elba

An accident with injuries is reported at Ford Road and Oak Orchard Road, Elba.

Elba fire and Mercy EMS responding.

Mark your calendar: The Genesee Valley Wind Ensemble will present its Fall Concert in the auditorium of Elba Central School at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15.

"This event is put on to expose and educate our community to different and familiar genres of musical works and help our organization’s members further develop their skills though preparation and performance of this music."

The school is located at 57 S. Main St., Elba.

Admission is:

• $25 -- Family Deal
• $10 -- Adult
• $8 -- Senior 55 and older & Veterans
• $5 -- Student with ID
• Free -- Children ages 5 and younger

Contact:

geneseevalleywindensemble@gmail.com

Tammy Kay Zasowski, 47, of Clinton Street, Elma, is charged with attempted petit larceny and criminal possession of stolen property, 5th. Zasowski was allegedly found inside a vehicle Sunday she did not have permission to be in by Darien Lake Theme Park security. Upon further investigation, she is a suspect in larcenies from cars in the Darien Lake parking lot on July 26. She was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Jeremy Jamal Barnett, 24, of Brooks Avenue, Rochester, is charged with possession of burglary tools, grand larceny, 4th, conspiracy, 5th and harassment, 2nd. Barnett is accused of stealing merchandise from Marshall's and concealing the store alarm tags with covers. He allegedly struggled with store staff after leaving the story. He was jailed on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond.

Robert Emery Moore III, 29, of Ridge Road, Elba, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Moore's vehicle was stopped at 8:35 a.m. Sunday on East Main Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Chris Parker, for allegedly not having a front license plate. He was allegedly found in possession of a small bag of marijuana and a pipe.

Deborah Kristen Dibble, 46, of Shady Lane, Batavia, is charged with falsely reporting a crime, 3rd. Dibble is accused of falsely reporting a crime related to a domestic dispute Sept. 14 while knowing the allegation was false.

Don't miss this Open House on Sunday, Sept. 27 from 11am-1pm at 4255 West Avenue in Elba. Listed at $114,900. Solidly built and well maintained! This three bedroom home is a great country property located on an acre of land on a quiet road filled with great neighbors! This ranch home has been well maintained with very little to do but your choices! Large living room with gas fireplace outlooking pretty front yard with nice views. There are hardwood floors throughout home under carpet. Basement is large clean and dry-perfect for work, play or finishing! Backyard is private with shed and garden area. Nice country property! Super motivated sellers before the snow flies! Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today or visit us online by clicking here.

All available manpower from Elba Fire Department and an engine from Byron are called to respond to a possible CO detector problem at 5393 Watson Road, Elba.

There was a CO problem at the address and a man was admitted to UMMC with some degree CO detected. A female at the address was scheduled to visit the hospital today and did not show up and can't be reached, prompting concern.

UPDATE 3:09 p.m.: Residents are safe. Firefighters are working to correct the problem and a code enforcement officer is responding.

Smoke is reportedly coming from a barn at 4803 Barrville Road. Elba Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

Genesee Region Division Notre Dame traveled to Elba Saturday afternoon to battle division rivals the Elba/Byron Bergen Lancers. The rain held off for a warm and windy conference game in which both teams ran 43 plays. The difference in the final score of 29 to 8 was in the rushing. Notre Dame rushed for all of their TDs for a total of 273 yards vs. a game total of 33 rushing yards for the Lancers. After a closely contended, scoreless first quarter Notre Dame was in position to score at the very beginning of the second quarter.

Above, #32 Jack Sutherland’s final effort of a six-yard run is ruled a touchdown by the officials.

The Lancers battled back with an impressive drive ending in a #12 Hochmuth pass to #5 Flores for a 36-yard gain and TD. Followed up by a two-point conversion run by #42 Stevens.

The Lancers led the game for only a few minutes because Notre Dames answered with another TD run by Sutherland and two-point conversion pass from #10 Connor to Sutherland. And so the game progressed with Notre Dame in control through a scoreless third quarter. Notre Dame added 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. Sutherland would see the end zone one more time as would #42 Peter Daversa with an 11-yard run.

A couple of late turnovers kept the game interesting and the Lancers always seemed poised to come back but failed to capitalize on a few key plays.

More picture of the players and game are here: http://jimburns.org/p254710282#h587e117d

The Landmark Society of Genesee County is presenting awards to five local buildings for preservation or restoration work at its annual dinner tomorrow night. Dinner tickets are $15 and it starts at 6 p.m. at the Elba United Methodist Church.

The five winners are:

• Tender Loving Care: Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle, 8 Center St., Batavia
• Restoration: residence at  5211 Watson Road, Elba
• Tender Loving Care: Cornell Cooperative Extension , 420 E. Main St., Batavia (top photo)
• Interior Preservation: Corfu Grange, 73 Alleghany Road, Corfu
• Tender Loving Care: residence at 32 Tracy Ave., Batavia

(Photos by Howard Owens, except interior of grange hall)

Press release:

This year’s honorees have each spent decades preserving and maintaining their historic properties. Their conscientious care has improved their neighborhoods and helped preserve our county’s architectural history for future generations.

Adam Miller was the second owner of the building that houses Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle store at 8 Center St., Batavia. He owned and operated the store for over 30 years before passing ownership to his children, Joyce Masse and A. Gary Miller, in the late 1970s. They still own the building today, but in 2002, sold the retail business “Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle” to John and Cathy Roche. The distinctive neon sign was installed in the mid-1950s on the front of the building and was restored in the 1990s. The Miller family and the Roches are being honored for the Tender Loving Care they have given this beloved Batavia landmark.

When Michael and Alison Riner bought and inhabited their Greek Revival farm house in Elba, it was quite dilapidated. The home had been vacant for years and didn’t even have running water. One vision, 20 years, and a lot of construction later, it is now a charming, immaculate home for their family. The Riners have ingeniously blended original architectural features with modern conveniences.    

For over 60 years the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County has taken excellent care of this historically and architecturally significant building that houses their offices. The Tender Loving Care they have given their 1820s property has greatly added to the streetscape of Main Street, Batavia.

Charles and Mary Brenner have spent over 30 years maintaining and restoring their “Princess Anne” style home on Tracy Avenue in Batavia. They have performed all of the work themselves and it has truly been a labor of love. They stripped all of the paint from the interior woodwork to reveal the natural beauty of the wood. Using a palette of eight different colors, the home’s exterior has been painted so that its unique features stand out.

Corfu Grange #142 was founded in 1874 and the meetings were held in the homes of its members. In 1914, the Grange purchased the Universalist Church. Then in 1939, the building was moved across the street to the present location. The curved beadboard ceiling and original gaslight fixtures are notable features of this well-preserved interior space.

32 Tracy Ave., Batavia

5211 Watson Road, Elba

Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle

Corfu Grange

 Photo by Baily DeLelys

Richard Flores had 16 carries for 214 yards and three TDs plus a kickoff return of 82 yards for a touchdown. Tucker Bezon, two carries for 66 yards and two TDs. John Hochmuth was five for nine passing for 60 yards and a TD. he also had four carries for eight yards. Brendan Marsocci and Chase Toal each had rushing touchdowns.

On defense, Andrew Gotler had 15 tackels, Cody Kauffman, 14, David Castaneda, and Flores, eight.

Fire companies from throughout Western New York were represented in Batavia today for the funeral of William M. Hynes.

From his obituary:

Bill dedicated his life to the fire service in Genesee County. He served with the Le Roy Volunteer Fire Department from 1961-1968. From there he served with the Town of Batavia Fire Department from 1968-1980, serving as chief in 1978 and 1979. He is a current member of the Town of Elba Fire Department, joining in 1980 and served as chief from 1990-2003. He served as president of the Board of Directors of the Elba Fire Department from 2004-2013. He was also a life member of the Western New York Fireman’s Association and the New York State Fire Chief’s Association. Bill served on the Genesee County Mutual Aid Advisory Board, where he served as chairman for two years.

A brush fire is reported in Elba at 7560 Pekin Road. Elba firefighters are responding.

UPDATE 6:34 p.m.: Alabama, as mutual aid, is working the brush fire in Elba's fire district and Oakfield is requested to assemble a crew in the Oakfield hall.

UPDATE 6: 44 p.m.: A crew from Byron is requested to fill in at Elba's fire hall.

UPDATE 6:54 p.m.: Elba command reports fire is under control.

Saturday night at Byron-Bergen, the Elba Byron-Bergen Lancers beat the Pembroke Dragons, 28-6.

For the Lancers, John Hochmuth was nine for 14 passing for 74 yards, and had a 10-yard carry for a TD. Richard Flores rushed for 226 yards on 17 carries, scored one TD through the air and one on the ground. Tucker Bezon had nine carries for 57 yards and a TD. Robert Stevens, three carries, 24 yards and a TD. Dakota Dillon hauled in three receptions for 41 yards and was 4-4 for point after attempts.

On defense, Flores had nine tackles, a fumble recover and blocked punt. Andrew Gottler had 12 tackles. Rider Farnsworth, eight tackles and Brendon Marsocci, six with a fumble recover.

On offense for Pembroke, Reid Miano, 12-29 passing for 195 yards and a TD. Zach Von Kramer, four receptions for 83 yards, Dakota Dieter, four catches for 53 yards and a TD, Zack Swant, four receptions for 60 yards and Jake Jasinksi, 18 carries for 61 yards.

Defensive stats for Pembroke are not available.

Terrance Lee Falk, 17, of Woodsmeadow Lane, Brighton, is charged with third-degree assault and second-degree obstructing governmental administration. Falk allegedly engaged in a physical struggle with a corrections officer at the Genesee County Jail leading to an injury to the officer.

William John Velky, 34, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, following too closely, passing on right and moving from lane unsafely. Velky was stopped at 5:08 p.m. Monday on Chapel Street, Elba, by Deputy James Diehl following a complaint of an erratic driver.

Cassandra Y. Dauber, 32, of Lock Haven, PA, Cindy L. Dauber, 58, and David T. Suzenski, 57, both from Phoenixville, Pa., are charged with trespass for allegedly entering Rolling Hills Asylum on Bethany Center Road without permission.

Andrew Charles Webster, 22, no permanent address, is charged with petit larceny. Webster is accused of shoplifting from Walmart. He was jailed on $500 bail.

Some key starters from the 2014 edition of the Elba/Byron-Bergen Lancers have graduated and moved on, but Head Coach Mike Cintorino is confident in the squad he will put on the field in 2015.

"This is the most veteran group we've ever had," Cintorino said. "We have a lot of guys who played with us as freshman and sophomores and we've got 15 seniors returning, mostly starters, so we lost some names such as (Steele) Truax, (Mike) Shanley and (Garrett) Chapell, and guys like that, but in all reality, we had guys with us last year already ready to fill those roles who have been with us for a couple of years."

John Hockmuth, a standout at tight end last season, has been waiting his turn to lead the offense and is ready to step in as QB-1, Cintorino said. Richard Flores, perhaps the fastest running back in the Genesee Region, returns as half-back and there are younger guys ready to contribute at receiver and tight end.

Size and experience will benefit the offensive and defensive lines.

"They've been playing together actually since they were in seventh or eighth grade, so this line is probably the most experienced line that we've ever had in terms of them playing together and having that continuity," Cintorino said.

There are no pushovers in the GR this year, Cintorino said, so preperation for each game is going to be a key to a successful 2015 for the Lancers.

"It's that old cliche, one week at a time," Cintorino said. "We don't want to look ahead. Right now, our number-one focus is Pembroke. In a league like this, you can't take any team for granted."

A motorcycle vs. deer accident is reported at 4092 Lockport Road, Elba. The rider has a minor leg injury. Elba fire and Mercy medics are responding. The location is east of Graham Road.

Officials in Elba -- the town, the village and the fire department -- think they've come up with a plan that would save taxpayer money and help all three agencies address some pressing needs, but at a meeting Thursday night at Elba Central School's auditorium, there was a good deal of negative feedback.

A frequent refrain, "this is just to benefit the fire department."

Officials are proposing a plan that would move town offices to the building currently occupied by village government offices and the fire department, creating a shared facility for both the village and town.

The current town hall would be converted into a new fire hall.

The town and village courts would continue with their plans to move to the new facility being built in Oakfield.

The total cost of the project, an estimated $900,000.

An alternative scenario is to leave the town and village governments in their current buildings, renovate those and build a brand-new fire hall. That plan would cost at least $2 million.

"The key point here is something needs to be done with the buildings for the town, the village and the fire department," said Village Mayor Scott Schular after the meeting. "We are trying to address those problems at a reasonable cost instead of getting buried in trying to do one thing at a time and then another and then another so we can keep the tax rate at a reasonable rate."

Jason Foote, an engineer with architectural firm Clark Patterson Lee, went through a slideshow presentation that laid out the needs, the plan and the alternatives.

The biggest deficiencies with the current building arrangement concern the fire hall. It was built at a time when fire trucks were smaller and more compact. Today's engines, which often must be built to meet state guidelines, are taller and longer. The current doorways on the truck bays are too small for a modern, unmodified truck. The bays are not deep enough for these trucks.

As a result, if Elba wants to buy a new truck, it has to be custom built at a cost of close to $200,000 or more per truck.

Also, when the Elba crews are out on a call, mutual aid companies are reluctant to fill in at Elba's hall, especially in winter, because their trucks won't fit in the bays.

The current hall also doesn't meet OSHA safety requirements, isn't compliant with ADA accessibilities rules, lacks adequate storage and has only a small meeting and training room.

The village hall lacks office space, a meeting room and a place for record storage. The bathrooms are not ADA compliant and lack storage for DPW equipment.

The town hall also has ADA issues and only offers access through the town clerk's office.

All of the buildings need basic repair and maintenance.

The plan officials would like to see the public support is not exactly perfect, they admit, but at least it addresses all of the issues in a cost-effective manner.

"Maybe (the proposal) doen't give everybody what they want, but it meets the needs for all three entities for next 30 years at a pretty cost-effective rate," said Town Supervisor A.J. Wormuth.

Building a new fire hall would require financing with a total estimated expense for principal and interest of $2.6 million and would take 30 years to pay off.

The cost of the consolidated plan broken down into its two main components:

• Fire hall, total capital costs of $217,650, with an annual debt of $18,979 for 15 years;
• Town/Village hall renovations, total capital cost of $232,350, with an annual debt payment of $20,090 per year for 15 years

The net cost to the village, $24,620 per year, with a projected increase of the tax rate by 99 cents per thousand of assessed value. A new fire hall would cost village residents at least $3.50 in additional taxes per thousand of assessed value.

The net cost for the town would be $24,308 per year, which would require a property tax rate increase of 23 cents per thousand, or an additional $23 a year on a $100,000 home.

Foote said the consolidation plan translates into costs that are two or three times lower than doing each project separately.

There was a lot of questioning of the plan primarily from two sectors, a couple of town highway employees and a homeowner with property adjacent to the town hall.

None quite came out and said they opposed the plan, but the tone was negative with an oft-repeated, "this sounds like a done deal."

One resident suggested officials should instead do something to build a senior housing complex in Elba. There were concerns raised about seniors on fixed incomes paying for anything, that young people aren't moving to Elba, and really, what officials should be doing is attracting a new big business to town.

One man said, "I'm not saying we shouldn't do it, but I'm concerned about what it's going to cost me."

There appeared to be objections among town highway employees because they would be displaced. While they would get a new cold storage building (where equipment is stored -- "cold storage" because the building is unheated in winter and not cooled in summer), it might be smaller than what they have now.

Foote wasn't surprised by the objections to the proposal.

"We've kind of heard rumors that there was maybe going to be a small contingent who are generally against it, but I think the overall idea was, 'we're looking to try and accomplish these tasks, renovate the village hall, the town hall and the fire department and be sensitive to taxpayer money,' " Foote said, adding, "Some don't want to spend any money and obviously that's a possibility. That can happen, but, again, that's not going to address any of the deficiencies at any of the buildings."

Both Schular and  Wormuth both said the town and village boards will need to consider the feedback so far and look at their options, whether to proceed with the plan, devise an alternative plan or drop the idea. Nothing is cast in stone, they said.

Though Wormuth acknowledged that what he heard at Thursday's meeting doesn't necessarily reflect the views of the wider Elba public, especially once the idea is fully explained.

 "When you talk with people out in the public one-on-one and explain it to them and give them the numbers, a lot of them say it makes a lot of sense because we're trying to be very cognizant in this project of our tax rates," Wormuth said.

Schular said he came away from the meeting feeling like there were a lot of mixed feelings expressed.

"There are a few people who understand and a few who don't understand," Schular said. "I guess we need to do a better job of trying to help those people who don't understand understand."

Schular said he realizes the proposal is a big step away from how business has always been done.

"I realize that the town has always been the town and the village has been the village and the fire department, the fire department, and it's been that way for years," Schular said. "Now the town and the village and the fire department are all talking and we're trying to come to a conclusion that will benefit everybody."