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Vehicle rollover accident reported on eastbound Thruway

By Billie Owens

A one-vehicle rollover accident is reported on the eastbound Thruway at mile marker 394.7. The occupants are out of the vehicle and walking around. Mercy medics are responding along with East Pembroke Fire Department.

UPDATE 4:28 p.m.: One person may have a concussion.

UPDATE 4:41 p.m.: Command requests a second ambulance to the scene in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 5:01p.m.: Mercy medics are en route to ECMC with one patient.

UPDATE 5:06 p.m.: The East Pembroke fire assignment is back in service.

Adam Hildebrant

By Billie Owens

Adam Hildebrant, 30, of Dawsonville, Ga., formerly of Batavia, NY, passed away suddenly on Oct. 19, 2020.

Adam was born on July 29, 1990 in Medina, NY, to Penny (Stiver) and the last Douglas Hildebrant. Adam was full of life and loved by everyone he met. He would do anything for anyone and had a heart of gold.

He loved to fish and take nature walks when he got the chance. His sarcastic charm and love of life will be missed by everyone.

Adam was predeceased by: his father, Doug; his paternal grandparents, Clair and Martha Hildebrant; his aunts Linda Roll and Pauline Hildebrant; as well as his uncle Darell Roll.

He is survived by: his mother, Penny Hildebrant; maternal grandparents Raymond and Betty Stiver; uncles Bruce (Kerry) Stiver; Barney (Phyllis) Hildebrant and Steven Hildebrant; siblings Stephanie (Hildebrant) Bedard, Erich (Amanda) Hildebrant, and Madeline Lancerio; nieces and nephews Joseph, Jacob, Jocelyn and Justine Bedard, Arianna and Gillian Hildebrant; as well as cousins Tori (Michael) Taddonio and Laci Stiver.

No service details are available at this time.

Garage fire reported in the city on Farwell Drive

By Billie Owens

Fire, possibly leaves or rubbish, was reported between residences at 7 and 9 Farwell Drive. Now flames are showing and a garage has caught fire. City fire is responding.

UPDATE 4:04 p.m.: Fire is out.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County Board of Directors meeting via Zoom

By Billie Owens

The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County Board of Directors meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17.  

Meetings are currently being held via Zoom and in keeping with Open Meeting Laws, Genesee County residents may attend. Please contact Yvonne Peck at ydp3@cornell.edu to register and receive link.

Any questions should be directed to Yvonne Peck at (585) 343-3040, ext. 123.

Event Date and Time

Law and Order: River Street woman accused of selling crack cocaine twice to Drug Task Force agent

By Billie Owens

Jennifer M. Moore, 35, of River Street, Batavia, is charged with: two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony; and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that Moore sold crack cocaine to an agent of the Genesee County Local Drug Task Force on two separate occasions. Moore, who had an active arrest warrant, was located sitting in a vehicle that was parked in a parking lot on Park Road in the Town of Batavia, where she was taken into custody. She was also allegedly in possession of crack cocaine at the time of her arrest. Moore was arraigned in Genesee County Court and released under the supervision of Genesee Justice. The task force is comprised of law enforcement officers from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, the Batavia Police Department, and the Village of Le Roy Police Department. The task force was assisted by deputies and the District Attorney's Office.

James O. Weathers, 47, of Teralta Street, Rochester, and Ayeola N. Williams, 46, of East Path Rise, West Henrietta, were arrested on Oct. 31 on Route 33 in the Town of Stafford. At 12:38 a.m., Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore was on patrol in a marked Sheriff's vehicle and stopped their vehicle after observing a traffic violation. Williams was the driver and was put through field sobriety tests, which she allegedly failed. Further investigation and a vehicle search allegedly found marijuana and a loaded firearm. She is charged with: criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree -- a loaded firearm, which is a Class C felony; driving while ability impaired by alcohol, a violation; speeding -- over 55 mph, a violation; and operating a motor vehicle while having an open container of an alcoholic beverage in the vehicle. Her passenger, Weathers, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, too. The District Attorney was consulted for bail recommendations and the defendants were arraigned by Town of Alabama Judge Pamela Thurber via Skype due to COVID-19 protocols. Both were then put in jail with Williams bail set at $1,000 cash or bond; Weathers' bail was set at $15,000 cash or $30,000 bond. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore, assisted by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun.

Charlene Rae Cook, 31, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment, resisting arrest and second-degree criminal contempt. Cook was arrested after a domestic incident at 1:10 p.m. Oct. 25 on Liberty Street for allegedly violating an order of protection. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in jail on $5,000 cash bail, $10,000 bond, or $20,000 partially secured bond. She was due to return to city court on Oct. 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Nicole McGinnis.

Kevin Maurice McCoy, 54, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt and failure to appear in court as ordered. At 7:54 p.m. on Oct. 31, McCoy was arrested after allegedly violating a stay away order of protection by being in the presence of the protected party on East Main Street. There was also an arrest warrant for him out of Batavia City Court. McCoy was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in jail, with bail set at $1,500 cash, $3,000 bond or $6,000 partially secured bond. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer John Gombos, assisted by Officer Samuel Freeman.

Brandon C. Dodd, 33, of Highland Park, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny -- theft of a motor vehicle; and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. At about 1 a.m. on Nov. 1, Dodd was arrested after the theft of a motor vehicle at a residence on Highland Park. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court via Skype and is due there on Nov. 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Joshua Girvin, assisted by Officer Nicole McGinnis.

Mathew Ray Albaugh, 35, of Townline Road, Bergen, is charged with driving while intoxicated and speeding -- exceeding 55 mph. At 1:42 a.m. on Nov. 1, Albaugh was arrested on Townline Road in Bergen after a traffic stop for speeding. It is alleged he was driving over 55 mph while having a BAC of .08 or more. He was released on an appearance ticket to be in Bergen Town Court on Nov. 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore.

Kristen Elizabeth Sekuterski, 34, of Orleans Avenue, Batavia, is charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs -- first offense; and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Following a "check-the-welfare complaint" at 10:04 a.m. Oct. 30 on Alleghany Road in the Town of Pembroke, Sekuterski was arrested. She was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Pembroke Town Court on Nov. 19. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth, assisted by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Justin D. McQuillen, 32, of Freeman Road, Byron, is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- with a BAC of .08 percent or more; DWI -- common law; and speeding. McQuillen was arrested Oct. 31 on Oak Street after allegedly being observed speeding at 8:52 p.m. He was released on appearance tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on Feb. 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Benjamin G. Evans IV, 32, of Federal Drive, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested Oct. 30 after allegedly not following court mandate on Oct. 19. Evans was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on Nov. 10. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy  Jacob Gauthier, assisted by Kenneth Quackenbush.

Tricia Marie Ruth Martinez, 27, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested after allegedly agreeing to purchase a Halloween costume from the victim and then taking the costume without paying for it at 5 p.m. Oct. 30 on Colby Road in Darien. Martinez was issued a ticket to appear in Darien Town Court on Dec. 1. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Gauthier.

Walter Tomlin Snell, 32, of Byron Holley Road, Byron, is charged with failure to appear. He was arrested Oct. 26 when located by Genesee County Probation after allegedly failing to appear in court as scheduled. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released on his own recognizance. He is due back in city court Nov. 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Pembroke caller complains about neighbors letting their dogs run loose

By Billie Owens

A woman who lives on Marble Road in Pembroke called dispatch to complain that neighbors south of her at a horse farm let their dogs run loose on her property "again" and now one of her dogs has returned to her house with an injury.

The property is between Gabbey and Akron roads.

A deputy will respond, starting with a phone call to the complainant.

Lawn mower catches fire, sparking grass fire near structure in Byron

By Billie Owens

A lawn mower caught on fire at 6441 Mill Pond Road in Byron, which spread to the grass around it, and a structure is 20 feet away. Byron and South Byron fire departments are responding.

"We have a fully involved lawn mower," says a first responder on scene.

UPDATE 1:21 p.m.: Byron command reports fire is out.

UPDATE 1:45 p.m.: The Byron and South Byron fire assignment is back in service.

Nov. 15 is last day for GC United Way's virtual basket raffle to fund Backpack Program

By Billie Owens

The United Way of Genesee County’s Women United group is presenting a virtual basket auction fundraiser. All proceeds from this event will be used to purchase food for the United Way’s Backpack Program.

This program supplies weekend meals to students throughout Genesee County.

The Women United Basket Auction runs through Nov. 15th.

It is hosted by William Kent Auctions and sponsored by The Hidden Door. With almost 50 items open for bidding, you will find there is something for everyone.

Event Date and Time
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GC United Way's virtual basket raffle now through Nov. 15 to fund its Backpack Program

By Billie Owens

The United Way of Genesee County’s Women United group is presenting a virtual basket auction fundraiser. All proceeds from this event will be used to purchase food for the United Way’s Backpack Program.

This program supplies weekend meals to students throughout Genesee County.

The Women United Basket Auction starts today, Nov. 5th and runs through Nov. 15th.

It is hosted by William Kent Auctions and sponsored by The Hidden Door. With almost 50 items open for bidding, you will find there is something for everyone.

Event Date and Time
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Two-vehicle accident with injuries reported in Alabama

By Billie Owens

A two-vehicle head-on collision with injuries is reported in Alabama at Wright Road at Bloomingdale Road. A caller to dispatch reports a female in one vehicle states she's OK, but she may be in shock. Alabama Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics.

A first responder on scene reports the vehicles are blocking traffic.

UPDATE 12:56 p.m.: There is one patient.

UPDATE 1:33 p.m.: The female patient was transported to a hospital. The Alabama fire assignment is back in service.

Byron's Bryce Yockel earns Lois Zolliker Scholarship at Baldwin Wallace University in Ohio

By Billie Owens

Bryce Yockel, of Byron, was among 680 students who earned named scholarships at Baldwin Wallace University this fall. Yockel, a graduate of Byron-Bergen High School, earned the Lois Zolliker Scholarship.

BW has a long history of scholarship support from alumni, faculty, trustees and friends. More than 400 named scholarships provide more than $3.5 million to help students attend, persist and graduate from BW. In addition, they carry on the donors' legacies through the lives of the students who receive their support. The scholarships vary in requirements, with many specifying financial need, a course of study, involvement on campus or a commitment to excellence in a particular field. BW offers a wide range of financial support to its students -- more than $51 million for the 2020-2021 academic year.

Baldwin Wallace University, founded in 1845, was one of the first colleges to admit students without regard to race or gender. An independent, coeducational university of 3,500 students, BW offers coursework in the liberal arts tradition in more than 80 academic areas. Located in Berea, 12 miles from Downtown Cleveland, BW offers students the cultural, educational and business advantages of a major metropolitan area.

Lougazi, Tellawoman shine in Batavia features

By Billie Owens

Photo of Lougazi with driver Ray Fisher Jr.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

One came from behind and one led all the way, but both were the best in their class at Batavia Downs on Wednesday evening (Nov. 4). 

The $8,500 Open I Handicap trot was won by Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) who got away a gapped fifth while Daylon Phantom (Dan Yetman) took an unchallenged lead to the half in :58.2. There, Before I Die (Jim McNeight Jr.) pulled first over with an advancing Lougazi on his tail. 

Positions remained the same up the backside and around the far turn until Lougazi tipped three-deep at the top of the stretch and the pocket-sitting Majestic Kat (Billy Davis Jr.) found room inside and shot through. Four pylons from the wire, Lougazi and Majestic Kat passed Daylon Phantom and then hit the line together in 1:58.4. After the photo, Lougazi got the nod and came back for his picture.  

It was the fourth win of the year for Lougazi ($8.10) who made his first start in almost a month for owner Mary Warriner. Ryan Swift is the trainer.

(Photo of Tellawoman with driver Jim Morrill Jr.)

Then in the Open II pace for fillies and mares, Tellawoman (Jim Morrill Jr.) led every step of the mile, tripping the timers in :28.4, :58 and 1:26.3 before turning for home and hitting the line on top by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:55.4. It was the third straight win and fourth out of the last five for Tellawoman ($3.10) who is owned by Rose Campbell and trained by Russell Bratt. 

Ray Fisher Jr. led all drivers on Wednesday as he registered a hat trick. Also Jim Morrill Jr., Billy Davis Jr. and Drew Monti, who are currently the top three dash drivers of the meet in that order, all had two wins. 

On the conditioning side, 12 different trainers accounted for the night’s 12 winners.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Nov. 7) with post time at 1:15 p .m. The early start is due to the Breeders Cup races.

Basket RAFFLE called OFF -- but PIE SALE is still ON at St. James church

By Billie Owens

St. James Episcopal Church will hold the Third Annual Pie Sale/Basket Raffle on Friday, Nov. 20, from 4 to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 21, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia. Admission is free; masks required.

Event Date and Time
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Possible natural gas leak at Oakfield apartment building prompts evavuation

By Billie Owens

A possible natural gas leak, possibly with ill effects, was reported at a multifamily dwelling at 10 Weber Ave. Oakfield Fire Department is on scene investigating. One apartment was evacuated. Another had two people sleeping inside but they were awoken and are getting dressed to come outside. They are conscious and alert, says command.

Mercy medics are on scene.

Another apartment may have to have the door forced open because it is secured and no one knows for certain if it is occupied.

They are checking the basement. Firefighters got no reading or indication of a leak upstairs. There was a slight leak detected on the lower level; it is believed there may be a leak outside. "Wind is out of the west / southwest."

$3,000 guaranteed Pick-5 at Batavia on Wednesday

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Batavia Downs will feature a guaranteed $3,000 pool in the Pick-5 wager today (Nov. 4).

The pool is part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages are now available courtesy of Trackmaster on the Batavia Downs and USTA websites or by clicking here

The Pick-5 wager begins in race one and runs through race five. It is a 50-cent base wager and if all five winners aren’t selected, any carryover pool will be moved to the Pick-5 wager on Saturday (Nov. 7) program.

Post time for today's first race is 5 p.m.

Working house fire reported on Judge Road in Alabama

By Billie Owens
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A second-alarm house fire is reported in Alabama at 1368 Judge Road. It started in the chimney and is now in the attic.

The location is on the south side of the road, just east of Route 77.

Called to the scene in addition to Alabama Fire Department are: the city's FAST team, Darien, Pembroke, East Pembroke, Oakfield and Elba fire departments, and Mercy medics.

UPDATE 4:45 a.m.: Shelby Fire Department is en route to fill in at Alabama's Station #2. Plus, "Alabama Command, you've got two interiors and the FAST Team coming your way."

UPDATE 5:04 a.m.: Fire command requests food/beverage refreshments for about 30 firefighters to be brought to the scene. 

UPDATE 7:11 a.m. (by Howard): Three residents were able to get out of the house safely.  One resident was evaluated at the scene and she is fine. Two dogs are also fine. The fire started in a chimney. Many of the responding agencies have cleared the scene and the road is reopened.

Le Roy's Nathan Griffin promoted to Private First Class in NY Army National Guard

By Billie Owens

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Nathan Griffin, from Le Roy, and assigned to the Company A, 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry received a promotion to the rank of Private First Class on Sept. 30.

Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability, and development potential.

These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified Soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com

The New York National Guard (New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs) is the state's executive agency responsible to the Governor for managing New York's Military Forces, which consists of nearly 20,000 members of the New York Army National Guard, the New York Air National Guard, the New York Naval Militia and the New York Guard.

GOP candidates wanted to serve as Justice of Town of Batavia Court, Cleveland resigns

By Billie Owens

From Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

Republicans who reside in the Town of Batavia and are interested in receiving GOP endorsement for Town Justice are asked to send a letter of interest and resume to Steve Hawley. Current Town of Batavia Court Judge Michael Cleveland has tendered his resignation effective Nov. 27.

Those interested in the post should send their letter and resume to Hawley no later than Monday, Nov. 9.

The Town of Batavia GOP Committee will be meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12 at the Town of Batavia Hall to discuss the matter. It is located at 3833 W. Main Street Road.

All COVID-19 protocols will be followed including mandatory masks.

Erratic driver believed to have medical issue before accident on Judge Road

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident is reported in Basom at 1750 Judge Road. A driver who possibly suffered from a medical issue was reported to be driving erratically by several callers to dispatch.

The vehicle also struck a pole in the area before hitting the side of a semi-truck, and the trucker reacted swiftly by forcing the vehicle off the road away from oncoming traffic.

The location is between Wight Road and Kenyon Avenue. Alabama Fire Department and Mercy medics are on scene. 

A first responder reports no injuries as the result of accident. Nothing is in the roadway. The pole is sheared off; it's a cable pole at 1805 Judge Road.

Traffic control deployed.

UPDATE 2:55 p.m.: The automobile driver is being transported to UMMC for evaluation. No injuries reported due to the accident. All responders back in service.

Mark Your Calendar: Drive-thru BBQ & raffle to benefit Oakfield family is Nov. 29, buy tickets by Nov. 24

By Billie Owens

Photo and information from reader Angelique Newton:

Ralph Esten Jr. has been a lifelong resident of Oakfield with his wife, Michelle. They have one son Matthew (Amanda) Kastlic and a grandson, Lukas.

Ralph was diagnosed in September 2011 with a brain tumor -- glioblastoma. He has battled this awful disease day in and day out, enduring multiple rounds of chemotherapy and trials to keep the tumor from growing through the years.

The fight continues and Ralphie just started a new chemo and we want to help reduce any financial stress we can for him and his wife Michelle as copays, travel expenses, and time away from work add up.      

 

We are holding a chicken BBQ and pulled pork benefit on Sunday, Nov. 29th from 12 to 4 p.m. drive-thru only at the Town of Batavia Fire Hall.

The hall  is located at 8382 Lewiston Road.

Meal tickets are $13 presale only and must be purchased by Nov. 24th. Holy Smoke Chicken BBQ & Catering is in charge of the food.

Dinner choices are:

  • BBQ 1/2 chicken, salt potatoes, coleslaw and dinner roll

Or

  • BBQ pulled pork sandwich, salt potatoes, coleslaw

In addition to the BBQ we are also selling raffle tickets for $10 apiece. Winners will be drawn the day of the event and need not be present to win.

Prizes are:

  • Genesee Speedway Grandstand Season Pass
  • Basket of Restaurant Gift Cards
  • Barrel of Booze
  • Night Out at Batavia Downs
  • 65" Smart TV

The event is being planned by myself -- Angelique "Ange" Newton, and Nikki Kirkum along with help from family and friends.

To get tickets, contact Ange at (585) 815-3175 or Nikki at (585) 993-6464.

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