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Le Roy meeting aimed at educating local property owners about historic designations

By Howard B. Owens

A group of property owners on Main Street in Le Roy have expressed an increased interest in forming a historic district, so tonight, Cynthia Howk, of the WNY Landmark Society, gave an informational presentation at the village hall.

Park of Howk's talk was to clear up myths about historical preservation designations.

The biggest myth is that getting a property on the state or national register, or a whole district, gives the government some level of control over the property.

That simply isn't true.

"I could take all of you on a bus tour right now and show you dozens of buildings that have been torn down that were on the national register," Howk said.

If your property is on the national register you can paint it whatever color you like, you can put vinyl siding on it, you can let it rot away, you can convert to a fast food restaurant -- all of the things you can do with a property that isn't registered you can do with one that is, so long as it exists with current code enforcement and zoning regulations.

Asked if there were any cons and Howk said, "I don't know of any cons. You can tear your house down if you want. You can still put siding on it. You can have the worst taste in the world and paint it red, green, purple and black. You can cut all the trees down. All of that, so long as it is in the village code."

So what's the advantage?

Tax credits when you want to repair or restore. Buildings that have received a national registration designation or are within a district are eligible for credits on contracted labor (not DYI labor) and materials.

So how is a building or district designated?

For a building, whether commercial or residential, there are pages and pages of applications to complete. The application is reviewed by a department of the state's parks service and if granted, the application is forwarded to the national park service for designation.

The process for a whole district is similar, except that 51 percent of the property owners in the proposed district must support the application and the paperwork isn't quite as detailed.

Any area or building in Genesee County with potentially historic buildings has a good shot at such a designation because the average income in all parts of Genesee County is below state average.

The main criteria is that the buildings look much like they did when first constructed and that they have some local historical significance.

"This isn't some Martha Stewart beauty contest for rich people's houses," Howk said. "Houses that go onto the national register go on because they're important to the local community."

It's also important to recognize, Howk said, that there is an important distinction between a building on the national register and a national landmark. A landmark -- such as the Eastman Mansion or the Susan B. Anthony House -- are historically important to the entire nation, not just a local community.

Nobody is talking about landmark status for anything in Le Roy.

There is a definite benefit to local communities that create historic districts -- they attract tourists.

"There's prestige with a historic district," Howk said. "There's such a thing as heritage tourism. Yes, there are nuts like me, and there are lots of us, who like to go to places and look at pretty buildings."

Studies show, she said, that heritage tourists stay longer and spend more money in the communities they visit, and once you have a designation, tourism magazines are more likely to write about your community.

Village Trustee Jennifer Keys attended the meeting and said she thinks that's an important point to consider.

"Any time we can get people to come into Le Roy and spend money and see how beautiful it is, that's a win," Keys said. "That's what we want to do."

According to Keys, about 50 percent of the business district property owners have already expressed interest in a historic district designation, and with that interest, a few folks on East Main Street are talking about forming an East Main district, and there is some interest on Church Street. West Main is also a potential district.

While designated structures are eligible for tax credits for repairs, and you can do what you want with your property, modifications that don't fall within preservation guidelines are not eligible for tax credit. 

About 50 village residents attended the meeting.

Batavia man accused of dealing heroin following traffic stop

By Howard B. Owens

A traffic stop initiated by members of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force has led to the arrest of a suspected drug dealer who was allegedly found in possession of 55 individual packets of heroin.

Jarett J. Locicero, 23, of West Main Street, Batavia, was also allegedly found in possession of marijuana and $1,085 in cash.

Locicero, who was driving a 2002 Mitsubishi, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, a Class B felony, criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Following arraignment in City Court, Locicero was jailed without bail.

Assisting with the arrest were uniformed deputies and state troopers.

Photos: Practicing for JV cheer tryouts

By Howard B. Owens

Heading home tonight, I came upon these three young ladies out on Ganson Avenue practicing their cheer routine. Tryouts for the JV cheer squad at Batavia High School are this week and they're leaving nothing to chance. Pictured are Taylor Smith, Mikey Lullo and Chloe Rapone.

Rollover accident reported on the Thruway in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A rollover accident has been reported on the Thruway in the westbound lane in the area of mile marker 389.2.

Town of Batavia Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 9:57 p.m.: A passerby did stop and they're reporting minor injuries, but the motor won't shut off. The location is about a half mile west of Bank Street Road.

UPDATE 10:04 p.m.: Assignment being held to two engines on scene and Mercy EMS. There two occupants and both are out of the vehicle.

Little House on the Prairie actress visits Greens of Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

Information and photos submitted by Kevin Robertson.

Actress Alison Arngrim, who portrayed nasty Nellie Oleson on the '70s television series "Little House on the Prairie" recently made a visit to the residents at The Greens in LeRoy.

The Greens of LeRoy is an independent senior living community and Arngrim was in town as part of the festivities at the Genesee Country Museum's Laura Ingalls Wilder weekend.

The actress took time out of her busy schedule that weekend to give a presentation at The Greens.

"Little House on the Prairie" is a favorite of the residents and Arngrim spoke to them about working with Michael Landon, what it was like to be on a televison show, its longevity and popularity and answered any questions that the residents had.

Following her presentation, Arngrim took time to visit with the residents, take pictures and sign autographs. One resident invited the actress to her apartment afterward to show her an 1800s wheelchair, one very much like the ones used on the series.

Kim Pasquale, director of The Greens organized the visit and said that residents thoroughly enjoyed Arngrim's presentation and were thrilled that the actress stopped by while she was in town.

City announces Richmond Avenue closure tomorrow for water main repair

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

On Tuesday, Richmond Avenue will be closed to traffic between Oak Street and Prospect Avenue beginning at 8:30 a.m. and lasting several hours for a water main repair before the paving project.

Every effort will be made to minimize the time that the road closure is in effect.

Residents in the immediate area may experience periods of interrupted water service that may cause discolored water in this vicinity, and should avoid activities such as laundry which could be affected.

Possible water interruption would include Richmond Avenue between Oak and Prospect, Oak Street from Richmond to Pickthorn Drive, and Pickthorn Drive.

Law and Order: Trio from Rochester arrested following reported fight on Swan Street, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Patrick D. Powell, 27, of 98 Barton St., Rochester, is charged with resisting arrest. Powell is accused of physically interfering with the arrest of Richard Johnson at 9:43 p.m., Saturday, at 45 Swan St., Batavia.

Richard E. Johnson, 53, of 159 Millbank St., Rochester, is charged with disorderly conduct. Johnson allegedly used obscene language and gestures on a crowded public street after being warned by police to cease such conduct.

Jovon C. Johnson, 24, of 960 Gleason Circle, East Rochester, is charged with resisting arrest. Johnson allegedly interfered with a police officer's attempt to arrest another person during following a reported fight involving several people on Swan Street at 9:43 p.m., Saturday.

Willie A. Toney, 26, of Finch Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd. Toney was stopped at 3:03 p.m., Saturday, on Route 77, Village of Corfu, by Corfu Police Officer Michael Petritz for allegedly driving 48 in a 35 mph zone. Upon further investigation, it was determined Toney's license was allegedly suspended 21 times. A search of his vehicle allegedly turned up a .38 caliber pistol and a crack pipe containing crack cocaine residue.

Jennifer L. Spraugue, 30, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a falsely reporting an incident case. Spraugue is being held on an unrelated charge. She was arrested for allegedly failing to appear in Bergen Town Court on a third-degree charge of falsely reporting an incident to law enforcement. Spraugue entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to time served. She was returned to the jail on the unrelated matter.

Stoan Richard Dietzman, 18, of Dartwood Avenue, Cheektowaga, was arrested on warrants related endangering the welfare of a child and strangulation, 2nd, charges. Dietzman was a passenger in a vehicle stopped in the City of Buffalo and after a records check was arrested on the warrants. After being turned over to the Sheriff's Office, Dietzman was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Barbara Ann Kosciolek, 67, of Osterhout Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI, failure to keep right and moving form lane unsafely. Kosciolek was stopped at 11:11 p.m. Saturday on Route 5 in Stafford by Deputy Matthew Butler.

John Edward Ryman, 32, of Macedone Center Road, Palmyra, is charged with possession of untaxed cigarettes. Ryman was allegedly found in possession of 35 cartons of untaxed cigarettes during a traffic stop on Route 5 in Le Roy by Deputy Matthew Butler.

Jeanine Danielle Fuller, 26, of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Fuller is accused of shoplifting $33.78 in merchandise from Walmart.

Robert Gordan Woodhouse, 54, of Creek Road, Batavia, is charged with felony DWAI-Drugs and moving from lane unsafely. Woodhouse was stopped following a report at 4 p.m. Friday of a black H3 Hummer operating erratically on West Main Street Road in the Town of Batavia. The Hummer allegedly crossed the center line and nearly struck an oncoming vehicle. The Hummer was stopped by Deputy Chad Minuto and upon investigation Woodhouse was accused of driving while under the influence of drugs.

Robert Walter Plantiko, 38, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with burglary, 2nd. Plantiko allegedly entered a motel room and stole property. Plantiko was jailed on $10,000 bail or $20,000 bond.

Mark Robert Willard, 39, of Tinkham Road, Darien, is accused of violating probation. Willard was arrested and held without bail.

Iesha Marie Vetter, 20, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and criminal mischief. Vetter is accused of removing products from packaging as part of an effort to steal items from Target.

Winston A. Lockhart, 18, of 3 Lewis Place, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Lockhart allegedly hit a woman at 119 State St., Batavia, during an incident reported at 3:22 p.m. Saturday.

Ashlea M. Harmon, 22, of 665 Ellicott St., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Harmon was found in possession of an allegedly stolen bicycle that she admitted to stealing.

Michael S. Lytle, 24, of 11 Wood St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and criminal mischief. Lytle was arrested following a reported domestic incident on Wood Street at 11:40 p.m. Friday. Lytle was jailed on $250 bail.

Photos: Fiesta Latino Americana at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

Today Darien Lake Theme Park hosted the “Fiesta Latino Americana." The event was an all day festival of Latino music and dancing, including dance lessons for guests.

Unfortunately, my schedule didn't allow me to be there but for a short time today. I did drop in to see the Victor Antonetti Band.

Talking Corfu and Le Roy on WGRZ's 2 Sides at noon

By Howard B. Owens

Michael Caputo invited me to appear on WGRZ's Sunday afternoon show, 2 Sides, which airs at noon.

We'll be talking about Corfu and Le Roy. 

If you receive the Buffalo stations on cable or DirecTV, tune in.

County star Jason Aldean at Darien Lake means, of course, lots of arrests

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested or issued citations by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and NYS DMV Investigators during the Jason Aldean Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Aug. 17:

Jaime Barzey, 30, of Carroll Place, Bronx, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly being found on Darien Lake property after being ejected several times on previous dates and told not to return. Barzey was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Ryan C. Jenks, 24, of Upper Alley Road, Holley, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly fighting in the concert parking lot. Jenks was jailed on $250 bail.

Shawn R. Schottmiller, 21, of Vandervoort Street, North Tonawanda, is charged with two counts of harassment, 2nd, after allegedly hitting two Darien Lake security guards. Schottmiller was jailed on $500 bail.

Craig D. Gingerich, 22, of Fish Hill Road, South Wales, is charged with attempted petit larceny, resisting arrest and harassment, 2nd, after allegedly attempting to take money from a food stand cash drawer and then while being placed under arrest, Gingerich allegedly bit a Genesee County Sheriff’s deputy in the hand. Gingerich was jailed on $750 bail.

Adam M. Logue, 23, of Jackson Road, Webster, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly fighting in the concert venue entrance. Logue was jailed on $250 bail.

Brandon M. Hallock, 23, of Happy Hollow Road, Olean, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly engaging in a fight in the concert parking lot. Hallock was jailed on $250 bail.

(name redacted), 20, of Port Dover, Ontario, Canada, was arrested for trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. xxx was jailed on $250 bail.

Sidney E. Cammilleri, 23, of Sias Lane, Spencerport, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Amanda C. Cammilleri, 26, of Fisher Road, Rochester, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Pennilyn M. Baker, 19, of Savona-Campbell Road, Savona, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Calvin L. Felker, 17, of Gannett Road, Lyons, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Lindsay M. Atkins, 26, of Babbette Drive, Depew, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly entering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Michael D. Utz, 21, of Raleigh Road, Rochester, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly climbing the fence into the backstage area.

Rodney C. Fuller, 24, of Silk Road, Fulton, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly spitting on Darien Lake medical personnel.

Robert J. Lawless, 26, of Brandywine Lane, North Fairport, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly having a concert security guard in a headlock while the security guard was trying to break up a fight.

Katherine G. Santamaria, 23, of Willowbrook, West Clarence, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly crawling under a fence to enter the concert venue.

Joseph E. Flanagan, 21, of Upper Holley Road, Holley, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly engaging in a fight in the concert parking lot.

Bret M. Dieteri, 23, of Glidden Road, Holley, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly physically grabbing another patron.

Cassandra D. Agnello, 17, of Jackman Lane, North Elma, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly entering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Kyle S. Zawacki, 26, of Westwood Road, Alden, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

The following people were issued citations for the listed alleged offenses:

Michael A. Trauax, 19, of Couth Street, Liecester, for possession of a fraudulent NY license.
Emily I. Wells, 19, of Chenango Street, Binghamton, for possession of a fraudulent PA license.
Brandon R. Moore, 20, of Lakeshore Road, Kendall, for possession of another’s license.
Anthony M. Prentiss, 18, of Frontenac Avenue, Buffalo, for possession of another’s license.
Joseph O. Pinter, 19, of Roat Drive, Angola, for possession of fraudulent NJ license.
Sarah M. Bidwell, 19, of Delaware Road, Buffalo, for possession of another’s license.
Matthew D. Weinholtz, 19, of Marigold Drive, Wheatfield, for possession of a fraudulent license and possession of another’s license.
Kaitlin S. Brown, 17, of Brown Drive, Street, Catherines, Ontario, Canada, for possession of another’s license.
Zachary C. White, 20, of Palmer Road, Taberg, for possession of another’s license.
Cody J. Oas, 18, of Michigan Street, Perkingville, for possession of a fraudulent license.
Ashley R. Brick, 19, of East Avenue, Newfane, for possession of another’s license.
Malachy M. Coyne, 19, of Littleville Road, Avon, for possession of a fraudulent license.

The following people were issued citations for alleged possession/consumption of alcohol under age 21:

Brian M. Wolf, 18, of East Avenue, Hornell
Cassandra M. Wolfanger, 18, of Dangelo Parkway, Avon
Jennifer B. Kwoka, 19, of Rogers Avenue, Lockport
Samantha J. Shaw, 18, of Beattie Avenue, Lockport
Kaitlyn M. Thurston, 19, of Horner Road, Angelica
Rachel A. Murray, 20, of Abbott Road, Cuba
Brooke E. Bainbridge, 19, of County Road 2A, Almond
Melissa A. Chiles, 20, of Middaugh Hill, Scio
Chelsea R. Masich, 17, of Highland Avenue, Tonawanda
Miranda North Rusin, 16, of Bannard Avenue, Tonawanda
Zachary C. White, 20, of Palmer Road, Taberg
Justin T. Mckee, 19, of 71st Street, Niagara Falls
Jonathan W. Weronski, 17, of Pratham Road, East Concord
Joshua T. Mcpherson, 17, of Louth Street, Street, Catherines, Ontario, Canada
Taylor D. Webb, 18, of Damson Street, Street, Catherines, Ontario, Canada
Kaitlin S. Brown, 17, of Brown Drive, Street, Catherines, Ontario, Canada
Nicholas M. Dovidio, 16, of Manitou Road, Spencerport
Anna K. Dubinsky, 17, of South Street, East Aurora
Karla E. Aravjo, 19, of South Alder Avenue, Sterling, Va.
Emily J. Tierney, 17, of Quaker Road, East Aurora
Anthony M. Prentiss Jr., 18, of Frontenac Avenue, Buffalo
Kelly S. McLaen, 17, of Oakridge Drive, Rochester
Alicia M. Kessler, 18, of Pinecrest Drive, Rochester
Brandon R. Moore, 20, of Lakeshore Road, Kendall
Lucas F. Renedetto, 18, of East Avenue, Sinclairville
Emily I. Wells, 19, of Chenango Street, Binghamton
Gordon J. Austin, 19, of Sharr Avenue, Elmira
Michelle E. Talarczyk, 18, of Sunningdale Rise, Webster
Meagan E. Sivilotti, 20, of Grand View Road, Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada
Jonathan L. Bedford, 18, of Dale Road, Gasport
Gordon D. Lyons, 19, of Mt. Vernon Road, Amherst
Kaleigh E. Cicero, 18, of Gardeau Street, Perry
Kevin M. Beyea Jr., 18, of West Grenadier Road, Scottsville

Photos: The biggest yet Summer in the City

By Howard B. Owens

There were 57 vendors at the 10th Annual Summer in the City yesterday. Don Burkel, Business Improvement District director, said more classic cars showed up than ever before. It's impossible to count how many people were there, but it sure seemed like -- and Burkel agreed -- that more people showed up than ever before.

And it was a beautiful day.

Thanks to the City Fire Department for letting me ride up into the sky over the city in Ladder 15 to get some aerial shots.

Thanks to the dozens and dozens of people who stopped by our booth and said great things about The Batavian, especially the ones who followed up by becoming members of The Batavian Club. Your support is so greatly appreciated. Thanks to Bonnie Marrocco for helping out in our booth. 

I missed Don Carroll's 5K race, so I apologize about that.

Next to our booth, I set up a big U.S. flag that I normally use for awards dinners and took photos of several people who stopped by our booth. If I took your picture and you wish to purchase a print, follow this link.

To purchase prints, click here.

Lots to see and do Downtown today at 10th Annual Summer in the City

By Howard B. Owens

It's the biggest day of the year for the City of Batavia with the arrival of Summer in the City.

This is the 10th year for the Downtown event, which opens at 11 a.m. and goes until 9 p.m.

There will be over 45 vendors. Food concessions will be serving: BBQ, hot dogs & hamburgers, fried dough, pizza, and ice cream and lots more delicious treats. Artists & crafts persons will have a variety of artwork, jewelry and clothing for sale.

The entertainment lineup runs throughout the afternoon and evening. Downtown will be rock’n with Terry Buchwald is on stage from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. performing as Elvis and also doing a country music show. Hit N Run takes the stage at 6 p.m. and performs until 8 p.m.

There is also a kids' zone and classic cars.

At 6:15 p.m. is the 32nd Donald R. Carroll 5K Race and Walk, starting on Bank Street.

City firefighters will be holding a free child passenger safety seat check at the Fire Hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 18 Evans St.

The following street closures are in effect now through 11 p.m.:

  • Bank at Alva Place

  • Bank at Washington (Closes at 3 p.m. / Reopens at 
 7:30 p.m.)
    
  • Main at Upton Monument
  • Main at Liberty / Summit

  • Jackson at Ellicott
 
  • Center at School
  • Court at Ellicott  / Parking Lot Entrances /Bank Drive-
Thru
  • Jefferson at Intersection Tonawanda Valley &
  Wendy’s Parking Lots
  • Wendy’s -- Main Street Entrance

Other events going on today: The East Pembroke Mud Races, a 5K run at Frostridge and Hogs for Paws at Stan's.

Sponsored Post: Hogs for Paws at Stan's Harley-Davidson

By Howard B. Owens

This is our 3rd annual fundraiser and reunion event for our local animal shelter. We invite any former resident and supporters of the Genesee County Animal Shelter to come out and join us!

This event will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m .at Stan's Harley Davidson located at 4425 W. Saile Drive, Batavia.

List of activities:

*Bring an item from the Animal Shelter's wishlist or a monetary donation -- receive lunch on us (graciously donated by Beds-n-Bones Pet Lodge & Frank Penna Catering)
*Microchipping for Dogs and Cats $30
*Obedience training with Fort Hyde Kennel
*Professional photos taken of your pets
*50/50 Raffle
*Pick-your-prize Raffle
*Pet Photo contest
*Many Vendors (Dirty Hairy Pet Service, Amy's Fluffy Friends and more!)
*WBTA will be doing a live remote from 11-1
*Bounce house

There will also be a retirement celebration for Genesee County's K-9 unit, Pharoah. Pharoah will be joining us for the day. He will be doing demonstrations with his handler, Deputy Thompson.

We will also be trying to get donantions for the new K-9 unit, Destro, coming to join us in September.

Visit our booth at Summer in the City and join The Batavian Club

By Howard B. Owens

Dear Folks who read The Batavian daily (and there are thousands of you):

We really do need your support. We're asking you to sign up for a voluntary subscription (we call it The Batavian Club), and for your support we promise to keep bringing you local news every day (and if enough of you join, expand on it) and send you more than $325 in gift certificates to local businesses.

It's a great way to support your favorite local news site.

If you join now, bring your PayPal receipt to Summer in the City tomorrow for a free gift.

To be clear about why we're doing The Batavian Club. This isn't about selling discounts to businesses, though we do that, it's about reaching out to the people who read The Batavian every day and appreciate what we do, to make a small contribution to help us build a sustainable business. Advertising alone is not enough. We need reader support. Think of this as a voluntary subscription for all the great news you get online from The Batavian.

So, please use the options below and join today.

TO JOIN: Use PayPal buttons below, or to pay by check (annual only) or credit card, click here to download form. Or call (585) 250-4118 to pay by credit card.

We've set up four membership tiers -- Subscribe to the club monthly as one person or as a household, or annually at either of those levels. 

Members receive a membership card, bumper sticker and a package of gift certificates to local businesses. 

It's important to note, this isn't a subscription to read the site. Our stories remain free to read. This is a voluntary subscription with benefits (and we'll add benefits as it grows).

Join via PayPal below, or for annual and one-time memberships paid by check, click here to download this form (monthly, recurring payment memberships must be via PayPal or credit card.) To pay by credit card, use the form, or call (585) 250-4118.

Monthly Single Membership - $5 per month
Includes membership card and bumper sticker, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

 

Monthly Household Membership - $10 per month
Includes two membership cards and two bumper stickers, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

 

Annual Single Membership - $50 per year
Includes membership card, bumper sticker, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

 

Annual Household Membership - $100 per year
Includes two membership cards and two bumper stickers, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

 

Annual membership, one payment of $60
Includes membership card, bumper sticker, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Annual household membership, one payment of $120
Includes two membership cards, bumper sticker, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

 

Photos: School bus extrication class for volunteer firefighters

By Howard B. Owens

About 20 firefighters from seven volunteer fire companies in the county were at the Darien Fire Hall yesterday to learn and practice how to rescue children trapped on a crashed school bus.

Extricating patients from school buses is unique, explained Jeff Luker, a coordinator with Emergency Services, because school buses are not built like other buses, or even cars.

"School buses are a lot tougher, a lot heavier, because they're handling our kids on the street," Luker said. "There's some special things we can do as fire service if there is an accident with kids to go in and take them off and deal with injuries."

While there was cutting and sawing during training, blades aren't the only tools used at a school bus accident.

"School buses are build different," Luker said. "The big cutting tools often used with a car often aren't as effective as using a screwdriver and a socket set."

Participating departments were Town of Batavia, Darien, Alabama, Byron, East Pembroke, Alexander and Le Roy.

If you think you're cut out for this kind of work, find out how to become a volunteer firefighter by visiting ReadyGenesee.com.

Law and Order: Inmate accused of throwing feces at corrections officer

By Howard B. Owens

Kyle Justin James Jackson, 21, of Slusser Road, Batavia, is charged with aggravated harassment. Jackson, while incarcerated in the Genesee County Jail, allegedly threw a plastic cup containing feces at a corrections officer. Jackson remains in jail on other charges.

Sandra Rae Marceill, 66, of Sanders Road, Stafford, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving too slow/impeding traffic and moving from lane unsafely. Marceill was stopped at 11:04 p.m. Aug. 9 on Main Road, Stafford, by Deputy James Diehl.

David Michael Jackson, 36, of Lake Road, Pavilion, is charged with forcible touching, endangering the welfare of a child and sexual abuse, 3rd. Jackson is accused of touching the intimate parts of a person less than 17 years old.

April Lynn Walradt, 36, of Westcott Road, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and moving from lane unsafely. Walradt was allegedly the driver in a motor-vehicle accident reported at 1:18 a.m. Thursday on Westcott Road, Le Roy. The accident was investigated by Deputy Matthew Fleming.

David Alexander Bramblett, 44, of Chapin Street, Canandaigua, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle, unlicensed driver. Bramblett was stopped on Route 77 in Corfu following a report of an apparently intoxicated driver from a witness on the Thruway. Bramblett was stopped at 4:19 p.m. Tuesday by Deputy Eric Seppela.

This Saturday, mud races return to East Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

It's time again for one of the most fun and exciting events in Genesee County -- the East Pembroke Mud Races, sponsored by the East Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department.

Registration for the race begins at 9 a.m., Saturday, and ends at 11:30. Racing follows. The registration fee is $15 per wheeler and $5 per extra classes. Racers pay an admission fee, as well.

There will also be the annual Mud Queen Scramble and a Mud King and Outlaw Class race.

Spectator admission is $10, and pit spectator admission is $15.

Raffle prizes include a 2013 Polaris Sportsman 500cc, a 2013 Polaris Outlaw 50cc and $3,500 cash. Second place is $500; 3rd is $250.

The fire department wishes to thank all of its sponsors and members for the support and work to make the event possible.

In the picture, from left, Willie Torres, Chuck Chatley, Gerri Baylor, Julie Waldron, Steve Smelski, Willie Welch, Dan Kolb and Ray Schramm.

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