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"Copperhead," the movie with the screenplay by local author Bill Kauffman, opens in theaters around the United States today and the film has received mostly positive reviews so far.

A screening in Gettysburg, billed as the world premiere, earned director Ron Maxwell a standing ovation.

Writer James Simpson, in a piece of PJ Media, takes a detailed look at the historical and political context of the movie and concludes,

This is a movie well worth seeing; both for its accurate depiction of the times, its rich narrative, and the unique, rarely discussed subject matter, which was in fact a major component of the days’ controversies. It is also completely family friendly – a rarity in Hollywood these days.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the L.A. Times critic comes off as a bit of a snob and calls the film "lugubrious."

Another Hollywood-based critic says the film is purely for history buffs (while too narrowly constricting the scope of the audience, may be a bit of a left-handed compliment -- this isn't "Fast & Furious 6").

That writer, John DeFore, seems to believe only "Tea Party" types care about the Constitution, writing, "Beech is a dairy farmer who's opposed to slavery but, in language that will resonate with Tea Party-affiliated viewers, argues that Lincoln's war is unconstitutional."

Apparently, one must not color outside of the lines in Mr. DeFore's world.

Though, one of the more favorable reviews has come from Katie Kieffer, writing for the conservative Web site Town Hall.

Copperhead is worth seeing because it re-tells American history with an intimate, engaging and non-textbook approach.

It will be interesting to watch the different reactions to the film from America's various political factions -- especially the simple-minded red state/blue state divide -- to a film that challenges pat answers to questions about the Civil War.

Kauffman has said the movie isn't intended to be preachy or a message movie, except maybe to reinvigorate the lost notion in America of the value of dissent.

In his own lengthy piece about the film for Front Porch Republic, Kauffman writes about the constricting nature of political debate in the country these days.

We live in a time and in a country which finds principled dissent of the sort exercised by Eugene V. Debs and Abner Beech almost incomprehensible. In one sense, freedom of expression knows no bounds: Internet pornography, snuff-game videos, libelous tweets – laissez faire, man. But with respect to politics, art, culture…seldom in American history have the limits of permissible speech been so narrow, so constricting. True, our Eugene Debses aren’t usually thrown into gaols, but nor do they become cause célèbres, like Debs. Their prison is the red state-blue state idiocy under which the limits of acceptable opinion are demarcated by Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, and writers live in the fear (which, I can tell you as one who has long worked with members of the DC punditocracy, absolutely paralyzes careerists) of saying the wrong thing and running afoul of the hall monitors and tattletales who police American discourse.

In media coverage closer to home, Jay Moran interviews Kauffman for WBFO.

"Copperhead" is playing in Pittsford and Williamsville.

Previously:

• 'Copperhead' hits all of Kauffman's themes, and is a big hit with screening audience
• Screenwriter Bill Kauffman and film director Ron Maxwell discuss 'Copperhead'
• Trailer for Bill Kauffman's 'Copperhead' released, film opens June 28

Missing 13-year-old Chelsea Darnley Emondt-Fauel has been located in the City of Batavia and is safe, according to Det. Rich Schauf.

Schauf said it's confirmed that she was a "willful runaway."

She was turned over to the care of Social Services, Schauf said.

Three teenagers from Medina are facing criminal charges following last night's high speed chase through the City of Batavia.

Angel T. Calderon, 16, of 23 S. Main St., #2, Treyvon K. Johnson, 17, of 816 S. Main St., and Syed A. Baity, 18, of 221 Commercial St., were all jailed without bail pending a court appearance tomorrow.

They are charged criminal possession of stolen property, 4th, and obstruction of governmental administration, 2nd.

The incident began around 9 p.m. when dispatchers were informed that a red pickup truck had been stolen in Medina and the truck was last seen southbound on Route 98 heading into Genesee County.

Immediately, an Elba resident reported seeing the truck pass through the village.

Soon after, Deputy Matt Fleming spotted the vehicle southbound on Route 98 and began a pursuit that reportedly reached speeds of 70 mph heading into the city.

Once on Oak Street, the truck drove over a curb by the Hess Mart and struck a pole.

Witnesses said the light pole crumbled and the truck missed by inches two young women at the gas station. The falling pole narrowly missed a Batavia resident's brand new Porsche sitting next to a gas pump. 

The truck also struck another vehicle in the area and then continued eastbound on Main Street.

After racing through city streets, the truck crashed into a fence in a residential yard at 9 Buxton Ave. and the three occupants tried to flee the scene on foot.

The occupants are allegedly Calderon, Johnson and Baity.

Two of the teens were taken into custody almost immediately. A third was captured on the track at Woodward Field/Van Detta Stadium. 

The suspect who ran toward Van Detta reportedly ran through a yard were a family was gathered and nearly ran into a pregnant woman holding another mother's baby, according to witness statements on Facebook.

A police officer suffered a minor injury during the foot pursuit.

Police believe Calderon was the driver and he is charged with reckless endangerment, 1st, unlawful fleeing a police officer, 3rd, and 33 vehicle and seven traffic law violations.

Baity was also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

The defendants are scheduled to appear in City Court at 11 a.m. tomorrow for a bail review.

A resident on Ross Street complained to dispatch that a neighbor on that street dumped dog feces on the complainant's lawn. A police officer is responding.

Here are the latest indictments issued by the Genesee County Grand Jury:

Kyle H. Morse is indicted on four counts, all stemming from alleged actions on Sept. 21, 2012 in the Town of Elba.

He is accused of criminal sexual act in the first degree, a class-B felony, for allegedly engaging in oral sexual conduct with another person by forcible compulsion.

In count two of the indictment, Morse is accused of sexual abuse in the first degree, a class-D violent felony, for allegedly subjecting another person to sexual contact by forcible compulsion.

In count three, Morse is accused of criminal sexual act in the third degree, a class-E felony, for allegedly engaging in oral sexual conduct with another person without that person's consent. This alleged lack of consent was by reason of some factor other than incapacity to consent.

In count four, Morse is accused of sexual misconduct, a class-A misdemeanor, for allegedly engaging in oral sexual conduct with another person without that person's consent, and the person was deemed incapable of consent by vurtue of being less than 17 years old.

John J. Slack and Penny S. Sprague are both indicted on two counts each stemming from alleged actions June 16-17, 2012 on Knowlesville Road in the Town of Alabama.

In count one, they are accused of second-degree burglary, a class-C violent felony, for allegedly  entering and remaining unlawfully in a dwelling with the intent to commit a crime. In count two, they are accused of grand larceny in the third degree, a class-D felony, for allegedly stealing property having a value in excess of $3,000 -- in this case, jewelry, money, electonic devices and other property valued at about $11,000.

Franchesca A. Barrome is accused of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, a class-E felony. It is alleged that during Feb. 5-17, 2013, in the Town of Batavia she knowingly possessed stolen property with intent to benefit herself or a person other than the owner, or to impede recovery of the property by the owner. The property was a college ID card.

In count two of the indictment, Barrome is accused of petit larceny, a class-A misdemeanor, for allegedly stealing property by using the ID card to make unauthorized purchases. In count three, she is accused of criminal trespass in the second degree, a class-A misdemeanor, for allegedly entering and remaining unlawfully in a dwelling.

Gary W. Woronowski is accused of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony, for allegedly operating a 2000 Subaru while intoxicated. This allegedly occurred Feb.1, 2013 on Main Road in the Town of Pembroke. In count two, he is accused of driving while intoxicated, per se, as a class-E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .08 or more at the time.

Woronowski is also accused of having been convicted of DWI, as a misdemeanor, in 2007 which is within 10 years of the crimes alleged in this indictment.

Chad M. Dart is accused of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony, for driving a 2013 Chevy pickup on Route 33 in the Town of Stafford on March 10, 2013 while intoxicated. He is also accused of having been convicted of DWI, as a misdemeanor, in 2004, which is within 10 years of the crime alleged in the indicment.

Lastly, the Grand Jury returned a No Bill on DWI charges against Ronald J. Tombari III stemming from alleged incidents which occurred Dec. 12, 2012 in the Town of Pavilion.

More than $1 million in automobile was parked at the Northside Deli this afternoon, according to owner Dave Stupp. Dave said the cars stopped while on a route from Toronto to the Hamptons as part of a California to East Coast Tour. The drivers told Stupp they worked for Aston Martin.

Photo submitted by Dave Stupp.

Less than 10 minutes elapsed from the time local law enforcement was informed of a suspected stolen pickup truck heading into Elba from Orleans County to the time three men were taken into custody by Batavia PD.

The report hit the scanner and an Elba resident apparently heard the APB and contacted dispatchers when the truck passed through the village.

Within two minutes, a Sheriff's deputy was behind the truck heading south on Route 98.

The truck was reportedly traveling at 70 mph. It headed into the city and struck a pole near the Hess station at Oak and Main. It then turned left onto Main and reportedly struck another vehicle.

The truck was next reported making a left onto Prospect, was reported on Richmond, then New York Place and then Genesee Street.

Sgt. Jason Davis drove north on Buxton and blocked southbound Buxton. The truck couldn't make the turn from Genesee to northbound Buxton and crashed into the fence of a front yard on Buxton.

Three men jumped from the vehicle and ran. During the foot pursuit an officer suffered a possible knee injury. 

Two suspects were taken into custody almost immediately. A third suspect ran west and was apprehended on the track of Woodward Field/Van Detta Stadium.

Sgt. Dan Coffey said it's too soon to determine what charges might be filed against the men, but they're facing possible multiple charges in Orleans and Genesee counties and the City of Batavia.

We'll provide more information about the arrests once it is available.

(Initial Report)

A possibly stolen red Dodge pickup truck from Orleans County was driving at a high rate of speed from Elba south on Route 98 into the city, reaching speeds of 70 mph. One of the male occupants is now in custody at Buxton Avenue and Genesee Street. The vehicle came to rest at 9 Buxton and an officer is down with a knee injury in the back yard there. Mercy medics are responding.

Another occupant was located in the bleachers at Van Detta Stadium and after officers gave him directives, he was subsequently arrested at 9 Pickthorn Drive.

There are three suspects altogether. Another address involved is 21 Vernon Verona Ave.

UPDATE 9:31 p.m.: A police officer was taken to UMMC for treatment of an injury.

An investigation into what was initially reported as a possible hostage sitation on Highland Park, Batavia, yesterday has led to the arrest of two men on criminal charges.

Carl I. Sherman, 34, of Rochester is charged with menacing, 2nd, a misdemeanor, and Jason P. Sherman, 35, of Batavia, is charged with strangulation, 2nd, and assault, 2nd, both felonies.

Carl was jailed on $5,000 bail and Jason was ordered held without bail.

The incident that brought police to Highland Park was reported around 1 p.m.

When Sgt. Dan Coffey arrived on scene, he was informed that a woman was possibly being held against her will by a person with a weapon inside a residence at 12 Highland Park.

Witnesses reported seeing a person with a handgun and that another male was carrying a baseball bat to use as a possible weapon.

A woman inside the residence was reportedly providing this information to a third party outside the residence.

Coffey called for backup and reported the possible hostage situation. Uniformed and plain clothes members of the Batavia PD and Sheriff's Office, along with State Police responded.

Nearby residents were asked to either shelter in place or congregate in the St. Anthony's parking lot for their own safety.

After nearly an hour, four people came out of the residence without incident and surrendered to police.

All four people were interviewed by investigators.

It's alleged that Jason was involved in a domestic incident Sunday with a woman at the residence and she sustained a fractured wrist and broken bone in her neck.

Yesterday, Jason's brother, Carl, allegedly went to the residence and threatened the woman with a baseball bat during an argument.

Police have not released details on whether a firearm was used or if one was found at the location. No firearm was located following an extensive search of the house.

No arrest had been made in Sunday's alleged incident because it was still under investigation at the time of yesterday's events, said Chief Shawn Heubusch.

After the four people were taken from the scene, a State Police robot was deployed to search the residence and then the residence was cleared by the Emergency Response Team to ensure no other people were hiding inside.

The Batavia Fire Department also assisted at the scene, and Mercy EMS was on standby.

Previously:

• Police respond to hostage situation on Highland Park
• Four people being questioned after possible hostage situation on Highland Park

Three people are being accused of selling cocaine in Genesee and Orleans counties following a lengthy joint investigation by law enforcement in both jurisdictions.

A search warrant was executed yesterday at a location on Hundredmark Road, Elba, and investigators said they found cocaine and drug paraphernalia.

The suspects are suspected of selling cocaine at the residence.

Arrested where:

• Edgardo Aponte, 41, of Hundredmark Road, Elba, charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 4th, criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd, criminal nuisance, 1st, and tampering with physical evidence.
• Sonia E. Aponte, 32, of Hundredmark Road, Elba, charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, criminal possesion of a controlled substance, 4th, criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd, and criminal nuisance, 1st.
• Jeremy S. Yantz, 32, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with four counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd.

Edgardo Aponte was arraigned in Elba Town Court and jailed on $50,000 bail. Sonia Aponte was released under supervision of Genesee Justice. Yantz was arraigned in Town of Albion Court and jailed in Orleans County on $25,000 bail.

The five-month investigation was a joint operation by the Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Orleans County Major Felony Crimes Task Force.

The Batavia PD Emergency Response Team assisted in the execution of the search warrant along with uniformed deputies, officers with Homeland Security and Rochester PD's K-9 unit.

The District Attorney's Office also assisted in the investigation.

From being a middle school teacher, to being a County Coroner for Genesee County, to being a Sheriff’s deputy, Vern Falcone, a native of Le Roy, has had a long and diverse career.

“While I was training to become a Sheriff’s deputy, I met a fellow deputy who was also a funeral director. That got me interested in it, so I went to school, got my license and worked part-time in a funeral home in Le Roy, while also working as a full-time Sheriff’s deputy," Falcone said. “I like working with people and I’m good at dealing with people, as well as helping families in difficult situations.”

When Vern retired in 2007, after 22 years with the Sheriff's Office, he became a full-time funeral director in Le Roy. In April of this year, Falcone opened Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc., at 8700 Lake Road, Le Roy.

Falcone is a tall, soft-spoken man with a calm demeanor, quite suitable for a career in the funeral business.

He had the brand-new facility built to resemble a home. He and his wife, Debra, did the painting, decorating and landscaping.

“If we knew anything about construction, we would have built it ourselves”, Falcone said with a laugh. “We wanted a new and up-to-date building, with a relaxing family atmosphere."

There is a fireplace to greet you when you enter, along with a cozy living room.

“I tried to create a relaxing atmosphere, like being in your own home," Falcone said.

There are soft colors and low lights, with music playing in background.

“I wanted to get away from the traditional funeral home look and make the facility feel more comfortable,” Falcone said. “I want people to walk in and feel at home in a difficult situation. I want their experience here to be as easy and comfortable as possible."

“We built a children’s room for children to play in while adults are focusing on grieving. They don’t need to worry about children being underfoot," Falcone said.

There are large screens to display video memorials in the grieving room. The room seats 125 people comfortably, with room for overflow. The room can also be divided in half to accommodate more intimate gatherings.

“I am very accommodating to people and I am happy to meet them at different hours, or even go to their home for a meeting," he said. "This is a service-oriented business and I am here to provide service to our guests. I don’t like answering services, so I always answer the phone myself and it will either be myself, or Debra, who greets visitors at the door."

The couple’s two daughters also help with the business and his oldest daughter is currently going to school to become a funeral director herself.

“I anticipate that this will be a self-supporting family business and we appreciate the support we’ve gotten from the community," Falcone said.

If you have questions or would like a personal tour of the facility, call Vern Falcone at 585-768-2400.

Press release:

The City Water Department has been notified by the Genesee Valley Railroad that it will be conducting a test of its fire suppression system for the transfer station located on Mill Street on Thursday June 27th at approximately 10 a.m. Residents should be aware that this test may cause a temporary discoloration of the water in the general vicinity of Evans and Walnut streets. Residents should avoid doing laundry until the water clarity has returned to normal.

Work crews are scheduled to pave South Swan Street and Vernon Avenue between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Thursday.

Residents are asked not to park on the road.

Residents will have limited access to their properties during paving operations.

Paving will begin on South Swan and then move to Vernon.

All other traffic is asked to avoid these streets Thursday.

The state's red "SEIZED" signs are out of the windows at Molasses Hill Bulk Foods on Ellicott Street in Batavia and a new sign is taped to the front door: "Closed til 9:00 AM Wed 6/26."

Previously: Molasses Hill closed, seized by state

Chelsea Darnley Emondt-Fauel is missing.

The young teenager from Batavia has gone missing before and is believed to be a runaway, but authorities are concerned about her safety and ask that anybody with information contact local law enforcement.

Chelsea was last seen on Dewey Avenue, Batavia, yesterday. She could still be in the area. She could have travelled to the Riverside area of Buffalo or to Niagara Falls.

The 13-year-old has brown hair and eyes, is 5'6" and 145 lbs.

If you have information that could assist Batavia PD in locating Chelsea, please call (585) 345-6350.

An accident with injuries is reported in front of the Arby's restaurant on West Main Street in the City of Batavia. City firefighters and Mercy medics are on location.

UPDATE 5:18 p.m.: The city fire assignment is back in service and Mercy medics will handle the sign-offs for the three people involved.

UPDATE 5:20 p.m.: The Mercy unit is back in service.

Four people are being questioned by police in connection with an incident at 12 Highland Park this afternoon that was initially reported by a third party to police as a hostage situation.

Sgt. Dan Coffey responded to the call first and an area resident reportedly told him that one or more people in the residence might have a gun.

Coffey called for backup and officers arrived within minutes from Batavia PD, the State Police and the Sheriff's Office. The Emergency Response Team was also activated and State Police responded with a K-9 and a robot.

Nearby residents were asked to either shelter in place or wait near the Ascension Parish / St. Anthony's parking lot off Central Avenue.

Highland was closed between Pringle Avenue and Jackson Street.

"Obviously the information that was given to Sgt. Coffey when he arrived (was) the situation was serious in nature," Chief Shawn Heubusch said. "We take as much caution as possible when we respond to a situation. There was information given to him that there was a hostage situation or weapons involved so we're going to get everybody here we can to get this locked down as safely as possible."

No arrests have been made yet and Heubusch said investigators are trying to sort out who did what and who, if anybody, was a hostage.

The situation ended peacefully shortly after most of the law enforcement response was in place.

A man in a black tank top came out onto the porch smoking a cigarette and walked down the stairs and looked around. A woman was behind him dressed in a pink tank top.

He went back into the house only to reemerge minutes later. Apparently under instructions from law enforcement, he put his hands in the air and then laid down flat on the ground. The woman then came and laid down next to him.

The man was then instructed to stand with his hands in the air, and back up to a position down the street where a Batavia detective was waiting to take him into custody.

The woman was then placed in cuffs in a similar fashion.

Minutes later, two more people came out of the residence, a woman first and then a man. Law enforcement then closed in and the man was immediately cuffed. The woman laid down on the ground, but did not appear to be cuffed.

The individuals reportedly told police that there was nobody else in the house, but as a precaution the police robot was sent inside, then the ERT team entered to ensure everyone was out.

Heubusch said depositions were being taken from all four people so investigators could try and determine exactly what happened.

He said more information would be released this evening or in the morning.

Batavia Police, detectives, Sheriff's deputies, medics and firefighters responded to a hostage situation on Highland Park about a half hour ago. Four people are now in custody. No one else is believed to be inside the lower apartment where the incident took place.

The first report indicated a person reportedly entered an apartment with a baseball bat and subesquently police shut down traffic at Pringle Avenue and Highland Park, and at Jackson Street and Highland, as well as Central Avenue.

UPDATE 2:25 p.m.: The perimeter is being opened. However, pedestrians and bystanders are still being kept at bay for the time being. Mercy medics are back in service.

Photo courtesy of WBTA

More T/K

Molasses Hill Bulk Foods on Ellicott Street, Batavia, is closed after the store was seized by an agent of NYS Taxation and Finance this morning.

Neal Harder, husband of owner Shannon Harder, said he and his wife are trying to negotiate with Taxation and Finance to be able to reopen today with an agreement to pay taxes owed by July 15.

He said he felt the sudden closure was the result of a disagreement between his wife and the agent.