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Alabama

Group of people lost in the woods in Alabama

By Howard B. Owens

A group of people is reportedly lost in the woods north of Roberts Road near Sour Springs Road, Town of Alabama.

Alabam fire dispatched to assist.

UPDATE 6:11 p.m.: There is a woman and two other people. They plot to an area near a pond and not far from a small parking lot.

UPDATE 6:18 p.m.: There is 35 minutes of daylight left.

UPDATE 6:26 p.m.: They're not on a trail. They're in heavy brush, but they can hear the airhorn and they're going to start walking toward it.

UPDATE 6:28 p.m.: They are walking toward south, Walkers Road because that is a shorter walk.

UPDATE 6:44 p.m.: They're out of the woods.

State police arrest Alabama resident suspected in battery thefts

By Billie Owens

From our news partner WBTA:

State Troopers arrested 48-year-old Bart Towne, of Alleghany Road in Alabama, and charged him with two counts of felony grand larceny along with one count of petit larceny for allegedly stealing batteries in Batavia and Oakfield.

Towne was arrested just one day after the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office issued a press release asking for public assistance in identifying the party responsible for burglarizing batteries from several businesses in the county. 

There were more than a dozen "Type 31"batteries stolen from large vehicles and heavy equipment in Alexander, Alabama, Byron and Elba as well as Batavia and Oakfield. The batteries can cost up to $300 each.

Towne had only been out of prison for a year and has prior convictions of grand larceny, forgery and possession of stolen property from 2010.

Currently he has only been charged by State Police, however the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is expected to also pursue charges. Towne was put in Genesee County Jail and the investigation remains ongoing.

Girls' volleyball Dig Pink Game is Oct. 6 at O-A Elementary School gym

By Billie Owens

Mark your calendars for the Dig Pink Game on Oct. 6 when Oakfield-Alabama and Elba high school volleyball players compete again Wheatland-Chili to benefit The Side-Out Foundation.

The JV matchup starts at 5 p.m. and the varsity game begins at 6:30. They will take place inside the Oakfield-Alabama Elementary School Gymnasium, located at 7001 Lewiston Road in Oakfield.

There will be 50/50 raffles, refreshments, raffles items and a serving contest.

This is the sixth year of the Dig Pink Game and to date more than $7,000 has been raised locally for the nonprofit foundation, whose mission is to enhance breast cancer research and awareness.

Sheriff's Office investigating series of battery thefts

By Howard B. Owens

Somebody is stealing batteries from large trucks, buses, and heavy equipment and the Genesee County Sheriff's Office is looking for the public's help in identifying the culprit.

These are known as Type 31 batteries. They retail for as much as $300 and have resale and recycling value.

Investigators say the series of thefts seem confined to Genesee County, particularly in Elba, Oakfield, Batavia, Byron, Alabama and Alexander.

The Sheriff's Office has received more than a dozen complaints of such thefts, which occur overnight.

Anyone with information that may pertain to the case can call (585) 343-5000.

Groundbreaking for STAMP expected next month, 1366 in the spring

By Howard B. Owens

A groundbreaking ceremony should take place in Alabama sometime next month for the WNY Science, Technology & Advanced Manufacturing Park -- the STAMP project -- complete with state government dignitaries, said Steve Hyde, CEO of the Genesee County Economic Development Center, during a meeting Wednesday of the County's Ways and Means Committee.

It will signal the start of development of STAMP, a planned high-tech industrial center that Hyde first proposed more than a decade ago.

Initial development will be building the infrastructure to support the site's first tenant and serve to attract additional tenants with the dream of eventually creating 10,000 jobs at the industrial park.

The first tenant is 1366 Technologies. With headquarters in the Boston area, 1366 will use a revolutionary manufacturing process to create silicon wafers for solar panels. 

Once the infrastructure work -- roads, sewer, water, electrical -- starts, 1366 will begin the design process for its facility.

Hyde expects there will be a second groundbreaking especially for 1366 sometime in the spring and the plant will be completed by the end of 2017.

Legislature John Deleo asked Hyde to explain why local residents shouldn't be worried about the prospects of 1366 when Solar City, part of the Buffalo Billions project, seems to be struggling.

Solar City and 1366 are completely unrelated projects and the two companies are pursuing very different business models, Hyde told Deleo.

Solar City is building a very large factory to manufacture residential and commercial solar panels that the company will sell itself to a domestic market.

Whereas, 1366 is only making solar wafers and its product will be a component in solar panels built by others for large industrial solar operations in overseas markets.

So far, 1366 has about $100 million in private investment capital, overseas strategic partners and its initial customers.

At full capacity, 1366 is expected to employ about 1,000 people.

For prior 1366 Technologies coverage, click here.

Law and Order: Wood Street resident jailed after warrant issued on unauthorized use of vehicle

By Billie Owens

Elizabeth Michelle Grattan, 26, of Wood Street, Batavia, is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in the third degree, leaving the scene of a property damage accident and unsafe backing. Grattan was arrested on a warrant after being located at a residence in the City of Batavia by Genesee County Probation. An arrest warrant was issued by the Town of Alabama Court to answer the charges stemming from an incident at 1 a.m. on Aug. 1 on Judge Road. She was arraigned  Sept. 14 in Town of Oakfield Court and put in jail on $500 bail. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

WNY Perinatal Bereavement Network to hold Ride to Remember & Basket Raffle Saturday

By Billie Owens

The third annual Ride to Remember and Basket Raffle, presented by the Western New York Perinatal Bereavement Network Inc., will take place Saturday, Sept. 17, starting at the Oakfield Alabama Baptist Church.

The church is located at 2210 Judge Road in Oakfield.

Ticket sales for the Basket Raffle will take place from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. and the raffle starts at 12:30.

All proceeds will benefit the network and the "Remembering Love in a Heartbeat" Project.

Here is the story of Jennifer and Bruce Pritchett -- bereaved parents of Helen Lois (Jan. 4-13, 2012):

Five years ago, we were expecting our second child when we found out that our daughter, Helen, had a terminal condition. Through a series of counselors, we were given the Western New York Perinatal Bereavement Network’s (WNYPBN) contact information. This organization provided our family with much support. One of the most treasured items we have of our daughter is a recorded heartbeat from our sonogram appointment. The WNYPBN provided us with the recordable sound box that we took to our appointment & we were able to record her heartbeat. We then made a stuffed animal with the heartbeat device inside. 

The purpose of this ride is to support the programs of the WNYPBN, especially the new program, “Remembering Love in a Heartbeat.” This program will provide families facing a similar situation the opportunity to have their baby’s heartbeat recorded and placed in a bear or bunny so they will always be able to hear their precious baby’s heart beat...another beautiful memory.

The Western New York Perinatal Bereavement Network Inc. (WNYPBN) is an organization comprised of bereaved parents and healthcare professionals who promote standards of bereavement intervention through educational support, community programs and referral services for bereaved parents. The Network serves all eight counties of WNY and is run completely on donations and volunteers. The Mission is to assist the community in meeting the needs of people facing perinatal death:  the death of a baby due to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, or early infant death.

For more information visit: www.wnypbn.org

Alabama Hunt Club to host Fall Black Powder Shoot Sept. 17-18

By Billie Owens
The Alabama Hunt Club will host a Fall Black Powder Shoot from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 17-18.
 
The event is open to the public and features traditional black powder and inline muzzleloader matches.
 
There will be 25, 50, 75, 100 and 200 yard ranges available to compete; or it is a good time to sight in your hunting gun.
 
New for 2016 -- INLINE MUZZLELOADER matches with or without a scope.
 
Lunch will be available.
 
The club is located at 1857 Lewiston Road, Basom.
 
For additional info contact: John at 716-714-5514 or Sam at 585-297-7747.

Law and Order: Swan Street teen charged with first-degree sex abuse, Varysburg man arrested for public lewdness

By Billie Owens

Shawn Thomas Rushok, 17, of Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with first-degree sex abuse. He is accused of having "inappropriate sexual contact with another person" on May 24 in the Town of Le Roy. He was arraigned on Aug. 15 in Le Roy Town Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy John Dehm.

Gannon David McNall, 20, of Centerline Road, Varysburg, is charged with public lewdness. He was arrested on Aug. 15 after allegedly being observed masturbating in the parking lot of a Batavia department store on Veterans Memorial Drive at 5:39 p.m. He was released on an appearance ticket returnable to Town of Batavia Court at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.

John Kauffman Stone, 49, of Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. The defendant was arrested for allegedly pushing and slapping another person on West Main Street Road, Batavia, at 8:52 p.m. on Aug. 14. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and jailed on $500 bail. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Robert Henning, assisted by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Michael John Jarmuz II, 26, of Idlewood Drive, Tonawanda, is charged with second-degree criminal impersonation and second degree aggravated unlicensed operation. The subject allegedly gave the arresting officer his brother's information during a DWAI/drug arrest at 3:06 a.m. on Aug. 13 on Oak Orchard Road, Elba. The subject's "common law" stepmother reported to the arresting officer two days later with the subject's correct information. The subject allegedly gave his brother's information because he had a suspended driver's license and a warrant from another county. He is due in Elba Town Court on Sept. 7. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Chris Parker, assisted by Deputy Eric Meyer.

Bradley Edward Moore, 18, of Manning Road, Holley, is charged with petit larceny. The subject allegedly stole two cartons of cigarettes from a smoke shop on the Tonawanda Indian reservation at 2 p.m. on June 6. He is due in Alabama Town Court on Aug. 30. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Chris Parker.

Gina Lynn Avino, 41, of Haven Lane, Batavia, was arrested Aug. 19 on a bench warrant out of the City of Batavia PD following the investigation into a motor-vehicle accident in the Town of Batavia on that date at 3:25 p.m. on West Main Street Road. The case was handled by Sheriff's Dpeuty Michael Lute, assisted by Dpeuty Rachel Diehl.

An act of humanity after a hot, humid manhunt

By Howard B. Owens

Two people fled from a rollover accident on Route 77 near Bloomingdale Road on Friday afternoon, and while the woman was apprehended after a couple of hours, the man -- described as a black male -- continued to elude law enforcement and the volunteer firefighters enlisted to help cordon off the area. 

It was hot -- over 90 degrees -- and humid. After a short, dabbled rain, the sun blazed again on the deputies in their dark uniforms and the firefighters in their turnout gear, and they all continued the search.

Nobody was even sure if the man was still in the area. The woman said a friend had swung down Route 77 and picked him up. But deputies also didn't necessarily believe that tale.

And since he was known to be injured, suffering a facial cut in the accident, and because it was not a good day to be out in the sun losing blood, they searched, unsure why he fled, but certain if he didn't get a ride, he would need help.

The search was called off once, shortly after Erie County's Air One left the area, but then the weather shifted and the State Police helicopter was cleared to fly, so it headed toward Alabama and picked up Deputy Chris Parker (who used to be part of that unit) to continue the search.

By this time, Alabama Chief Gary Patnode was home, resting, as were most of the other firefighters, then Patnode's sister called. She had seen a man walking down Route 77 who matched the description of the man deputies were looking for.

Patnode hopped in his truck and headed south on Alleghany Road. He spotted the man and contacted dispatch, who notified patrols.

Sgt. Jason Saile, who had been part of the search the entire hot afternoon, pulled up behind the man first, got out of his SUV and as the man turned around, hands in the air, Saile put out his own hand, which held a bottle of water.

The man was later identified as Ralph F. Forte, of Rochester. Charges are pending against Forte.

The woman, Sabrina J. Brownell, of Little Genesee, is charged with DWI and is facing other possible charges. 

Brownell suffered minor injuries. Forte suffered cuts on his face from the accident and a possible dislocated arm. He was also suffering from heat exhaustion by the time he was located.

The incident began in Lockport with a report of a rolling domestic on Route 77, with the vehicle heading south. Then Genesee County dispatchers were informed of a rollover accident just north of Bloomingdale Road.

Civilians first on scene uprighted the vehicle and medics saw the two occupants flee, and they provided deputies with a description of the subjects.

When law enforcement arrived, they saw the subjects head into the wooded area just south of Bloomingdale and east of Route 77. A K-9 from Medina joined the search, and Air One from Erie County arrived about 40 minutes later.

During that part of the search, the woman appeared, apparently of her own accord, on a gravel road (a snowmobile trail when there's snow) and Patnode and Saile drove to her location. She was questioned and then provided medical treatment before being transported by Mercy EMS to Strong Memorial Hospital.

Then the search continued, including a time about 20 minutes later when the Air One pilot thought he had spotted the missing black male.

Some 30 minutes later, he still hadn't been located and Air One need to return to Erie County.

Just before a quarter to six, the State Police helicopter arrived on scene. At 6:10 p.m., the subject of the search was spotted on Route 77.

Saile handed him a bottle of water and then the man was allowed to sit in the shade of Saile's patrol vehicle. Medics arrived and provided first aid until a Mercy EMS ambulance arrived. The man was placed on a stretcher and put in the ambulance and transported to Strong.

Also assisting in the case are Deputy Andrew Hale, Deputy Michael Lute and Lt. Todd Draper, and the K-9 patrol with Medina PD.

(Initial report.)

One-vehicle rollover reported on Alleghany Road near Bloomingdale Road

By Billie Owens

A one-vehicle rollover is reported in the area of 7142 Alleghany Road, near the Bloomingdale Road intersection. Unknown injuries. Alabama Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 4:16 p.m.: This is a "rolling domestic" incident which began in Lockport. The couple involved fled the scene and law enforcement is searching for them. Fire police have cordoned off the area and a K-9 unit from Medina PD is working to find the parties. A State Police helicopter cannot be deployed due to the possibility of thunderstorms.

UPDATE 4:21 p.m.: Law enforcement is looking for a black male, about 5'6", wearing an orange T-shirt and black shorts; but the white female, also about 5'6", wearing a pink floral dress, is now out talking with Alabama Fire Chief Gary Patnode -- the chief is in a gator and he and the female are about 100 yards from the roadway of Route 77.

UPDATE 4:28 p.m.: Patnode said both parties had blood on them and the male appeared to have a cut near his eye. The vehicle was found a little north of the Post Office here and had rolled over. Bystanders uprighted the vehicle and afterward the couple got out and ran through yards and into the woods. First responders staged in the area until law enforcement arrived. Patnode said the scene was confused and chaotic at first.

UPDATE 5:03 p.m.: The female, who was the driver, was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy medics. The Erie County "Air One" Sheriff's helicopter was eventually allowed to be deployed. The investigation of the incident continues.

UPDATE 5:09 p.m.: "We do not know why he fled the scene," said Sheriff's Sgt. Jason Saile. Alcohol has not been ruled out as a factor in the accident, Saile said, noting that a deputy is heading to Strong to interview the female driver. She told officers that the male "was picked up by a friend," but they are not certain of the truthfulness of the statement and are continuing to search for the male passenger for the time being. A perimeter was set up soon after first responders arrived and the couple fled the scene. The K-9 and helicopter are still deployed.

UPDATE 5:35 p.m.: Air 1 has left the scene; they will probably be stopping the search soon.

UPDATE 6:13 p.m.: Sheriff's deputies "believe" they are out with the suspect, who they found walking southbound on Route 77.

UPDATE 6:23 p.m.: A male is being detained and medics are treating his injuries. After Air One left the scene, the State Police helicopter flew to the scene for personnel reasons.

NRA Safety and Firearm Education Camp offered Sunday at Alabama Hunt Club

By Billie Owens

There will be an NRA Safety and Firearm Education Camp from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Alabama Hunt Club on Sunday, Aug. 14.

The hunt club, located at 1854 Lewiston Road in Alabama, is sponsoring the event. Cost is $5 per person or $20 per family. Lunch will be provided for all participants.

Registration and fee payment starts at 9, with a required Shooting Safety Course instruction beginning at 9:30.

That will be followed by:

  • Archery shooting
  • Paintball shooting
  • Air rifle shooting
  • .22-caliber rifle shooting
  • Trap shooting
  • And muzzleloading rifle shooting

To ask questions or for more information, call Dema at (716) 632-1264.

Law and Order: Darien man accused of choking juvenile

By Howard B. Owens

Hakeem Ellsha Cunningham, 20, of Alleghany Road, Darien, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, endangering the welfare of a child and harassment, 2nd. Cunningham allegedly grabbed the neck of a juvenile, causing her to have a hard time breathing, during an incident reported July 19.

Lance M. Mercado Sr., 26, of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Mercardo is accused of shoplifting from Speedway. Surveillance cameras revealed Mercado allegedly placing merchandise in his pockets and leaving the store without paying for the items.

Anthony G. Milone, 52, of Transit Road, Depew, is charged with disorderly conduct. Milone allegedly stepped out in front of a vehicle on Summit Street, Batavia, blocking traffic, at 4:29 p.m., June 24.

Joseph M. Marsceill Sr., 46, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. Marsceill allegedly failed to appear in court on a charge of aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. He was released on his own recognizance.

Deborah R. Blatt, 56, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Blatt allegedly struck a police officer while being escorted to an ambulance to be taken to an area hospital for evaluation.

Charles-Gus Thigpen Williams, 37, of Robinson Road, Lockport, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Williams allegedly tried to gain access to a residence on Liberty Street at 10:32 p.m., Aug. 2, where the person living there was protected by a complete stay away order. Williams was located and arrested Tuesday. He was jailed on $1,000 bail, or $2,000 bond.

Douglas S. Sprague, 49, of Bethany Center Road, East Bethany, is charged with obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest. Sprague allegedly attempted to resist arrest following a disturbance on Hutchins Place, Batavia, at 10:27 p.m., Friday.

Benjamin L. Brade, 24, of Denio Street, Batavia, is was arrested on a warrant. Brade allegedly failed to show up to serve a weekend jail term. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Paul P. Cronan, 35, of Main Street, Williamsville, is charged with harassment, 2nd, disorderly conduct and coercion, 2nd. Cronan was allegedly involved in a domestic incident at 12:21 p.m., Sunday, at Dunkin' Donuts, Batavia. He was released to NYSP Clarence on unrelated charges.

Christian Richard Austin, 32, of Parce Avenue, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, aggravated unlicensed operation, failure to stop at stop sign and driver's view obstructed. Austin was stopped at 12:21 p.m. Saturday on Route 77, Alabama, by Deputy Michael Lute.

Law and Order: West Main Street Road resident allegedly drove drunk with two kids in the car

By Billie Owens

OV Murphy, 57, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with: DWI -- previous conviction; aggravated DWI -- previous conviction; DWI -- with a child passenger under age 16; back seat child passenger with inappropriate restraint; and endangering the welfare of a child. Murphy was arrested at 9:36 p.m. on July 31 on Ross Street in Batavia. Police were called to Northwside Meadows apartments for the report of people arguing in a vehicle. Police located the vehicle traveling on Ross Street. An investigation allegedly revealed that Murphy was intoxicated and had two children under age 15 in the vehicle with him. He was jailed without bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Alisha Adara Soule, 20, of Route 237, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. At about 9:30 p.m. on July 26, Batavia Police were dispatched to a residence on Tracy Avenue in the city for a reported family distrubance which became physical. A subsequent investigation determined that Soule had allegedly struck a family member during a verbal altercation prior to leaving the residence. She turned herself in and was issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 9 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia PoliceOfficer Arick Perkins, assisted by Sgt. Matthew Lutey.

Jacob L. Hernandez, 21, of Warren Acres Lane, Taylorsville, NC, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested at 3:09 a.m., July 23, on Jackson Street, Batavia, following an investigation into a damaged window. He was processed, issued an appearance ticket, and ordered to appear in City Court this afternoon. The case was handled by Batavia Police Sgt. Matthew Lutey, assisted by Officer Eric Foels.

Gregory S. Yark, 52, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with third-degree burglary, second-degree criminal contempt, and possession of a hypodermic instrument. On the morning of July 29, while on patrol, Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis noticed Yark riding his bicycle into a driveway of a residence on Roosevelt Avenue. The residence in question was that of a person who had a full stay-away order of protection from Yark, barring him from being on the property. Yark allegedly entered the garage, sat down to enjoy a smoke, making himself right at home. He was arrested at 8:45 a.m. and allegedly found to be in possession of two hypodermic needles. He was jailed in lieu of $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bound and was due in City Court Aug. 1. Officer Davis was assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

Elizabeth Michelle Grattan, 26, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with: unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, 3rd; leaving the scene of a property damage accident; and unsafe backing. Following an investigation in the Town of Alabama, Grattan was arrested for allegedly operating a motor vehicle with the owner's consent. On Aug. 1, between 12:30 and 2 a.m., she allegedly took the vehicle from a residence on Judge Road in Alabama without permission. While doing so, she allegedly damaged the person's mailbox. She was released on an appearance ticket for Aug. 23 in Alabama Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Lee A. Baxter, 32, no address provided, was arrested at 1:38 a.m. on July 26 on Central Avenue in Batavia for allegedly violating an order of protection in place for a person on Central Avenue. He is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was jailed on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bond. Baxter is due in City Court on Wednesday (Aug. 3). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels, assisted by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Matthew C. Olcott, 37, of Woodstock Gardens, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia, and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. At 9:30 a.m. on July 27, during a Probation home search conducted by Probation officers Williams, Buchholz and Heale, the defendant was allegedly found to be in possession of a crack pipe with residue. Probation Officer Williams contacted Batavia PD for further investigation. Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis assisted Probation in the arrest of Olcott, who was jailed in lieu of $15,000 cash bail. During this investigation, Olcott's girlfriend, 30-year-old Sara Elliott, was arrested for allegedly being in possession of marijuana. She was issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 9 in City Court. Officer Davis was assisted in both cases by Officer Frank Klimjack.

Thomas T. Bennett, 51, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree contempt. At 4:35 p.m., July 28, on Ellsworth Avenue, Batavia, Bennett allegedly had contact with, and went on the property of, a party protected by a stay-away order of protection. He was issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 4 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

Tierance J. Davis, 29, of Hundremark Road, Elba, is charged with failure to appear. Davis was arrested July 28 on an arrest warrant for allegedly failing to pay a parking ticket after is was issued on Jan. 6, 2013. Davis posted the unpaid fine and was released from custody. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

Joseph W. Freeman, 32, Platten Road, Lyndonville, was taken into custody from Orleans County Jail on July 26 on a bench warrant issued out of Batavia City Court. He posted bail and was issued an appearance ticket for this afternoon in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Mathew P. Parker, 26, of West Avenue, Medina, was arrested on a bench warrant for allegedly failing to pay a fine issued because of an incident on May 24, 2015. He was released and is due to return of City Court on Wednesday (Aug. 3). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

John Anthony Hertz, 32, of Mechanic Street, Elba, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. At 11:02 p.m. on Aug. 1, following the investigation of a cehck-the-welfare complaint, Hertz was arrested for allegedly unlawfully possessing marijuana. He allegedly hid a small amount of marijuana and a glass smoking pipe in his yard prior to police arriving. He was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Elba Court on Aug. 31. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer.

Law and Order: Rochester man arrested for allegedly possessing more than 10K unstamped cigarettes

By Billie Owens

Ricky On Lei, 27, of South Clinton Avenue, Rochester, is charged with possession of 10,000-plus unstamped cigarettes, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and failure to stop at a stop sign. Lei was arrested at 7:34 p.m. on July 31 at 7238 Alleghany Road, Alabama, after a traffic stop. Lei allegedly was in possession of more than 10,000 untaxed cigarettes at the time. Allegedly, he was also operating the vehicle with a suspended driver's license and failed to stop at a stop sign. He was arraigned in Town of Alabama Court and put in jail in lieu of $2,500 cash or $5,000 bond. He is due in Alabama court on Aug. 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.

Summer Anne Bliss, 22, of Overlook Drive, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested at 10:30 a.m. on July 28 on Overlook Drive for allegedly punching a person in the head during a verbal altercation that turned physical. Bliss was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released. She is due in Town of Batavia Court at a later date. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Hale.

Mark Christopher Hanna, 36, of Lenox Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and speeding. Hanna was stopped at 9:06 a.m. on July 30 on Route 33 in the Town of Stafford for a speeding violation. It was determined after an interview that Hanna was allegedly in possession of a quantity of marijuana. He was arrested on the charge, processed and released on an appearance ticket for Aug. 18 in Town of Stafford Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster, assisted by Deputy Andrew Hale.

One vehicle accident on Ledge Road, Basom

By Howard B. Owens

A single-car accident with an individual complaining of neck pain is reported in the area of the Totem Pole on Ledge Road, Basom.

Alabama fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 4:06 p.m.: Law enforcement requested to the scene. Alabama's responding units can stage in quarters.

UPDATE 4:10 p.m.: Mercy can go back in service. Patient is a sign-off.

Company in Basom looking for help in recovering stolen Kubota

By Howard B. Owens

The folks at Alleghany Farm Services, 7342 Alleghany Road, Basom, are looking for help in locating their Kubota RTV 1100c WXL-A, which was stolen from their property.

Its series number is 25947 and it's a 2011 model.

The company's phone number is: (585) 762-4411.

Two possible drowning victims reported in the water at Indian Falls

By Billie Owens

Possible drownings are reported in the falls by the Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are called to respond along with Mercy medics. The caller reports two possible victims are in the water at the falls and not coming up. The Alabama Volunteer Fire Department Chief is asked to contact the GC Emergency Dispatch Center.

UPDATE 7:13 p.m.: The command post is set up in the Log Cabin restaurant parking lot.

UPDATE 7:15 p.m.: The restaurant is located at 1227 Gilmore Road in Corfu. A trooper says one male subject who was found is not breathing. A Mercy Flight landing zone is being set up. "Looks like they're doing CPR." Onlookers at the scene are said to be a problem for first responders.

UPDATE 7:24 p.m.: Mercy Flight has a five-minute ETA. A responder with a backboard "for CPR purposes" is requested at the edge of the falls.

UPDATE 7:26 p.m.: Mercy Flight #5 out of Batavia has a three-minute ETA.

UPDATE 7:40 p.m.: Medics on scene, including Mercy medics and Mercy Flight personnel "are aware that it's a recovery mode at this point."

UPDATE 7:43 p.m.: Mercy Medic #3 is called to the scene for "firefighters with some abrasions."

UPDATE 7:45 p.m.: The chief in command at the scene reports there is one fatality and that it will take about 30 minutes to bring the male victim up and out of the area. It's unknown how long the victim may have been under water. There are no other victims. About 30 people were in the water at the time of the incident, according to the scene commander and other witnesses.

Law and Order: Rochester man jailed without bail after caught driving with license allegedly suspended 19 times

By Billie Owens

Travail L. Madison, pictured left, 24, of Merlin Street, Rochester, is charged with first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and unlicensed operator. At 8:10 a.m. on June 30, Madison was operating a motor vehicle on Ellicott Street without a driver's license. A subsequent computer check revealed that his driving privilege has allegedly been suspended 19 times on 10 different dates. He was jailed without bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Frank Klimjack, assisted by Officer Daniel Coffey.

Calvin L. Mosher, 38, of Maple Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs; speeding (53 mph in 40-mph zone); unsafe start; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Mosher was stopped at 12:30 p.m. on Alleghany Road in Alabama for vehicle and traffic violations. The defendant was subsequently found to be operating a vehicle while his ability to do so was allegedly impaired by suspected illicit drugs. Mosher was allegedly found in possession of a small quantity of suspected LSD and marijuana. He was issued traffic summons and appearance tickets and directed to be in Town of Alabama Court on July 9. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Patrick Reeves, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young.

Nicholas D. Martino, 35, of Main Street, Alexander, is charged with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operator. He was arrested at 6:12 p.m. on Bank Street in Batavia following a traffic stop. He was allegedly driving a silver van while his driver's license was suspended. He was jailed in lieu of $2,500 cash or bond and was due in court on June 30. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Christopher Camp. 

Eric Richard McWethy, 20, Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, and having only one plate displayed on his vehicle, which was obstructed. He was arrested at 7:40 p.m. July 1 on Main Street, in Oakfield, after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana following a traffic stop. He was stopped for allegedly failing to display a properly affixed rear axle plate to the vehicle he was operating. He was released on appearance tickets returnable to Town of Oakfield Court on July 25. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.

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