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Bethany

House fire reportedly put out right after the call is made

By Billie Owens

A house fire was reported at 9503 Clipnock Road in Stafford. All equipment and manpower were called from Bethany and Stafford fire departments.

But as soon as the calls went out, residents called to say the fire is out.

It was in the upper apartment of the house and started by a stove fire.

Bethany is continuing its response non-emergency. Stafford is standing down.


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Grassfire reported on Tapp Road

By Billie Owens

A grassfire is reported on Tapp Road, near West Bethany Road.

Bethany Fire Department is responding.

Police Beat: Traffic stop leads to drug and weapons charges

By Howard B. Owens

Douglas Grant Goodwin Jr., 19, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Goodwin was stopped at 1:30 p.m., Monday, on Sheppard Road, Batavia, for allegedly pulling a trailer without registration or lights by Deputy Brian Thompson. During the stop, Goodwin was allegedly found in possession of marijuana, hydrocodone pills and a double-edged dagger. K-9 "Jay" participated in the investigation.

Gregory Louis Lepsch Jr., 18, of Batavia-Elba Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Lepsch was apparently with Goodwin at the time of the traffic stop at 1:30 p.m., Monday, on Sheppard Road, by Deputy Brian Thompson and K-9 "Jay."

Thomas A. Rebar, 55, of Albion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Rebar was arrested at 1:10 p.m., Saturday, by State Police, on East Shelby Road, Alabama.

A 16-year-old from Bethany, is charged with menacing, 2nd, using a weapon. The youth was arrested by State Police at 9:15 a.m., Sunday, for an alleged incident in Alexander. No further details were released.

Joshua H. King, 25, of Batavia, is charged with grand larceny, 4th (credit card). King was arrested by State Police at 3:16 p.m., Nov. 5, for an alleged incident two days earlier in the Town of Murray. King was held without bail. No further details were released.

Walter L. Knickerbocker, 53, of Pavilion, is charged with possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7t, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Knickerbocker was arrested by State Police at 9:36 p.m., Nov. 5, on Route 19, Le Roy. No further details were released.

Police Beat: Bail set at $1K for man accused of violating order of protection

By Howard B. Owens

Ronald A. Smith, 18, of 3189 Broadway Road, Alexander, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Smith is accused of violating a court order protecting a female acquaintance. During the investigation he was allegedly found in possession of marijuana. Smith was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Latoya Y. Stanley, 101 State St., Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass and criminal mischief, 4th. Stanley is accused of going to the apartment of another person and damaging the doorway.

Randy L. Sanfratello, 41, of 4016 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Sanfratello is accused of trying to fight another man at East Town Plaza on Oct. 20. He was arrested on a warrant out of Batavia City Court.

Nathan Lorel Smatana, 21, of Lincoln Place, Lockport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Smatana was arrested following the investigation into a motor-vehicle accident at 5:12 p.m., Friday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Joseph Graff.

Victoria Lynn Phillips, 49, of Molasses Hill Road, Bethany, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Phillips was arrested by Deputy Jason Saile following a 9-1-1 call out of the Town of Darien at 11:46 p.m., Friday.

Adam Scott Hamilton, 25, of Curwood Drive, Tonawanda, is charged with disorderly conduct. Hamilton was picked up on a bench warrant out of Town of Darien Court for failure to pay a fine. He paid the fine and was released.

Alejandro Cortes Ruiz, 28, of Oak Orchard Road, Elba, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, inadequate headlights, unlicensed operation and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Ruiz was stopped at 11:54 p.m., Friday, on South Lyon Street, City of Batavia, by Deputy Jason Saile. Bail was set at $2,500.

A 17-year-old from Batavia is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth was nabbed when a K-9 allegedly alerted on his vehicle parked in a parking lot.

A 17-year-old from Basom is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth was nabbed when a K-9 allegedly alerted on his vehicle parked in a parking lot.

Randall William McKeown, 48, of Dellinger Avenue, is charged with a felony count of DWI, driving with a BAC .08 or greater, aggravated unlicense operation, 3rd, and moving from lane unsafely. McKeown was stopped on Route 5, Batavia, at 12:31 a.m., Sunday, by Deputy Joseph Graff.

Christopher Thomas Guillod, 23, of Olde Tavern Circle, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving left of pavement markings and inadequate exhaust. Guillod was stopped at 1:12 a.m., Sunday, on Oak Street, Batavia, by Deputy Jason Saile.

Grassfire reported in Bethany

By Billie Owens

A small grassfire is reported in Bethany at 5563 Broadway (Rte. 20), between East and Transit roads.

A brush truck from Bethany Fire Department is requested.

UPDATE (9:47 p.m.): Fire is out. Bethany fire units are back in service.

Photos: Sunrise, sunset on Molasses Hill Road

By Howard B. Owens

I found myself awake quite early this morning, so I decided to drive out to Molasses Hill Road and see if I could catch the sunrise.

Yesterday, just after sunset, I was in all most the same spot seeing what kind of picture I could make. The result is below.

Fire crews and medics are busy tonight

By Billie Owens

Fire crews and medics are busy this evening. So many calls, not always enough manpower.

Additional fire crews are asked to assemble in their quarters for Bethany, Alexander, the Village of Attica and Darien to be ready in case they are needed. Their other crews are all out on calls.

Dryer fire reported in Bethany home

By Billie Owens

A dryer fire is reported at 9908 in Creek Road in the Town of Bethany. It is out, but the home is filled with smoke. A tanker and one fire engine were requested. The residents are out of the building.

After admitting to burglary and drug dealing, Batavia resident given concurrent prison terms

By Howard B. Owens

Michael L. Jackson was clearly relieved to receive concurrent sentences on multiple felony convictions in Genesee County Court this morning.

After Judge Robert C. Noonan announced that Jackson's two-year prison term on a drug-dealing charge could be served while he's also in prison for breaking into and trashing the offices of Holland High Lift in Bethany, Jackson gave a little thumbs up and turned to his family sitting behind him and smiled.

Dressed in Genesee County Jail orange and with his wrists cuffed, Jackson was clearly anxious about his fate during the morning hearing, up until the point the second sentence was pronounced.

The former Oakfield resident, who's home was destroyed in a fire two years ago, entered a guilty plea to charges of burglary, 3rd, two counts of grand larceny, criminal mischief, 4th, and witness tampering, 4th.

Noonan noted that Jackson clearly recognized he had no defense to the charges when he entered his unconditional plea the day his trial was supposed to start.

He sentenced Jackson to two-and-a-third to seven years in state prison on the burglary and larceny charges and one year concurrent on the witness tampering charge.

After Jackson's June 10 guilty plea, the Batavia resident was caught selling prescription drugs to an undercover agent. Last week, Jackson entered a guilty plea to a charge of criminal sale of a controlled substance.

Jackson obtained no sentencing cap or a promise of concurrent sentences with either guilty plea.

Attorney Gary Horton said Jackson stayed out of trouble from 2003 until 2009, when he lost his home and seemed to go into a tailspin. He said Jackson was so drunk the night in broke into Holland High Lift that he had a blackout and remembers nothing about it.

When asked by Noonan if he wanted to make a statement before sentencing, Jackson said, "Sir, I don't really remember that night. If I did, I should not have done it. Other than that, I'm sorry."

Most of Holland High Lift's losses were covered by insurance, but there was a deductible and a damaged motorcycle that was not covered. Jackson was ordered to pay $2,500 in restitution.

Man falls off ladder in Bethany

By Howard B. Owens

Mercy Flight has been dispatched to the Bethany Fire Hall to pick up a man who fell off a ladder.

He reportedly fell 15 feet, but was conscious following the accident.

It occurred on a farm off Route 20 in Bethany.

He was flown to Strong Memorial Hospital.

Two people hurt Saturday in four-vehicle accident in Bethany

By Howard B. Owens

Two people were hurt Saturday on Ellicott Street Road when a car making a left-hand turn into a church parking lot was hit by another car from behind, pushing the first car into the path of two motorcycles.

The driver of one of the bikes was ejected and injured.  The driver of the car making the turn was also injured.

The bike rider was taken by Mercy Flight to Strong and the other driver was taken to UMMC.

The second driver was accused of following too closely.

The accident occurred just before 3 p.m.

The State Police report the following people were involved:

Driver 1: Neil Anthony Bingham, 26, of Castile

Driver 2: Joan M. Dowdell, 71, of Batavia

Driver 3:  Jeffery H. Maurer, 55, of Maspeth, N.J.

Driver 4: Joseph Paskas, 43, of North Arlington, N.J.

The State Police report did not specify who was injured.

(initial report)

Smoke in basement reported on Bethany Center Road

By Howard B. Owens

A caller reports smoke in her basement at 1073 Bethany Center Road.  She said she started her furnace just prior to the smoke appearing.

Stafford Fire and Bethany Fire being dispatched.

First responder reports: "Nothing showing."

UPDATE 11:43 a.m.: Crews and equipment being held in their halls while the situation is further investigated.

UPDATE 11: 47 a.m.: Stafford standing down.

UPDATE 12:25 p.m.: Bethany back in service.

 


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Winds blow live wires onto Stafford rooftop, it's smoking

By Billie Owens

High winds blew live electrical wires onto a roof at 9418 Roanoke Road in Stafford. It's smoking and the fire has spread to the kitchen. It's now a second-alarm fire.

Stafford, Bethany, Le Roy, Town of Batavia and Pavilion are responding to fight the fire and control traffic. National Grid has been notified.

The location is between Sweetland and Westacott roads. The homeowner is outside with fire personnel.

UPDATE (3:12 p.m.): All available manpower in the area is called to the scene. There are three areas on fire inside the home. More traffic control is called for.

UPDATE (3:28 p.m.): Wyoming County is asked to standby in their own quarters with a full crew in case they are needed. Tankers, pumpers, hydrants are all being used and at the ready to fight the fire. Countywide, more crews are called to stand in at the responders' stations. Caledonia is called to help out. National Grid is at the scene. Power inside the house is out. The fire has spread to the garage.

UPDATE (3:40 p.m.): This is now a three-alarm fire. Firefighters were ordered out of the garage, which was "buckling" due to fire damage. There are four fire sites inside the structure now. It has spread to the second floor.

UPDATE (3:46 p.m.): A thermal-imaging camera is requested at the scene. Fire is now in the attic, too.

UPDATE (3:53 p.m.): Inside fire crews are getting out of the structure. They will be fighting it now from the outside only.

UPDATE (4:48): Fresh crews have been called in to replace tired firefighters. The structure is still smoking. The Wyoming County Correctional Facility Fire Brigade is being contacted to aid with equipment, we believe additional lengths of fire hose. Refreshments for the firefighters are requested. The modest, brick home appears to be a total loss. It was built in 1823 and for the past 40 years it has been the home of Terry and Betty Smart.

UPDATE 7:33 p.m.: All units back in service.

Three-car collision, with injuries in Bethany

By Billie Owens

A possibly serious three-car motor-vehicle accident is reported at 5870 Ellicott Street Road in Bethany. There are injuries.

Bethany fire, Mercy EMS are responding.

Mercy Flight is on in-air standby.

UPDATE (3:10 p.m.): Mercy Flight is going to the scene. A landing zone is suggested in the parking lot of the Immaculate Conception Church.

UPDATE (3:50 p.m.): The accident scene is cleared and the roadway is re-opened.

UPDATE (4:55 p.m.): In reply to a question from emergency personnel, dispatch says Mercy Flight went to Strong Memorial Hospital.

Convicted of burglary, Batavia man admits to prescription drug sales

By Howard B. Owens

A Batavia man already facing a prison term for burglarizing a Bethany business in April, 2009, admitted in court today that he sold prescription drugs to an undercover agent.

On the burglary conviction, Michael L. Jackson, 29, of 1 Seneca Ave., is facing a two-and-a-half to seven-year prison term. The drug charge could tack on an additional two years in prison.

Jackson entered a guilty plea to criminal sale of a controlled substance with no guarantee of concurrent sentences on his prior conviction.

On June 10, Jackson pled guilty to burglary, 3rd, two counts of grand larceny, criminal mischief, 4th and witness tampering, 4th.

He admitted to breaking into the offices of Highland High Lift, where he reportedly broke windows to gain entry to offices that were unlocked, stole a truck valued at $19,000 and other items valued at $8,000.

There was reportedly DNA evidence linking him to the scene of the crime.

Jackson's arrest on the drug sale charge was announced Aug. 15. If given consecutive sentences, and the full two years on the drug charge, Jackson would not be eligible for parole until 2016.

Sentencing on both convictions is set for Sept. 8. Meanwhile, Jackson is being held in Genesee County Jail without bail.

Police Beat: Allegedly no tire for 11 miles, no license since 1977, driver accused of DWI

By Howard B. Owens

Duane Martin Bush, 61, of Silver Road, East Bethany, is charged with a felony DWI, aggravated DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle, 1st, failure to keep right and operating a motor vehicle without a license. A witness reported seeing a vehicle driving on Francis Road with a deteriorating tire at around 11:38 a.m., Tuesday. Deputy Brian Thompson responded and located a white van at 11145 Silver Road, East Bethany. Thompson would learn the van was allegedly driven by Bush, and that Bush had operated the van for about 11 miles without a right rear tire. Bush has allegedly been driving without a license since 1977. Bush allegedly drove with a BAC at least 3.5 times over the legal limit. Bush's license was reportedly revoked for a DWI conviction within the past 10 years.

Christopher D. Olin, 21, 679 E. Main St., Batavia, is charged with sexual misconduct. Olin is accused of having sexual intercourse with a person without her consent while at his apartment on May 26.

Thomas J. Torres, 47, of 113 Jackson St., Apt. 4, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Torres was cited at 1:17 a.m. today in the area of 40 Ellicott St., Batavia.

Richard Devan Westbrook, 22, of Clifton Street, Rochester, was picked up on an arrest warrant for alleged petit larceny. He was turned over to local law enforcement by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office. He was jailed on $1,500 bail.

Police Beat: Batavia resident accused of dealing prescription drugs

By Howard B. Owens

Michael L. Jackson (pictured), 29, of Seneca Avenue, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd. Jackson is accused of selling prescription medication to an agent of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force. Jackson was arrested Saturday and jailed without bail.

Jonathan Chad Sisk, 37, Chili-Riga Center Road, Riga, was arrested for alleged failure to appear on a petit larceny charge. Sisk was taken into custody by Monroe County Sheriff's deputies and turned over to Genesee County. Sisk was jailed on $500 bail.

Mitchell Edward Bryan, 18, of East Bethany-Le Roy Townline Road, Stafford, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child. Mitchell is accused of hosting an underage drinking party.

Craig Alan Tiberio-Shephard, 21, of Lathrop Avenue, Le Roy, is charged with DWI and speeding. Tiberio-Shephard was stopped 7:39 p.m., Saturday, on Route 33 near Colby Road in Darien by Sgt. Greg Walker. Walker responded to Route 33 following a complaint of an erratic driver. Tiberio-Shephard allegedly refused to submit to a breath test.

Kevin R. Eustice, 41, of 18 Church St., Le Roy, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Eustice is accused of pushing his ex-girlfriend. The alleged incident occurred at 11:50 p.m., Sunday.

Forrest F. Ansel III, 20, of 572 E. Main St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and criminal contempt. Ansel is accused of punching a family member at 2:35 p.m., Sunday. There is reportedly an order of protection in place involving Ansel and the family member. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Donald A. Stirk, 30, of 639 E. Main St., Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Stirk was charged after a Genesee County probation officer visited Stirk's residence and allegedly found crack cocaine residue on a pipe.

Candice J. Wells, 25, of 5280 Old Telephone Road, Bethany, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and running a red light. Wells was stopped at 2:20 a.m., Saturday, on West Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Marc Lawrence.

(name redacted upon request) 18, of Hidden Meadow Drive, Marcy, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. xxxx was stopped in a car at 11:31 p.m., Aug. 5, on Route 5, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

name redacted upon request, 18, of Walker Road, Deerfield, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. xxxx was reportedly located in a car parked on Route 5, Pembroke, at 11:31 p.m., Aug. 5, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Reeves reported smelling the odor of marijuana. After checking the car, Reeves allegedly found marijuana and paraphernalia.

Eric J. Shultz, 30, of Main Street, Akron, is charged with DWAI (alcohol and drugs), and failure to comply with the lawful order of a flag person. Shultz reportedly exited the Tom Petty concert 11:58 p.m., Saturday, and nearly struck a flag person directing traffic.

Samuel Leonard Thomas, 51, of Lyell Avenue, Rochester, is charged with attempt to evade cigarette tax. Thomas was stopped for an alleged traffic violation at 2:08 p.m., Sunday, on Route 63 in Oakfield, by Deputy Loni Nati and allegedly found in possession of 32 cartons of untaxed cigarettes.

Rebecca Lee McCoy, 19, of Simonds Road, Darien, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child. McCoy is accused of hosting an underage drinking party Sunday morning.

Trevor Bent McGuckin, 19, of Johnson Road, Churchville, is charged with criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument, unlawful possession of marijuana and unlawful possession of fireworks. McGuckin was stopped at 1:04 a.m., Sunday, on West Main Street, Batavia, for an alleged traffic violation by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Michael Anthony Amadori, 53, of West Tillen Road, Boston, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding and failure to keep right. Amadori was stopped at 11:23 p.m., Saturday, on North Main Street in Corfu by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Mark E. Beatty Jr., 31, of 46 Church St., Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. Beatty allegedly tried to leave Tops Market with a shopping cart full of merchandise without paying for the items.

Aaron R. Bosse, 19, of 6971 Knowlesville Road, Alabama, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child. Bosse is accused of hosting an underage drinking party Friday night.

Kyle John Helak, 18, of Meadow Lane, Attica, is charged criminal possession of a controlled substance. Helak allegedly did not have a prescription for medication he possessed while at Darien Lake.

Car fire in Bethany, Route 20

By Billie Owens

A fully involved car fire is reported at 4658 Route 20 in Bethany, near Francis Road.

It's off the roadway. Bethany Fire Department is responding.

One-car accident knocks out power in Bethany and Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

As many as 620 National Grid customers were without power last night following two separate accidents on the same road involving the same vehicle.

Two utility poles were knocked down.

The reported driver, Charles H. Colf Jr., 64, of 6774 Westcott Road, Stafford, suffered head and chest injuries and was transported by ground ambulance to UMMC.

He received three citations, including two for alleged speeding and one for leaving the scene of an accident.

The first accident occurred at 7:47 p.m in the area of 6836 East Bethany-Le Roy Townline Road.

Colf reportedly drove his 2007 Hyundai sedan into a ditch and then out back onto the roadway. A witness reported this incident to Sheriff's dispatch.

At 7:49 p.m, the second accident was called in. Colf's car reportedly hit a utility pole in the area of 7098 East Bethany-Le Roy Townline Road, knocking it down. When that pole fell, it pulled down another pole.

One of the poles had a transformer on it.

Power outages were reported in Bethany and the Village of Le Roy.

No other vehicles were involved in the accidents.

The accidents were investigated by Deputy Frank Bordonaro, Deputy Matthew Butler and Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello.

(initial report)

 

Tot with partially severed finger reported

By Billie Owens

A 3-year-old with a partially amputated finger is reported at a day care facility located at 4007 Pearl Street Road, just west of the Bethany-City of Batavia Townline Road. Bethany ambulance is called to respond mutual aid to the incident.

UPDATE (3:50 p.m.): An emergency responder reports that the 3-year-old was "slammed into a door" partially amputating a finger.

UPDATE (4:12 p.m.): A medic on scene says the victim is a girl boy whose left middle finger was injured. The young patient is too upset and in pain to give any details to emergency workers. She He is being transported to Strong Memorial Hospital.

UPDATE (5:45 p.m.): Like many of our reports, the particulars of this item came from the scanner. The operator of the day care facility called afterward to say the medic at the scene incorrectly stated that the victim was a girl.

"It's obvious he's a boy," she said.

Furthermore, she took issue with the statement that the child was "slammed into a door," stating that the incident was purely accidental and that a door was inadvertantly shut on the tot's hand, injuring his finger.

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