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Darien

Police Beat: Darien woman accused of using fake ID to get Time Warner service

By Howard B. Owens

Rachellyn G. Burek, 29, of 4131 Broadway Road, Apt. #4, Darien, is charged with identity theft in the third degree. Burek is accused of using the identity of another person from December 2006 to August 2007 to obtain service from Time Warner Cable. Burek allegedly received more than $900 in services. The case was investigated by Det. Pat Corona, Batavia PD.

Kelly J. McMurty, 34, of Benedict Street, Perry, and Linda L. McMurty, 55, of Embury Avenue, Silver Lake, are each charged with petit larceny. The women are accused of stuffing clothing items in their purses and then walking past the last point of purchase without paying for the items. 

Edward S. Wiosinski, 60, of 1364 Rush Henrietta Townline Road, Rush, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd. Wioskinski was arrested by Le Roy Police for allegedly harassing another person.

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

By Robin Walters









Millions of Americans wil unite in prayer at thousands of events from coast to coast to observe the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 5th. The theme for this year is "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" and is based on the verse from Psalm 91:2 which states " I will say to the Lord my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.

In 1 Timothy 2:1-6 the Apostle Paul says, "I urge then,first of all, that petitions prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.

According to these verses, we are urged to pray for all those in authority. We are to pray so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This pleases God, and when you obey his word, it brings peace into your heart and life. The world in which we live may be in turmoil, but for those in Christ, there is peace, hope, and joy for the future. His word says that we should pray so that all people would come to a saving knowledge of the truth. The truth is that Jesus Christ gave his life as a ransom for all who call on him. He died on the cross for all so that we may be made holy and righteous in his sight.

In 2 Chronicles 7:14 God says, "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray , and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from  Heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Because of these verses in scripture and many more like them, I urge you to join us as we seek God in prayer.

The Batavia Assembly God Church will open its doors from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM.  There will be a variety of prayer stations set up where you can join us in focusing on specific areas of prayer. You may also stop by the altar or take up a seat in a pew and pray for your own individual needs. If you need prayer, there will be people available to pray with you.

There will be a bible study with a prayer emphasis on Wednesday night,  May 4th starting at 7:00 PM. We invite you to come and help us pray earnestly for our families , our communities , and our churches. Let us pray for our president and all our leaders who govern, that they will humble themselves and seek God's guidance. Everyone is welcome, and we look forward to seeing you there.

God is our mighty fortress in whom we can trust. May we trust him that through our prayers he will move upon our nation to bring healing, peace and his blessing. Let us pray that through our prayers people will come to know him and turn to him.



 





Police Beat: Two people arrested following alleged domestic incident in Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

Joshua Edward Krzemien, 24, of Portageville Road, Castile, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing. Krzemien is accused putting another person in a head lock, obstructing the person's breathing, during a domestic incident on Ellicott Street Road, Pavilion, at 9:40 p.m., Tuesday.

Sarah Jean Nugent, 25, of Ellicott Street Road, Pavilion, is charged with criminal mischief. Nugent is accused of breaking the mobile phone of another person during a domestic incident on Ellicott Street Road, Pavilion, at 9:40 p.m., Tuesday.

A 16-year-old from Three Rod Road, Marilla, is charged with trespass. The youth, along with three others, are accused of being on property at 400 Seven Day Road, Darien, without permission. Also charged with trespass were three youths from Alden: a 17-year-old, of Emerson Street; a 17-year-old, of West Drive; and Steven Anthony Jasinowski, 18, of Kellogg Street.

GCC today announced Dean's List students for Fall 2010

By Billie Owens

Today, Genesee Community College announced the Genesee County students who are among 612 on the Dean's List for the Fall 2010 semester. These students earned a quality point index (grade-point average) of 3.50-3.74.

The honorees, their hometowns and attendance status, are:

ALABAMA

Jake Nadolinski, full time

ALEXANDER

Daniel Dudek, part time

Sabrina Herman, full time

Clayton Miller, part time

Teresa Morris, full time

John Ognibene, full time

Laurie Schwab, part time

Cindy Schwartz, part time

Stacy Wirth, full time

Lacey Wolfley, full time

BASOM

Kassondra Conrad, full time

Andrew Greene, full time

Danielle Hirtzel, full time

Ely Winnie, part time

BATAVIA

Jenise Albert, part time

Valeria Antonetty, part time

Jessica Barone, full time

Christopher Blachowicz, full time

Ann Brade, part time

Alex Brasky, part time

Katherine Clemm, full time

Neil DeLillo, part time

Richard DelPlato, part time

Nicole DiSalvo, full time

Erin Dobbertin, full time

Melissa Dorman, full time

Ian Dries, full time

Delores Dyer, full time

Ashley Falcone, full time

Charles Ferraro, full time

Kaelie Grazioplene, full time

Rachel Guppenberger, full time

Kimberly Gutzmer, full time

Brett Hake, part time

Shauna Hutchinson, part time

Kimberly Ianita, full time

Jessica Jaszko, full time

Katie Kosciolek, part time

Gregory Kryman, full time

Jenna Lynn Leach, full time

Shelly Lopez, full time

Elizabeth Martin, full time

Emily Mott, full time

John Mullen, part time

Colleen O'Donnell, full time

Daniel Oquendo, full time

Joseph Pedro, full time

Theresa Pellegrino, part time

Joshua Que, full time

Meagan Roese, full time

Amy Roggow, part time

Erin Ruzzi, full time

Erin Schafer, part time

Joseph Schlossel, part time

James Schnellinger, part time

Amber Shea, full time

Trisha Smith, part time

Brian Sprague, full time

Kathryn Svensen, part time

Mark Temperato, part time

Wendy Walker, part time

Todd Warren, full time

Katelyn Wickson, part time

Caitlin Wilkinson, full time

Mercedes Wollek, full time

Cameron Wright, full time

BERGEN

Karen Beaney, part time

Ryan Chatham, full time

Carrie Cooper, part time

Samantha Elliott, full time

Amanda Heale, full time

Gary Heale, part time

Kelsey Hill, part time

Cynthia Mack, part time

Rebecca Mosher, full time

Tavy Shippers, part time

Ashley Spangenburg, part time

Miranda Tardy, full time

BYRON

Kevin Jackson, full time

Mark McLaughlin, full time

Timothy Nicholas, full time

CORFU

Eric Allen, full time

Shannon Bartlett, part time

John Bernardini, part time

Patrick Betz, full time

Stacy Brockway, part time

Joseph D'Amato, full time

Lisa Falkowski, part time

Melissa Gardner, full time

Jessica Gerould, full time

Ashley Ingram, full time

Jamie Johnson, full time

Tracy Kearney, full time

Victoria Rebmann, full time

Kara Rykert, full time

Ashlin Thuman, part time

Dana Wolbert, full time

DARIEN CENTER

Larissa DeMuth, part time

Abigail Engel, full time

Nadine McClurg, part time

Alexander Muench, full time

Rebecca Piechowiak, full time

Michelle Waldo, full time

EAST BETHANY

Sarah Baird, part time

Karen DeFelice, full time

Ian Lawson, part time

EAST PEMBROKE

Lucinda Barber, part time

ELBA

Michael Anauo, full time

Keenan Hughes, part time

Christopher Johnson, part time

Jeana Pfalzer, full time

Danyelle Scarborough, part time

LE ROY

Jennifer Beherns, part time

Joeylyn Berl, part time

Jacob Bortle, part time

Ashley Carney, part time

Jason Coniber, part time

Chad Cummings, part time

Margery Fitzsimmons, part time

Jamie Givens, part time

Bridget Grayson, part time

Anthony Macaluso, full time

Sharlene Majors, full time

Melissa Meadows, full time

Brenda Melton, full time

Caleb Nicodemus, full time

Joel Pitts, part time

Bethany Roth, full time

Katherine Stearns, part time

Jeremy Tiede, part time

Duane Weber, part time

Bradley Wight, part time

Sharon Wynn, full time

OAKFIELD

Kari Adams, full time

Amanda Bachorski, full time

Ariel Bentkowski, full time

Kristen Casper, full time

Julie Mendez, full time

Kendra Moak, full time

Sara Mooney, full time

Nathan Oaksford, part time

Veronica Rebert, full time

Maria Sanders, full time

Olivia Waldron, full time

PAVILION

Matthew Berkemeier, part time

Daniel Case, part time

Marie Hart, part time

Jeannie Kirch, part time

Brian Leach, full time

Emily Mess, full time

Julia Sallade, full time

Deborah Schroeder, full time

Peter Sherman, part time

James Smart, full time

STAFFORD

Amber Carmichael, part time

Jacob Cone, part time

Mark Williams, part time

Genesee Community College offers more than 60 academic programs and certificates, including the brand-new Veterinary Technology A.A.S. degree and Polysomnographic Technology A.A.S. degree, (the study of sleep disorders).

Genesee is accessible through seven campus locations throughout Western New York, as well as through online classes in the Distance 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." Find out more at <http://www.genesee.edu >.

Police Beat: Le Roy resident accused of burglary, growing marijuana

By Howard B. Owens

Name Redacted Upon Request, 19, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with burglary, 2nd, criminal possession of stolen of stolen property, 5th, petit larceny, growing cannabis without a license and unlawful possession of marijuana. xxxx was arrested following the execution of a search warrant on his residence, which was the result of an investigation that began April 15 after a village resident complained a home had been entered and various items stolen. The investigation pointed to xxxx as the suspect and a search warrant was obtained. During execution of the search warrant, numerous allegedly stolen items were found as well as marijuana plants and marijuana paraphernalia. xxxxx was jailed on $15,000 bail.

Michael B. Pfaff, of Keeney Road, Le Roy, is charged with felony DWI, aggravated DWI and failing to stop at a stop sign. Pfaff was stopped Sunday by a Le Roy police officer. He was jailed on $1,500 bail.

Jonathan Cornell Robinson, 24, of Buffalo (no street address released), is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, operating on a suspended license and driver's view obstructed. Robinson was stopped at 12:39 a.m., Saturday, on Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Keith Patrick Snyder, 30, of Lewiston Road, Alabama, is charged with unlawfully fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Snyder was stopped at 2:58 a.m, Saturday, on MvVean Road, Darien, by Deputy Jason Saile. Snyder was also charged with refusal to take breath test, failure to signal and failure to yield right-of-way to an emergency vehicle.

Charles Linwood Muntz, 22, of Crosby Road, Basom, is charged with a felony count of DWI, leaving the scene of a property damage accident and parking on a public highway. Muntz was allegedly found asleep at the wheel of his vehicle while it was stopped at an intersection on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation at 3:11 a.m., Saturday, by Deputy Eric Seppala.

Jeremy John Patterson, 20, of Medina (no street address released), is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, tinted windows and plate obstructed. Patterson was stopped at 1:53 a.m., Sunday, on Alleghany Road, Basom, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Earl Elsworth Sands, 53, of Batavia (no street address released), is charged with harassment, 2nd. Sands was arrested following a disturbance at his residence at 10:30 p.m., Saturday. Sands is accused of striking a visitor to his residence.

Jennifer Rae Champlin, 31, of Bloomfield (no street address released), is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Champlin was stopped for an alleged traffic violation at 5:06 p.m., Sunday, on Ellicott Street, Batavia, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

SUV on fire in Darien

By Billie Owens

An SUV is reportedly on fire at the junction of Sumner and Fargo roads in Darien.

Darien Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 3:47 p.m.: Fire is out. Darien crew back in service.

Police Report: Multiple DWI and marijuana possession arrests reported from the weekend

By Howard B. Owens

Matthew Joseph Stefani, 21, of Dodgeson Road, Alexander, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Stefani is accused of pushing another person to the floor during an incident at 3:19 a.m., Saturday.

Ronald M. Schutt Jr., 25, of Washington Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding (95 mph in a 55 mph zone), moving from lane unsafely, unlicensed operator, refusal to take breath test. Schutt was stopped at 3:36 a.m., Saturday, on Route 63, Town of Batavia, by Deputy Howard Carlson.

Christopher Aaron Saddler, 27, of Lydun Drive, Albion, was arrested on a warrant related to an aggravated unlicensed operation charge. Saddler was a passenger in a vehicle stopped for an alleged traffic violation in the Town of Oakfield. He was wanted on a warrant out of Batavia City Court and turned over to Batavia Police.

Michael Anthony Sweet, 25, of Walden Creek Drive, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Sweet's car was stopped at 1:43 a.m., Saturday, in the area of 5267 Route 33, Batavia, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Reeves reported that he could smell the odor of burnt marijuana coming from the car. Sweet, the report reads, "eventually produced the suspected marijuana." 

Amy Elinore Bluhm, 23, of Morrow Road, Covington, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. Bluhm's vehicle was stopped by Sgt. Greg Walker for allegedly traveling 70 mph in a 55 mph zone. Upon investigation, it was determined that Bluhm was allegedly driving on a suspended license and had a warrant out for her arrest. Bluhm was jailed on $500 bail.

Rebecca Ann Piechowiak, 21, undisclosed address, Darien, is charged with petit larceny. Piechowiak is accused of shoplifting from Target on at least three separate occasions. 

Michael Todd Dibble, 19, of Indian Falls Road, Pembroke, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child and unlawful possession of marijuana. Dibble is accused of hosting an underage drinking party at his home.

John E. Hehnen, 55, of Dorsch Road, Akron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to keep right. Hehnen was stopped at 12:23 a.m. Sunday on Akron Road, Town of Pembroke, by Deputy Jason Saile.

Edwin Leroy Stancliff, 31, of Alleghany Road, Pembroke, is charged with a felony count of DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater (second offense), failure to keep right, unlicensed operation, aggravated unlicensed operation. Stancliff was stopped at 1:44 a.m., Sunday, in the area of 1405 Little Falls Road, Pembroke, by Deputy James Diehl.

George Aden Vancleef, 48, of Oak Street, Akron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to dim headlights and driver's view obstructed. Vancleef was stopped at 12:36 a.m. Sunday on Akron Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Andrew L. Dailey, 28, of Washington Street, Spencerport, is charged with a felony count of aggravated DWI, a felony count of driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, moving from lane unsafely. Dailey was allegedly spotted in his car stopped in the middle of the intersection of Roanoke and Sweetland roads, Stafford, at 10:12 p.m. Saturday by Deputy Matt Butler.

A 17-year-old resident of Fairport is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth was stopped for alleged traffic violations at 5:31 p.m. Sunday, on I-490, Bergen, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Reeves alleges that he could smell the odor of burnt marijuana come from the car. The youth was allegedly found in possession of marijuana.

Richard Dewey Smith, 18, of Macedon, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Smith was a passenger in a car stopped for alleged traffic violations at 5:31 p.m. Sunday, on I-490, Bergen, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Smith was allegedly found in possession of marijuana.

A 16-year-old from Ontario is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth was a passenger in a car stopped for alleged traffic violations at 5:31 p.m. Sunday, on I-490, Bergen, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Smith was allegedly found in possession of marijuana.

Anthony James Aina, 39, of Allen Road, Albion, is charged with DWI, refusal to take breath test and consumption of alcohol in a vehicle. Aina was stopped at 12:47 a.m. Monday on Oak Orchard Road, Elba, by Deputy James Diehl.

Ronald M. Odessa, 38, of Batavia, is charged with DWI and a one-way road violation. Odessa was stopped at 2:20 a.m. Saturday in the City of Batavia by State Police.

Two-car accident with injuries on Route 77, Darien

By Howard B. Owens

A two-car accident has been reported on Route 77 near McGregor Road, Darien.

Darien Fire Department and ambulance responding.

UPDATE 7:34 p.m.: Chief on scene reports one car blocking, another in a ditch. Corfu fire police being dispatched to block southbound traffic. A Sheriff's deputy will close the northbound lane. An ALS ambulance from Mercy EMS requested. There are three people injured.

UPDATE 8:20 p.m.: The victims have all been transported via ambulance to Erie County Medical Center.

UPDATE 8:32 p.m.: Corfu is told it can open Route 77 to traffic. Darien fire and Mercy medics are now responding to another accident on Route 20, just east of the county line.

UPDATE 8:42 p.m.: Mercy medics are cancelled. The Route 20 incident involves two cars.

UPDATE 8:51 p.m.: Darien fire is back in service following the accident on Route 20.


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Police Beat: Albion woman accused of driving on drugs with children in the car

By Howard B. Owens

Lorrie B. Fischer, 32, of 128 W. State St., Albion, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, three counts of aggravated DWI (children in the vehicle), criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, moving from lane unsafely, and improper or unsafe turn. At 5:19 p.m., Sunday, Fischer was reportedly observed driving in an erratic manner by an off-duty Batavia police officer. Fischer was stopped by Officer Chris Davis. There were children ages 11, 12 and 14 in the car.

Robert L. Williams Jr., 20, and Shante R. Williams, 27, and Sarah L. Marcello, 18, all of Batavia, are all charged with harassment, 2nd. Officers Marc Lawrence and Chris Camp investigated an alleged incident at 4:45 p.m., Saturday, in the area of 112 State St., Batavia. Robert Williams accused Marcello of hitting him. Marcello accused Shante Williams and Robert Williams of hitting her. All three were issued appearance tickets for Batavia City Court on March 15.

Tyler Alan Cole, 18, of Alley Road, Darien, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child. Cole is accused of hosting a party where people under 21 were allowed to consume alcohol. The party was investigated at 5:06 a.m., Sunday.

Michael Roberrt Turturro, 32, of Jeffery Drive, Depew, was arrested on a family court warrant and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation and no seat belt. Turturro was stopped by Deputy Chris Parker on Alleghany Road in Alabama.

Billy Joe Budziszewski, 19, of Alleghany Road, Corfu, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd. Budziszewski allegedly threated another person during a phone call.

Shane I. Crosby, 34, of 62989 W. Main St., Byron, is charged with a felony count of DWI, aggravated DWI, speeding and unlicensed operation. Crosby was stopped at 3:45 a.m., Sunday, on West Main Street, Batavia, by officer Kevin DeFelice.

Thomas M. Pillo, of 8991 Alexander Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI, no tail lamps. Pillo was stopped at 11:57 p.m., Friday, by Det. Richard Schauf on School Street, Batavia.

Tiffany J. Howard, 20, of 210 S. Swan St., Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. Howard is accused of unlawfully entering an apartment on West Main Street at 8:42 p.m., Saturday, and punching a person in the face.

Timothy K. Schiffmaker, 20, of 19 Hyde Park, Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass, 2nd, and criminal mischief, 3rd. Schiffmaker is accused of breaking into a house in the city at 6:15 a.m., Saturday, damaging a door in the process. Schiffamker was confronted and held by the resident until police arrived.

Lauren E. Charache, 31, of 3 East Ave., Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd. Charache was issued a citation for unlicensed operation following a traffic accident in the city on Sept. 3. Charache was taken into custody by Trooper Bentley outside of the city and turned over to city police. She was jailed on $500 bail.

Gary R. Sitarski, 48, of Pembroke, is charged with DWI and aggravated DWI. Sitarski was stopped by State Police at 10:07 p.m., Saturday, on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia.

Michelle L. Cramer, 26, of Canton, Ohio, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Cramer is accused of having physical contact with another person. The alleged incident took place in Byron on March 4. Cramer was arrested by State Police. No further details released.

Michael A. Cintron, 47, of Lackawanna, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Cintron was stopped at 11:50 a.m., Friday, by State Police on Route 77, Pembroke.

Grand Jury Report: Woman faces 25 counts for using stolen gift cards

By Billie Owens

The following indictments were issued by the Genesee County Grand Jury:

Deanna Leach is indicted on 25 counts. Of those, 19 are for forgery, 2nd, a class D felony. Five are for petit larceny, a misdemeanor. And one is for falsifying business records, 1st, a class E felony.

She is accused of illegally using gift/debit cards valued at $50 each at a store in the Village of Le Roy on or about Jan. 6, 15, 21, 26 and on about Feb. 7 and 21, all in 2010.

As for the petit larcenies, she is accused of stealing gift/debit cards from the same store on multiple occasions.

Lastly, she is accused of falsifying business records at the same store by not making "a true entry in the business record" that a gift/debit card had been activated.

David W. Wells is indicted on two counts, both class E felonies. He is accused of driving his Chevy Silverado while intoxicated on or about Sept. 17 on Byron Holley Road in the Town of Byron. He is also accused of aggrevated driving while intoxicated, with a BAC of .18. He was convicted of DWI in August in the Town Court of Bergen.

John T. Reagan is indicted on one count of driving while intoxicated, a class E felony. He is accused of driving his Audi while intoxicated on or about Aug. 27 on Sumner Road in the Town of Darien.

James Kosiorek is indicted for assault, 2nd, a class D felony, stemming from an incident on or about Oct. 13 in the Village of Le Roy. He is accused of intending to cause serious physical injury to another person and then causing serious injury to that person by means of a dangerous instrument (which in this case was his sneakers).

Peter S. Brigzna is indicted for driving while intoxicated, a class E felony. He is accused of driving his Ford Tempo on Bank Street Road in the Town of Byron while intoxicated on or about Nov. 12.

Wood shop fire reported on Simonds Road, Darien

By Howard B. Owens

A wood shop fire has been reported at 9877 Simonds Road, Darien.

Darien Fire with mutual aid from Alexander and Corfu dispatched to the scene.

UPDATE 8:04 a.m.: Darien chief on scene reports, "working fire."

UPDATE 8:17 a.m.: Attica requested to fill in at Alexander Fire Hall.


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Daytona Party

By Howard B. Owens

Town of Darien hosts its annual Daytona Party and Raffle at 11 a.m.

Tickets are $20 and available at Darien Auto.

For more information, call Joe at (585) 356-7492.

Event Date and Time
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Body of missing Darien man found during morning search

By Howard B. Owens

UPDATED 11:15 a.m.

The body of 73-year-old Kimberly Drew was found in Murder Creek this morning, about 400 yards from where his ATV overturned Friday afternoon.

Drew was reportedly out on his property gathering maple sap for his syrup business when he apparently tried to cross the swollen creek, according to Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble.

Dibble said it was a portion of the creek he frequently crosses, but this time the waters were much higher than usual. It's unclear what happened at that point.

Drew, who lived on Broadway Road, is a former town supervisor, serving from 2000 through 2003.

"He was a very nice man, a good guy," said current Supervisor David Hagelberger. "The town would like to express our condolences to his family and friends."

According to Dibble, Drew left his house about 1 p.m.  He was scene by somebody about 2 p.m.  Concerned family members reported him missing at 5:20 p.m.  His ATV was found on a portion of Murder Creek near on the south side of Route 20 in the Harper Road area of Darien. The creek passes under Route 20 just west of Harper Road.

More than 50 volunteer firefighters participated in the search, which began about 6:30 on Friday, was suspended overnight and resumed at 7:30 this morning.

Drew's body was found at 8:40 a.m. on the side of the creek. Dibble said the water receded overnight making the search easier.

In all, seven fire companies participated, including Darien, Corfu, East Pembroke, Alexander, Alden, Crittenden, Attica and Bennington. Genesee County Emergency Services and Sheriff's Office also participated in the search. During Friday's search, Mercy Flight was in the air for about 30 minutes before winds forced the helicopter back to base. Water rescue teams from East Pembroke and Alden helped in the search.

"It was a team effort," said Darien Chief Dale Breitwieser.

The cause of death has not yet been determined. Dibble said it's not known at this time if Drew sustained injuries in the accident or if there was another medical issue that precipitated the accident.

Search for missing man in Darien scaled back for the night

By Howard B. Owens

The search for a man reported missing in Darien has been scaled back for the night and will resume at 8:30 a.m.

The 73-year-old man was reported missing late Friday afternoon. His ATV was found in a creek behind My Saloon of Route 20 near Harper Road.

Water rescue teams from Alden and East Pembroke fire departments participated in the search and will return in the morning.

Darien fire along with Alexander and Corfu fire departments are participating in the search.

Overnight, a smaller search team will remain in the area, periodically checking the creek, according to Tim Yeager, emergency management coordinator.

The Office of Emergency Services along with State Police and the Sheriff's Office are also taking part in the operation.

(Initial Report)


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Rescuers search for missing man in Darien

By Billie Owens

Firefighters are responding to an area near the juncture of routes 20 and 238 for a missing 73-year-old man. He has gone unaccounted for for five hours.

All Darien fire crews and medical personnel are called to the scene. Alexander fire is standing by in its quarters. Alexander, East Pembroke and Alden are also participating in the operations, along with Mercy EMS.

The area is near a creek and the East Pembroke Water Rescue Team is deployed. Fire police are rerouting traffic. A helicopter is also deployed. The man's cell phone was called but it's not on, or not working, and therefore not trackable. They are going to contact the phone company to determine the last known location of phone service.

UPDATE 7:33 p.m.: A responder on scene says "They are sending a generator and lights to the area of the ATV." Also, several ATV riders are searching the area, too.

UPDATE 8:15 p.m.: Bethany requested to fill in at Alexander's hall.

Police Beat: Possession charge follows traffic stop for Rochester man

By Howard B. Owens

Kenyada R. Peterkin, 29, of Saxton Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, aggravated unlicensed operation, unlicensed operation and unlawful possession of marijuana. Peterkin was arrested following a traffic stop by members of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force. He was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine and marijuana. Peterkin was jailed on $1,500 bail.

A 17-year-old from Asbury Road, Pavilion, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. The youth allegedly violated a court order by hitting another person during an argument.

Matthew Joseph Dahl, 19, Tinkham Road, Darien, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving left of pavement markings in a no-passing zone and inadequate headlights. Dahl was stopped at 2:06 a.m., Saturday, on Tinkham Road, Darien, by Deputy Jason Saile.

Stephen Daniel Golembiewski, 32, of Main Road, East Pembroke, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving left of center pavement markings and obstructed rear plate. Golembiewski was stopped at 1:13 a.m., Sunday, on Indian Falls Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Jenna Alexandra Kavanagh, 18, of Guaymar Circle, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Kavanagh was allegedly found in possession of marijuana during a traffic stop on Thursday by Deputy James Diehl.

Brandy Rose Douglas, 31, of South Main Street, Elba, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation and driving left of pavement markings in a no-passing zone. Douglas was stopped at 12:17 a.m., Friday, on Chapel Road, Byron, by Deputy Jason Saile.

Darien's vegan hotel and spa thriving in a community of meat eaters

By Howard B. Owens

Linda Tyczka never expected Minty Wellness to receive the kind of praise it has from meat eaters in Genesee County and beyond.

Among locals, "they're probably our biggest client base," Tyczka said.

Why wouldn't meat eaters embrace the gourmet restaurant inside the upscale hotel and spa in Darien Center?

Well, there's no meat served at Minty Wellness. It's an entirely vegan and raw food establishment.

Since opening last May, more and more local residents have been discovering Minty Wellness and telling their friends about the food.

"There are so many local people coming," Tyczka said. "We have a group reservation from a local bank. None of them are vegan. They just heard it’s a nice place and the food is good. We’ve taken the vegan menu past granola and beans. We try to do a little gourmet and it’s working well.”

The story of Minty Wellness begins more than three years ago at a raw food seminar in Maine. There, Tyczka met Mary Minihane, who makes her home in Ireland. The two women struck up a friendship and Mary suggested opening a vegan and raw food resort.

Her initial idea was to open it in Costa Rica, but after the women travelled there they couldn't find a suitable location, so Minihane started looking in California and Arizona.  Then she sent Tyczka information on property in the Poconos.

At that point, Tyczka said, "Hey, what about my place."

Tyczka and her husband David own 100 wooded acres in Darien. Minihane researched the market, liked its proximity to Buffalo, Rochester and Toronto, and agreed to back the construction of the facility.

The entire hotel, spa and restaurant are brand-new from the ground up. The eight hotel rooms are each unique, though the entire decor of the hotel is sleek contemporary with a touch of retro modern. The spare, uncluttered environment inside is immediately relaxing, which Tyczka said was the goal all along.

"I'm all about environment," Tyczka said. "It doesn't matter where I go, I want to be in a nice environment. We didn't just want to have a vegan hotel and just plain rooms. We wanted that experience to carry up into the rooms so people would be like, 'I can't wait to get to my room.'"

Some of what the spa offers includes Swedish massage, hot stone massage, soothing soak, Vichy massage and colon hydrotherapy. Laura Koepp is also on staff to offer Naturopathic therapy.

For those looking for an overnight or longer retreat, besides relaxing in the hotel, there are four golf courses within 15 minutes, plus nearby Darien Lake, as well as the wood areas for hikes or snowshoeing.

Overnight stays include a vegan breakfast.

As for the lunch and dinner menu, it features such delectable-sounding dishes Cajun Mayo Avocado, Linguini Alfredo, Tomato Dill Nori Roll and a vegan taco dubbed the "best taco ever."

"It's awesome to be acknowledged by the locals," Tyczka said. "It's one thing to pull people from Rochester, Buffalo and Toronto, but to be recognized by local people is just a really gratifying thing."

Police Beat: Darien man charged with 39 counts of criminal contempt

By Howard B. Owens

Paul Douglas Marquardt, 38, of Chick Road, Darien, charged with 39 counts of criminal contempt, 2nd. Marquardt is accused of having contact with a person he was barred by court order from contacting. He was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Michael Jason Sullivan, 39, of Hosmer Road, Churchville, is charged with petit larceny. Sullivan was stopped by Gates Police, who discovered there was an active warrant for Sullivan's arrest in Genesee County. Sullivan is accused of stealing scrap metal from Demo's, Clinton Street Road, Bergen.

Matthew Roy Ace, 24, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. Ace was taken into custody by Batavia Police on a bench warrant and turned over to the Sheriff's Office. Ace was jailed on $100 bail.

Chimney fire reported on Bennett Road, Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

A chimney fire has been reported at 2225 Bennett Road, Alexander.

The location is just east of Simmons Road.

Darien Fire, all equipment, with one tanker from Alexander and one from Corfu, requested to the scene.

Mercy EMS also dispatched.

UPDATE 4:34 p.m.: Chief on scene says, "no smoke showing."

UPDATE 4:37 p.m.: Fire appears out. A thermal camera is requested.
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Sentence corrected for Ron Wendt

By Howard B. Owens

Ronald J. Wendt, convicted last year in the drinking-and-driving death of an 18-year-old Dansville girl, appeared in County Court today to have his sentence on two of his charges corrected.

On two charges of assault, 2nd, Wendt was given two-and-a-half to seven years as an "indeterminant" sentence, meaning he could serve any portion of that range and be eligible for parole. 

Since his initial sentence, however, authorities realized that on charges of assault, 2nd, a defendant cannot receive an indeterminate sentence.

Today, Judge Robert C. Noonan sentenced Wendt to a two-and-a-half years determinant sentence on those charges.

The change doesn't effect Wendt's sentence on other charges and since the sentencing on all 11 counts were concurrent, Wendt could still be eligible for parole in little more than a year (he served more than a year in jail while awaiting trial prior to his conviction).

For previous sentencing coverage, click here.

Also in court this morning, Patricia Hardesty, accused of shooting her husband in the knee during a domestic dispute in August, entered not guilty pleas to three felony charges, including assault, 1st, and assault, 2nd. Hardesty is out of jail and under the supervision of Genesee Justice. Her husband requested that no order of protection be placed in the case, so none was issued. The couple continues to reside together in their County Line Road home.

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