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Law and Order: Students accused of stealing XBox at College Village

By Howard B. Owens

Jihad Abdul Hakiim, 19, of W. 168th St., New York City, and William A. Hucks, 18, of State Road, Webster, are charged with burglary, 2nd. Hakiim and Hucks allegedly entered a dormitory suite at College Village through a window and took two XBox game consoles and games. Hakiim was jailed on $15,000 bail and Hucks was jailed on $5,000 bail. The case was investigated by Deputy Brian Thompson with K-9 Pharoah, Investigator William Ferrando, Deputy Patrick Reeves and Trooper Eric Daigler.

Jessie Marie Cramer, 27, of Bank Street, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant. Cramer allegedly failed to appear in Town of Batavia Court on a petit larceny charge.

Justin Ryan Bidell, 38, of Meadville Road, Basom, was arrested on a bench warrant. Bidell turned himself in to the Sheriff's Office on a warrant for alleged failure to pay fine.

Andrew William Bruckman, of Robertson Road, Churchville, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Bruckman was stopped on Route 33, Stafford, at 6:08 p.m. on Saturday by Deputy Kevin McCarthy, for allegedly pulling a trailer with switched plates and having an unregistered trailer. During the stop, Bruckman was allegedly found in possession of marijuana.

Steven Ronald Dennis, 23, of Maple Ridge Road, Medina, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding (94 in a 55 mph and 84 in a 30 mph), and unlawful possession of marijuana. Dennis was stopped at 1:21 a.m., Sunday, on Water Street, Oakfield, by Deputy James Diehl.

Eric Alexander Ion, 40, of Pike Road, Batavia, is charged with felony criminal contempt and assault, 3rd. Ion allegedly violated an order of protection by assaulting the protect party, causing injury. Ion was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Jon Hoyt Bush, 29, of Route 98, Elba, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd.  Bush was arrested on a warrant after being released from the Livingston County Jail. Bush was jailed in Genesee County on $1,000 bail.

Cazan Jayrryary Cummings, 20, of Avenue W, Brooklyn, is charged with trespassing. Cummings was allegedly at College Village after being banned from the property.

Nicole Lee Cramer, 23, of West Main Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Cramer was a passenger in a vehicle stopped on Route 5, City of Batavia, at 1:07 a.m. on Saturday by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Cramer was allegedly found in possession of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Upon further investigation, an amount of suspected cocaine was found concealed in an undergarment.

Two-car crash at Quaker Hill and Lockport roads, Elba

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident is reported at Quaker Hill and Lockport roads in Elba. Minor injuries. It is partially blocking traffic and fire police are requested to the scene. Elba Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 11:34 a.m.: The Elba assignment is back in service. Two patients refused medical attention. The roadway is reopened.

Law and Order: Woman accused of driving vehicle with stolen plates

By Howard B. Owens

Sandra Eileen Pawlukewicz, 46, of Gibson Street, Bergen, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 5th. Pawlukewicz was stopped at 4:26 p.m. Tuesday on Lake Road, Le Roy, by Deputy Matthew Butler. She was allegedly driving a vehicle with switched plates and a suspended license. The plates were later found to be stolen.

Jason Lee Perry, 18, of Telephone Road, Pavilion, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Perry is accused of violating a court order by contacting a person he was ordered not to contact. Perry allegedly placed more than 100 phone calls to the person while at the Genesee County Jail.

A 17-year-old resident of Quinlan Road, Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. The youth is accused of shoplifting from Kmart.

Jon Hoyt Bush, 29, of Oak Orchard Road, Elba, was arrested on a Family Court warrant out of Livingston County. Bush was taken into custody at the Sheriff's Office after Bush went to the office with another individual on an unrelated matter and Deputy Joseph Corona recognized Bush as a warrant suspect.

Chimney fire is reported on Barrville Road, Elba

By Howard B. Owens

A chimney fire is reported at 5092 Barrville Road, Elba.

Elba Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 8:44 p.m.: Chief on scene reports heavy smoke from the chimney.

UPDATE 8:46 p.m.: A tanker from Barre is in route. A chief says, (I think he said), "We've got 'charring' on the wall."

UPDATE 8:56 p.m.: Oakfield requested to fill in at Elba's hall.

UPDATE 9:06 p.m.: Town of Batavia's ladder truck requested to the scene.

UPDATE 10:30 p.m.: The roadway will reopen in five minutes.


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Possible house fire on Oak Orchard Road, Elba

By Billie Owens

A possible house fire is reported at 5969 Oak Orchard Road in Elba. It's near Hundredmark Road. Elba fire is responding. The call came through Orleans County Emergency Dispatch Center, which noted that several 9-1-1 hang-up calls plotted in the area and then a young child reported that the house was on fire.

UPDATE 5:40 p.m.: A firefighter in the area reports nothing showing. Units can continue in non-emergency and Elba #1 is on scene.

UPDATE 5:42 p.m.: Barre, which had a tanker on the road to the scene, is cancelled. The emergency call was made by a 6-year-old boy.

UPDATE 5:47 p.m.: One of the Elba units is returning to quarters.

Teenager remains in intensive care following accident on snowy Route 98 in Elba

By Howard B. Owens

A 16-year-old girl from Holley remains in the intensive care unit at Erie County Medical Cener this morning following a head-on collision last night on Route 98 in Elba.

The accident occurred just south of Edgerton Road at 8:09 p.m. when a southbound Dodge sedan driven by Ashley Nicol Deskins, 18, of Hall Road, Holley, crossed the center line and hit an oncoming car.

Deskins vehicle left the roadway and came to rest in a field on the east side of Route 98.

Extrication teams from Elba and Town of Batavia fire departments were called to the scene.

Jessica Deskins, 16, reportedly suffered, neck and abdominal injuries. She was transported by Mercy EMS to the Genesee County Airport, and from there flown by Mercy Flight to ECMC.

Ashley Deskins was taken by ground ambulance to ECMC where she was treated and released.

The other driver, Gina Delelys, 41, of Log City Road, Elba, was transported to UMMC for minor injuries.

A baby in Deskin's vehicle, Maelee Scott, was not injured. The car is owned by Brittany Scott of East Main Street, Batavia.

Deputy Kevin McCarthy investigated the accident and his report indicates Deskins may have been driving too fast for road conditions.

A lake effect snowstorm had started about an hour prior to the accident and Route 98 had some snow on it.

UPDATE: A revised accident report released by the Sheriff's Office this evening says charges are pending in the accident. Also, Maelee Scott was transported to Mothers and Childrens Hospital in Erie County with minor injuries.

Accident with injuries reported on Route 98, south of Edgerton, Elba

By Howard B. Owens

Two ambulances are requested to a motor-vehicle accident on Route 98 just south of Edgerton Road, Elba.

Elba Fire Department is responding.

Law enforcement is on scene and reports extrication will be needed and that Route 98 needs to be shut down in both directions.

No word on how serious the injuries might be.

UPDATE 8:21 p.m.: Two Mercy Flight helicopters requested to the scene. Mercy Flight #5 out of Batavia and Mercy Flight #6 out of Buffalo are started.

UPDATE 8:26 p.m. (by Billie): All available manpower from Elba fire is requested to the scene.

UPDATE 8:30 p.m.: Elba is requesting that Town of Batavia Fire Department to send Engines 24 and 20 to the scene -- a rescue truck and one equipped with extrication jaws.

UPDATE 8:33 p.m.: Both Mercy Flights -- # 5 and #6 -- cancelled due to weather.

UPDATE 8:35 p.m.: Fire police are cancelled.

UPDATE 8:36 p.m.: The jaws are needed right away. Mercy Flight states that if one of the ambulances can get to the Batavia hangar, they can leave from there and go to Buffalo, but the helicopter can't head north (to the scene itself). Also, the Buffalo ship is heading to Batavia's airport and the Batavia ship is on standby there.

UPDATE 8:41 p.m.: Medics report that "patient 1" -- a 17-year-old with head, neck and abdominal injuries -- is being transported to the Batavia hangar for transport by Mercy Flight.

UPDATE 8:45 p.m.: The second patient has been extricated.

UPDATE 8:47 p.m.: A third ambulance is called.

UPDATE 8:50 p.m.: Two ambulances are One unit is going to Erie County Medical Center, another to Women's and Children's Hospital in Buffalo. One adult and an infant still require transport. Town of Batavia is cleared from the accident.

UPDATE 8:56 p.m.: A "patient en route to the hangar is unresponsive now." An inquiry is made about Byron's availability to send an ambulance for the remaining patient -- a fourth ambulance called to the scene.

UPDATE 9:47 p.m.: Road is re-open. Elba back in service.

Burglary suspect arrested yesterday may be linked to other break-ins in the county

By Howard B. Owens

An observant resident may have helped the Sheriff's Office yesterday nab a suspect in a series of burglaries in the county.

So far, Jeffery James Leaton, 22, of Caswell Road, Byron, has only been charged with an alleged burglary on Griswold Road, Le Roy.

According to Deputy Chief Jerome Brewster, Leaton was caught in the act at the Griswold Road home after a person reported suspicious activity at the residence.

Brewster said investigators are looking at Leaton as a possible suspect in other burglaries. There have been strings of burglaries reported since early January in Elba, Oakfield, Byron, Bergen and Stafford.

Leaton has been charged with one count of burglary, 2nd, and is accused of making forced entry into the Griswold Road residence. He was allegedly in the process of stealing jewelry.

Following arraignment in Town of Le Roy Court, he was jailed on $20,000 bail.

Notre Dame beats Lyndonville 80-32; Elba closes regular season with 18-0 record

By Howard B. Owens

Melanie Taylor, #10 in the photo below, scored 30 points to lead Notre Dame over Lyndonville 80-32 on Monday.

Senior Riley Norton, below, was honored as part of Senior Recognition Night. Riley scored 20 points in the game.

Photos and info submitted by Pete Welker.

In other girls basketball news, Elba finished the season with another perfect 18-0 record, beating Kendall 74-16. Elba, reigning state champs, is riding a 43-game winning streak entering Class D1 sectional play, where the team will be the #1 seed.

Power lines arcing, resulting in outtage, at Route 98 and Edgerton, Elba

By Billie Owens

Electrical wires and/or a transformer is reportedly arcing on Route 98, just north of Edgerton Road, in Elba. As a result, there is a power outage in the area. National Grid is being notified.

UPDATE 8:10 p.m.: Tree limbs have fallen on the wires of pole number 7318, causing the power disruption. A transformer is not involved, according to a responder on scene.

UPDATE 8:18 p.m.: National Grid is on location.

UPDATE 8:22 p.m.: Elba Fire Department responded to the scene and is now back in service.

More than 60 students earn academic honors at the College at Brockport

By Billie Owens

The College at Brockport, State University of New York, recently honored students who excelled academically by naming them to the dean's list for the Fall 2012 semester. Students who earn a GPA of 3.70–3.99 are named to the dean's list with honors, while students who achieve a 3.40–3.69 are named to the dean's list.

Dean's list with honors:

Alexander

  • Patrick Guarino, with honors
  • Peggy Hamm-Johnson, with honors

Basom

  • Lori Stellrecht, with honors
  • Elias Seward, with honors
  • Danielle Hirtzel, with honors

Batavia

  • Heidi Dempsey, with honors
  • Kristin Aidala, with honors
  • Jennifer Baker, with honors
  • John Beckler, with honors
  • Kaley Falkowski, with honors
  • Leigh Woodall, with honors

Bergen

  • Shane Chatham, with honors
  • Cody Pierce, with honors
  • Rebecca Smith, with honors
  • Lindsay Stumpf, with honors
  • Athena Corodimas, with honors

Byron

  • Melissa Hale, with honors
  • Tammy Fuller, with honors
  • Sarah Ritchie, with honors

Elba

  • Gianni Zambito, with honors

Le Roy

  • Natalie Wedge, with honors
  • Katherine Rogers, with honors
  • Meghan Bishop, with honors
  • Danielle Ford, with honors
  • Gena Korn, with honors

Oakfield

  • Jamie Borkholder, with honors
  • Zackary Kibler, with honors

South Byron

  • Kallee Stein, with honors


Dean's list:

Alexander

  • Cory Dick

Batavia

  • Patrick Carr
  • Emily Mott
  • Felicia McJury
  • Erin Suttell
  • David Eick
  • Charles Eggebrecht
  • Cara Grosshans
  • Carrie Putney
  • Brittany Wormley
  • Diane Cox
  • Emily Glidden
  • Katrina Mogavero
  • Catherine Taylor

Bergen

  • Harjit Singh
  • Brian Humphrey
  • Alexander Gunther
  • Alyson Tardy
  • Emily Drzewiecki
  • Carrie Cooper
  • Paul Morton

Byron

  • Darren Kwiatkowski

Corfu

  • Casey Herman
  • Kristen Gaik

Elba

  • Keenan Hughes
  • Meg Stucko

Le Roy

  • Joel Pitts
  • Justin Becker
  • Abigail Graham

Oakfield

  • Samantha Denton
  • Olivia Waldron
  • Benjamin Cherry
  • Lisa Halat

Pavilion

  • Theresa Raponi
  • Shawn Mascho

Two different crews suspected of burglaries in Elba, Oakfield, Byron and Bergen

By Howard B. Owens

Sheriff's investigators are actively pursuing leads on a string of burglaries that started in January in Elba, Oakfield, Byron and Bergen.

Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster said investigators believe two different crews are involved in the burglaries.

"The crew in Elba and Oakfield enters with door kick-ins," Brewster said. "The other crew is more sophisticated about getting into a house."

The Elba/Oakfield crew may be associated with a white van. The Byron/Bergen crew (which may be responsible for a burglary in Stafford) may use stolen vehicles.

One vehicle from Bergen is still missing, another has been recovered and a car that was stolen in Henrietta was located in Bergen.

The Elba and Oakfield burglaries have occurred during daylight hours.

There are suspects in the Elba/Oakfield burglaries, Brewster said, and they don't live in the area.

Brewster said residents who see anything suspicious could contact the Sheriff's Office at (585) 343-5000.

"Give us a call," Brewster said. "We love to look into those things."

Residents should be on the lookout for a suspicious vehicle in a neighbor's driveway, a car slowing and apparently trying to check out homes in a neighborhood, and somebody knocking on your door with no apparent need to knock on your door  -- all the sort of things that should be phoned in as suspicious, Brewster said.

Former Elba mayor rebuffed by Village of Elba GOP in attempt to get old job back

By Howard B. Owens

Former Elba Mayor Steve Goff's attempt to regain the seat he voluntarily gave up a few months ago was rebuffed by the Village of Elba GOP last night.

Goff tried for the committee endorsement, but garnered only five votes.

Acting Mayor Scott Schuler won the nomination with 27 votes.

Goff is the proprietor of Elba’s Stumblin’ Inn.

Sixteen local students made the Fall 2012 dean's list at Alfred SU

By Billie Owens

Stephen J. Havlovic, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs at Alfred State University, has announced the dean's list of students for the Fall 2012 semester.

The local students on the list are:

Joshua Stellrecht, of Basom, Network Administration

Nicole Ficarella, of Batavia, Human Services Management

Gregory Kryman, of Batavia, Network Administration

Raymond Putnam, of Batavia, Digital Media and Animation

Timothy Hungerford, of Bergen, Welding Technology

John Langdon, of Bergen, Construction Mgmt Eng Tech

Mike Kisiel, of Byron, Network Administration

Nicole Binns, of Corfu, Digital Media and Animation

Ryan Seward, of Corfu, Forensic Science Technology

Brianna Hofert, of Elba, Lib Arts / Sci-Social Science

Anthony Gallucci, of Le Roy, Bldg Trades-Building Construct

Joseph Gallucci, of Le Roy, Bldg Trades-Building Construct

Andrew Lowe, of Le Roy, Elec Cons & Maint Electrician

Edward Cigno, of Le Roy, Mechanical Engineering Tech

Thomas Parmenter, of Pavilion, Construction Mgmt Eng Tech

Carl Beaver, of Stafford, Mechanical Engineering Tech

Alfred State offers associate degrees in 50 programs in the fields of agriculture, health, business, vocational, and engineering technology, as well as liberal arts and sciences. There are also 19 baccalaureate degree offerings.

Students from both the Alfred campus and the School of Applied Technology campus in Wellsville are selected for the dean's list if they maintain a 3.50 grade-point average (GPA) out of a possible 4.0.

Alfred University names two local students to dean's list

By Billie Owens

The following students were named to Alfred University's Fall 2012 dean's list:

Patrick Cigno, of Le Roy, a Ceramic Engineering major is a junior in the Inamori School of Engineering. A graduate of Le Roy Jr.-Sr. High School, Cigno is the son of Thomas and Korrine Cigno.

Christopher Vlack, of Elba, a Ceramic Engineering major is a freshman in the Inamori School of Engineering. A graduate of Elba Central School, Vlack is the son of Edward and Amy Vlack.

Students must earn at least a 3.5 grade-point average to qualify for dean's list. Alfred University is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top regional universities in the Northeast. The master of fine arts (MFA) ceramics program at Alfred Univerity ranks as one of the top in the nation.

Alfred University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees through its Colleges of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Professional Studies, as well as through its Schools of Engineering and Art and Design, and Business.

SUNY Geneseo names a dozen local students to its dean's list

By Billie Owens

The State University of New York at Geneseo has announced its dean's list for the fall semester 2012. To be on the list, a student must have achieved a 3.5 grade-point average while taking at least 12 credit hours.

Students on the list from this area are:

  • Chelsey Brinkman, from Alexander
  • Amanda Gouger, from Batavia
  • Christina Mortellaro, from Batavia
  • Grey Musilli, from Batavia
  • Abigayle Brown, from Batavia
  • Calli Raines, from Batavia
  • Clarisse Birkby, from Corfu
  • Sarah Lawson, from East Bethany
  • Mitchell Gillard, from Elba
  • Michael Ramsey, from Elba
  • Briana Pangrazio, from Le Roy
  • Alicia Rohan, from Oakfield

SUNY Geneseo is a public liberal arts college recognized nationally for excellence in undergraduate education and for its professional and master's level programs.

Sheriff's Office investigating daytime burglaries in Elba, Alabama and Town of Batavia

By Alecia Kaus

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office is investigating a number of daytime, residential burglaries that occurred on Wednesday, Jan. 16.

The burglaries happened along Ridge Road and Lockport Road in Elba, Ham Road in Alabama, and Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road in Batavia. All residences were broken into by forcing open locked rear or side doors. Property stolen consisted of jewelry and electronic devices.

The Sheriff's Office would like residents in Genesee County to be extra vigilant and immediately report anything suspicious such as someone knocking on your door asking for directions, any vehicle being operated in an unusual manner, or if you witness any vehicles or individuals that appear suspicious.

Also, keep an eye on your neighbors' residence and report anything that appears to be suspicious or out of place.  

Contact the Genesee County Sheriff's Office at 585-343-5000 to report any such incidents.

Second-quarter run lifts Elba past Byron-Bergen

By Nick Sabato

In a meeting of cross-town rivals, Elba took down Byron-Bergen, 55-43.

The visiting Lancers used a 15-1 run, 11-1 to end the first half, to pull away from the Bees in a Genesee Region League matchup.

Elba, missing some players, was forced to insert new pieces into the starting lineup. One of those players was Dan Scott, who had a huge game, finishing with a career-high 25 points in the victory.

“It was a good time for him to step up,” said Elba Head Coach Mark Beehler. “Dan, not having a ton of starts this year, he really came through. I knew he was a good ball player, but he really took charge tonight.”

Byron-Bergen, who was also missing a few key players, found their offense when Ranjit Singh hit a three-pointer to cut the lead to single digits with two minutes to play in the third quarter, but Elba responded quickly to end the quarter with six straight points and would never look back.

“We were getting stops on defense and some steals, but we were getting anxious on offense and not taking our time,” Beehler said. “We just needed to slow down and run some offense, when we did that we started to get back on a roll.”

The matchup between schools 10 miles apart is also intriguing because they have merged in several other sports, including football. In fact, eight members of the football team were also members of the basketball team at each school.

“I think it’s fun for the kids to come here, and see their fellow football players and see familiar faces, but when it gets to the court, it’s game time and it’s cutthroat,” Beehler said. “It’s always good sportsmanship between the two schools and good camaraderie.”

One of those players, Nate Jonathan, helped pace Elba (7-5) with seven points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Jesse Pflaumer added 15 points and eight rebounds for the Lancers, who currently own a three-game winning streak. 

Jeff Maskell had a team-high 11 points for Byron-Bergen, who falls to 2-9 on the season.

Burglary in progress in Elba

By Alecia Kaus

Two white males have broken into a residence on Ridge Road in Elba and are in the basement. Genesee County Sheriff's deputies are responding along with the canine unit.

Caller reports the suspect vehicle to be a van, light tan or silver in color with tinted windows.

Deputies have found an open back door and the suspects have fled the scene heading toward Route 98.

Looking for two white males -- one with a long, black ponytail and the other with a scraggly beard.

Deputies asking dispatch to advise the Orleans County Sheriff and Batavia police of the descriptions.

UPDATE 1:35 p.m.: Tan van spotted heading toward Batavia or the Thruway with two white males with dark hair, facial hair, possibly Latino.

UPDATE 1:39 p.m.: Law enforcement has checked with the toll collectors at the Thruway and no one matching that description has come through the toll booths. Also checked a van at the Elba Diner but it's not the vehicle.

UPDATE 1:43 p.m.: Town Highway has spotted a man fitting the description standing roadside at Maltby and Fisher roads in Oakfield with some other men.

UPDATE 1:48 p.m.: The location on Fisher Road in Oakfield.

UPDATE 1:57 p.m.: The van is also at this location.

Law and Order: Man located in Genesee County, wanted in Florida on multiple charges

By Howard B. Owens

Edward Otis Hardy, 54, of Pelham Road, Pensacola, Fla., is considered a fugitive from justice by the State of Florida and was in Genesee County Jail on unrelated charges when he was arrested on warrants from Florida. In Escambia County Circuit Court, he is charged with battery/touch or strike, battery on a police officer or firefighter, assault on a police officer or firefighter, obstruction, depriving a person the means of protection or communication, disorderly intoxication and resisting arrest with violence. Hard was arraigned in Stafford Town Court and jailed without bail pending extradition.

Shawn Michael Twardowski, 30, of Dodd Run Road, Marietta, Ohio, was arrested on bench warrants for criminal contempt, 1st, and harassment, 2nd. Twardowski was arrested in Caldwell, Ohio, after allegedly fleeing the state after being charged with criminal contempt and harassment. Twardowski was returned to Genesee County Court and arraigned by Judge Robert C. Noonan and jailed without bail. There are also active warrants for Twardowski out of Batavia City Court and Town of Oakfield Court.

Shantell Sharnice Gibson, 20, of East Avenue, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny, 4th, and petit larceny. Gibson is accused of stealing merchandise from Kmart. She also allegedly stole property from another person.

Rebecca N. Bethune, 24, of 5008 Hundredmark Road, Elba, is charged with two counts of unlawful dealing with a child, 1st. Bethune was arrested by Le Roy PD after allegedly buying alcohol for two people under the age of 21.

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