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Bethany

Vehicle strikes guard rail on Route 63, injuries reported, Bethany responding

By Billie Owens

A vehicle has struck a guard rail and injuries are reported at 6104 Route 63, north of Transit Road. The vehicle is blocking the roadway. Bethany Fire Department and Ambulance Service are responding. The road is being shut down. After this accident, a tractor-trailer reportedly hit something, like a pole, in the area. Town of Batavia Fire Police are asked to close southbound Route 63 at East Road. Pavilion Fire Police are asked to shut down northbound Route 63 traffic at Texaco Town.

UPDATE 9:02 p.m.: Responders are back in service. Roads reopened. No word on status of victims(s).

What is a Christian? An example to follow!

By Tracy Byrnes

I am a Christian was the title of a recent sermon I heard that got my attention. What exactly is a Christian? A Christian is a person who believes with their heart that Jesus Christ died on the cross for their sins. It is a person who confesses their sin to God in prayer and asks for His forgiveness (Romans 10:9-10). It is a person who desires to live a life pleasing to God. It is a person who denies himself to become a follower of Christ (Luke 9:23). What does it mean to become a follower of Christ?

Event Date and Time

Law and Order: Seven Springs resident charged with harassment after argument with neighbor

By Howard B. Owens

Joseph Andrew Hernick, 64, of Seven Springs Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Hernick is accused of being verbally abusive and attempting to be physically intimidating toward a neighbor.

James A. Hancock, 44, of 318 E. Main St., Apt. 6, Batavia, is charged with aggravated criminal contempt. Hancock allegedly violated an order of protection while having a prior criminal contempt conviction within five years.

Patrick O. Spikes, 32, of 16 Hutchins Place, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd. Spikes is accused of damaging property of another person valued at more than $250 during an alleged incident on Holland Avenue at 2:30 a.m., Saturday.

Keluan B. Williams, 24, of 109 Summit St., Apt. 2, Batavia, is charged with acting in a manner injurious to a child less than 17 years old. The alleged incident was reported at 3:30 p.m., Saturday. No further details released.

Danny D. Williams, 24, of 18 East Ave., upper, Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle on a public highway. Williams was allegedly found driving at 6:54 p.m. Saturday on Hutchins Place by Officer Chad Richards. At the time of the traffic stop, Williams allegedly had an open can of Natural Light beer in the driver's side cup holder.

Brandi A. Watts, 32, of Indian Falls Road, Corfu, is was arrested on a warrant yesterday following a court appearance on an unrelated matter. Watts is accused of failure to pay a fine on an overnight parking ticket in the City of Batavia.

Eric Alexander Ion, 40, of Brant Road, Brant, was arrested on bench warrants related to charges of criminal contempt, 1st, and assault, 3rd. Ion is accused of failing to appear on these charges. Ion is currently being held on bail in the Genesee County Jail on matters in Family Court.

Faith Brenda Obeirne, 45, of Mt. Read Boulevard, Rochester, was arrested on warrants for alleged petit larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Obeirne was arrested by Rochester PD and turned over to the Sheriff's Office. Obeirne was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Conor Patrick Wilkes, 25, of Lewiston Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to keep right. Wilkes was stopped at 1:31 a.m. Saturday on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Justin Joseph Caryl, 26, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Caryl is accused of stealing $25.94 in merchandise from Walmart.

Jake Philip Myers, 23, of Maple Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08, failure to keep right and no or inadequate headlights. Myers was stopped at 1:48 a.m. Saturday on Edgerton Road, Elba, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Evelio Rodriguez-Santiago, 46, of Bergen, is charged with petit larceny. Rodriguez-Santiago is accused of stealing an item of value at a location on Church Street, Bergen, at 6:15 p.m., Saturday. Rodriguez-Santiago was arrested by State Police. No further details released.

Timothy J. Poblocki, 24, of East Bethany, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Poblocki was stopped at 1:45 p.m. Sunday on Route 20, Alexander, by State Police.

Jennifer N. Bujnowski, 39, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Bujnowski is accused of shoplifting at Walmart.

Photos: Horseshoe tournament at Skyline Campground, Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

Every year, guests of Skyline Campground in Alexander square off against guests of Lei-Ti Campground in Bethany in a horseshoe tournament. Today was the first meeting of the two teams this year at Skyline. Next week, the tournament moves to Lei-Ti.

Featured in our shots are George Siano, of Florida, and Roy Hovey, of Rochester.

Skyline's cheering section doing the wave.

Law and Order: Man accused of stealing electric shopping cart from Walmart

By Howard B. Owens

Kyle Jackson, 21, of Slusser Road, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Jackson allegedly drove an electric shopping cart across the Walmart parking lot, onto Route 63 and into the parking lot of Rite Aid at 4:30 a.m., June 12.

Douglas G. Goodwin Jr., of 130 Bank St., Batavia, is charged with offering a false instrument, 2nd, grand larceny, 4th, and criminal mischief, 3rd. Goodwin is accused of entering an apartment and stealing a hot water tank, gas and water lines and other items. Goodwin was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Foster M. Brandt, 22, of 20 Tracy Ave., Batavia, was arrested on warrants for obstruction of governmental administration and criminal mischief, 3rd. Brandt was jailed on $2,000 bail.

Christina A.M. Deluna, 33, of 122 State St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Deluna was arrested by Batavia PD following an investigation into a domestic incident reported at 6 p.m, Friday.

Angela S. Bianco, 42, of 137 State St., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Bianco was allegedly seen on security footage at Save-A-Lot taking a Red Osier billfold belonging to another customer.

Bryon Gilbert Keller, 18, of Sumner Road, Corfu, is charged with petit larceny. Keller is accused of stealing a laptop computer from a residence in Darien.

Frank Lyman Stanton, 32, of Bethany Center Road, Bethany, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and no/inadequate exhaust system. Stanton was stopped at 12:32 a.m. Sunday on South Lake Road, Bergen, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Joshua Todd Fullmer, 20, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, and unlawful growing of marijuana. At 5:48 p.m., Saturday, deputies responded to a report of a fight at 3124 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. Upon investigation, Fullmer was allegedly found in possession of brass knuckles and had several marijuana plants growing on his property.

Joshua Christopher Uptegrove, 27, of Meadville Road, Alabama, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Uptegrove allegedly pushed another person during an argument.

Truck hits pole, partially closing Bethany Center Road

By Howard B. Owens

A tractor-trailer attempting a U-turn on Bethany Center Road in Bethany Center hit a utility pole, snapping the pole.

Power lines and telephone lines are down.

One lane of Bethany Center is closed.

National Grid and Bethany fire requested to the scene.

Car wreck blocking traffic at Transit and East Bethany / Le Roy roads

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident, with no injuries, is reported at the intersection of Transit and East Bethany / Le Roy roads. It is blocking traffic. Fire police from Bethany are called to handle traffic.

The driver of a Chevy S-10 dark-colored, older model pickup is said to have forced another vehicle off the roadway and then left the scene. Law enforcement is looking for that vehicle. It did not have any damage.

UPDATE 2:17 p.m.: The fire response from Bethany is cancelled. A trooper on scene reports one lane is closed, the other is open and the scene has been mostly cleaned up. Tow(s) is in route.

Big rig jackknifes and is blocking traffic at Fargo and Little Canada roads

By Billie Owens

A tractor-trailer is reportedly jackknifed in the roadway at Fargo and Little Canada roads. It is blocking traffic, but there are no injuries. Bethany Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 5:49 p.m.: A responder at the scene says the roads are open. The vehicle involved is a pickup that was towing a farm tractor.

UPDATE 5:51 p.m.: "They are just now getting the tractor up and out."

Law and Order: Man accused of urinating on Thruway from overpass also faces weapon, marijuana charge

By Howard B. Owens

John E. Vauss, 51, of Kohlman Street, Rochester, is charged with public lewdness, criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, unlawful possession of marijuana and no/improper child restraint for a child 4 years old or less. Vauss was allegedly seen by an employee of the Buffalo Federal Detention Center urinating from the Route 98 overpass onto the Thruway below. The employee followed Vauss to the facility where he was detained by Deputy Chris Parker for further investigation. During the investigation, Vauss was found to allegedly possess a bag of marijuana in his front pants pocket A black pipe that was weighted and studded with bolts was found in his vehicle. Vauss was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court on all four charges.

Robert C. Fochler III, 50, of 8 East Ave., lower, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and trespass. Fochler is accused of stealing a 23.5-ounce can of Four Loko Fruit Punch malt liquor from the Hess station at the corner of Oak and Main, Batavia. Fochler was allegedly banned previously from entering the store.

David C. Truesdale Jr., 23, of 18 Tracy Ave., Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Truesdale was allegedly in possession of marijuana when he was arrested on a City Court warrant related to an aggravated unlicensed operation charge.

Brandi-Lyn Heidenreich, 23, of Garibaldi Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with petit larceny. Heidenreich is accused of stealing $97 in merchandise from Walmart.

Shelin Marie Herold, 20, of Clipnock Road, Bethany, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Herold is accused of punching and slapping another person during an argument.

Christopher Jason Koenig, 17, of Summit Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Koenig is accused of stealing $159 in merchandise from Kmart.

Richard A. Demmer, 20, of Oakfield, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd, and criminal contempt, 1st. Demmer was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported May 25 in Oakfield. No further details released.

No primary for the GOP in District 6, but Leadley plans to challenge for seat in November

By Howard B. Owens

It smarted, Esther Leadley, when she didn't get the GOP's endorsement for the District 6 seat on the Genesee County Legislature.

The incumbent legislator vowed not to run a primary against the endorsed candidate, Greg Torrey, but that doesn't mean she will give up her seat without a fight.

Leadley announced today that she is running in November's general election.

"I am challenging the endorsed candidate for the District 6 seat on the Genesee County Legislature," Leadley said. "District 6 consists of the towns of Alexander (which includes the Village of Alexander), Bethany and Pavilion. I believe my experience on the Legislature and knowledge of the district and county are of considerable value to District 6 and all residents of the county."

It's been a challenge, Leadley said, to learn the ins-and-outs of running as an independent candidate.

"It smarted when I wasn't endorsed but I never lost my footing and my integrity is intact," Leadley said. "It took several weeks to decide what to do with what had been handed to me.  The outcome of this challenge will be decided at the polls in November."

Leadley also said running primary elections add to county expense and so it's better to run in the general election if she wants to retain her seat.

The new voting machines create an enormous cost because they have to be moved from and back to the controlled storage space," Leadley said. "Staffing at the polls and paper ballots add to the costs. District 6 taxpayers should not have to pay for a political disagreement. The County Board of Elections also sustains large expenses for a primary. Indirectly, those costs come out of taxpayers' pockets at the County level as well. In effect, District 6 taxpayers would pay twice for a primary. I would be irresponsible if I were to force a primary."

Potato chip fire reported at Baskin Livestock

By Howard B. Owens

A potato chip fire is reported at Baskin Livestock, 9778 Creek Road, Bethany.

Baskin hauls in waste product from large bakery operations throughout the Northeast and converts it to cattle feed.

The fire is outside the structure.

Bethany fire is responding.

UPDATE 9:01 a.m.: The first is in a tractor-trailer. It's near a barn. A tanker out of Alexander and an engine from Town of Batavia requested to the scene.

UPDATE 9:11 a.m.: Fire is nearly out. Town of Batavia can respond non-emergency.

UPDATE 9:14 a.m.: A chief reports, "fire is out, just hot spots."


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Working structure fire on Hutchinson Street in Pavilion

By Billie Owens

A working structure fire is reported on Hutchinson Street in Pavilion. Stafford, Bethany and Le Roy fire departments, along with York, are responding with Pavilion. Bergen is asked to fill in at the Le Roy Fire Hall. They are on the second floor at this point checking for extentions.

UPDATE 12:15 a.m.: The fire is pretty well knocked down. The exact address is 6918 Hutchinson St. Two Rochester & Southern trains scheduled to run by soon are asked to slow it down. National Grid is called to the scene along with Salvation Army, the latter to provide refreshments.

UPDATE 12:19 a.m.: Interior crew reports no sign of fire extension on second floor, "must be in the attic." They are opening up the roof to vent the structure. "We can find no way into the attic from the second floor." Command reminds tankers not to park on the railroad.

UPDATE 12:22 a.m.: The city's Fast Team is requested to the scene.

UPDATE 12:24 a.m.: No response from Salvation Army, calling the Pavilion Auxiliary instead. "We're exiting the building. There's nothing we can do up here," says the fire chief regarding the interior crew.

UPDATE 12:28 a.m.: They cut a hole in the ceiling and reported seeing nothing, but a thermal camera shows fire and heat "in the eaves in the eastside." Subsequenty, fire "self-venting through the roof." Interior crews are exiting the house. "There's nothing we can do up here." Initially, flames were seen shooting out the back of the three-story house.

UPDATE 12:33 a.m.: A Mercy rig was called in by fire command for a firefighter, unknown injuries, now a second rig is called for a second patient, told to go Route 19 to Route 63, past the Pavilion Bank.

UPDATE 12:36 a.m.: All crew members are accounted for and out of the structure. They are trying to cool the attic in order to get a crew back up in there.

UPDATE 12:39 a.m.: The American Red Cross will likely be needed to respond, says the chief. Howard, at the scene, reports a small terrier-type of dog came running out of the house and was scooped up by a firefighter and handed over to its owner.

UPDATE 12:46 a.m.: The train company is contacted and asked to stop the trains scheduled to pass through on Hutchinson Street.

UPDATE 1:03 a.m.: The power company is there now and has shut off power to the house.

UPDATE 3:44 a.m.: Pavilion leaving the scene, all units back in service.

Truck rollover accident with injuries on Broadway Road, Bethany

By Billie Owens

A one-vehicle rollover accident with injuries is reported at 5491 Broadway Road. Bethany Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. The driver has "head and neck pain." The pickup truck's fuel spilled. One lane of traffic is blocked. The accident occurred "on the east side of the hill," near a "dip in the road where the viaduct is." Pavilion Fire Police are also called. A responder says it may be possible to have the other lane remain open.

UPDATE 8:16 a.m.: The vehicle involved is a four-wheel drive Ford F-250 with ag plates.

UPDATE 8:25 a.m.: They are alternating the traffic flow. A flatbed tow is called.

UPDATE 8:52 a.m.: Bethany assignment back in service.

Car crash with injuries on eastbound Thruway, Le Roy responding

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported on the eastbound Thruway at mile marker 382.1. Le Roy Fire and Ambulance Service is responding.

UPDATE 2:59 p.m.: Due to the lack of available ambulances, Bergen's ambulance is requested to the scene. An ambulance from Caledonia is also called. A person at the scene reports three people are injured.

UPDATE 3:02 p.m.: The availability of Mercy Flight is checked. Also, an ambulance from Henrietta is called in.

UPDATE 3:07 p.m.: A responder reports there are six patients. A second ambulance out of Henrietta is requested. Mercy Flight out of Buffalo is available.

UPDATE 3:09 p.m.: Apparently Byron was also called, because Byron is requesting Clarendon is asked to stand by in Byron's fire hall.

UPDATE 3:11 p.m.: A Mercy rig has become available and it is asked to stage at the Thruway entrance.

UPDATE 3:17 p.m.: Bergen is taking a patient to Rochester General Hospital. Stafford is asked to stand by in its own quarters.

UPDATE 3:22 p.m.: Bethany's ambulance is requested. A crew from Darien is asked to assemble in quarters.

UPDATE 3:32 p.m.: A patient is being taken to Strong Memorial Hospital.

UPDATE 3:34 p.m.: A chief on scene reports five patients have been removed from a vehicle. Henrietta is taking a patient to Strong.

UPDATE 3:39 p.m.: Caledonia is taking a victim to Strong.

UPDATE 3:41 p.m.: Stafford is told to stand down from its standby in quarters.

UPDATE 3:48 p.m.: Le Roy fire is packing up and preparing to return to service and the State Troopers are in charge of the scene.

Shed fire reported on Ellicott Street Road, Stafford

By Howard B. Owens

A caller reports a shed fire off Ellicott Street Road near Paul Road.

The caller didn't have an exact address.

Stafford Fire Department is dispatched.

UPATE 7:05 p.m.: A chief arriving on scene reports heavy smoke in the area.

UPDATE 7:06 p.m.: A chief requests a second alarm for tankers.

UPDATE 7:10 p.m.: Bethany is responding.

UPDATE 8:07 p.m.: All units back in service.

GCC students open landscape photography show at County Park's Interpretive Center

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

A collaborative effort between Genesee Community College and the Genesee County Park and Forest is giving photography students a first of its kind opportunity. Their work will be displayed in an exhibit at the Park’s Interpretive Center, marking the first time a student exhibit has been shown in the newly expanded exhibit space.

An opening reception is set for Friday, May 10, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Genesee County Park and Forest Interpretive Center, 11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany. The public is invited. Refreshments will be provided.

For their final project, GCC Photography instructor Joe Ziolkowski had his COM 103 (Introduction to Black and White Photography) students explore the landscape of Genesee County and surrounding areas in Western New York. The black and white photographic prints the students created offer their interpretation of how we are preserving and how we are hurting the landscape that surrounds us.

“I think visitors will be as impressed as I am with the work these students created,” said Joe Z. “Sometimes we don’t realize how the things we do every day impact the landscape. We hope these photos give visitors a lot to think and talk about.”

The exhibit, entitled “Around the Bend: The Shared Landscape,” will be on view through Saturday, Aug. 31.

Photo: By Robert Garland, "Trestle, Avon, NY."

Ultra-light plane may have gone down off Putnam Road

By Howard B. Owens

Dispatchers have received a report of an ultra-light airplane going down in the area of 8956 Putnam Road, Batavia.

There's been only one call and the caller isn't sure where it went down.

Bethany fire is dispatched.

UPDATE 7:42 p.m.: The caller was about to call back when law enforcement arrived on scene. Since the initial call, the ultra-light has pass over head again. "He must be practicing stall techniques because the engine cut off and cut back on," the deputy said. Bethany fire is back in service.


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Brush fire reported on Transit Road, Bethany

By Howard B. Owens

A brush fire is reported in the area of 10650 Transit Road, Bethany.

Bethany fire responding.

UPDATE 1:02 p.m.: It's a rough road in and the chief wants the truck driver to use caution to avoid damaging the truck. "The fire is pretty much contained," the chief says.

UPDATE 1:08 p.m.: A tanker from Pavilion requested to stage at the road in case needed.

UPDATE 2:01 p.m.: The fire was put out about 20-30 minutes ago and all units are back in service.


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