Press release:

Saturday marked the start of deer season for local hunters. An important effort is under way to ensure unwanted venison goes to families in need.

The Venison Donation Coalition has been collecting, processing and distributing venison to food banks in New York State since 1999. Last year, Foodlink received about 127,000 pounds of venison. The protein-rich, lean meat was then distributed to our network of emergency food agencies, like food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters.

Genesee County residents are among the beneficiaries. This county is a part of the Rochester-area Foodlink agencies.

Foodlink is thankful for our various community partners, including the Venison Donation Coalition, who help ensure this is a season to celebrate and that no one is going to bed hungry.

Any hunter interesting in donating a deer can call 1-866-862-DEER or visit the Venison Donation Coalition’s Web site at www.venisondonation.org to find a local processor.

The BackPack Program from Foodlink provides children in need with bags of nutritious food they can discreetly take home and easily prepare on their own.

During 2012-2013, we are serving nearly 1,800 children a week in 29 school districts.

The main campus building of Genesee Community College was evacuated after a fire alarm sounded. Campus security called dispatch to report the source was burnt toast inside the main campus. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 10:54 a.m.: Firefighters report nothing showing from the outside. The burnt toast is said to be inside a second-story faculty break room.

UPDATE 10:56 a.m.: Command says responding units can continue, non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 11:23 a.m.: The town assignment is back in service.

Work is proceeding pretty much on schedule for the county's new emergency communication system and phase I should be up and running by the Feb. 10 deadline, Steven Sharpe told members of the Public Service Committee today.

The necessary equipment has been installed on the towers at Cedar Street and in Pembroke, and the Pavilion tower should be completed shortly.

The microwave-transmission system should be operational soon.

New radios have been installed in more than 200 town and county highway vehicles. Installation started today with Batavia Fire Department's mobile units and volunteer fire departments will start getting their new radios soon.

Sheriff Gary Maha also shared with the committee that Uniden announced over the weekend a new emergency frequency scanner that will be compatible the Phase II P-25 TDMA system being installed by Harris RF.

The new scanners from Uniden should solve the problem being faced by local media, off-duty emergency responders and others who need access to police and fire communications to help them serve the public.

Legislator Marianne Clattenburg asked Maha if the media will have the same access to communications as under the current system and Maha said he believed media outlets would.

The new Harris system makes it easier for law enforcement to encrypt communications, but Maha said encryption will be limited to law enforcement situations and not widely or regularly used.

One hold up with getting equipment installed on the Pavilion tower has been negotiations with American Tower Asset, the company that owns the tower. American Tower apparently wanted a lease fee to have the equipment installed on the tower, but Sharpe believed the company had previously agreed to provide such access for free.

Today, Sharpe said, he obtained the public documents showing that American Tower agreed in 1998 to allow Pavilion fire and Genesee County public safety agencies to use the tower facility at no cost as a term of getting approval to build the tower.

The county is also planning to build -- as part of phase II -- towers in Darien, Bergen and Alabama.

The Darien tower installation was somewhat delayed a few weeks ago when prehistoric human artifacts were found at the site. Researchers have determined, according to Sharpe, that the site was neither a burial ground nor an encampment, but rather a place were items were discarded along a travel path.

Previously:

• Prehistoric artifacts found at site of planned emergency communications tower in Darien
• Grants and bond will pay for $10.8 million upgrade to emergency communications system
• It turns out, nobody currently makes scanners for the county's new emergency radio system
• Sheriff's Office receives $5.4 million grant for radio system upgrade
• Sheriff's communications to dispatch all State Police calls in Genesee County

A possible fire at a house filled with smoke in North Pembroke requires the response of all available manpower from the East Pembroke Fire Department, plus an engine mutual aid from Alabama. The address is 2334 Beckwith Road, between North Pembroke and Slusser roads.

UPDATE 7:48 p.m.: Responders think they have the fire out. Alabama is told to stand by in quarters.

UPDATE 8:14 p.m.: Alabama fire back in service.

UPDATE 8:22 p.m.: Problem solved. East Pembroke is back in service

The forced resignation, said Special Prosecutor Donald O'Geen, of Robert Alexander from the justice position in the Town of Pembroke is a stiff punishment for the former Village of Corfu justice who was charged with official misconduct.

As part of a plea deal that included the restitution of more than $10,000 by Brandi Watts, Alexander's daughter, and her guilty plea to falsifying government documents, Alexander has a chance to have all three charges against him dismissed in six months.

It's called an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal. Alexander need only stay out of trouble for the next six months and the counts of official misconduct and coercion will be dropped.

He is also barred from seeking judicial office.

"The end game, Corfu got their money back," O'Geen said. "The person who stole the money, or at least tampered with the public records, is being held accountable. I think having him resign, basically in disgrace is justice for the people of Corfu."

While that outcome may not satisfy those in Corfu who wanted to see Alexander behind bars, O'Geen said people need to understand how the system works.

The charges against Alexander were misdemeanors and Alexander has no prior record.

"Justice comes in many forms," O'Geen said. "We have to deal with the case as it's given to us. Not everything is cut and dry. We also have to figure out what the judge (in the case) is going to do. I just felt like in a case like this, Judge Alexander wasn't going to jail. I don't think he would even been given probation, so as part of a package deal with Brandi, I think this does bring it to a just resolution."

Alexander says the outcome was justice because he hadn't broken the law.

"As Jesus Christ as my witness, as God as my witness, I never intended, nor thought about, or never did, anything in the last 30 years that I've been saved as a Christian that I would ever do anything that would even think about violating the law," Alexander said. "I just thank God this case has ended the way it has. I think it's a fair disposition."

One thing people need to look at in the case, O'Geen said, is how quickly it came to a resolution once it got in the hands of a prosecutor. O'Geen was critical of the Judicial Conduct Commission for, first, taking so long to investigate Alexander's courtroom and, second, to take two yeas to issue a report on its investigation.

"Why did this drag out?" O'Geen asked. "They had the case for over two years. Why didn't they speak to the DA when the DA is investigating the case? Why does this get dragged out? I've only had this case since February and I've brought it to resolution for the Village of Corfu in a quick manner."

O'Geen praised the cooperation of the village attorney, the comptroller's office and the state police for working cooperatively to bring the case to a speedy conclusion.

Alexander said he will have more to say about the case six months from now. He's next scheduled to appear in court at 9:15 a.m., May 19.

Four men were allegedly caught in the act Sunday stealing scrap metal from a scrap yard on Route 33 in Bergen and after further investigation they may be facing upgraded charges, Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster said.

The four men were allegedly found on the scrap yard property when the owner's son drove by and spotted a suspicious vehicle parked near the lot.

It's not unusual, Brewster acknowledged, for scrap metal thieves from Rochester to hit locations in Genesee County.

"You know how scrap is these days and when you can go right to a scrap yard, it's like one-stop shopping," Brewster said.

The yard was apparently so attractive to the thieves, they allegedly got away with more than originally thought yesterday.

When they were arrested yesterday, they were charged with petit larceny, but the owner of the scrap yard visited a location in Rochester and was apparently able to prove more of his scrap was stolen earlier in the day.

That aspect of the case is being turned over to Rochester PD and the four men could face grand larceny charges as a result, Brewster said.

Arrested where Sekou Singhor Howard, 40, of Parkway, Rochester, Ricky Todd Williams, 54, of Parkway, Rochester, Isaac Brandon McCrea, 30, of North Union Street, Rochester, and Kenneth Russell Hernandez, 47, of Chesnut Street, Rochester.

All four men were issued appearance tickets.

Thomas Monte Carlo, 57, of Lewiston Road, Basom, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, unlawful possession of marijuana and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Carlo was apprehended by Deputy Joseph Corona following a reported one-vehicle motorcycle accident at 7:23 p.m. Saturday on Lewiston Road, Basom.

Matthew James Florian, 25, of Slusser Road, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant related to an aggravated unlicensed operation charge. Florian was stopped by State Police on Route 5, Town of Batavia, and turned over to the Sheriff's Office on a warrant. Florian was jailed on $200 bail.

Michael Scott Vanburen, 46, of Alexander Road, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, unsafe backing and consumption of alcohol in a vehicle. Vanburen was arrested after he reportedly backed his 2004 Pontiac GTO out of his driveway, across the road and into a ditch at 12:27 a.m. on Saturday.

Dana Lewis Toates, 19, of Roosevelt Highway, Hilton, is charged with unlawful possession of alcohol under age 21. Toates was reportedly a passenger in a vehicle stopped for a traffic violation and found to allegedly be in possession of alcohol.

Corey M. Vickers, 29, of Morrow Road, Pavilion, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, unlicensed operation and stopped on pavement. Vickers was charged after being observed by a Wyoming County deputy allegedly stopped on the roadway in the Town of Perry, outside of his vehicle, vomiting. Vickers' driving privilege was suspended after he allegedly failed to appear for a summons in the Village of Portville.

Alissa A. Fodge, 23, of Bergen, is charged with grand larceny, 3rd. Fodge was arrested by State Police in the Town of Barton for an alleged act reported Oct. 18. No further details released.

A donation fund has been set up to assist Candee McConnell, who lost her husband and had a portion of her house damaged in a fire last week.

Donations can be made at any Bank of Castile location in the name of Candee McConnell.

Candee and George McConnell were married for 25 years and were active in the SPCA. George was retired from the U.S. Postal Service and a World War II vet and avid baseball fan, according to his obituary.

For health reasons, George was unable to exit a second-floor bedroom of the McConnell's home on Davis Avenue after the fire broke out in that part of the house.

The back section of the house was heavily damaged.

Donations will assist Candee with various needs arising from the tragedy.

Syracuse.com: Siena College poll on governor's race

A house at 8949 Clipnock Road, Stafford, has reportedly had its roof blown off.

The residence is being evacuated.

Also, about 520 National Grid customers are without power in an area starting just north of the city and in a triangle that stretches up to Elba. No ETA for power restoration.

There are also small power outages in Basom, Alabama, East Oakfield and Darien.

UPDATE 3:14 a.m.: Dispatchers are now saying the roof is "separating from the residence."

The Moose Lodge in Le Roy honored local veterans Saturday night with a prime rib dinner.

Besides the volunteers (pictured below) who helped put it together and run it, the event was supported by Smokin' Eagle, T.F. Brown's, Le Roy Country Club, BW's, 58 Main and Red Osier. Volunteers included Justin Mattice, Bob Sovocoll, Judy Mills, Shane Burger and the staff at the Smokin' Eagle.

Photos by Shane Burger.

In about four hours, or a little later, expect thundershowers and strong winds.

The National Weather Service has issued a weather advisory for 10 p.m. through midnight.

A deepening lower pressure system is lifting across the upper Great Lakes tonight and pushing an energetic cold front through WNY, according to the NWS. The front will likely be accompanied by a squall line of heavy showers and some possibly strong thunderstorms. Damaging wind gusts are possible.

Wind gusts could reach 50 mph.

UPDATE 9:31 p.m.: The weather service has upgraded the storm outlook to a thunderstorm watch, in effect until 1 a.m.

UPDATE 10:07 p.m.: The NWS just issued a thunderstorm warning. Gusts up to 60 mph. Below is the latest radar image of the incoming storm.

Elba Fire Department and fire police will be shutting down Lockport Road at Route 98 because of wires, possibly high tension wires, down on the roadway at North Byron and Oak Orchard roads. National Grid has been contacted, unknown ETA.

UPDATE 4:08 p.m.: The roadway is clear. The roads are reopened. The Elba assignment is back in service.

In a room filled with friends, fans and supporters last night, former Elba Lady Lancers Head Coach Tom Nowak was all smiles.

"It's really special," Nowak said. "It's a little bit, I don't know, I want to say the word, 'imposing,' because you want to be in the background as a coach. It's difficult when you come out here and you're the person, but it's really nice to see."

Nowak was honored with a retirement party at the Elba Fire Hall that featured a collection of memorabilia and lots of memories from 26 years of serving the community by teaching young people how to compete and win.

In 1977, after two years at Dundee, Nowak joined Elba Central as a history teacher. He also became the varsity football coach and the varsity girls basketball coach.

His football record over 22 years was 130-60-6 with two sectional titles.

Leading the Lady Lancers, Nowak compiled a 457-132 record, eight sectional titles and, most significantly, a state title in 2012.

"Just that one precious one," Nowak said of the state championship. "It was special. We went in 2000 and lost in the finals. I always thought I'd never get a chance to go back and I got a chance to go back and the girls came through."

Teaching and coaching in Elba was a perfect fit, he said.

"I've always considered myself a shallow person," Nowak said. "I like history and I like sports. I first got to be a history teacher at Elba and then I got a chance to coach, so it really worked out well for me."

It takes time and dedication to be a successful varsity coach in any sport, and that means, Nowak acknowledged, that he maybe wasn't home as much as his wife might have liked over the years.

"We're going to do some things for my wife," said Nowak, who retired from teaching in 2009. "She spent so many years staying home on a Friday night watching Dallas and Falcon's Crest while I was out gallivanting around scouting football games. It will be nice to give her the opportunity to do some of the things that maybe we didn't get to do when I was a coach."

With all those wins and all those titles, surely young coaches could learn something from Nowak, and here's his advice:

"Find a mentor," Nowak said. "Find the people who are successes and spend some time and find out why they're successful.You will see something you can incorporate into your own plan. That's something I did. I looked at some role models because as a young coach you really don't know what to do and that was really beneficial to me."

A motor-vehicle accident with is reported at Herkimer and Warner roads. Extrication is needed. Darien fire and rescue responding.

UPDATE 5:28 a.m.: Mercy medics are called to the scene.

UPDATE 5:32 a.m.: The victim has been "cut away" from entrapment but will remain in the vehicle until medics arrive.

UPDATE 5:36 a.m.: The chief tells medics, who are about 10 minutes away, that the victim's primary complaint is lower right leg pain. No cuts, abrasions or loss of consciousness. He is to stay in the vehicle "due to the weather."

UPDATE 5:40 a.m.: Command says to dispatch "Start me a tow for a full-size Chevy Suburban, thoroughly totaled and wedged between two trees about 30 feet off the road."

UPDATE 5:54 a.m.: The patient is now on a stretcher, being readied for hospital transport.

UPDATE 6:10 a.m.: Mercy medics are taking the patient to Erie County Medical Center.

City firefighters got their hands on new extrication tools tonight that were acquired with a FEMA grant the department received in January.

The tools are manufactured by Holmatro and include a cutter, a spreader and two rams along with rocker panel support.

The grant was for $60,000 and the money as also used to purchase struts for building and vehicle supports.

Tonight's training was conducted by Tim Norris, a rep for Holmatro.

Capt. Craig Williams said the department reviewed equipment from six different companies and invited four of them in for a head-to-head competition.

What he likes about the Holmatro products, he said, is the tools are the only one on the market that cut and spread in three stages. When there's no pressure on the blades, they move easily. As they feel pressure, they clap down harder, and in the third stage, when extra pressure is needed to finish the cut, the tool delivers maximum pressure.

Also, Williams said, the tools can be hot swapped from their hydraulic lines, meaning the line doesn't need to be drained of pressure before trading out a tool for a particular job.

Shifts of firefighters will be training with the new tools over the next few days.

Holmatro rep Tim Norris, center, conducting training.

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