D&C: Schumer: young football players need safe helmets

Brian and Beth Kemp along with Beth's brother Mike Barnard were on Ellicott Street this morning do a little volunteer clean-up work. Other BID members had helped earlier with clean up on Main Street. Beth said the effort is part of getting downtown ready for Saturday's Wine Walk.

Heavy rains yesterday made the grounds of the WNY Steam Show a muddy mess, cut attendance, had some vendors closing their booths and forced the cancellation of the tractor pulls, but fewer people just meant more steamed sweet corn for the rest of us.

There was also still plenty to see and admire among the tractors, antique engines and the vendor booths that were open.

The show continues today -- including tractor pulls.

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A Notre Dame offense propelled by Nick Taylor, Tim McCulley and Andrew Mullen dominated on the gridiron Saturday against Oakfield-Alabama.

With a 32-0 win, the Fighting Irish move to 2-0 while the Hornets top to 0-2.

Taylor carried the ball 15 times for 161 yards and one TD. McCulley tossed a 26-yard TD pass to Charlie Hebert, rushed for a touchdown and returned an interception for a score. He also rushed for 48 yards on seven carries. Mullen scored once on nine carries for 65 yards.

O-A's stats are not available, nor are defense stats.

Head Coach Rick Mancuso said his young team is still learning and needs to take each week of the season day-by-day.

"A lot of kids played in their first varsity game last week," Mancuso said. "Today, they played in their second, so I think we’re getting a little more experience as we go on so we can develop a little bit of an edge and we can get some momentum going through the season."

Oakfield-Alabama has talent -- such as Austin Schroeder, Chase Manzella, Chris Nanni, Ryan Emery and Allen Chatt -- and Mancuso said the Hornets should not be taken lightly.

"I think Brian (Palone) is doing a job with that group of kids," Mancuso said. "He’s got them motivated week-to-week. He’s got them playing very hard. It was not a walk over by any means."

In other local football action this weekend:

• Batavia beat Cardinal O'Hara High School 36-8 and is now 2-0 on the season. Justin Washington carried the ball twice and scored both times. Andrew Budlong had nine carries for 77 yards and one TD. Brandon Stevenson rushed for 74 yards and a TD. Nick Canzoneri carried the ball 10 times for 49 yards and scored once. Zac Bromley kicked four successful PATs.
• Le Roy dominated on offense and defense for the second week in a row, beating Warsaw Central School 42-0. Warsaw (0-2) was held to 99 yards of offense. Ryan McQuillen had four receptions for 115 yards and a TD. Dylan Johnson rushed for 71 yards and two touchdowns. Peter Privitera scored twice with 57 yards on the ground. Johnson had seven tackles and Zack Fitzsimmons had five.
• Elba/Byron-Bergen (2-0) beat Pembroke 43-0 (0-2), jumping to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter. Zack DuBois had another solid game, rushing for 264 yards, scoring four times on runs of 58, 69, 59 and 35 yards. Zac Gillard tossed two TDs, one for 60 yards, completing four passes on seven attempts for 127 yards. Receiver Kyle Morse caught three passes for 97 yards, including that 60-yard TD pass from Gillard. For Pembroke, QB Tyler Bruning was 6-12 for 42 yards. Andy Underhill had 14 tackles for the Lancers, with 11 more for Nate Jonathan.
• Alexander (1-1) beat Finney 29-8.

Reminder: Each of the next two weekends, I'll be traveling so won't be able to cover any games.

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At 5:30 p.m., traffic entering Darien Lake for the Zac Brown Band concert Saturday night moved briskly and the lines on Route 77 from both the north and south were less than a half-mile long.

That wasn't the case two weeks ago for the Jason Aldean concert, when all of the roads around the concert venue were heavily congested and it took some patrons hours to get into the parking lot.

Traffic didn't clear until nearly 8 p.m. that night.

Last night, by 7 p.m., there were no cars waiting in line to enter the facility.

"We left our hotel at 7 and were in the park grounds by 7:15," said Syracuse resident Shannon Coholan.

Several other Zac Brown Band fans shared similar stories. None of the concertgoers interviewed Saturday said they experienced any kind of delay entering the venue.

"So far, this is a million times better," said Ashlee Miller, of West Seneca, who attended the Aldean concert. "There is probably triple the people directing traffic.  Everything was a million times easier. Walking in right now, a million times easier. It was horrible last time."

Officials were also pleased with the results, which they attributed to adjustments by the Sheriff's Office and Darien Lake in how traffic was directed and changes in access points.

A polite, mature and well-behaved group of concertgoers also helped make things go smoother, officials said.

Asked for his assessment on the inbound traffic situation, Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble said, "Outstanding."

"We were worried because once again, traffic didn't come in early," Dibble said. "You would think you would have a last-minute rush, but it cleared up fast. It cleared out by 7. That's just outstanding. There is no other way to put it."

Gerald Rakestraw, VP of development for Darien Lake's owner, Herschend Family Entertainment, said there were several adjustments made by park officials following the Aldean concert.

He described the changes as:

• Active inbound traffic management from the toll booths to the checkpoint;
• Allowing inbound traffic through the performing arts center exit to relieve congestion as needed;
• A defined and communicated plan for taxis, limos and parental drop-offs;
• More staff directing traffic;
• Further reducing pedestrian traffic at the area known as "the crossover."

"The crossover" is a two-lane roadway that flows east and west and crosses the north and southbound Employee Road. It's a main connector between the front entrance on Route 77 and the grass lots on the east side of the property.

Keeping Employee Road clear of inbound concert traffic, including VIP parking and pedestrians, allows the crossover to flow more consistantly and evenly. 

In the past, when the private parking lots on Sumner Road were open, the crossover was usually heavily congested with both cars and pedestrians. 

At the end of concerts back then, the crossover couldn't even be used for outbound traffic until more than an hour after a concert ended because of heavy pedestrian traffic exiting to the private lots.

Yesterday, the only private lot operating was Cherry Hill Campground and there was a minimal amount of traffic coming from the lot to the concert.

Afternoon rain may have kept many Zac Brown fans from attending the show earlier, but the late arrivals helped Darien Lake officials test their new parking plan.

Rakestraw said the learning process is ongoing and officials will continue to evaluate the process and make adjustments as needed.

"Tonight was a good night," Rakestraw said. "I think we’ve been able to learn from our experiences thus far and we did some things to facilitate a quicker parking experience."

He said the plan used for Zac Brown was built around providing "relief valves" to move traffic to alternate routes when congestion started to build.

"If we have a 22,000-person show and people choose to all come at the same time, there is going to be some level of back-up," Rakestraw said. "We encourage people to come earlier in the day and enjoy the park or enjoy themselves with their friends. It worked out well today, even with the weather."

The following people were arrested at the Zac Brown Band concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Saturday.

Anthony M. Cipoletti, 22 of Neal Road, Endicott, is charged with trespass after allegedly refusing to leave the concert venue when told to leave on several occasions. Cipoletti was arraigned and jailed on $250 bail.

Chris R. Daily, 26 of Lyman Street, Brockport, is charged with trespass after allegedly refusing to leave the concert venue when told to leave on several occasions. Daily was arraigned and jailed on $250 bail.

Michelle M. McCloskey, 28 of Common Road, Angellica, is charged with trespass after allegedly refusing to leave the concert venue after being told to leave.

Daniel J. Broderickage 19 of Grandview Avenue, White Plains, is charged with trespass after allegedly refusing to leave the concert venue after being told to leave.

Elise M. Stegalage 28 of Green Gate Circle, East Amherst, is charged with trespass after allegedly refusing to leave the concert venue after being told to leave.

Beau J. Payneage 21 of Ditch Road, Gasport, is charged with harassment for allegedly striking a security guard as the guard was attempting to break up a fight inside the concert venue.

Francesco Gaetano, 20 of Shorecliff Drive, Rochester, is charged with possession of a fictitious drivers license.     

The following people received citations for allegedly possessing or consuming alcohol under age 21.

Alexandra J. West, 19, of Caywood Drive, Fairport
Jennifer R. Papich, 20, of Bruno Drive, Indianola, Pa.
Rachel C. Lemoine, 19, of Middlebury Road, Webster
Mark A. Cuitan, 19, of Hyacinth Street, Westbury
Daniel C. Grossi, 19, of Taft Avenue, Lynbrook
Jesse D. Rohing, 20, of Hess Road, Appleton
Marhall E. Rohing, 18, of Hess Road, Appleton
Brendan A. Provensano, 20, of Hinsdale Drive, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Patrick A. Jones, 19, of Patricia Drive, Tonawanda
Ryan E. Kaufman, 19, of Park Haven Drive, Amherst
Zachary D. Halor, 20, of Dawn Avenue, Angola
Katie M. VanDusen, 20, of Berehaven Street, Amherst
Nicole M. Vendetti, 20, of Northwood Drive, Rochester
Daniel J. Broderick, 19, of Grandview Avenue, White Plains

Children with shovels are reportedly digging holes in the baseball field at John Kennedy School. City police are responding.

This morning a couple members of the Batavia Kiwanis Club went to Paul White's place to get a look, and take a ride, on his paraglider.

White is donating a ride on the paraglider to be auctioned off at the club's Bidding on a Brighter Future Auction & Gala at Batavia Downs on Sept. 22.

The event is the club's big annual fundraiser to benefit the Child Advocacy Center, which needs to move into a new home that it will own.

Last year, the event raised $30,000 for CAC. Kiwanis members have set a goal of $150,000.

The center has assisted more than 1,400 children who were victims of physical and sexual abuse over the past 13 years. CAC provides a safe and comforting environment for forensic interviews, medical examinations and advocacy for children who are victimized in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

Besides the paraglider ride, this year gala guests will be able to bid on a fully stocked freezer, sea cruises, cigars and accessories, fun in South Carolina -- a Hilton Head stay and a Myrtle Beach vacation, a Batavia Police Department "CSI Experience," a private pistol lesson for two with a sharpshooter from Batavia PD, fresh baked pies, children's scooters, a stained glass work, couch, chairs, sink and vanity, double oven, jewelry and lots more.

Tickets are $40 per person or $75 for a couple. Sponsorship levels range in price from $50 to $5,000. Sponsors must sign up by Sept. 12.

The club is also still accepting donations.

All donations to the foundation are tax deductible.

For more information, contact Anita at 813-5371 or Grace at 344-8576.

Below: Kiwanis member Peter Guppenberger prepares for a ride with Paul White. Photos provided by Grace Flannery.

Fire police are requested to Route 77 and Marble Road to stop traffic for a large tree down and completely blocking Route 77 just south of Ledge Road. Traffic is also being shut down at Phelps Road.

UPDATE 10:40 a.m.: Area residents are cutting up the tree, a loader is on location to move the trunk, so Route 77 should be reopened shortly. Meanwhile, another tree is down at Bloomingdale and Council House roads, this one involving wires.

UPDATE 10:47 a.m.: Route 77 is open. Alabama Fire Department back in service.  The storm warning has been extended to 11:30 a.m.

UPDATE 10:51 a.m.: Power is out for 21 National Grid customers in the area of Bridge Road, Elba. ETA for power restoration is 1:45 p.m.

UPDATE 10:57 a.m.: Apparently two trees are down on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation. One was cleared, on Council House Road, by residents. It didn't include wires. A second tree with wires is down on Meadville Road.

UPDATE  11:14 a.m.: Elba fire is being dispatched to 6733 Luddington Road for a report of a tree down on wires. It's not blocking the road.

UPDATE 11:25 a.m.: Elba fire back in service. There's no immediate hazard from the situation on Luddington Road.

UPDATE 11:36 a.m.: The National Weather Service has downgraded the weather alert from a warning to a watch and it's in effect until 3 p.m.

A thunderstorm capable of producing damaging winds in excess of 60 mph and destructive hail is moving toward Genesee County from the west at 35 mph.

The National Weather Service warns of potentially deadly cloud to ground lightning and recommends that people outside move to shelter, ideally inside a strong building and away from windows.

The warning is in effect until 10:45 a.m.

The warning is issued specifically for Oakfield, Batavia and Byron.

The storm line stretches from Orleans County through Genesee and into Wyoming County.

A deputy is responding to a lock out at the Flying J in Pembroke. The car is sporting the Batman emblem.

Update 8:02 p.m.: "Cancel the Batman lock out." "Robin's got the key?" "Or the butler."

Kids are reportedly "throwing bowling balls down the street" by 22 Tracy Ave. in the city and the caller would like them spoken to, although they are not performing the mischief at this time.

A highly agitated man, pounding the dashboard and waving a gun, is reportedly driving westbound on Route 33 from Route 19. He's behind a white school-bus-like van. Sheriff's deputies are responding.

UPDATE 6:31 p.m.: He was originally spotted on Route 490 coming out of Churchville. He is reportedly driving a black Jeep and is now being stopped by an officer. The Jeep was stopped on Route 33 near Old State.

UPDATE 6:33 p.m. (by Howard): The deputy who stopped the Jeep doesn't believe it's the involved vehicle and is clear of the stop. There is no license plate, or partial plate available on the vehicle. Additionally, and unrelated, another caller reports a group of motorcycles coming from the 490 onto Route 33, and that while on the 490, some had been doing "wheelies and other stunts."

UPDATE 6:37 p.m. (by Howard): A deputy is also on the look out for a white school-bus-like minivan that was reportedly behind the black Jeep at one time to see if the driver has any information. The original caller is no longer following the Jeep.

UPDATE 6:39 p.m.: The Jeep is described as black with a gray two-tone on the bottom.

A fight is reported involving several individuals in front of 161 Bank St. Police are on scene. One person is said to have a gun, but a gun has not been displayed.

A convicted child molester told police, according to court documents, that he obtained six child pornography DVDs from a 53-year-old woman from Pembroke.

That accusation is contained in a statement filed in Pembroke Town Court in support of the arrest of Beverly Hensel, 53, of 8921 Alleghany Road, Pembroke. Hensel was charged with one count of possession of a sexual performance of a child following an investigation by Batavia PD.

According to James L. Little Jr., 41, formerly of Batavia, he first met Hansel in November 2007 at the Genesee House in Corfu.

"Bev knew I was having certain feelings," Little wrote in his deposition. "Bev gave me my first child porn DVD around January of 2008."

Earlier this week, Little was sentenced to 15 years in state prison followed by 20 years of release under supervision for sexually abusing a 2-year-old child in Batavia over a three month period.

Det. Kevin Czora said Little's stash of child porn DVDs were uncovered in a search of Little's residence when he was arrested for molesting the toddler. When questioned, Little named Hansel as the source of the DVDs.

"She acquired it for him," Czora said.

As far as Czora knows, he said, he isn't aware of Hensel downloading child porn prior to meeting Little, or providing child porn to any other people, or that Little had ever obtained child porn from any other source before meeting Hansel.

Czora does not believe Hansel received any compensation for the alleged child porn DVDs.

Over a two-year period, Little said he received DVDs with such titles as "X," "Gay Boys 6/3/09," "XXX July 13, 2009" and "Fun 08/27/09."

He said in September 2009 he was at Hansel's house and he saw two desktop computers in her basement.

He wrote, "She said one was hers and the other was her husband's."

During the execution of a search warrant at the Hensel residence Aug. 15, weapons were reportedly found and Frederick Hensel Jr. is being charged with four counts of criminal possession of a weapon.

Press release:

The City of Batavia would like to remind residents that the special yellow bulk item stickers that were in your last water bill will only be valid until Oct. 1.

As part of the city’s Strategic Plan for Environmental Sustainability, the city included two (2) yellow bulk item stickers in the June, July and August water bills.

During the city-wide limited bulk pickup program only ONE sticker is necessary for the disposal of one bulk item regardless of size. Place the bulk item with the sticker securely affixed to it at the curb/parkway on your regularly scheduled garbage day.

Please remember to use your yellow stickers by Oct 1^st.

The special yellow bulk stickers will not be valid or accepted after that date and you must once again purchase orange sticker to have bulk items picked up.

Press release:

Congressional candidate and small business owner Chris Collins today joined Assemblyman Steve Hawley to tour Chapin Manufacturing in Batavia to discuss the importance of manufacturing jobs and the issues facing small businesses.

“Manufacturing is a key component of the American economy. Companies like Chapin provide good paying jobs to hundreds of employees and strongly support their local communities,” Collins said. “We need Washington to create an environment for these businesses to succeed.

"The Obama-Hochul policies are not working. Today’s jobs report shows we lost 15,000 manufacturing jobs in August and unemployment remains above 8 percent for the 43rd straight month. This is unacceptable.”

“Washington just does not understand that you cannot tax and regulate a business to success. We need people in Congress who know what it is like to make payroll and face the challenges imposed by Washington every day. I’ve spent my career creating American jobs and will bring that experience with me to Congress,” Collins continued.

Chris Collins continues to tour businesses throughout the 27th Congressional District, hearing concerns from small business men and women.

Photo provided by the Chris Collins campaign.

A former Batavia resident who admitted to filing a false social services claim was sentenced in Genesee County Court today to one-and-a-half to three years in state prison.

Michael Schramm, 36, entered a guilty plea July 13 to offering a false instrument for filing.

He was arrested in May along with his wife, Deborah Schramm, and accused of submitting claim forms with DSS for temporary assistance and food stamps.

As part of his sentence, Schramm must repay the county $17,026.39.

Schramm failed to report full-time employment at a farm in Niagara County.

He will be disqualified from receiving temporary assistance and food stamps in the future.

Deborah Schramm is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 10.

Four people were injured in a three-vehicle accident Tuesday morning on Route 19 at Seldon Road, Le Roy.

Karen S. Samis, 46, of South Street Road, Le Roy, said she was distracted by something while driving north on Route 19 and didn't see a vehicle slowing to stop for a left-hand turn onto Seldon Road.

Samis's 2008 Chevy van struck a 2000 Chevy van driven by Tonya L. Jackson, 35, of Main Street, Le Roy, causing it to hit a truck in the southbound lane of Route 19.

That 2009 Chevy pickup was driven by Christopher P. Ward, 47, of Hardwood, Lane, Rochester. He was not injured.

Samis and Jackson were both transported to UMMC by ambulance as were Adam R. Jackson, 10, and Justin A. Jackson, 7. None of the injuries were serious.

Samis was cited for allegedly following too closely.

The accident was investigated by Deputy John Duyssen.

A small brush fire is reported near the median of the Bovee Road Bridge and Route 490. Bergen and Le Roy fire departments are responding.

UPDATE 2:28 p.m.: Fire is out. Assignment is back in service.