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Darien

House filling with smoke from wood-burning stove in Darien

By Billie Owens

Smoke from the piping of a wood-burning stove is filling the residence at 1740 Richley Road, Darien. The location is just east of Colby Road. Residents have been advised to evacuate. Darien Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 10:24 a.m.: A firefighter on scene reports there is a possible leak coming from the wood stove in the basement.

UPDATE 10:26 a.m.: Command says Darien can proceed in non-emergency mode.

Leadership, Accountabiity, Courage & Knowledge class attended by 37 local volunteer firefighters

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The second Leadership, Accountabiity, Courage & Knowledge (L.A.C.K.) class of 2018 was attended by 37 Genesee County volunteer firefighters.

The L.A.C.K. program held at the Genesee County Fire Training Center on Feb. 15 was a four-hour program providing  an opportunity for fire officers, training officers and chief offers to improve their personal and organizational skill set.

Ongoing eduction and training of our first responders is essention for awareness, prevention and safe and effective response.

Visit the Genesee County Office of Emergency Management FACEBOOK or department Web page for future training opportunities.

February L.A.C.K. participants in Genesee County included: 

ALABAMA FIRE DEPARTMENT 

Richard Brunea                 

Sidney N. Eick

Aron J. Kehlenbeck                 

Ryan Thompson                 

Todd M. Thompson                 

BATAVIA, TOWN FIRE DEPARTMENT

Scott T. Maloy                 

BERGEN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Scott R. Mayne                 

BETHANY VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Jeff R. Fluker

Christopher M. Page

Jeff Pietrzykowski

BYRON VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Justin T. Baxter                 

Robert A. Mruczek

CORFU VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Gregory S. Lang                    

Matthew R. Lenhard

Rob G. McNally

Daniel P. Smith

DARIEN VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Joe T. Marino                 

David W. McGreevy                 

Timothy E. McGreevy                 

EAST PEMBROKE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Lloyd J. Casselbury                    

Destin G. Danser                 

James R. Gayton                    

Paul J. Kirsch                 

Donald E. Newton Jr.                    

Jocyelyn Perry                    

Julie Waldron                    

David A. Winters            

ELBA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Kevin W. Dart                    

Nicholas J. Esten                    

Leonard  Peterson                    

Caitlin E. Zipfel                  

INDIAN FALLS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Edwin F. Mileham Jr.                  

LE ROY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Timothy L. Hogle                          

PAVILION VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Dewey A. Murrock

Donald A. Roblee                          

SOUTH BYRON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Dean L. Bates                  

Scott A. Blossom

Law and Order: Woman wanted on warrant accused of possessing cocaine at time of arrest

By Howard B. Owens

Madalyn R. Muntz, 32, of Evans Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd, criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument, and unlawful possession of marijuana. While conducting an investigation on Liberty Street, members of the Local Drug Task Force located Muntz. She was taken into custody on a City Court warrant and at the time of her arrest allegedly found in possession of cocaine, a needle, drug paraphernalia, and a device for smoking marijuana. She was also arrested by Batavia PD on the warrant alleged failure to meet requirements of sentencing on a prior conviction. Muntz was released after posting bail.

Jonathan Edward Stanton, 35, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged petit larceny, criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd, criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Police received a report of a suspicious male at the Rite Aid on West Main Street, Batavia. Upon investigation, Deputy Ryan DeLong and Deputy Brad Mazur determined Stanton allegedly stole $119.97 in merchandise from the store and was in possession of drug paraphernalia, a needle and marijuana.

Daniel E. Gubnitsky, 23, of Sheron Road, Greece, and Jennifer A. Schreiber, 18, of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, are charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Gubnitsky and Schreiber were charged after police were called to investigate a suspicious vehicle parked at the VFW Hall at 25 Edwards St., Batavia, at 9:22 a.m. Thursday. 

Joseph M. Tornabene, 26, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Tornabene allegedly struck another person in the face during an argument reported at 2:30 p.m. Friday at a location on Dellinger Avenue, Batavia. Tornabene left the scene. The victim signed a complaint and Tornabene later turned himself in at Batavia PD headquarters. 

Cale Daniel Rice, 41, of Drake Street Road, Elba, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding and failure to notify DMV of a change of address. Rice was stopped at 1:06 a.m. Saturday on Route 98 in Elba by Deputy Eric Meyer.

Shamique D. Hubbard, 28, of Hamlet, North Carolina, is charged with DWI, driving while impaired by drugs, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Hubbard was stopped at 10:51 p.m. Sunday in the Town of Batavia by State Police.

Matthew J. Gaudio, 29, of Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and aggravated unlicensed operation. Gaudio was stopped by State Police in Darien at 10:14 a.m. Thursday. Following arraignment, Gaudio was ordered held on bail.

Ervin Finkley, 50, of Rochester, is charged with grand larceny, 4th, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and fleeing from an officer in a motor vehicle. Desiree Ghee, 31, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property. Norman C. Ghee, 53, of Rochester, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. The trio was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 1:27 p.m. Thursday in the City of Batavia. All three were ordered held on bail. No further details released.

Vehicle in the water off of Chick Road, Darien

By Howard B. Owens

A vehicle has reportedly gone off the road and is in the water at Chick Road and Attica Road, Darien.

Darien fire and Darien ambulance dispatched.

UPDATE 11:15 p.m.: The vehicle was unoccupied.

UPDATE 12:30 p.m., Sunday: There was a search of the area last night and this morning. The operator was eventually located, safe.

Truck accident reported on Route 20 in Darien, wires down

By Howard B. Owens

A motor-vehicle accident is reported in the area of 1964 Broadway, Darien.

There are wires down with reports of power outages in the area.

A semi-truck and possibly a pickup truck are involved.

Unknown injuries.

A first responder on scene says the pole is sheared off and traffic lights are down.

Traffic is being shut down.

UPDATE 2:15 a.m.: It's a single pickup accident. The tractor-trailer clipped the lines as it was coming through, according to a law enforcement officer on scene.

UPDATE 2:20 a.m.: A fire hydrant was also sheared off. An area stone quarry delivering crushed rock needs to be notified that its trucks will need to find an alternate route for the time being due to the train derailment in Attica.

UPDATE 2:27 a.m.: DOT being notified that Route 20 will be closed for a few hours.

UPDATE 2:46 a.m.: There's a broken pole on Route 238 with a transformer on it. National Grid reports fewer than five customers affected by the power outage.

UPDATE 3 a.m.: Darien ambulance is transporting a patient to UMMC ECMC.

UPDATE 8:42 a.m.: Fire services went back in service about 6 a.m. Route 20 remains closed. Roadblocks now covered by deputies.

UPDATE 8:52 a.m.: Route 20 is reopened.

UPDATE: Carter S. Dale, of Attica, has been identified by the Sheriff's Office as the driver of the pickup truck. He has been charged with DWI, moving from lane unsafely and not wearing a seatbelt. According to the Sheriff's Office, Carter was driving a Ford F-250 that went off the north shoulder of the roadway and struck a utility pole, street light pole, and a street sign, before coming to rest. A tractor-trailer traveling through the area at the time snagged low-hanging wires. The accident was investigated by Deputy Ryan Young, Sgt. John Baiocco, and Deputy Jeremy McClellan. Assisting with the scene were Darien fire and Alexander fire, the State Police, National Grid, Monroe County Water Authority, DOT and gas and cable companies. 

Reader submitted photo.

Genesee County fire personnel learn about hazards of alt fuels and new tech

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and press release:

The Alternative Fuel Vehicles & New Technologies four-hour class was offered by the Genesee County Office of Emergency Management Services in conjunction with the NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control on Feb. 12 at the Fire Training Center.

It was attended by 63 fire personnel from Genesee County and the surrounding area.

Information about the hazards of the new fuels such as methanol, compressed natural gas and electric power; as well as the pressures created within fuel cylinders was addressed in addition to safety information on other possible hazards related to alternative fuel vehicles. State Fire Instructor David Harrington also addressed the changing technology of the automobile. 

Genesee County participants included: 

Alabama

Aron Kehlenbeck

Gary Patnode

William Schutt

Ryan Thompson

Todd Thompson         

Town of Batavia

Josh Boyle         

Daniel Coffey         

Paul Dibble         

Gary Diegelman         

Clayton Gorski

Stephen Kowalzyk

Scott Maloy

Ian Sanfratello

Tyler Stewart

Robert Tripp

Ray Zwolinski

Corfu

Mitchell Bates         

Cyle Felski

Kristen Gaik

James Hale

Tyler Lang

Matthew Lenhard

Rob McNally

Steve Rodland

Lori Ann Santini

Brian Schollard

Daniel Smith

Jacob Stiles

Ben Trapani

Ray Zwolinski

Darien

Joe Marino

David McGreevy

Tim McGreevy

Brandon Scott

Mark Starczewski         

Elba

Jennifer Cardinali

Michael Heale

Tim Hoffarth

John Mudrzynski

Michael Pfendler

Michael Schad

Oliver Shuknecht

Megan Tabor

Nathan Tabor

George Underhill

Bob Zipfel         

Caitlin Zipfel

Conor Wilkes        

Stafford

Rodney Bobo         

Samantha Call

Ken Collins

Ronald DeMena

Tim Eckdahl

Matt Hendershott

Randal Henning

Steve Johnson

Ashley Swatzenberg

Newly elected county officials attend training in Albany

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Newly elected Genesee County legislators Gordon Dibble (District 3, towns of Pembroke & Darien), John Hilchey (District 1, towns of Alabama & Oakfield), and Gary T. Maha (District 9, Wards 4 & 5, City of Batavia) attended an Orientation Program for Newly Elected and Appointed County Officials, sponsored by the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) at its annual Legislative Conference held in Albany Jan. 29-31.

Topics of discussion and presentations included an overview of the New York State Association of Counties; New York State Open Government Laws; Major Policy Issues Affecting Counties; Introduction to County Finance and Budget Issues; County Government Structure in New York State; Ethics in Government; Adopting Local Laws; and Role of the Clerks of Legislative Boards.

Approximately 70 newly elected and appointed county officials attended the training program, and upon completion were awarded Certificates of Achievement by NYSAC’s County Government Institute and Cornell University.

Law and Order: Akron man accused of hitting another person with baseball bat, causing serious injuries

By Howard B. Owens
      Ismael Laffosse

Ismael L. Laffosse, 31, Fisk Road, Akron, is charged with second-degree attempted assault, second-degree menacing, third-degree criminal mischief, and criminal possession of a weapon, 4th. Laffosse is accused of striking another person with a baseball bat and damaging that person's personal property. The incident was reported at 6:54 p.m., Jan. 29, at a location on Apollo Drive, Batavia. The victim suffered serious injuries but has been released from the hospital.

Armando L. Carrion-Rojas, 23, of McCall Road, Greece, is charged with criminal mischief. Carrion-Rojas is accused of breaking the driver's side mirror of his girlfriend's car at 1:50 p.m. Monday at a location in Le Roy, and of damaging a residence door after his girlfriend locked him outside the residence. He was jailed on $500 bail or $4,000 bond.

Derek James Wert, 36, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Wert allegedly contacted by electronic means a person he was ordered by a judge not to contact. Wert was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Ronald F. Ratulowski, 44, of Eleanor Place, Batavia, is charged with third-degree assault. Ratulowski was arrested on a warrant. The original incident was reported at 11 p.m. Sept. 10 at a location on Eleanor Place. No further details released.

Bonnie L. Cortright, 30, West Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on two City Court warrants. The reason for the warrants was not released. She was released on her own recognizance.

Kevin Andrew Rivera, 23, of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with third-degree criminal mischief. Rivera allegedly broke the window of a College Village dorm room at 10:56 p.m. Monday.

Nicholas Gerald Schafer, 19, of Broadway Road, Darien, is charged with DWI, driving while impaired by drugs, driving while ability impaired by the combined influence of drugs and alcohol, and parking violation on a highway. Deputy Kyle Krzemien was dispatched at 4:17 p.m. June 30 to Batavia Elba Townline Road, Elba, to investigate a complaint of a subject passed out in a vehicle. Following an investigation, Schafer was charged.

Jeremiah D. Williams, 26, of Batavia, was arrested by State Police following a revocation of parole. He was ordered held in jail.

An 18-year-old resident of Batavia is charged with petit larceny. The defendant was arrested on Goade Park. The incident was reported at 6:17 p.m. Monday in Kendall. The arrest was made by State Police at 6:10 a.m. Tuesday. No further details released.

Katrina P. Giummo, 29, of Corfu, is charged with petit larceny. Giummo is accused of a theft reported in Corfu at 1:18 p.m. Monday. She was arrested by State Police. No further details released.

Dozens honored on GCC's dean's list for fall 2017 semester

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College, including all seven campus locations in Batavia, Albion, Arcade, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw, proudly announces the following are among 351 full and part-time students who were named to the dean's list for the Fall 2017 semester. Students honored on the dean's list have earned a quality point index of 3.50 to 3.74. 

The College also maintains President's and Provost's Lists comprised of students who earned quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better. These other GCC honorees are announced separately. Go to the College's website at www.genesee.edu.

This year's Genesee Community College Fall 2017 dean's list honorees, with their hometowns, are listed below:

Zachary Antonucci of Alexander, NY

Alexis Hackmer of Alexander, NY

Kathleen Kwasniewski of Alexander, NY

Jared Lennon of Alexander, NY

Katlyn Adamczak of Basom, NY

Sara Stanley of Basom, NY

Natalie Amico of Batavia, NY

Brianna Brade of Batavia, NY

Cameron Clark of Batavia, NY

Katelyn Connors of Batavia, NY

Hope Davids of Batavia, NY

Riley Dyson of Batavia, NY

Matthew Fouquet of Batavia, NY

Andrew Frank of Batavia, NY

Emily Harris of Batavia, NY

Jillian Helwig of Batavia, NY

Shelby Hill of Batavia, NY

Sarah Hollands of Batavia, NY

Jazmine Holmes of Batavia, NY

Leighann Howland of Batavia, NY

Felicia Kennedy of Batavia, NY

Dolapat Kijsiravej of Batavia, NY

Sataka Kijsiravej of Batavia, NY

Samuel Lang of Batavia, NY

Rebecca Mattison of Batavia, NY

Angelina Miconi of Batavia, NY

Leah Monteleone of Batavia, NY

Shannon O'Brien of Batavia, NY

Taylor Paris of Batavia, NY

Chandah Sundown of Batavia, NY

Madison Swiatowy of Batavia, NY

Micheal Van Dorn of Batavia, NY

Cassandra Warren of Batavia, NY

Laura Whitcroft of Batavia, NY

Jennifer Williams of Batavia, NY

Jaysen Wylie of Batavia, NY

Jeremy Fink of Bergen, NY

Kristin Hohn of Bergen, NY

Kimberly Lovett of Bergen, NY

Tina Ambrosoli-Keller of Corfu, NY

Timothy Crandall of Corfu, NY

Sarah Gohn of Corfu, NY

Spencer Graff of Corfu, NY

Alysia Magoffin of Corfu, NY

Katelin Miller of Corfu, NY

Jessica Ryckman of Corfu, NY

Brittany Taylor of Corfu, NY

Shelby Turner of Corfu, NY

Alexander Breissinger of Darien Center, NY

Claire Francis of Darien Center, NY

Cameron Sutton of Darien Center, NY

Laura Tyx of Darien Center, NY

Curtis Kreutter of East Bethany, NY

Matthew Baker of Elba, NY

Aaron Bastiano of Elba, NY

Amanda Castaneda of Elba, NY

Alyssa Laudico of Elba, NY

Justin DiFalco of Le Roy, NY

Mondell Elliott of Le Roy, NY

John Gombos of Le Roy, NY

Alyssa Hill of Le Roy, NY

Brandon Hodge of Le Roy, NY

Taylor Kirby of Le Roy, NY

Morgan Luce of Le Roy, NY

Sara Platek of Le Roy, NY

Mary Ross of Le Roy, NY

Jessica Barclay of Oakfield, NY

Samantha Borkholder of Oakfield, NY

Rebecca Carlsen of Oakfield, NY

Allen Chatt of Oakfield, NY

Jonathan Kedzierski of Oakfield, NY

Christopher Coniber of Pavilion, NY

Nathan Ford of Pavilion, NY

Trinidad Salinas Guzman of Pavilion, NY

Maelee Sanford of Pavilion, NY

Alyssa Stalica of Pavilion, NY

Elizabeth Blossom of South Byron, NY

Genesee Community College serves over 6,000 students per semester through more than 70 academic programs and certificates, including the new Marketing and Social Media concentration within the Business Administration program, and the new Nanotechnology degree with ECC. On a microscopic scale, nanotech focuses on careers in biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, medicine and photovoltaics. 

GCC's new Student Success Center makes admissions, financial aid, and enrollment a simple and efficient process. The college has earned three national sports titles; most recently, the Men's Soccer team brought home the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association D-III title. The athletics program, housed in the brand new, state-of-the-art Richard C. Call Arena hosts more than a dozen intercollegiate men's and women's teams.

Highly convenient, GCC operates seven campus locations throughout Western New York, as well as a significant online learning program. College housing is available at College Village, just a three minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes and state-of-the-art technology both inside and out of the classroom, Genesee Community College is known for being "high-tech" and "high-touch."

For further information about all of GCC's opportunities, go to www.genesee.edu.

Many local students made the Provost's List at GCC for the fall 2017 semester

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College, including all seven campus locations in Batavia, Albion, Arcade, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw, proudly announces that the following students are among 228 students who were named to the Provost's List for the Fall 2017 semester.

Students honored on the Provost's List were enrolled part-time and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better. The College also maintains a President's List comprised of full-time students who, like the Provost's list honorees, they earned the equivalent of an A. In addition, GCC's dean's list is comprised of full- or part-time students who earn a quality point index of 3.50 to 3.74. These other GCC honorees will be announced shortly. Go to the College's website at www.genesee.edu

This year's Genesee Community College Fall 2017 Provost's List honorees, with their hometowns, are listed below:

Matthew Penepent of Basom

Justin Barton of Batavia

Michael Bauer of Batavia

Catherine Chilano of Batavia

Rebecca Meloon of Batavia

Amii Capuano of Batavia

Cory Feary of Batavia

Brian Wheeler of Batavia

Katelyn Held of Batavia

Alexander Crossett of Batavia

Sara Olivani of Batavia

Kristin Smith of Batavia

Jessica Newton of Batavia

Nicole Rott of Batavia

Audra Davis of Batavia

Daniel DiMartino of Batavia

Kelsee Korczak of Corfu

Elizabeth Dubey of Corfu

Lewis Ryan of Darien Center

Dustin Wheeler of Darien Center

Kodian Becker of Darien Center

Caroline Pelton of East Bethany

Bailey Delelys of Elba

Heather Ezard of Elba

Mariah Woodrich of Oakfield

Jessica Waite of Oakfield

David Giles of Oakfield

Justina Pruski of Oakfield

Patrick Puccio of Stafford

Caitlyn Klotzbach of Stafford

Joshua Robinson of Bergen

Adam Kendrot of Bergen

Elizabeth Jarnot of Bergen

Rebekah Ireland of Byron

Richard Sia of Le Roy

Morgan Pasquale of Le Roy

Debra Pangrazio of Le Roy

Meghan Merica of Le Roy

Jacob Bolton of Le Roy

Tara Jagodzinski of Linwood

Sandra Fanton of Pavilion

Sierra Bosdyk of Pavilion

Genesee Community College serves over 6,000 students per semester through more than 70 academic programs and certificates, including the new Marketing and Social Media concentration within the Business Administration program, and the new Nanotechnology degree with ECC. On a microscopic scale, nanotech focuses on careers in biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, medicine and photovoltaics.

GCC's new Student Success Center makes admissions, financial aid, and enrollment a simple and efficient process. The college has earned three national sports titles; most recently, the Men's Soccer team brought home the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association D-III title. The athletics program, housed in the brand new, state-of-the-art Richard C. Call Arena hosts more than a dozen intercollegiate men's and women's teams.

Highly convenient, GCC operates seven campus locations throughout Western New York, as well as a significant online learning program. College housing is available at College Village, just a three minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes and state-of-the-art technology both inside and out of the classroom, Genesee Community College is known for being "high-tech" and "high-touch."

For further information about all of GCC's opportunities, go to www.genesee.edu

Law and Order: Corfu woman charged with DWI following accident

By Howard B. Owens

Brandi Elizabeth Schmiedicker, 24, of Genesee Street, Corfu, is charged with DWI, speed not reasonable and prudent, moving from lane unsafely. Schmiedicker was charged following an investigation into a motor-vehicle accident by Deputy Mathew Clor that was reported at 1:14 a.m. today on Genesee Street, Darien.

Magic to happen as part of Darien Lake's in-park entertainment this season

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Darien Lake Theme Park’s 2018 season will feature two unique, thrilling performers, Magical Entertainer Aaron Radatz and Hypnotist Tammy Barton, as part of the amusement park’s free in-park entertainment lineup.

Dubbed “the magical entertainer to see” by Time Magazine, Radatz started performing at the young age of 6 and quickly turned his grandmother's gift of a magic set into a full-time hobby. Today, Radatz is the newest star to hit the magic entertainment scene. He has studied with many of the masters of magic including Harry Blackstone (Jr.) and recently completed his first 6-month run headlining a casino on the Las Vegas strip. He is also a featured magician on the CW Network’s global sensation TV series “Masters of Illusion.”

Radatz is also the only magician who has been commissioned by the U.S. Pentagon for a command performance for the U.S. military. His dedication to the troops has earned him awards, including such high honors as the Commander’s Coin of Excellence and the Scroll of Appreciation of Honor and Admiration.

Barton has been performing as a professional stage hypnotist since 1993. She began her career working with her parents, both of whom are certified hypno-therapists. She quickly realized that hypnosis performed correctly could be both entertaining and educational at the same time, and could allow her to obtain any goal she set for herself.

In every show, Barton selects willing volunteers from the audience and then puts them into a state of hypnosis. She then guides them though a journey of the mind in which the volunteers act on suggestions she provides. Only the imagination of her volunteers will limit their journey.

Radatz and Barton both performed during the 2012 season and the park is thrilled to welcome them back this year.

“These daily in-park shows are high-quality family-friendly entertainment for all of our guests,” said Chris Thorpe, Darien Lake general manager. “Both Tammy Barton and Aaron Radatz are thrilling, unique performers and we are excited to welcome them back to the Darien Lake for what promises to be a wonderful summer.”

Also returning in 2018 is Ignite the Night, Darien Lake’s nightly laser extravaganza. Music, water, fire, video and pyrotechnics all come together for this laser light spectacular in the air, on the stage and all around, which runs beginning in late May through Labor Day Weekend.

For more information about the park or to purchase a season pass, visit DarienLake.com.

Law and Order: Shoplifting arrests announced

By Howard B. Owens

Shannon Marie Denison, 34, of Colony Run, Attica, is charged with petit larceny. Denison is accused of shoplifting from an undisclosed location on Veterans Memorial Drive.

Nicholas Christian Doell, 27, of Lippold Road, Darien, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Doell allegedly violated a stay away order of protection at 3:20 p.m. Sunday.

James Courtney Presley, 35, of Frances Street, Rochester, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, no tail lamps, and driver's view obstructed. Presley was stopped at 10:10 p.m. Wednesday. He was jailed on $250 bail or $2,500 bond.

Kenneth D. Barnhardt, 51, of Mt. Morris, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and speeding. Barnhardt was stopped at 3:52 p.m. Saturday on Route 33 in Stafford by State Police.

Carl T. Amesbury, 25, of East Bethany, is charged with petit larceny. Amesbury is accused of shoplifting from a location in the Town of Batavia. He was arrested by State Police. No further details released.

Grand Jury: Batavia man accused of possessing firearm illegally and cocaine

By Billie Owens

Charles Thigpen-Williams AKA "Gus" or "Gusto" is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on July 19 in the City of Batavia that the defendant knowingly and unlawfully possessed a controlled substance -- cocaine -- and it weighed 500 milligrams or more. In count two, he is accused of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged in count two that on the same date in the city Thigpen-Williams possessed a firearm -- a Ruger model P89 9mm with a specified serial number -- and he had previously been convicted of a crime. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney's Office, the defendant is accused of having been convicted of the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, a Class D felony. That conviction was on July 20, 2010, in Genesee County Court, and it forms the basis for count two in the current indictment.

Gregory D. Metz is accused of the crime fo driving while intoxicated as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Aug. 10 in the Town of Darien that Metz operated a 1999 Cadillac on Sumner Road while in an intoxicated condition. In count two, Metz is accused of having a BAC of .08 or more at the time. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Metz is accused of having been convicted of DWI as a misdemeanor on Feb. 19, 2009, in Batavia City Court and that conviction was within 10 years of the crimes alleged in the current indictment.

Truck jackknifes on Route 77, Darien, takes out fire hydrant

By Howard B. Owens

A semi-truck has gone off the road and hit a fire hydrant in front of Darien Lake Theme Park on Route 77, Darien.

The truck jackknifed.

The driver does not appear to be injured. A deputy is on scene.

Darien fire and ambulance requested to the scene.

UPDATE 12:55 p.m.: There is no water leak from the hydrant.

Law and Order: Inmate accused of possessing contraband

By Howard B. Owens

Brian Thomas Resch, 30, of Buffalo Road, Bergen, is charged with promoting prison contraband. Resch is accused of possessing Suboxone while confined in the Genesee County Jail.

Stephen Everett Pike, 21, of Big Tree Road, Pavilion, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Pike is accused of grabbing another person by the arm and pushing that person during an argument, reported at 6:28 p.m. Wednesday at an address on Big Tree Road, Pavilion.

Jeffery S. Zymowski, 54, of Sandridge Road, Alden, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, no seat belt, and driver's view obstructed. Zymowski was stopped at 4:35 p.m. Tuesday on Broadway Road, Darien, by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Gregory S. Mitchell, 19, of Clarence Center, was arrested on an arrest warrant and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Mitchell was arrested in Pembroke by State Police. No further details released.

Michael E. Welles, 20, of Holley, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Welles was stopped by State Police at Bloomington Road and State Route 77, Alabama.

William D. Annis, 36, of Batavia, is charged with conspiracy, 6th, and petit larceny, and Jeanine D. Mercado, 31, of Batavia, is charged with conspiracy, 6th, possession of burglary instruments, and petit larceny. Annis and Mercado were arrested by State Police in relation to an incident reported at 10:27 a.m. Wednesday at Kohl's Department Store.

Live Nation, Darien Lake, announce return of free passes with concert tickets

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Live Nation and Darien Lake Theme Park are thrilled to announce that due to overwhelming demand, concertgoers will once again get free same day Theme Park access with each paid Amphitheater concert ticket in 2018. The wildly popular promotion started in 2017 as part of Darien Lake Amphitheater’s 25thseason.

“This was truly the deal of the Summer last year and we couldn’t be happier to be partnering again with the theme park to bring the best value in entertainment in Western New York,” said Jim Koplik, Live Nation president of Upstate New York and Connecticut.

This year is already shaping up to be a great one for music fans and thrill seekers alike at Darien Lake. The amphitheater has announced two shows to date, including Kesha and Macklemore on July 22 and Niall Horan with Maren Morris on Sept. 7, with many more shows being announced in the coming months. Darien Lake Theme Park recently announced the amazing new 98-foot vertical coaster, Tantrum, opening this Summer that will be a ride not to miss.

“We’re excited to partner with Live Nation to offer free same day park admission for concertgoers again this season and know we will thrill them with our new Tantrum coaster, ensuring all guests can rock and ride all summer long,” said Chris Thorpe, general manager of Darien Lake Theme Park.

To redeem the offer, guests will show their concert tickets at the Theme Park’s main gate for same day validation and admission.

The offer is not valid in conjunction with any other Darien Lake Theme Park offer and is nontransferable. Free Theme Park access is only valid the same day as the concert ticket and is only valid on purchased tickets and not valid on complementary concert tickets. For concerts occurring on days the theme park is not operating, purchasers can present their concert ticket for free admission at the Theme Park’s main gate for any other operating day after the concert.

Darien Justice Gary Graber completed course on uniqueness, special issues faced by rural American courts

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Hon Gary A. Graber, Town Justice, Town of Darien, recently completed the Special Consideration for the Rural Court Judge Course, a six-week Web based course provided by the National Judicial College.

Judges in rural courts throughout our nation share a unique circumstance marked by these issues: isolation, underfunding, lack of collateral social services in the community, and a high public profile.

This faculty-led online course shares techniques and experience from rural judges in meeting these challenges, and provides tools and suggestions to the participants which can be adapted in their courts as circumstances warrant.

This course is tailored to rural court judges in more sparsely populated communities and jurisdictions. This faculty-led online course offers a convenient way to learn skills particular to the special nature of judging within a rural area.

Key topics included:

  • Identify areas of professional and personal isolation resulting from your service on a rural bench;
  • Analyze the role of a judge on the Adjudicator and Agent-of-Change Continuum;
  • Identify and analyze provisions of the Code of Judicial Conduct addressing issues of particular challenge to the well-known rural judge;
  • Identify the ethics pitfalls in dealing with disruptive defendants and litigants;
  • Analyze how the rural judge can remain involved in his or her community within the context of proper judicial conduct;
  • Recognize the threats to judicial independence resulting from recent efforts to inject politics and social or economic agendas into court decisions;
  • Identify the purpose and limits of the inherent power of the court and how to effectively deal with other branches of government;
  • Create a plan to deal with threats and emergencies;
  • Recognize the phenomena of implicit bias.

Since its founding more than 50 years ago, The National Judicial College has been the nation’s premier judicial education institution. The NJC pursues its mission of "education | innovation | advancing justice" with the support of individuals and organizations dedicated to preserving and improving the rule of law.

Its supporters include scores of active and retired judges and attorneys along with government agencies and private foundations. Teaching at the NJC is a high honor, and most NJC courses are taught by judges who volunteer their time. The same is true of the members of the NJC’s boards of trustees and visitors.

Justice Graber has served as a NJC faculty member since 2008.

Widespread power outage reported in Darien

By Howard B. Owens

More than 700 National Grid customers in Darien are without power this morning.

The outage began about an hour ago and National Grid estimates that power will be restored about 7:15 a.m.

The area of the outage is from the county line on the west to Bowen Road, and from the county line on the south to just south of Darien Lake Theme Park.

We have no information on the cause of the outage.

Free NYS Snowmobile Safety Course offered at Darien Fire Hall next week

By Billie Owens

Press release:

NYS Snowmobile Safety course will be taught at Darien Fire Hall, from 7 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday Jan. 10 (Part 1), and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday Jan. 13 (Part 2).

The fire hall is located 10537 Alleghany Road (Route 77) in Darien.

The course is free to children from 10 to 18 years of age. New York State’s Snowmobile Law requires that youngsters ages 10-18 acquire a safety certificate before they may lawfully operate a snowmobile. Youngsters may qualify for their safety certificates by taking an eight-hour safety course and passing the examination given at the end of the course.

The course and all materials are furnished free. The course is also open to adults.

The instructors for snowmobile Safety Course are certified by NYS.

You must sign up for the course and attend both classes where you register. Those who pass the written exam will be issued a patch, certificate, and a license.

If your child is interested in taking the course and would like to lawfully drive a snowmobile, preregister by calling 585-599-6431 after 5:30 p.m.

The class is sponsored by the Millgrove Sportsmen Club, Darien Fire Hall, Genesee Sno-Packers Snowmobile Club.

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