizance. She is due back in court on Aug. 5.

Brandon Dodd, 34, was arrested June 15 after an investigation alleging he violated a stay away order of protection by being on the protected party's property at 3:44 a.m. June 14 and entering a secured garage. Following his arraignment in Batavia City Court on third-degree criminal trespass and second-degree criminal contempt, he was put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $2,500 cash bail; $5,000 bond or $7,500 partially secured bond.

Brandon Dodd, 34, was arrested on June 26 and charged with petit larceny. It's alleged that he stole a bicycle from a residence on Highland Park at 1:08 a.m. Tuesday, June 22. Dodd was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court July 6.

Brandon Dodd, 34, was arrested June 26 by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post for petit larceny. It is alleged that Dodd stole alcoholic beverages from a local business at 8:23 p.m. June 23 on Lewiston Road. He was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court and is due there July 6.

Brandon Dodd, 34, was arrested at 10:24 p.m. on June 29 following an investigation into an incident that alleges he violated a stay away order of protection. He is accused of being in the home of the protected parties while they were inside the residence. Dodd was arraigned in Batavia City Court and bail was set at $10,000 cash, or $20,000 bond, or $40,000 partially secured bond.

Sabrena Randall, 45, was arrested on a City of Batavia Court bench warrant on June 25. It stems from an unspecified incident on Sept. 22 on West Main Street. Randall was arraigned in Batavia City Court and held on $1,000 cash, $2,000 bond, $5,000 partially secured. She is scheduled to return to court on July 26. She was also arrested June 25 on a second warrant, given the same bail options and return date for a second unspecified incident.

Phillip Heale, 42, was arrested at 5:11 p.m. June 23 on Linwood Avenue in Batavia. He is charged with second-degree criminal trespass. It is alleged that he illegally entered a vacant residence on Linwood Avenue. Heale was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court July 26.

Thomas Tacito, 61, was arrested for second-degree criminal comtempt after a verbal dispute. The victim has a full stay away order of protection against him and the victim alleges Tacito engaged in a verbal argument with him at 4 p.m. June 27 on North Spruce Street in the city.

Donovan Johnson is charged with: third-degree criminal mischief; criminal mischief in the fourth degree; endangering the welfare of a child; third-degree mischief; and second-degree harassment. On June 24, Batavia police arrested Johnson after responding at 11:41 p.m. to a Hutchins Street address for the report of an incident in which Johnson allegedly caused damage to the walls and some property belonging to the victim while in the presence of four individuals under the age of 18. Johnson was held at the Genesee County Jail until his arraignment in Batavia City Court at 11:01 a.m. Johnson was released on his own recognizance with a return date of Aug. 19.

Christopher Wiegman, 32, is charged with: four counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; and one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree -- all stemming from a traffic stop at 10:30 a.m. April 4 on East Avenue in Batavia. He subsequently had two arrest warrants and turned himself in on those on an unspecified date. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed without bail pending his next court appearance Aug. 5.

Stephanie Peterson, 43, was arrested at 9:58 p.m. Nov. 22 on Clinton Street and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree. She was also given an appearance ticket for the charge and is due in Batavia City Court on July 21.

Reanne Reed, 26, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or more; speeding; open container of alcohol in vehicle. Reed was arrested after a traffic stop for speeding on Bogue Avenue at 8:57 p.m. on June 28. She was released with tickets and is due in Batavia City Court July 13.

Wendy Henry, 36, was arrested June 29 on a bench warrant for alleged failure to appear in Batavia City Court court regarding an incident that occurred at 5:37 a.m. Jan. 26. Henry was released with an appearance ticket to be in court on July 14th.

Michael Jackson Jr., 40, was arrested July 1 on a warrant out of Batavia City Court. He had previously been issued an appearance ticket for petit larceny and a warrant was issued for failing to appear in court as required. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court, held on $100 bail and is due in city court July 29.

Press release from AAA: 

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.13, up 3 cents in the past week. One year ago, the price was $2.18. The New York State average is $3.18 – up 3 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.25. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $3.14 (up 4 cents since last Monday)
• Buffalo -- $3.12 (up 5 cents since last Monday)
• Ithaca -- $3.18 (up 7 cents since last Monday)
• Rochester -- $3.16 (up 6 cents since last Monday)
• Rome -- $3.24 (up 2 cents since last Monday)
• Syracuse -- $3.16 (up 2 cents since last Monday)
• Watertown -- $3.21 (up 3 cents since last Monday)

Crude oil prices have significantly increased in the last seven months. Following the Independence Day holiday weekend, AAA expects crude oil prices, and in turn gas prices, to increase and stay expensive through the end of summer.

The market has supported increasing crude oil prices in reaction to these variables:

• Confidence in worldwide vaccination rollout;
• Global oil demand spikes;
• Easing of travel restrictions and optimism for leisure travel.

Crude oil accounts for more than half of the price at the pump. As it increases, so does the price consumers pay.

Press release from GasBuddy:

"Gasoline demand over the holiday weekend certainly did not disappoint as millions of Americans flooded the roads for the long weekend, guzzling down gasoline at a clip not seen in years, and in the process, we could have set new all-time records for consumption," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

"As OPEC+ met over the weekend and saw a heated disagreement about raising oil production, WTI crude oil surged in Monday evening electronic trading to nearly $77 per barrel on higher demand and a lack of additional supply from OPEC amidst a mountain of disagreement on how to respond to the market.

"For now, with imbalances in supply and demand continuing, motorists will continue digging deeper to pay for gasoline as prices are likely headed no where but up until global supply starts to catch up with the continued surge in demand."

From the National Weather Service office in Buffalo:

1151 a.m. EDT Monday July 5: Niagara-Orleans-Monroe-Wayne-Northern Cayuga-Oswego-Jefferson-Lewis-Northern Erie-Genesee-Wyoming-Livingston-Ontario-Chautauqua- Cattaraugus-Allegany-Southern Erie.

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for western and north central New York this afternoon and tonight. The combination of heat and increasing humidity levels today may lead to heat index values near advisory levels of 95F inland across the Genesee Valley and Finger Lakes region.

Tonight, a cold front will approach and then move into the Lower Lakes with increasing chances for storms. The best chance to see a storm will be just south and east of Lake Ontario.

A Marginal Risk for severe thunderstorms has been issued with the main threat damaging wind gusts.

Tuesday through Sunday -- a stronger system approaches the Lower Lakes Wednesday with another round of storms. A Marginal Risk for severe thunderstorms has been issued for Wednesday afternoon and evening with the main threat damaging wind gusts.

An accident with injuries that is blocking traffic is reported on Route 20 and Main Road in Alexander.

Alexander fire and ambulance responding.

UPDATE 9:24 p.m.: Only one minor injury. Mercy EMS can cancel.

Press release:

The Little Free Pantry in Batavia is looking to spread our reach further into our community to assist more in need, and we need your help to do so. 

By the end of summer we are hoping to erect six mini pantries in Batavia to help more of our neighbors in need. Fresh veggies are in season, and we are looking for people to help reduce food waste and promote food security by sharing with our neighbors. Visit lfpbatavia.org for full details, and to sign up.

There are five different ways you can help us reach this goal:

1. Host a Mini Pantry -- hosts will make sure the area is clean and maintained along with the help of volunteers. In order to be a host you will need to own your home, or have your landlord's permission to operate one in your front yard.
2. Host a Little Free Farm Stand this summer -- to help distribute farm fresh produce in your neighborhood, similar to Mini Pantries but without the commitment over the winter.
3. Volunteers needed to help restock the Mini Panties and Little Farm Stands -- this can include picking up from our drop off locations, or the Farm and delivering to one or more mini LFP’s.
4. Materials needed -- plexiglass, screws, paint, wood glue, door hinges, and plywood to make the mini LFP’s -- these can be donated directly, or we would be happy to accept cash or gift card donations to be used at Home Depot sent to 124 State St., Batavia NY 14020
5. Assemblers needed -- We need assistance in assembling them, once we have the materials. For those looking to build their own LFP, to donate, or to host themselves, the construction plans can be found here.

Give What You Can, Take What You Need

Little Free Pantries are a national grassroots, crowdsourced solution to immediate and local need. Batavia’s Little Free Pantry was created last summer to address food insecurity in our neighborhoods, and its refrigerator and pantry are located at 180 Washington Ave.

The Pantry is a place and a way for people to share what they have, and to take what they need, with dignity, without income guidelines, and without judgement. Everyone is encouraged to give and take. Whether a need for food or a need to give, mini pantries help feed neighbors, nourishing neighborhoods.

With your help we can make sure more of our neighbors have access to fresh organic produce over the summer at the Little Free Farm Stands. The Mini-Pantries help in neighborhoods so people without transportation have to walk less during the winter in order to reach the main LFP.

To donate, host, or volunteer, visit:   lfpbatavia.org

A fire inside a box truck carrying fireworks was "roaring pretty good" on South Lake Road in Pembroke when firefighters arrived on scene, said Indian Falls Assistant Chief Ed Mileham.

The call initially came in as a firework striking a vehicle and starting a fire but as it turned out the fire started inside a truck that was returning to Genesee County from a fireworks show last night in Akron.

The driver is unsure how the fire started, Mileham said.

The truck was loaded with launch canisters stacked in the front of the truck and unused fireworks in the back of the truck.

Exploding fireworks lit up the neighborhood and blew out the passenger side panel of the truck, the back roll-up door, and the roof. The cab was undamaged, probably because of the stacked canisters in the box stacked between the fireworks and the cab, Mileham said.

The driver was rolling on Route 5 through Pembroke when he spotted some sparks in his rearview mirror. He stopped to inspect, heard some bangs, and thought "I need to get out of here," Mileham said. He started yelling for residents to call 9-1-1.

Pembroke fire was first on scene with a truck that had a deck gun, which allowed firefighters to spray water on the fire from a distance.  

"The flames just roaring out of the back of the truck, almost hitting the power lines in the area," Mileham said.

National Grid was called to the scene and the power lines and a transformer about 20 feet away appeared to be undamaged.

"It was not a normal truck fire or car fire where you go up, put some water on it, put it out, and that's hit," Mileham said.

There was smoking debris up and down the roadway for dozens of feet, Mileham said, as well as in residential yards. No secondary fire was started by the fireworks, however.

Pembroke and Indian Falls were assisted at the scene by Corfu, the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, and Dadswell, which towed the truck and cleaned up the debris.

Video taken with a home security camera submitted by a reader.

UPDATE: Here's another video from James Garrett.

A vehicle fire is reported in the area of 8783 S. Lake Road, Pembroke.

A firework reportedly hit the vehicle.

Pembroke fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 11:56 p.m.: Corfu Fire Police requested to shut off traffic at Cohocton on South Lake. A responding unit is standing back because "it's still exploding." National Grid requested to the scene.

UPDATE 11:57 p.m.: A neighbor told a chief that the vehicle was full of fireworks. "Until about 60 seconds ago it was still exploding," the chief informs dispatchers. (If any Pembroke residents took photos or video, please email to howard@thebatavian.com)

UPDATE 12:38 a.m.: A box truck is apparently involved. It will require "massive cleanup."

UPDATE 1:30 a.m.: Pembroke, Indian Falls, Corfu, back in service.

Semiprivate owner’s suite, beautifully remodeled kitchen, Anderson Windows, oak floors, workshop, outbuilding, 2 garden sheds, concrete driveway, 2 working fireplaces, attached garage, partially finished basement, mudroom, deck, patio, and central air.

This house has it all! $224,900. Negotiations begin @ 10 a.m. on July 6th. Click here to view my listings.

A mailbox is reportedly on fire in the area of 5976 Clinton Street Road, Stafford.

The caller was a passerby and said the location was between Westbrook Road and Mill Road.

Stafford fire is dispatched.

UPDATE 11:10 p.m.: A second caller reports the location is at former Oderkirk Farm. A chief just arriving on scene confirms a mailbox on fire.

UPDATE 11:13 p.m.: The fire is out.

Among the highlights of Elba's graduation, this past weekend were four fathers from the Class of 1991 (that's 30 years ago for those of you counting) who shared in watching their daughters graduate with the rest of the Class of 2021.

Michael Augello, school board president, handed a diploma to his daughter Taylor.

Pictured from left: Madison Harrington and her father Aaron. Miah Werth and her father Steve. Leah Bezon and her dad Steven, and Taylor Augello and her dad Michael.

Photo by Laura Luft.

An Amazon van and another vehicle are reportedly involved in a collision at Griswold Road and Caswell Road in Stafford.

One person is complaining of head pain.

The vehicles are not blocking traffic. One is in a ditch.

Stafford fire and Mercy EMS responding.

Village of Le Roy leaders bid farewell to their longtime “go-to person” in grand fashion this afternoon with a surprise gathering of about 75 family, friends, colleagues and civic leaders at the Village Hall, followed by a police-led parade down Main Street to a reception featuring an appearance by Sen. Edward Rath at the Le Roy Country Club restaurant.

Coordinated by Village Mayor Greg Rogers with help from staff and volunteers, the community celebrated the career of Sharon Jeary, who worked for the village for 44 years, including the last 19 as clerk-treasurer.

Jeary, a Le Roy native (maiden name: O’Geen) and Notre Dame High School graduate, walked out of the front door of the office building shortly after noon and was greeted by Rogers, who showed her the Rose of Sharon tree that has been planted in her honor.

As she turned the corner toward the parking lot, that’s where she encountered a long line of well-wishers applauding loudly and ready to show their appreciation. As would be expected, her reaction was one of astonishment.

“I’m absolutely flabbergasted and so humbled by how wonderful everybody is. I love my village,” she said.

Jeary’s first day on the job – as an office assistant – was Nov. 28, 1977. She advanced to full time two years later and became the clerk-treasurer in 2002, following a 15-year stint as deputy village clerk.

After Jeary accepted hugs from everyone, the Rev. Jack Hempfling of Living Waters Church led a group prayer of blessing. Then everybody got into their cars and followed Police Chief Greg Kellogg's vehicle, other patrol cars, and fire department and emergency vehicles – with sirens and lights engaged -- to Le Roy Country Club for part two of the tribute.

It was there that Rath, representing the 61^st Senate District, congratulated Jeary and presented her with a proclamation from the New York State Senate.

“In 1977, a gallon of gas was 62 cents and a gallon of milk was 13 cents,” Rath said. “So, ladies and gentlemen, a lot has changed since 1977 -- but not the commitment and the resolve and the hard work that Sharon Jeary had for the people of this wonderful community.”

Rath, reading from the proclamation, said that Jeary “rendered faithful and conscientious and valuable service to the community.”

“During her tenure as clerk-treasurer, Sharon earned the esteem and affection of her colleagues. She has demonstrated outstanding service and leadership in her beloved community. Throughout the years, she has had the love and support of her husband, David, and her two children, David and Mark.”

Genesee County Legislature Chair Rochelle Stein, a Le Roy resident, said Jeary made quite an impact “as evidenced today here by your friends, your family and your coworkers who have come to understand your commitment, your conscientious care of every single member of the boards that you’ve served, and more importantly, your community.”

She then presented Jeary with proclamations from Assemblyman Steven Hawley and the count legislature.

Then, jokingly, she added: “We will miss the work that you do, lovingly, on behalf of all of us, and wish you the absolute best in your retirement – and don’t stay home every day with David.”

Village Historian Lynne Belluscio used the occasion to have some fun with Jeary, bringing gifts from Historic Le Roy House, home of the Jell-O Gallery and Museum Shop.

After extending an invitation for Jeary to volunteer at the gallery – teaching visitors how to correctly pronounce Le Roy (leh-roy), she gave her boxes of the four original Jell-O flavors (strawberry, orange, lemon and raspberry), a T-shirt, license plate holders proclaiming, “Le Roy, NY – Birthplace of Jell-O” and two lemonade cans attached by a string.

“It’s always, 'call Sharon,' ” Belluscio said. “You got a question? 'Call Sharon.' 'I need a permit.' 'Call Sharon.' 'She’s at lunch; when can I get a hold of her?' 'Call Sharon.' So, I’m kind of concerned that you’re not up there … So, you and I are going to stay in contact …”

LeRoyan Kay “Pudge” Steen, clerk-treasurer prior to Jeary taking that position, related that in Jeary “I not only had a coworker, I had one of the best friends I have ever had.”

“I wish you nothing but lots of happiness and good health, and I love you.”

Rogers then presented Jeary with the “Key to the Village” plaque, and afforded the guest of honor a chance to address her fans before inviting everyone to the privately funded hors d’oeuvres and refreshments under a big tent.

“I couldn’t have done my job without the support of my family and my friends. Everybody was always there for me and I really appreciate it,” she said. "We have a wonderful village. I love my village; I truly do. Thank you all so much for coming.”

“To my mayors and boards of trustees, you we’re all great and I enjoyed working with them all. It never seemed like a job to me. I always enjoyed what I did. It has been great over these years.”

Photos at top: Sharon Jeary and Greg Rogers standing next to the Rose of Sharon tree that was planted in her honor; a sign at Le Roy Country Club restaurant recognizing Jeary's career. Photos at bottom: Rev. Jack Hempfling offering a prayer of blessing upon Jeary's retirement; Police Chief Greg Kellogg leads the parade to the golf course restaurant; Sen. Edward Rath presents a proclamation to the longtime village clerk-treasurer; Jeary holds the "Key to the Village" as Rogers looks on. Photos by Mike Pettinella.

A two-vehicle head-on collision is reported just north of the Thruway at 8331 Alleghany Road in Pembroke. There is air bag deployment and one of the vehicles is blocking southbound traffic. The second vehicle is off the roadway.

Indian Falls and Pembroke fire departments are responding. Corfu Fire Police are called to reroute traffic at the Thruway entrance.

UPDATE 2:09 p.m.: Command asks for Speedy Dry to soak up liquids leaking from the vehicle in the roadway.

UPDATE 2:11 p.m.: Injuries are mostly minor. One man with a cardiac history is being assisted by medics on scene.

UPDATE 2:25 p.m.: Two patients are being transported by medics to ECMC. Two wreckers are called to tow the disabled vehicles.

Kaleb James Bobzien, 23, of Alexander Road, Batavia, is charged with: second-degree strangulation; two counts of criminal obstruction of breathing; and endangering the welfare of a child under age 17. Bobzien was arrested at 8 p.m. June 24 on Alexander Road in Batavia after an incident in which he allegedly obstructed the breathing of two victims, including one juvenile. During an altercation with the two victms, Bobzien is alleged to have placed a blanket over the face of one victim while choking the second victim with his arm. One victim reported an injury to her neck as a result of the choking. Following an investigation, Bobzien was arrested and put in Genesee County Jail with no bail. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Deputy Jacob Gauthier, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Hale.

David Thomas Gay, 40, of Ellicott Street, Batavia is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- first offense; unlawfully fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the third degree; second-degree obstruction of governmental administration; resisting arrest; and speeding -- exceeding 55 mph; and refusal to take a breath test. On June 30 at 8:36 p.m., Gay was arrested on Byron Road in Stafford after Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush tried to stop Gay's vehicle on Route 33 for allegedly violating NYS vehicle and traffic law. Gay eventually stopped a few miles away on Byron Road. It is alleged that Gay was intoxicated and that he resisted arrest. Gay was transported to GC Jail, where he allegedly fought with officers. He was released with appearance tickets and is due in Stafford Town Court on July 9. Quackenbush was assisted by Deputy Jacob Gauthier in this case.