Stories from

A Warsaw man who was accused in May of slamming his son to the floor while shopping in Walmart has been arrested again, this time accused of driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Christopher Paul Cummings, 28, was stopped at 11:45 p.m., Monday, on Lewiston Road, Town of Batavia, by Deputy Joseph Corona for allegedly running a red light.

Corona arrested Cummings on a DWAI (combined influence of drugs and alcohol) charge following an interview after the traffic stop.

Cummings was also cited for failure to stop for steady red signal and driving while on a mobile phone.

In late May, Cummings was arrested after his picture was posted on The Batavian as a possible suspect in an incident at Walmart where a witness said a man slammed a boy on the floor of the store. Readers responded immediately with tips to his identity.

That case is still pending.

Genesee County unemployment rate held steady in the month of June at 6.2 percent, matching May's rate and lower than the 7.4-percent rate a year ago, according to figures released today by NYS Department of Labor.

Genesee County continues to maintain the lowest rate in the GLOW region, with Orleans at 8.4 percent, Livingston at 7 percent and Wyoming at 7.1 percent.

The Rochester-area rate is 7.0 and the Buffalo-area rate is at 7.4 percent.

The state's rate is 7.6 percent and the U.S. rate is 7.8 percent.

Middle school students from throughout Genesee County are participating this week in the 4th Annual Math, Science and Technology Camp put on by the Business Education Alliance.

Today the students were at the Genesee County Airport where they learned about aviation, airplane mechanics, air traffic control, Mercy Flight and racecar driver Val Stevens brought her car out to talk to the students about the science behind race cars.

The week includes learning about robotics at Post Farms, GPS-guided farm equipment at Empire Monroe Tractor, and GPS mapping, among other technologies.

"We make it fun and hands on," said Eve Hens, program coordinator. "The kids get to touch things and do things, explore and learn about careers they might not otherwise know about."

The cost to students is only $40 for the week thanks to underwriting by sponsors Liberty Pumps, Turnbull Heating and Air, Boshart Enterprises, Time Warner Cable and Odyssey Controls.

The 67th year of racing at Batavia Downs Race Track and Casino kicked off Batavia Downs on Monday evening and in a season when some of the dominant drivers of recent years are out for one reason or another, the competition for top driver in 2013 is wide open.

Especially after an opening night that saw eight different drivers trot into the winners circle.

Track announcer Joe Zambito.

To purchase prints of these photos, click here.

Photos and info submitted by John Milroy.

During the Genesee County Fair, Tim Adams, leader of the 4-H Swine Club, showed off the club pig "Zeus."

Kristi Milroy also had the Grand Champion market goat. Kristi also had Best in Show dairy goat with her Alpine goat, "Nellie."

Five girls from Genesee County are part of a Genesee Valley Pride basketball program that recently took third place in a national tournament held in Florida.

The team is made up of Samantha Jurek and Hunter Jurek, from Alden, Abby Kamysz, Attica, Tiara Filbert, Batavia, Rebecca Grimaudo, Churchville-Chili, Kayla Heimlich, Le Roy, Niki Templeton and Logan Fugle, both of Livonia, and Pembroke’s Rylee Mosher, Breanna Johnson and Michaela Nati.

This was the inaugural season for GV Pride, which competed in six regional tournaments before traveling to Florida. For more on the program, visit the team's Web site.

Former Village of Corfu justice Robert Alexander said after his appearance in County Court this afternoon that he would never, ever, do anything to hurt the people of his lifelong hometown.

Alexander would not discuss the specifics of the case against him -- he's charged with coercion and official misconduct -- but reiterated in a short statement to media gathered outside the courthouse that he's a born-again Christian and that he wouldn't break the law.

"I had the privileged of serving in the Village of Corfu for 24 years," Alexander said. "I grew up there. I love that village, and when I see people or hear people in social media or on television or anything like that say anything about a case, I say, let a case run its course, number one, but number two, the wonderful people of Corfu shouldn’t have to be put through all those kinds of things where it’s played out in the media versus where it’s played out in a court."

Asked whether he would take the case against him to trial, Alexander said that's something for him and his attorney to discuss and otherwise declined to comment.

The changes stem from what may have been an alleged attempt by Alexander to clear the name of his daughter, Brandi Watts.

Watts worked for Alexander as his court clerk from 2009 to 2011.

After Watts was named in a NYS comptroller's audit that allegedly found the court was missing more than $10,000 in funds, Alexander reportedly asked his new court clerk, Pam Yasses, to audit the court books. Yasses reportedly completed the audit and found the court was missing funds.

According to Yasses, who spoke about the situation at an Oct. 8 meeting of village trustees, Alexander did not accept the results of the new audit and Yasses complained that Alexander was trying to intimidate her and get her to quit her job.

The allegations against Alexander reportedly stem from that incident.

Alexander denied breaking the law.

"I won’t say anything about the case, except I will only say I love the people of Corfu and never do anytihng, as a born-again Christian, as a man serving them, I would never even think of breaking the law in any way, shape or form, no less doing it," Alexander said. "I would certainly would never, ever, ever want to bring anything that would hurt those people that I served for 24 years. We'll let it play out in court."

Alexander also told reporters, "I’m a Christian, I believe in Jesus Christ and I believe in the end I will be vindicated."

Neither Watts nor Alexander entered a plea today and both are scheduled to reappear at 2:15 p.m., Aug. 12, in County Court.

David Bruce Brusie, 40, of Fancher Road, Holley, is charged with assaul,t 2nd. Brusie, an inmate at the Genesee County Jail, is accused of punching another inmate and breaking his nose.

Rosemary R. Waters, 27, of 4035 W. Main Street Road, lowrr, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and trespass. Waters is accused of stealing makeup, valued at $6, from Dollar General. Waters was allegedly previously barred from the store for a prior shoplifting complaint.

Matthew W. Clark, 31, of 10 Washington Ave., Batavia, was arrested on a warrant from City Court for a traffic citation -- parking on a city street, 2 to 6 a.m.

Daniel P. Callahan, 29, of 8 Old Meadow Lane, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or higher and driving without stoplights. Callahan was stopped on Main Street at 12:01 a.m., July 9, by Officer Chad Richards.

Lizbel D. Cramer, 35, of 8 Lewis Place, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant out of City Court for traffic citations for alleged failure to obey stop sign and parking violations.

Bryon Gilbert Keller, 18, of Sumner Road, Corfu, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child. Keller is accused of allowing people under age 21 to consume alcohol while attending a party on his property.

Dariel Solivan Mendoza, 28, of Church Street, Bergen, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Mendoza allegedly pushed a person to the ground during an argument.

Lance Joseph Seppe, 27, of Genesee Street, Corfu, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, and disorderly conduct. Seppe is accused of breaking items and issuing verbal threats while at a residence in Corfu at 7:39 p.m., Tuesday.

Charlotte Conable, the wife of the late Barber Conable, passed away yesterday in Sarasota, Fla., after a long battle with cancer. She was 83.

Conable was a graduate of Lafayette High School, Cornell University and George Washington University and wrote the books "Women at Cornell: The Myth of Equal Education."

Charlotte Williams was born in Buffalo. Her honors included being named a Woman of Distinction, an honorary doctorate from Genesee Community College, and being included in Feminists Who Changed America, 1963-1975.

She was a board member of the Women’s Hall of Fame, Seneca Falls and a trustee of Cornell University.

In 1952, Charlotte married Barber Conable, who would be elected to Congress, representing Batavia and parts of WNY, in 1964. He served 10 terms, earning the reputation as the "most respected member in Congress." In 1986, Ronald Reagan appointed him president of the World Bank.

Barber Conable died in 2003.

Charlotte Conable is survived by the couple's four children, Anne, of Bennington, Jane Schmieder, of East Bethany, Emily, of White Hall, Md., and Sam, Sarasota, Fla.

Services will be held in Alexander at a time to be determined.

(Full Obituary)

The following people were arrested by the Sheriff's Office during the Toby Keith concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Sunday.

Jeremy M. Perez, 24, of Ayrault Drive, Amherst, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, after allegedly operating a pickup truck in the concert parking lot striking another car and leaving the scene. Perez allegedly had a revoked driver’s ID. Perez was jailed on $2,000 bail.

Joshua M. Perez, 21, of Ayrault Drive, Amherst, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance in the concert parking lot. Perez was jailed on $150 bail.

Angel L. Castro, 24, of Plymouth Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with trespass after allegedly refusing to leave the concert parking lot after being told to leave several times.

Judy L. McLaughlin, 44, of Park Lane South, East Aurora, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly pushing and punching security while being ejected from the concert venue.

Michael P. McLaughlin, 47, of Park Lane South, East Aurora, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance inside the concert venue.

Mark A. Ritchie, 29, of Warden Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. Ritchie was jailed on $500 bail.

James M. Sturnick, 21, of North Main Street, Honeoye Falls, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly striking a security guard in the face.

Zachary M. Dodd, 19, of Park Edge Drive, Cheektowaga, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Erika L. Szymanski, 22,,of Elmwood Avenue, Depew, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

John A. Lally Jr., 19, of Thompsonwood Drive, Clarence Center, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, and possession of a fictitious license after allegedly jumping a fence into the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. He also allegedly possessed a fictitious Maryland driver’s license.

Gina F. Picone, 20 of Marine Drive, Amherst, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Mitchell W. Smith, 20 of South Union Road, Rochester, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

William J. Peel, 22, of Sandridge Road, Alden, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance in the concert venue.

(Name redacted upon request), 20, of William Street, Lancaster, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and possession of alcohol being under, 21 after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana and alcohol.

Rayelle S. Offhaus, 19, of Schwartz Road, Elma, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

The following people were issued citations for alleged possession of a fictitious license:

Karlee J. McCorry, 20, of Hawthorn Drive, Spencerport
Zachary J. Haun, 20, of Freedom Drive, West Seneca
Nicholas R. Bittner, 19, of Lilydale Street, Hamburg
Allison M. Stamp, 20, of P.O. Box, Montour Falls
Nicholas A. Gigante, 19, of Lein Road, West Seneca
Ashley M. Bishop, 20, of Wilman Drive, Lancaster
(name redacted upon request), 20, of Sheldon Road, Skaneateles
Brandon P. Frank, Sommerset Drive, Webster
Lisa M. McGuire, 19, of Everett Place, Tonawanda
Troy J. Crevier, 19, of Lake Road, Webster
Justin J. DiBernardo, 19, of Hidden Pines Trail, Webster
Alexander J. Woodard, 17, of Ransom Road, Lancaster

The Following were issued a citation for alleged possessing another person’s license:

Nicholas A. Tagliarino, 19, of October Lane, Amherst
Kelsea E. Flannery, 19, of Lewis Street, Endicott
Briana C. Estabrook, 19, of Curtain Road, Tully
Mitchell W. Smith, 20, of South Union Street, Rochester,
Edward J. Malo III, 20, of Piunnacle Road, Rochester
Matthew J. Graves, 19, of Telephone Road, Caledonia
Defrance C. C. Hotilling, 20, of Cross Over Road, Fairport
Spencer C. Byrne, 21, of Paddy Hill Drive, Rochester
Samantha A. Fischer, 18, of Roseview Avenue, Blasdell
Gina F. Picone, 20, of Marine Drive, Amherst

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

Michael J. Carroll, 17, of Vanderbilt Avenue, North Tonawanda
Daniel J. Gundlach, 18, of Tachi Drive, Newfane
Philip J. Brogan, 20, of Harvard Street, Rochester
Kelsey A. Peck, 18, of Meadowbrook Drive, Elma
Brenna C. Donnegan, 19, of Genesee Street, Avon
Kyle C. Betron, 19, of Carmichael Lane, Geneseo
Parker A. Hatfield, 20, of Lincoln Road, Ontario, Canada
Nicole A. Adams, 20, of Swamp Road, Bergen
Casey J. Erhardt, 18, of Renee Court, Marilla
Matthew J. Graves, 19, of Telephone Road, Caledonia
Lucas R. Logsdon, 18, of Dunkley Road, Leicester
Gabrielle R. Sacco, 16, of Downey Drive, Oswego
Erica J. Handley, 18, of Small Road, Syracuse
Candace M. Timberlake, 20, of Robert Drive, Syracuse
Patrick J. Kinderman, 17, of Homestead Road, Hamburg
Molly R. Hennessy, 17, of Manor Lane, Hamburg
Anthony J. Altieri, 20, of Main Street, Alden
Timothy J. Lewalski, 20, of Townline Road, Lancaster
Dane M. Wetzler, 19, of West Main, Alden
Brett A. Scheuerlein, 18, of Richmond Avenue, Batavia
Cody D. Swimline, 17, of Trumbull Pkwy, Batavia
Mitchell G. Wilkinson, 20, of Willow Woods, Alden
Caitlin A. Protas, 18, of Rondelay Drive, Cheektowaga
Andrea N. Smith, 20, of French Road, Cheektowaga
Cody M. Slattery, 20, of Olean Road, South Wales
Amanda L. Furlani, 20, of Hillside Pkwy, Lancaster
Sean T. Holtham, 19, of Juniper Street, Lockport
Trystin M. Plummer, 17, of Jefferson Street, Wellsville
Colton C. Beardsley, 17 of Niles Hill Road, Wellsville
Veronica J. Ebert, 18, of Scott Avenue, Wellsville
Stone T. Skeeter, 16, of Lee Place, Wellsville
Lisa A. McGuire, 19, of Everett Place, Tonawanda
Paige A. Zosh, 18, of Emerson Street, Alden
Peter P. Guido, 17, of West Wood Road, Lancaster
Christine A. Harling, 17, of Emerson Street, Alden
Nicholas J. Dieter, 16, of Kellogg Street, Alden
John M. Henderson Jr., 17, of Laurelwood Drive, Rochester
Justin J. DiBernardo, 19, of Hidden Pines Trail, Rochester
Brandon P. Frank, 19, of Sommerset Drive, Webster
Troy J. Crevier, 19, of Lake Road, Webster
Brooke A. Bull, 19, of Townline Road, Delevan
Samantha K. Raiber, 19, of Grove Street, Delevan
Clarissa M. Jones, 18, of Pine Street, Yorkshire
Jennifer L. Cicero, 20, of Pinetree Drive, Lancaster
Jaclyn M. Corsaro, 20, of Lenmart Drive, North Tonawanda
Matthew D. Peters, 17, of Spring Court, North Tonawanda
Ashley N. Ward, 17, of Lakewood Drive, North Tonawanda
Kaitlyn N. Mazierski, 17, of Stevenson Court, North Tonawanda
Samantha R. Gioeli, 19, of Windsor Avenue, Amherst
Rebecca L. Shoemaker, 20, Woodstock Avenue, Tonawanda
Elliott J. Russillio, 20, of William Street, Lancaster
Jacob C. Bene, 17, of Lyrae Drive, Gettzville
Devon M. Migaj, 19, of Sullivan Drive, Elma
Joseph W. Pici, 20, of Bullis Road, Elma
Eric F. Grzywna, 18, of Nanaite Drive, Elma
Benjamin S. F. Balderman, 19, of Leicester Road, Kenmore
Sarah M. Bidwell, 19, of Delaware Road, Buffalo
Andrew M. Hirsch, 18, of Butler Drive, Lancaster
Holly C. Kowalski, 18, of Cornell Drive, Depew
Stephanie L. Deuschle, 18, of Croydon Drive, Depew
Jesse J. Mikowski, 18, of West Wood Road, Lancaster
Aaron D. Wawrowski, 18, of Clark Street, Lancaster
Matthew B. Czechowski, 18, of Bentley Circle, Lancaster
Kyle P. Gallo, 20, of Street, Lawrence Drive, Street, Catherines, Ontario, Canada
Raeanne K. Fensom, 20, of Warner Road, Street, Davids, Ontario, Canada
Chelsea M. Len, 18, of Caprice Drive, Cheektowaga
Jillian N. Bennett, 16, of Broadway Street, Alden
James W. Rodgers, 19, of East Lake Street, Skaneateles
Megan E. Burdzy, 18, of Clermont Court, Lancaster
Carly D. Nevez, 20, of Sand Mateo Edmund, Okla.
Sean P. Bihrle, 20, of Calm Lake Circle, Rochester
Sarah M. Mador, 19, of Grosvenor Road, Kenmore
Elizabeth M. Pellegrino, 18, of Willow Breeze Road, Kenmore
Jessica M. Reeb, 20, of Signal Drive, Lancaster
Alissa M. Dibello, 20, of Belmont Avenue, Lancaster
Andrea J. Moore, 19, of Walnut Street, Baldwinsville
Shelby A. McNeilly, 18, of State Street, Skaneateles
Elizabeth E. Strods, 18, of State Street, Skaneateles
Sharon H. Adams, 19, of East Lake Road, Skaneatles
(name redacted upon request), 20, of Sheldon Road, Skaneateles
Brandon R. Murray, 18, of State Street, Skaneateles
Katelynn C. Bellnier, 20, of East Genesee Street, Auburn
Jesse J. Saniflippo, 20, of Chinaberry Crescent, Rochester
Edward J. Malo III, 20, of Pinnacle Road, Rochester
Dylan V. Davis, 19, of Route 245, Naples
Veronica E. S. Arnott, 19, of Ott Road, Stevensville, Ontario, Canada
Rachel J. Gombos, 19, of Abbott Road, Buffalo
Sarah R. Castilone, 18, of Gould Avenue, Depew
Alexander J. Woodard, 17, of Ransom Road, Lancaster
Brandon M. Barron, 20, of School Street, Skaneateles
Dalton A. Lemieux, 19, of Murphy Road, Lockport
Matthew K. Boyle, 17, of State Street, Road, Batavia
Robert G. Vanthoff, 19, of Havenwood Lane, Grand Island

A tractor-trailer attempting a U-turn on Bethany Center Road in Bethany Center hit a utility pole, snapping the pole.

Power lines and telephone lines are down.

One lane of Bethany Center is closed.

National Grid and Bethany fire requested to the scene.

Once the rain passed yesterday, the pullers came out in droves for the annual Genesee County Fair Tractor Pull.

To purchase prints of these photos, click here.

Friday night at the Genesee County Fair means Demolition Derby.

To purchase prints of photos from the Demolition Derby, click here.

Rain has delayed -- and reduced the number of contestants for -- the farm stock tractor pull this morning at the Genesee County Fairgrounds.

The WNY Pro Farm Tractor and Truck Pull is expected to take place as scheduled at 6 p.m.

The WNY Garden Tractor Pull is expected to take place at its scheduled time, 4 p.m.

UPDATE 2:38 p.m.: John Duyssen says the track looks great and the farm tractors are starting their pulls, so come on out.

Here are the final, official Le Roy Duck Derby results, sponsored by Chapter 193 of the Vietnam Veterans of America.

1. Miley Stalica – Bergen, $500
2. Paul Senger -- $100
3. Nicole Kochmanski -- $50
4. Bob Dash – Byron, 2 raft rides on the Salmon River, Pulaski from Adventure Calls Outfitters, Le Roy
5. Pete Lang – Le Roy, 1 family membership to Seneca Park Zoo
6. R. Puleo – Batavia, 2 complimentary visits to Le Roy Chiropractic
7. Devon Sczudlo – LeRoy, 1 free detail service from Castilone Chrysler/Dodge/ Jeep in Batavia
8. David Zinni – Batavia, $50 gift card from “Park Avenue Pub and Restaurant,” Rochester
9. Colin Graham – Le Roy, 2 complimentary day passes to Darien Lake
10. Ken Sovocool – Batavia, 1 Family Fun Pack to the Rochester Museum & Science Center
11. Dan Murphy – Henrietta, 2 rounds of golf at “The Club on Silver Lake”
12. Korey Wallace – Stafford, 2 rounds of miniature golf at Terry Hills Golf Course in Batavia
13. Mary Humphry – Le Roy, 2 rounds of miniature golf at Terry Hills Golf Course in Batavia
14. Laura Carli – Le Roy, 2 rounds of miniature golf at Terry Hills Golf Course in Batavia
15. Hunter Russell – Le Roy, 2 rounds of miniature golf at Terry Hills Golf Course in Batavia
16. Ray Mancuso – Le Roy, 2 complimentary tickets for 2 adults on the steamship “The Maid of the Mist" in Niagara Falls
17. Jamie Carli – Le Roy, 1 family pass for 2 adults and 3 children at the N.Y. Museum of Transportation
18. Giacovelli – 2 courtesy day passes at the Genesee Country Museum
19. Tom Boss – Warsaw, 1 Buffalo/Sabres Yearbook Autographed by #21 Drew Stafford
20. Chad Corant – Le Roy, laser signed photos of Buffalo Bills # 28 C.J.
    Spiller and #99 Marcell Darius
21. Rick Scott – Le Roy, autographed photo of Kyle Gibson of the Rochester Red Wings
22. Bryan Osborne – Le Roy, $20 gift card for City Slickers Bar & Grill in Batavia
23. Jim Murphy – Le Roy, $15 gift certificate for the POK-A-DOT restaurant in Batavia
24. Molly O’Geen – Le Roy, 1 medium pizza, chesse and 1 topping at Big Paulie's Pizza in Batavia
25. Dave Tyler – Le Roy, 1 medium pizza, cheese and 1 topping at Big Paulie's Pizza in Batavia
26. Dave Watson – 2 paperback books from Present Tense books and gifts in Batavia
27. Sawyer McNish – Le Roy, for the last place duck, a $10 gift certificate for Applebee's restaurant and $10 cash