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Pavilion teen charged with first-degree rape

By Billie Owens

Colin J. McCullough, 17, of Telephone Road, Pavilion, is charged with first-degree rape following an investigation by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office that determined he allegedly had forcible sexual intercourse with a 17-year-old female acquaintance on June 6. He was arrested on the felony charge July 21 and arraigned in Town of Pavilion Court, then released under supervision of Genesee Justice. He is to reappear in court on Aug. 12. Colin was arrested by Deputy Matthew Fleming, following the investigation by Sheriff's Investigator Timothy Weis and Deputy Frank Bordonaro.

Ryan James Sharpstene, 27, of Chili Rigi Center Road, Churchville, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property with a value exceeding $3,000 and unauthorized use of a vehicle, 1st. It is alleged that Sharpstene was in possession of a stolen vehicle out of South Byron on July 16 and was operating this vehicle following the alleged theft without the owner's consent. He was jailed on today in lieu of $10,000 cash bail. The case was investigated by Deputy Joseph Corona

Bart A. Towne, 45, of Highland Park, Batavia, was arrested July 22 on two misdemeanor drug-related charges following an investigation by the Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force, comprised of Sheriff's deputies and Batavia Police NET officers, plus the Le Roy Village PD. They were investigating the possession and transportation of heroin in and around Genesee County. Officers conducted a traffic stop in the Town of Byron, and Towne was allegedly found in possession of a quantity of heroin and a hypodermic needle. He was jailed on $2,500 cash bail and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, a Class A misdemeanor, and criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument, also a Class A misdemeanor.

Jessica Jane Moscicki, 24, of Briarwood Terrace, Batavia, was arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on Saturday, July 23, on an active bench warrant issued out of the Town of Batavia. The warrant stemmed from her failure to appear for sentencing on an original charge of petit larceny, which occurred Aug. 27, 2013, on Lewiston Road. She was jailed on no bail and is to reappear in court on July 29. The case was investigated by Deputy Joseph Graff, aasisted by Deputy Dana Richardson.

A 17-year-old and a 16-year-old, both from Albion, are charged with petit larceny for allegedly stealing merchandise from Darien Lake Theme Park on July 20. The cases were investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Deputy Christopher Parker.

Winners announced for the 2014 Duck Derby in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

Vietnam Veterans of America 2014 Le Roy Duck Derby Winners

  • Luke Yauchzee -- $500
  • Rich Nobles --  $100
  • Jeri Costantino -- $50
  • Kate Ireland – 1 Family Membership to Seneca Park Zoo
  • Ethan Houck -- Laser Autographed Picture of New York Jets # 74 Nick Mangold
  • D.J. O’Geen -- 1 Family Fun Pack to the Rochester Museum & Science Center
  • Mark Hunneyman -- 2 Cruise Passes for free admission for a family  (2 adults and up to 2 children) for the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park
  • Marley Parker -- 4 lower Reserve adult tickets to any one 2015 regular home season game, 1 autographed program for the Rochester Razorsharks
  • Fred Perrine – 2 green fee vouchers for the Silver Lake Country Club
  • Becky Beswick, Le Roy -- 2 green fee vouchers for the Silver Lake Country Club
  • Corinne Heschke – 2 tickets for any Rochester night Hawks 2015 Game
  • T. Strollo Byron – Gift bag from Peebles Store in Batavia
  • Hunter Emenck --  4 Complimentary Tickets for 4 Adults on “The Maid of the Mist"
  • Ann Liberatore -- 1 Family Pass for 2 Adults and 3 Children at the N.Y. Museum of Transportation
  • Anna Kent -- 1 Bufalo Sabres Yearbook Autographed by #65 Bryan Flynn
  • John Johnson, Le Roy -- $50 Gift Card From “Park Avenue Pub and Restaurant,” Rochester
  • Jen Heaney -- 1 Free Det Laser signed Photos of Buffalo Bills # 28 C.J. Spiller and #22 Fred Jackson
  • Rita Mehan -- Autographed Photo of James Beresford, of the Rochester Red Wings
  • Dan Robinson, Le Roy – Laser signed Photo of N.Y. Giants  # 80 Victor Cruz
  • Rick Blood, LeRoy --  $20 gift certificate to the Pok-A-Dot in Batavia
  • Alexis O’Geen -- $10 gift certificate to Applebee’s
  • Lawerence Taylor, Palmetto, Fla. -- $10 for the Last Place Duck
  • Colleen Czubinski, Batavia -- $25 for the 25th Place Duck in honor of our 25th Anniversary of the Duck Derby

Smoke in residence on Holland Avenue prompts city fire response

By Billie Owens

City fire is on scene at 14 Holland Ave. after a report of smoke filling the residence. Firefighters say nothing is showing, investigating. It is a two-and-a-half story structure. The caller in another apartment evacuated the building.

UPDATE 6:02 p.m.: Command reports a possible "appliance burn out."

UPDATE 6:14 p.m.: A burned-out washing machine motor is deemed to be the culprit. This assignment is back in service.

Microchipping cats and dogs for $30 at Hogs for Paws fundraiser at Stan's

By Billie Owens

For $30, you can have the peace of mind that if your pet gets lost, there's hope it can be reunited with you. It's called microchipping and there will be a clinic set up at the Hogs for Paws animal shelter fundraiser on Aug. 16 at Stan's Harley-Davidson.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., your cat or dog can be microchipped, which includes the injection, a collar ID tag and national registration with AVID.

Event Date and Time
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Get your pet microchipped at Hogs for Paws at Stan's Aug. 16

By Billie Owens

Information from Volunteers for Animals:

For $30, you can have the peace of mind that if your pet gets lost, there's hope it can be reunited with you. It's called microchipping and there will be a clinic set up at the Hogs for Paws animal shelter fundraiser on Aug. 16 at Stan's Harley-Davidson.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., your cat or dog can be microchipped, which includes the injection, a collar ID tag and national registration with AVID.

Each dog or cat must be accompanied by someone who can control it. Cats MUST be in carriers. Please bring the name of your vet and an alternate contact person (name, address and number) for registration purposes. Accepted payment is either cash or checks (made out to Volunteers For Animals), sorry no credit cards. No preregistration necessary.

What is a microchip?

The microchip is a tiny computer chip which has an identification number programmed into it and is encapsulated within a biocompatible material. The whole device is small enough to fit inside a hypodermic needle and can be simply injected under the skin of our pets, where it will stay for the life of the animal. This provides a permanent, positive identification which cannot be lost, altered or intentionally removed -- a safe, simple and inexpensive way to protect your pet against loss or theft.The computer memory in the microchip contains a unique number -- no two animals will ever have the same number. A radio signal is used to read this number through the skin of your pet. It is routine for animal shelters and veterinarian offices to scan pets for microchips.

Here are two stories to think about.

Chevy the Cat

Chevy was a stray cat that came into the Shelter from Summit Street in Batavia. She had been on her own throughout the winter. She had a BB lodged in her side and patches of fur missing, most likely from a car engine fan. She was posted for adoption on our Web site and within days her family spotted her on the Web site. They came into the Shelter and sure enough it was her. They lived a block away on Tracy Avenue. Chevy had bolted from the house in the fall. They were lucky in many ways: the nice person on Summit took her to the vet for her care and brought her to the Shelter and they spotted her on the Web site. Had Chevy been microchipped we could have found her family more quickly without risk of her being adopted by someone else. Even house cats need to be microchipped!

Molly the Dog

Molly was found in Oakfield after being missing for two years. After setting traps, leaving food and lots of patience, they were finally able to catch this bedraggled dog. Molly was taken to the Genesee County Animal Shelter and that is when they found she was microchipped. They called the owner and gave her the incredible news that her dog who had ran away two years ago was at the Shelter. It was quite a reunion which never would have happened had Molly not been microchipped. Microchips talk for animals when collars and tags go missing.

Six Batavia students earn degrees from SUNY Buffalo

By Billie Owens

The following students, all from Batavia, graduated from SUNY Buffalo State in May 2014:

Frederick Rarick received a bachelor's degree in History.

Peter Badami received a bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

Ariana March received a bachelor's degree in Childhood Education.

Dakota Nicholson received a bachelor's degree in Individualized Studies.

Amanda Harding received a master's degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration.

Melissa Maxwell received a master's degree in Speech-language Pathology.

Buffalo State offers 169 undergraduate programs and 65 graduate programs. For more information, please visit suny.buffalostate.edu.

Genesee region restaurants invited to participate in inaugural Taste of Independence in Downtown Batavia

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Independent Living of Genesee Region (ILGR), the nonprofit agency that helps people with disabilities, is inviting all restaurants in the Genesee Region to participate in the inaugural Taste of Independence, an event scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 27 at Jackson Square in Downtown Batavia.

The objective of the Taste of Independence is to spotlight the variety of restaurants and their signature dishes in the Genesee Region. Participation as a vendor will help promote the restaurant and its menu highlights to several hundred expected guests.

In the process, ILGR and its programs and services will benefit from staging this event. Volunteers will be available to help staff the food booths at the event to help alleviate restaurant staffing concerns.

For more information or questions about the event participation details, please contact Donna Becker at 585-815-8501, ext. 411, or by e-mail at dbecker@wnyil.org

ILGR is a part of the Western New York Independent Living, Inc., family of agencies. Over the past four years, the agency has offered people with disabilities in the Genesee Region (Orleans, Genesee and Wyoming counties) four core services including: information and referral; peer counseling; independent living skills training; and individual and community advocacy through empowerment, education and equality for all, regardless of disability.

Congressman Collins announces $630,000 grant for construction at county airport

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) announced $630,000 in federal funding from the Federal Aviation Administration for the Genesee County Airport. The grant will fund the construction for approximately 700 linear feet of taxi lane necessary to provide access to the new T-hangar areas at the airport.

“Supporting local governments with the cost of maintaining, repairing and building critical infrastructure is an appropriate use of federal tax dollars,” Congressman Collins said. “Local taxpayers send a lot of their hard-earned money to Washington and it is only proper that we get a share of it back to assist with projects that are important to our local communities.”

“The grant not only supports local construction jobs, but it allows for the construction of the aprons that are needed to erect additional facilities necessary to address Genesee County's long-standing waiting list for hangars,” said Timothy J. Hens, Superintendent for the Genesee County Highway Department. “More hangars means more activity at the airport, which is good for the county, and good for the businesses based at and around the airport.”

The Congressman’s office remains available to assist any local government pursuing a federal grant.

Batavia man faces five criminal charges after high-speed chase Tuesday

By Billie Owens

A 27-year-old man who lives on Liberty Street in the City of Batavia faces five criminal charges following a high-speed chase on Tuesday afternoon, according to a press release issued today by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

Derek Francis McQueen was operating a 2005 Suzuki GSXR motorcycle on Lewiston Road in the Town of Batavia when he was allegedly observed violating numerous vehicle and traffic laws. When Sheriff's deputies attempted a traffic stop, McQueen fled and after a high-speed chase was apprehended in the Town of Alabama.

He was allegedly found to be in possession of various quantities of heroin, methadone, morphine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. In addition, he had an active warrant out of the Town of Gates for an unrelated charge.

The charges against him are: unlawful fleeing a police officer / motor vehicle, 3rd; criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th; possession of a hypodermic instrument; unlawful possession of marijuana; and criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd. Other charges include, reckless driving, aggrevated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and numerous traffic violations.

McQueen was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and jailed in lieu of $50,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond.

The case was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Corona, assisted by Deputy Christopher Parker.

Free bus tour of Tonawanda Creek Watershed offered, pre-registration required

By Billie Owens

Information from the Tonawanda Creek Watershed Committee:

Join us for a free "learn and play" bus tour of the Tonawanda Creek Watershed from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23. Because the watershed covers over 600 square miles, two separate bus tours are offered -- one with western tour stops, the other with eastern stops.

All are welcome, including families! Rain or shine. Light snacks will be provided but everyone is encouraged to bring a picnic lunch for after the tour.

The tour will show you places for recreation and inform you on how to protect your watershed.

Tonawanda Creek is one of the largest watershed areas in Western New York, spanning portions of Wyoming, Genesee, Niagara and Erie counties and the Tonawanda Seneca Nation. It is full of places to boat, hike and fish.

Hard work had helped protect these places and our drinking water. Come and learn about the watershed management challenges and successes.

Western Tour Stops will be:

  • Clarence Escarpment Sanctuary
  • Ellicott Creek Park
  • Ellicott Island Park
  • Great Baehre Swamp Wildlife Management Area

Eastern Tour Stops will be:

  • Big Bend Dam and Peace Garden
  • Attica Reservoir
  • A log jam
  • Local Dairy Farm
  • Darien Lakes State Park

Seating on the tour is limited; pre-registration is required. To register, please e-mail Kim Falbo, Wyoming County Soil and Water Conservation District at  kfalbo@frontier.com  or call 585-786-5070, ext. 121, and provide the following information:

Name, phone number, e-mail, number of people attending, and preference for Eastern or Western tour.

Parking and check-in will be at Cummings Lodge in Akron Falls Park, Akron (Skyline Drive between Crittenden Road and State Street).

For more information about the Tonawanda Creek Watershed Committee, please visit:

www.tonawandacreek.shutterfly.com

YMCA's Wheels & Heels at Stan's to benefit kids affected by domestic violence

By Billie Owens

YWCA's 2014 Wheels & Heels event includes something for everyone, from a cool vehicle show and motorcycle ride to a bicycle rally, basket auction, fashion show, food fest and children's games. It's set for 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 26 at Stan's Harley-Davidson, 4425 W. Saile Drive, Batavia.

The party is being thrown to benefit YWCA of Genesee County, specifically to fund new programs for children affected by domestic violence.

Event Date and Time
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YWCA's Wheels & Heels is Saturday at Stan's, benefits kids affected by domestic violence

By Billie Owens

Press release:

YWCA's 2014 Wheels & Heels event includes something for everyone, from a cool vehicle show and motorcycle ride to a bicycle rally, basket auction, fashion show, food fest and children's games. It's set for 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 26 at Stan's Harley-Davidson, 4425 W. Saile Drive, Batavia.

The party is being thrown to benefit YWCA of Genesee County, specifically to fund new programs for children affected by domestic violence.

As bicycles head out on a 25-mile trek, motorcyclists will go on a 100-mile trip around Genesee County. There will be a few stops and goodies along the way, with the finale at Stan's, where more fun will continue.

The registration fee for the vehicle show, motorcycle and bike rides is $25.

Admission to Wheels & Heels is $5, and that includes entry for a drawing tickets, registration forms or more information, call (585) 343-5808.

Assorted foods will be available for purchase, including lobster rolls, seafood chowder, grilled hotdogs, pulled pork, ice cream treats and popcorn. Spectators may also want to check out the assorted vehicles on display, fashions on a flatbed and live entertainment.

"driVen," a three-piece rock band from Genesee and Orleans counties, features Mike Warren on bass and vocals, Dylan DeSmit on lead guitar and vocals and special guest drummers Alex DeSmit and Dan Ryan. The band has been performing for about a year at various locations in Western New York and bills itself as “not just another cookie-cutter classic rock band.” It features both classic and modern rock. Warren was previously the bass player and vocalist for Savage Cabbage and Dylan DeSmit was the founder of Above the Fog and currently performs with Zero, Delano Steele, The Night is Young and Methanol.

Not to be left out, kids can play in a bounce house and will have the challenge of a scavenger hunt with opportunity to win prizes. Youth and adults will be walking the runway to show off fashions from local merchants.

Announcement of the YW's $10,000 cash raffle will be made at 4:30 p.m., though winners need not be present. Tickets are going fast, at $15 each, $60 for five or $100 for 10. There will also be several items up for bid in a basket auction.

All proceeds will help serve some of the most vulnerable victims of domestic violence: the children, Executive Director Jeanne Walton said.

YWCA staff has developed the You Engaging Success program for victims of issues that come about for children who are being exposed to domestic violence in the home.

"So that they can move forward, away from the cycle of fear and anger," Walton said.

Batavia Players Vendor Blender is Aug. 2, table space available and time slots for performers

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Players is hosting a Vendor Blender from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday Aug. 2nd at the theater on 56 Harvester Ave.

This is a fundraiser for the Summer Youth Theatre show "Tommy." We are having a chicken BBQ from SWY's Catering and BBQ for $10. Admission is free to the vendor blender. We are having some entertainment and a raffle.

Table space still available as well as time slots for volunteer performers.

For more information contact Sue Buckley at 343-6931.

Nominees sought for 2014 Le Royan of the Year

By Billie Owens

Nominees are being sought for Le Royan of the Year.

Le Roy American Legion Post 576 is asking that each club, church, society, organization or individual submit a nominee to be considered as the 2014 Le Royan of the Year Award. Applications are available at the local banks and at the Legion Post.

Replies are due by Aug. 19th.

The award recognizes people who demonstrate the following qualities:

  • A man or woman who exemplifies the true spirit of Americanism, its ideals, love of flag and country, regardless of race, color or creed;
  • Good citizenship by carrying out these principles, often beyond what is expected;
  • Service to the community signified by excellence in life of purpose and accomplishments.

Mail applications to American Legion Post 576

Attn:  Catherine Stone
53 West Main St.
Le Roy, NY 14482

15th annual Harley Raffle, expanded beer tent, and new band at Town of Batavia Fire Hall

By Billie Owens

A new band, a bigger beer tent and all the fun you've come to expect are on tap at the Town of Batavia Fire Hall, 8382 Lewiston Road, this Saturday.

It's time again for the annual Harley Raffle. It's the 15th annual raffle.

Audibull will rock the expanded beer tent this year. Festivities start at 6 p.m. Admission is free.

Event Date and Time
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Two-car accident with minor injuries reported on Ellicott Street Road, East Bethany

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with minor injuries is reported at 6049 Ellicott Street Road. Stafford fire and Mercy medics are responding. Two vehicles are said to have collided into a utility pole. A responder on scene says two young men are injured, one complaining of pain, the other of facial cuts. The road is open but eastbound traffic will be slowed down.

UPDATE 8:38 p.m.: Two flatbed tows are called to the scene.

UPDATE 8:45 p.m.: The location is between Transit and East roads in East Bethany. Bethany fire is also at the scene.

UPDATE 8:51 p.m.: Traffic is being handled in alternate-lane order.

UPDATE: Photos submitted by Doug Yeomans.

Dog locked in car in Walmart parking lot

By Billie Owens

An officer is responding to Walmart after a complaint of a dog locked inside a vehicle. It's a four-door gray Chevy Impala parked in the last aisle of the food entrance near a fire hydrant.

UPDATE 2:15 p.m.: The officer is on location with the vehicle and the complainant.

UPDATE 2:31 p.m.: The dog is reportedly showing signs of distress. A Walmart employee is paging the registered owner of the vehicle.

UPDATE 2:40 p.m.: Apparently the owner responded. The officer is back in service.

Mercy Flight headed to Area 51 after teen loses consciousness in ATV accident

By Billie Owens

A 16-year-old male lost consciousness for a little over a minute after an ATV accident on the track at Area 51. The boy's helmet came off, but no mention of whether this occured before or after impact. He is coming to consciousness. Mercy Flight is being dispatched to the scene. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy medics are also responding.

UPDATE 1:52 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne and headed to ECMC.

UPDATE 1:54 p.m.: Responders are back in service.

Car vs. tractor-trailer crash on the westbound Thruway, unknown injuries, Le Roy responding

By Billie Owens

A car versus tractor-trailer accident, unknown injuries, is reported on the westbound Thruway at mile marker 379.4. That's in the area of the Route 19 overpass. Le Roy fire and ambulance responding.

UPDATE 6:13 p.m.: A female victim needs to be extricated.

UPDATE 6:39 p.m.: Byron fire also responded and was put back in service by Le Roy command at 6:28 p.m. State Troopers remain on scene. Le Roy is back in service. Didn't hear the outcome of the patients.

UPDATE 6:35 p.m.: Le Roy ambulance is transporting a 33-year-old female to UMMC who complains of left side body pain.

Motorcycle wreck on Creek Road, Batavia, two people injured

By Billie Owens

A motorcycle accident with two people injured is reported at 8971 Creek Road. Two Mercy rigs and Town of Batavia fire are responding. The victims are conscious and alert but bleeding. The location is between Lehigh and Dorman roads.

UPDATE 2:44 p.m.: A rescue engine from East Pembroke is on scene. A patient who was pinned down as a result of the accident is free now. The bike is down an enbankment.

UPDATE 2:52 p.m.: Mercy Flight, which was on standby, is cancelled. One person is being transferred to UMMC.

UPDATE 2:57 p.m.: East Pembroke's rescue engine is back in service.

UPDATE 3:06 p.m.: Both patients are going to Strong.

UPDATE 3:08 p.m.: Town of Batavia assignment is back in service.

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