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House fire on Main Street in Oakfield

By Billie Owens

A house fire with light smoke showing is reported at 32 S. Main St. in Oakfield. Mercy medics are on scene and Oakfield Fire Department is responding along with mutual aid from the Town of Batavia and the city's Fast Team. Alabama is asked to fill in at the Oakfield hall.

UPDATE 1:30 p.m.: Alabama is asked to reroute and go to the scene.

UPDATE 1:38 p.m.: National Grid is called to the scene. No ETA.

UPDATE 1:41 p.m.: A thermal imaging camera is requested.

UPDATE 1:45 p.m.: Elba Fire Police are called to shut down traffic at Orchard and Main, and at Main and South Pearl. The fire is knocked down. They are checking for extensions.

School bus backs into car on Oatka Trail, Le Roy, no injuries

By Billie Owens

A school bus reportedly backed in a vehicle, then left the scene at 7992 Oatka Trail in Le Roy. It's unknown whether the driver was aware of hitting the vehicle. There are no injuries. The school bus garage is awaiting the driver's return to get more information.

UPDATE: A police officer who responded to the scene said the struck vehicle was significantly damaged.

Car crashes into pole near Judge and Hutton roads, Oakfield

By Billie Owens

A car vs. pole accident is reported in the area of Judge and Hutton roads. Oakfield Fire Department is responding. Unknown injuries.

UPDATE 3:14 p.m.: There are no injuries, but help with traffic control will be needed.

UPDATE 3:39 p.m.: The Oakfield assignment is back in service. National Grid has an ETA of about 20 minutes to repair the pole.

Car accident with minor injury at Oak Orchard and Lockport roads, Elba

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with minor injuries is reported at Oak Orchard and Lockport roads. It is not blocking traffic. Elba Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 11:42 a.m.: One person is complaining of back pain and another is declining medical treatment. Oak Orchard Road will be shut down at the intersection to accommodate responders.

Car crash on West Main Street in the city

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at 229 W. Main Street, in front of Ken Barrett's car dealership. It is blocking traffic. City fire is on scene along with police. Mercy medics are also responding.

Big rig rollover at Texaco Town, driver trapped in cab

By Billie Owens

A tractor-trailer accident is reported in Texaco Town. The driver is semiconscious and has an arm injury. He needs to be extricated. They need a small ladder to get up to the cab and pop the door open. The roadway is "extremely slick." Fuel is leaking; the product being hauled is unknown.

Sheriff's deputies are on scene along with Pavilion fire and Mercy medics. The junction of routes 20 and 63 will be closed; Bethany fire is asked to shut down southbound East Road at Route 63. As in several places in the county, highway maintenance crews are requested to salt the roads ... "It is nothing but a skating rink..."

One-car rollover on eastbound 490, two people injured

By Billie Owens

A one-car rollover accident is reported on eastbound Route 490 at mile marker 490.1. There are two victims, one is unconscious in the back seat. Head and back injuries reported. Le Roy fire and ambulance are on scene, along with a second ambulance from Mercy and state Troopers. There is black ice in the area.

UPDATE 2:03 a.m.: The vehicle is on its roof in the median. Both patients are loaded into the ambulances; both are going to Strong Memorial Hospital. A flatbed tow is called in. Le Roy is back in service.

Working house fire on Gully Road, Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A working house fire is reported at 8261 Gully Road in Le Roy. Le Roy Fire Department and Ambulance Service are responding, along with mutual aid from Bergen, Stafford and Pavilion. The location is at the curve, between Oatka Trail and Hebbard Road. The house has been evacuated.

UPDATE 6:39 p.m.: The city's Fast Team is called to the scene. Command says the interior fire is pretty much knocked down except the second story.

UPDATE 6:44 p.m.: Oakfield is called to stand by in the city's fire hall. The Town of Batavia Fire Department is called to stand by in its own quarters. An extension ladder is needed at the scene to access the second story at the rear of the structure.

UPDATE 6:49 p.m.: Stafford "will be the standby crew for the district." National Grid is called in.

UPDATE 6:55 p.m.: They will be working to open up the roof line. South Byron is asked to stand by in its own quarters, at the request of Stafford.

UPDATE 7:01 p.m.: Fire Police will be providing traffic control at Route 19 and North Road.

UPDATE 7:08 p.m.: Howard is at the scene and says it's not a big blaze. A small portion of the roof caught fire due to overheated wood around the stovepipe at the roofline.

UPDATE 9:10 p.m. (by Howard): Firefighters with a thermal imaging camera have checked the roof line and report no more hot spots.

Accident with injuries at Route 33 and Wortendyke Road, Mercy Flight dispatched

By Billie Owens

An accident involving a pickup and another vehicle is reported at Route 33 and Wortendyke Road. There are injuries and it is blocking traffic. East Pembroke Fire Department is responding along with two Mercy rigs. Mercy Flight is called to the scene.

UPDATE 11:21 a.m.: Extrication is needed as soon as possible. A landing zone will be set up in a nearby yard.

UPDATE 11:25 a.m.: There's heavy traffic congestion in the area.

UPDATE 11:31 a.m.: Mercy Flight has landed. The patient to be airlifted is conscious and alert. Extrication of victim(s) will "easily be five to 10 more minutes."

UPDATE 11:39 a.m.: A third ambulance is requested to the scene.

UPDATE 11:50 a.m.: Extrication has been completed. One person is being transported to UMMC; another is being taken to UMMC Erie County Medical Center. Mercy Flight is airborne.

UPDATE 11:58 a.m.: Mercy Flight is going to ECMC.

UPDATE 12:10 p.m.: The East Pembroke assignment is back in service.

UPDATE 1 p.m. (by Howard): Trooper Steven Brady said the initial investigation indicates that the sedan was eastbound on Route 33. The truck was westbound. The sedan driver didn't see the oncoming truck before executing a left-hand turn onto Wortendyke. The sedan was T-boned. There were circumstances at the time of the accident that would have prevented the driver from seeing the truck, Brady said. "He simply didn't see it." There was another car making a right-hand turn, which may have distracted the sedan driver for a moment. East Pembroke Chief Don Newton was the first emergency responder on scene. He said he requested Mercy Flight primarily as a precaution for the patient in the passenger seat because of the heavy impact on that side of the car. There's no indication at this time that the injuries are serious. The driver of the sedan and the truck were transported by Mercy EMS to UMMC with minor injuries.

The YES! Cafe's December program features special cookies and other sweet treats

By Billie Owens

WHAT: The YES! Cafe's December Program
WHEN:  Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11
WHERE: YWCA, 301 North St., Batavia

BATAVIA -- Things are getting sweet at YWCA this month with a special cookies and confections program during The YES! Cafe.

Patrons will have the opportunity to bid on plates of locally made baked goods, purchase some as gifts or for home, sample some sweet treats and get tips for making your own goodies special. It's set for noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11 at the nonprofit, 301 North St.

Lunch includes chicken marsala, salad bar, roll and butter and Italian cookies. $10 includes meal and program. Take-outs are available for those who can't stay. To register or get more information, call (585) 343-5808.

The YES! Cafe's December program features special cookies and other sweet treats

By Billie Owens

WHAT: The YES! Cafe's December Program
WHEN:  Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11
WHERE: YWCA, 301 North St., Batavia

BATAVIA -- Things are getting sweet at YWCA this month with a special cookies and confections program during The YES! Cafe.

Patrons will have the opportunity to bid on plates of locally made baked goods, purchase some as gifts or for home, sample some sweet treats and get tips for making your own goodies special. It's set for noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11 at the nonprofit, 301 North St.

Event Date and Time
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Grand Jury indicts man for first-degree sexual abuse of child under age 11

By Billie Owens

These are the latest indictments issued by the Genesee County Grand Jury.

Patrick E. Sewar is indicted for first-degree sexual abuse, a Class D felony, for allegedly subjecting another person under the age of 11 to sexual contact on June 24 in the Town of Darien.

Saul D. Standsblack is indicted for second-degree burglary, a Class C violent felony, for allegedly knowingly entering or remaining unlawfully in a dwelling on Bloomingdale Road in the Town of Alabama on Oct. 13 with the intent to commit a crime.

Michael B. Kropp is indicted for driving while intoxicated, a Class D felony, for allegedly operating a 1995 Ford on June 17 on Freeman Road and Ivison Road, Town of Byron, while intoxicated. In count two, he is further accused of aggravated driving while intoxicated, also a Class D felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .18 or more at the time. In count three, he is indicted for aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony, for operating a motor vehicle at the time of the incident while knowing or having reason to know that his driving license was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn, and the defendant was driving while allegedly under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Big rig reportedly sideswipes a car on Main Road in Pembroke

By Billie Owens

An accident with minor injuries is reported at 352 Main Road in Pembroke. A tractor-trailer that was "bobtailing" allegedly sideswiped a car and the driver has facial lacerations from broken glass. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are responding along with Mercy medics. Also, Akron is called to provide a pumper, mutual aid.

Water main break on Center Street in the city

By Billie Owens

A water main break is reported on Center Street in front of the Center Street Smoke House Restaurant. "It's a geyser," says a dispatcher. Appropriate personnel are called to deal with the situation.

UPDATE 12:33 p.m.: A responder says "it's no longer a geyser," but it's still leaking. A public works crew is on its way.

UPDATE 12:42 p.m.: A police officers says Center Street will be shut down between Main and School streets so the work crew can repair the ruptured line.

UPDATE: Notice from the city: "Water service on Center Street will be interrupted on Monday Dec. 2 in the morning to allow a contractor to make a repair on a private water service."

Motor-vehicle accident at Oak and Richmond in the city

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident is reported at Oak Street and Richmond Avenue in the city. Two pedestrians are involved, one is bleeding. Three medic units, including mutual aid from Le Roy and Alexander, are responding along with city fire and police. There is at least one back injury and a chest injury. "We're going to need traffic control here. It's a mess," says a responder.

UPDATE 11:15 a.m.: A police investigator with a camera is called to the scene and has an ETA of about 10 minutes. The city's third fire platoon is called to headquarters on Evans Street.

UPDATE 11:18 a.m.: Another ambulance is called in; mutual aid from Darien.

UPDATE 11:22 a.m.: Due to mechanical issues, a second Le Roy ambulance will not be able to assist. But another Mercy unit is now available and is responding, emergency mode.

UPDATE 11:28 a.m.: Alexander fire is told to stand by in its hall. The pedestrians were assisted at Lyon Street and Richmond. A Mercy medic calls UMMC to say four patients will be transported there, all with minor injuries: a 59-year-old woman with a leg injury who was side struck by a car while walking in the sidewalk; a 45-year-old male driver with mid-back pain; a person with a nose injury; and a person with a laceration over the left eye. Le Roy's unit, still in route, is told to go to UMMC. Mercy Flight pilots are at the scene assisting, although no air transport is required.

UPDATE 11:46 a.m.: A Mercy rig is taking one victim to Strong Memorial Hospital.

UPDATE 11:49 a.m.: A Darien ambulance is taking a victim to Strong.

UPDATE 11:51 a.m.: City command reports all patients have been transported for medical treatment. Alexander fire can stand down. The remaining responders are working to clean up the scene. Northbound traffic is moving. Southbound traffic will remain closed for awhile.

Car crash resulting in injuries, routes 237 and 33, Stafford

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported at the intersection of routes 237 and 33, Stafford. Stafford Fire Department is responding along with two Mercy medic units and law enforcement. Mercy Flight is available if needed.

UPDATE 9:32 a.m.: A responder reports one male has head injuries and another has chest injuries.

UPDATE 9:34 a.m.: A medic says Mercy Flight will not be needed.

UPDATE 9:51 a.m.: One patient is being transported to Strong Memorial Hospital. Two flatbed tows are called in.

UPDATE 10:02 a.m.: The second patient is also being taken to Strong.

UPDATE 10:16 a.m.: The Stafford assignment is back in service.

UPDATE 12:35 p.m. (by Howard): The white Suburban was driven by Barry Taylor who was traveling south on Route 237. He approached the stop sign and stopped. The Toyota, operated by Kevin Huber, of Pembroke, was eastbound on Route 33, at which time Taylor reportedly entered the intersection, according to Deputy John Duyssen.

Car crash with injuries at West Main and Oak streets in the city

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported at West Main and Oak streets. City fire, Mercy medics and police are responding.

UPDATE 5:01 p.m.: A second police unit is responding for traffic control. Two flatbed tow trucks are needed.

UPDATE 5:24 p.m.: City fire is back in service.

"Linden Murders...Solved" author to sign copies of his book Friday at Coffee Culture

By Billie Owens

Attica author Rob Thompson will be signing copies of his book "The Linden Murders…Solved" from 8 a.m. to noon on Friday Nov. 29, "Black Friday," at Coffee Culture, 6 Court St. in Batavia.

At the signing Friday, books will be $20 each, 2 for $35, and the first 25 on Black Friday will receive a free medium coffee.

Coffee Culture's phone number is 201-7101.

Thompson says "We’ve been very pleased with how the book has been received. It did reach #9 on Amazon True-Crime shortly after its release, and for a year or so now we’ve also been working on a novel regarding the Linden murders. I felt it was important to tell the facts of the case first, then build a novel around those events. I think this novel will allow the reader’s imagination to run wild about those days. That book will be released June 1, 2014.

"Another opportunity that has come our way is the filming of a mock trial. In March 2014, the 90th anniversary of the triple murders, we will put the individual I named as the guilty party on trial before a jury. We will present in detail the evidence and let the jury decide guilty or not guilty.

"Joining us during that filming will be Mike Dion who appeared on the SyFy Channel's "Ghost Hunters" during its first three seasons."

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