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Rollover accident with minor injuries in Oakfield

By Billie Owens

A rollover motor-vehicle accident with minor injuries is reported at Lewiston and Macomber roads in Oakfield.

Oakfield fire and Mercy EMS are responding and a State Trooper is also on scene. Medics are called for evaluation of the injuries.

UPDATE 1:34 p.m.: The responders are told to use caution and slow down on approach because the roads are iced over.

UPDATE 1:52 p.m.: All units are back in service.

Garage fire in East Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A fire is reported in a detached garage on Angling Road, near Read Road in East Pembroke. The garage is part of property at 8670 Read Road.

Heavy smoke is coming from the garage eaves.

East Pembroke and Corfu fire departments are responding, along with Mercy EMS.

UPDATE 4:51 p.m.: All traffic is being shut down at Read and Angling roads as well as West Avenue and Angling Road.

UPDATE 5:27 p.m.: The fire is out. The chief says the fire probably started due to an electrical malfunction in a vehicle parked inside.

Two-car accident in Village of Elba

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident partially blocking the roadway is reported in the Village of Elba south of the intersection of Route 98 and Chapel Road. No word on injuries.

Elba Fire Department is responding and/or a Sheriff deputy.

UPDATE 5:02: About 20 minutes ago, the first responder reported no accident was located in the vicinity.

Smell of smoke coming from multi-family structure on Vine Street

By Billie Owens

The odor of smoke is coming from a four-apartment structure at 25 Vine St. in the city.

City fire department is on scene. A firefighter says nothing is showing, but they are investigating.

One woman has been evacuated. She said she was not sure if anyone else was at home in the other three apartments.

UPDATE 12:05 p.m.: After investigating the building, nothing was found amiss and units are returned to service.

Freezing man found in snow bank off Route 20, Bethany

By Billie Owens

A male about 18 year old is reported to be lying in a snow bank, possibly suffering from hypothermia, at 4822 Route 20, near Silver Road.

Mercy EMS and a crew from Bethany Fire Department are responding.

UPDATE 3:46 p.m.: Responders have requested a deputy to the scene "to secure an item."

UPDATE 3:54 p.m.: The man is being transported to UMMC. A fireman is remaining at the scene until a deputy arrives.

UPDATE 4:01 p.m.: The deputy is going to the scene "to pick up a bicycle."

Sabres Hall of Famer Danny Gare offers hockey clinic

By Billie Owens

Buffalo Sabres Hall of Famer Sabre Danny Gare is offering a hockey clinic on Tuesday Dec. 28 at Falletti Ice Arena on Evans Street in the City of Batavia.

Here's the on-ice session times:

  • Sqirts -- 9 a.m.
  • PeeWees -- 10 a.m.
  • Bantams and also Midgets -- 1 p.m.

Gare, a two time 50-goal scorer, will share his expertise on the mechanics of shooting and scoring to young hockey enthusiasts.

Also, his son-in-law, Shawn Pursel -- a certified strength and conditioning specialist
with more than 15 years experience -- will cover strength-training methods for
greater power and speed on the ice. In addition, he'll offer nutritional tips to maximize
player performance.

The clinic is for ages 9-18 and the $30 registration fee includes one hour of on-ice instruction from Danny and 30 minutes of off-ice conditioning and nutrition tips from Shawn.

There will also be handouts and an autographed Hall of Fame picture from Danny. Limited slots are still available.

Contact John Zola at jzola@rochester.rr.com to register.

DEC bans old wood boilers and adopts strict rules for new ones

By Billie Owens

This information comes from a news release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley's office:

On Dec. 23, a hearing -- without an opportunity for public input -- was held on outdoor wood boilers by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. It decided to go full-steam to outlaw existing units and require stringent, and costly, regulations for newly built ones.

Wood-burning boilers are commonly used on farms and multi-acre properties to convert accessible natural resources into energy for heating homes and businesses.

“Time and time again, we see that a lack of transparency in government breeds regressive, anti-business policies,” said Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

Previously, the DEC agreed to phase out their use, instead of banning them, after heated protests at public hearings, including at least one in Genesee County, and heavy scutiny from members of the Assembly Minority Conference.

Hawley characterized Thursday's hearing and the DEC's reversal as "an example of irresponsible bureaucracy at its worst. The DEC rammed through new regulations that will drive the cost...upwards of $10,000."

He says the decision ignores the impact on people in rural areas like Western New York and serves as yet another example of what happens when the power is taken from the public and given to bureaucracies.

"Once again, state officials have ignored the will of rural New Yorkers and ushered through their own misguided agenda, with no consideration of the expense to the taxpayer.

“In light of the recent controversy surrounding the DEC, I find it appalling that they would continue to repeat the mistakes of old, rather than turn over a new leaf."

Accident in front of Jim's Saloon

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with a minor injury is reported at 2677 W. Main St. Road in front of Jim's Saloon. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding nonemergency.

It's most likely going to be a "sign-off." The patient is now in the kitchen at the saloon.

GC Rural Police Training Academy recruits brave icy waters for worthy cause

By Billie Owens

Earlier this month, recruits at the Rural Police Training Academy at Genesee Community College took the plunge into the icy waters at Hamburg Beach on Lake Erie.

The current class in the 22nd Basic Course for Police participated in the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Polar Plunge on Dec. 4. All 24 recruits attended and 17 of them actually braved the 40 degree waters of Lake Erie for the cause.

They generated more than $1,000 in donations, coming in 24th place out of 89 competing teams in this annual event.

"This was a total volunteer event and I appreciate the hard work of this class for a great cause," said Douglas Brooks, director of GC's Rural Police Training Academy Brooks.

The event generates funds and raises awareness to benefit the Special Olympics, with similar events occurring throughout the year at locations across the country.

"It is a very unique way of not only raising funds for a great cause, but also building camaraderie among the recruits," Brooks said.

 

Elba Presbyterians celebrate Christmas Eve in barn

By Billie Owens

For the 30th year, the Elba Presbyterian Church will gather in a barn on Transit Road to celebrate Christmas Eve. Time is Friday from 7 to about 7:45 p.m.

One hundred candles in milk jugs will line the roads leading to the Yunker Farm.

A star at the top of the loft window can be seen at the approach. A rough wooden manger will be the focal point, while a newborn baby and the parents will portray the Holy Family. Rows of seats for the congregation will be wooden planks held up by onion crates.

The reading of the story from Scripture and singing of well-known yuletide carols will be followed by a short meditation by the Rev. Barbara Tipton. Finally, the lights will be lowered and the penetrating sound of “Oh Holy Night” -- performed as a flute solo -- will fill the old hay mow, echoing to the ceiling.

The flautist will be church member Fran Woodworth. The Holy Family will be portrayed by Tim and Christine Zipfel and their infant, who are also church members.

Elba Presbyterians celebrate Christmas Eve in barn

By Billie Owens

For the 30th year, the Elba Presbyterian Church will gather in a barn on Transit Road to celebrate Christmas Eve. One hundred candles in milk jugs will line the roads leading to the Yunker Farm.

A star at the top of the loft window can be seen at the approach. A rough wooden manger will be the focal point, while a newborn baby and the parents will portray the Holy Family. Rows of seats for the congregation will be wooden planks held up by onion crates.

Event Date and Time
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First Night Concert in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A First Night Concert will be held at St. Mark's Church, 1 E. Main St. in Le Roy on Friday, Dec. 31 at 8 p.m.

This is part of the First Night Celebration. It's free and showcases local talent. The church is open until 9 p.m., when the fireworks display will begin across the street on the creek bank.  <www.stmarks-leroy.org>.
 

Event Date and Time
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College foundation's Encore event was well-attended and lucrative, too

By Billie Owens

At Encore 2010, Genesee Community College Foundation's annual holiday fundraising event, 336 local residents enjoyed a great night out.

Extra seating was brought into the William W. Stuart Forum and the Stuart Steiner Theatre to accommodate the overflow audience. The Dec. 15 celebration continued the tradition of a fun and festive evening, with new and old friends coming together in the spirit of raising funds for the college's numerous scholarship programs.

Batavia residents Joe and Mary Beth Teresi chaired Encore 2010, and were assisted by a committee of almost 20 community members.

The evening began with a gourmet reception in the forum. Guests then proceeded to the theater for a holiday pops concert with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Emily Helenbrook, a 16-year-old soprano and Alexander native, joined the BPO for an enchanting performance that wowed the crowd. The evening concluded with a delectable dessert reception in the forum.

"When all contributions are counted, they will possibly exceed a record-setting $60,000," said Foundation Executive Director Richard Ensman. "In these difficult and economically challenging times, the overwhelming turnout and contributions should be a source of pride to everyone who worked so hard to make the event a success.

Ensman also thanked Five Star Bank, the lead corporate benefactor, for its continued support of Encore.

The Genesee Community College Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to providing volunteer and philanthropic support to Genesee Community College. Formed in 1986, it has been instrumental in providing more than 3,000 scholarships over the last decade, assisting in the funding of the Conable Technology Building and the Humphrey Student Union, and the expansion of College Village, Genesee's student residence.

Photographs of Encore 2010 can be viewed by visiting the college's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/GeneseeCommunityCollege <http://www.facebook.com/GeneseeCommunityCollege>.

 

Two-car collision on Bloomingdale Road

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident is reported at 385 Bloomingdale Road in front of Jan's Smoke Shop.

There is a minor neck injury reported. The location is between Shanks and Martin roads on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation.

Alabama fire and Mercy BLS are responding.

Motor-vehicle accident in Town of Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident is reported in Le Roy at East Bethany-Le Roy and Munson roads.

There are injuries. Mercy EMS and Le Roy fire are responding.

Traffic accident by Oatka Milk Products location

By Billie Owens

A two-vehicle traffic accident with minor injuries is reported at 165 Cedar St., at Oatka Milk Products. City fire and Mercy EMS are responding, although it is outside the city. There was no unit from the town available, but now one apparently is.

The accident is on the Ellicott Street portion of the business.

A fire official says a little bit of radiator fluid is leaking and there are two minor injuries that need to be checked out. Both victims are out and walking around.

UPDATE 1:13 p.m.: In this accident, the city was called by dispatch first. Once on scene, city notified dispatch that the location was actually just outside the city, and the town was called. Both city and town cooperated.

Minor-injury accident on West Main Street Road

By Billie Owens

A minor-injury accident is reported in front of the Mark Trail Motel in the Town of Batavia. It also involves a tractor-trailer, which is blocking the roadway.

Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy BLS are responding.

The motel is located at 4036 W. Main St. Road.

Car strikes parked vehicle on Summit Street

By Billie Owens

It is reported that a car has possibly struck a parked vehicle at 160 Summit St. Unknown injuries.

Batavia City fire and a medic are on scene.

Car accident on Ellicott Street in the city

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident is reported at 403 Ellicott St. in the City of Batavia. There are minor injuries and it is blocking the roadway.

Mercy EMS and city fire are responding.

Rollover accident on Thruway

By Billie Owens

A rollover motor-vehicle accident, unknown injuries, is reported on the Thruway in the westbound lanes near mile maker 400.6.

Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are called to the scene along with Mercy EMS.

UPDATE 3:53 a.m.: The driver is uninjured and is out of the vehicle. Mercy EMS is back in service. Pembroke fire is at the scene. Indian Falls is continuing in nonemergency mode. Responders are told to use caution on approach, presumably because of icy road conditions.

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