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Police Beat: Rochester teen accused of burglarizing Bergen church

By Howard B. Owens

Jose Luis Morales, 17, of 10 Strathmore Circle, Apt. D, Rochester, is charged with burglary, 3rd. Jose is accused of entering the United Methodist Church, 27 South Lake St., Bergen, at 7:16 a.m. on Jan. 11 without permission and damaging property and stealing items. A warrant was issued out of Town of Bergen Court for Jose's arrest and he turned himself in. He was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Christopher Anthony Pilgrim, 35, of Weston Road, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of controlled substance, 7th, criminal possession of marijuana and speeding. Pilgrim was stopped for allegedly speeding at 1:20 p.m. Wednesday  on Route 490 in Bergen by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Mark Laney, 31, of South Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Laney is accused of violating an order of protection.

Brian Patrick Ogrady, 46, of Lyman Road, Bergen, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI, driving left of pavement markings, failed to yield right of way at stop sign and operating without insurance. Ogrady was stopped at 6:10 p.m. Wednesday on Route 237, Byron, by Sgt. Greg Walker.

Shawn Richard McGiveron, 22, of Back Street, Pembroke, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing and harassment, 2nd. During a domestic incident, McGiveron allegedly obstructed the breathing of a woman and allegedly pushed the woman to the ground. The incident is alleged to have occurred at 11:46 p.m. Wednesday at a residence on Back Street, Pembroke. McGiveron was jailed on $200 bail.

Photos: Michael Napoleone Memorial Baseball Tournament

By Howard B. Owens

During the annual Michael Napoleone Memorial Baseball Tournament in Batavia, the Michael Napoleone Foundation presented a $12,000 check to the Center for Pediatric Biomedical Research at URMC.

Accepting the check above are, from right, Kathleen McGrath, Paul Kingsley and Alec Kingsley.

McGrath said the money is being used to cover the expense of more powerful computers. As part of the center's research, scientists take pictures of blood cells to study. The sophisticated camera equipment creates massive files that took the old computers hours to process. The new computers do the same work in minutes. The center also replaced worn out centrifuges. 

Michael Napoleone died in 2006 from Burkitt's Lymphoma/Leukemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer.

Mark and Laurie (second picture, left, with her brother, Dave Pero) Napoleone set up the fondation to give back to the community after so many people helped them during their son's illness.

Teams from as far away as Fairport are competing in the tournament, which runs through tomorrow.

Griffin Dellapenna, who was friends with Michael, reads a statement about how he misses Michael and what the tournament means to him. 

Griffin met Michael when they were both battling cancer. Next week, Griffin marks his fourth year in remission.

Jeremy Boyle and Matt Roach hit back-to-back home runs during Batavia's game against Oakfield-Alabama.

To buy quality, affordable prints from this event, click here.

More pictures after the jump:

 

To buy quality, affordable prints from this event, click here.

Grand Jury Report: Registered sex offender accused of sending explicit texts to teenage girl

By Howard B. Owens

Marlek E. Holmes is indicted on charges of failure to register change of address, failure to personally verify his address, disseminating indecent material to a minor, 1st degree, and endangering the welfare of a child. Holmes, a registered sex offender, is accused of not notifying authorities of his new address after relocating from 516 E. Main St., Batavia, on Feb. 19. Holmes is also accused of sending sexually explicit text messages to a 16-year-old girl in December 2010. 

Chester Dortch is indicted on a charge of aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st. Dortch is accused of driving on the Thruway in Batavia on Nov. 20 while knowing his license was suspended. Dortch reportedly had 10 prior suspensions for failure to answer and failure to pay fine.

Joshua Carney and Holly Carney are indicted on 11 counts of offering a false instrument for filing, 1st, and grand larceny, 3rd. The Carneys are accused of filing false statements related to Joshua's employment in order to receive food stamps and Medicaid. The Carneys are accused of stealing $7,453 in food stamp assistance and $6,564.14 in Medicaid.

Tonya M. Weber is indicted on a felony DWI charge and aggravated DWI, also a felony, for having a child under 15 in the car and endangering the welfare of a child. Weber is accused of driving drunk Nov. 29 in the Town of Oakfield.

Massachusetts man facing 64 rape charges pleads not guilty

By Howard B. Owens

A man who met an Oakfield woman on a bus ride from Florida to Massachusetts and then came with her to New York entered  not guilty pleas today to 51 counts of rape for allegedly having sex with the woman's underage daughter and her underage friend.

The indictment covers another 13 more charges stemming from the alleged incidents, which investigators say occurred in November and December of 2010. Raymond E. Allard is accused of engaging with sexual acts with two girls under age 15.

The alleged incidents occurred in Oakfield, the City of Batavia and the Town of Batavia.

Allard was held without bail. Judge Robert C. Noonan said Allard presented a substantial flight risk because he has no real connections to the area, is facing serious charges with a potential lengthy prison term and has a prior criminal record.

According to Det. John Dehm, Allard's prior criminal record did not include similar sexual charges, but he did appear to target his alleged victims in this case after seemingly befriending the woman and her daughter on a bus trip. 

The case remains under investigation and there may be another victim or victims, Dehm said.

The 64-count indictment includes 51 counts of rape in the second degree and 13 counts of criminal sexual act, 2nd, for allegedly engaging in oral sex with both girls.

Outside of court, Dehm said parents should be cautious with people they have just met.

"A person might appear to be extremely friendly and polite and courteous," he says, "but you just never know what their past is all about, or what they could be up to."

Nine local residents earn degrees from Nazareth College

By Billie Owens

The following local residents were among more than 555 graduate students from Nazareth College who received master's and doctoral degrees during the college's 84th Commencement Exercises held on May 8.

Laura Hungerford, of Bergen, received a BS degree in Nursing.

Sara George, of Byron, received a  BS degree in Nursing.

Kristin Glazier, of Byron, received a MSW degree in Social Work.

Kimberly Barber, of  Leroy, received a BA degree in History.

Kristine Wolcott, of Oakfield, received a MSE degree in Art Education.

Melissa Cutcliffe, of Pavilion, received a DPT degree in Physical Therapy.

Jessie Janes, of Pavilion, received a BA degree in Sociology.

Riley Carhart, of Stafford, received a BS degree in Accounting.

Sara Churchill, of Stafford, received a MSE degree in Inclusive Education.

Founded in 1924, Nazareth College is located on a close-knit, suburban campus in the dynamic, metropolitan region of Rochester. It offers challenging academic programs in the liberal arts and sciences and professional programs in health and human services, education, and management.

Seven people at GCC earn SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence

By Billie Owens

This information comes from Genesee Community College.

Seven members of Genesee Community College's faculty and staff will receive the State University of New York' s Chancellor's Award for Excellence this year, the Board of Trustees learned Monday evening.

The SUNY Chancellor's Award is bestowed on faculty and staff members who make significant contributions to their campuses and SUNY, and whose work is marked by high accomplishment and a commitment to excellence.

Named as 2011 recipients of the award are:

Michelle D. Abdella, instructor of Mathematics, SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching. She resides in Batavia.

Maureen E. Dugan, assistant professor of Fine Arts and Ceramics, SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching. She resides in Penfield.

Carla L. Guiste, reproduction services operator, SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Classified Service. She resides in Oakfield.

Kathleen A. Kimber, professor of Spanish, SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities. She resides in Rochester.

Rafael Alicea-Maldonado, professor of Chemistry, SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Faculty Service. Alicea-Maldonado resides in Buffalo.

Donna Rae Sutherland, associate director of Marketing Communications, SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service. She resides in Batavia.

Anita Whitehead, reference librarian, SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Librarianship. She resides in Geneseo.

This year's recipients of the SUNY Chancellor's Awards for Excellence bring the total number of faculty and staff honored in the history of the college to 105.

"Our  2011 recipients bring an extraordinary record of accomplishment to our students and our college as a whole," President Stuart Steiner told trustees. "We extend our congratulations to these faculty and staff members, and our thanks for the significant contributions they make to our success."

First OA alumni game a success

By Brittany Baker

It might have been a rainy day and a ball field with more mud and puddles than grass and clay, but I can say with certainty that the first ever Oakfield Alabama Alumni Softball Game was a success -- I was there.

Yep, I proudly put on my blue and gold colors and --- although my cleats have been misplaced over the years -- my good old softball glove to play against the other 25 or so OA grads who bravely turned out for the rainy game.

While us “even graduation years” ended up beating the “odds,” everyone had fun stepping up to the plate one more time. I already can’t wait for next year!

Varsity baseball coach and organizer of the event, James Patric said he hopes for next year’s turnout to be better so a tournament can be arranged with more than two teams.

“We’re looking to improve from here, I’ve asked all the players what they’d like to see done differently and now that we have the first game to learn from, I’m hoping for a bigger crowd,” Patric said.

Retired OA athletic director Fred Francis agreed.

“What a great start we had, but you can tell everyone in the area that didn’t make it for some reason or other that I’d better see them on the field next year,” he said.

So as a personal challenge to all of those who couldn’t make it (especially the ones who still live in the area -- you know who you are) why not make next year the first of many alumni games to come? Hornet Pride Runs Deep… so prove it!

Police Beat: Albion man accused of tagging downtown buildings

By Howard B. Owens

Mark Shareiko Jr., 23, of 413 W. Bank St., Albion, is charged with six counts of making graffiti. Shareiko was taken into custody Wednesday and accused of tagging several downtown businesses on Feb. 15. Det. Todd Crossett requests any other downtown business owners who wish to press charges call him at 345-6353.

Francis Carr, 50, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with obstructing governmental administration. Carr was also arrested on a parole warrant. NYS Parole officers located Carr on Washington Avenue near Willow Street and allegedly observed Carr flee into a residence on Washington Avenue. Batavia PD and Deputy Chris Parker responded. As Parker arrived on scene, he observed the suspect attempting to exit from a second story window. Parker established a perimeter with the assistance of Officer Jay Andrews. After an extensive search of the residence by parole officers and Lt. Eugene Jankowski, Det. Todd Crossett and Det. Kevin Czora, Carr was located by Officer Dan Coffey hiding underneath the porch. Carr was jailed without bail.

Gregory Joseph Warfle, 41, of Chapel Street, lower, Elba, is charged with assault, 3rd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Warfle is accused of striking his 15-year-old son several times in the face with his open hand during a domestic dispute. The alleged incident took place in the presence of his 8-year-old daughter. Warfle was jailed on $1,000 bail.

A 16-year-old resident of Transit Road, Elba, is charged with harassment, 2nd. The youth allegedly threw a pair of glasses at another male striking that person on the side of the neck during an argument. 

John Terry Boyce Jr., 22, of Maple Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Boyce is accused of sending text messages to his estranged girlfriend in violation of an order of protection.

Justin Robert Dunn, 20, of Indian Falls Road, Akron, and Jennifer Marie Dauer, 36, of North Lake Street, Bergen, are charged with nine counts of grand larceny, 4th, and petit larceny. Dunn and Dauer are accused of purse snatching at 4133 Veterans Memorial Drive at 2:30 p.m., May 12. For Dunn, bail was set at $10,000 and bail for Dauer was set at $5,000.

Police Beat: Disorderly conduct charge in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

Eric J. Bratcher, 22, of North Street, Le Roy, is charged with disorderly conduct. Bratcher is accused of shouting numerous profanities while outside a residence. At the time, there were many other individuals, according to Le Roy police, who were capable of overhearing the vulgar language Bratcher was allegedly using.

Ryan Thomas Covell, 20, of Polish Place, Buffalo, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Covell was allegedly found in possession of a partially smoked marijuana blunt during a traffic stop on Route 63 in Pavilion at 11:35 p.m., Friday, by Deputy Chad Minuto.

Kenyon Hanks Barnes, 26, of Clinton Street, Batavia, and Lisa Marie Horn, 21, of Clinton Street, Batavia, are charged with endangering the welfare of a child and unlawfully dealing with a child. Barnes and Horn are accused of providing alcohol to a 17-year-old girl while at their residence, 5100 Clinton St., Lot #4.

Stephany Marie Demorcy, 21, of East 161 St., Bronx, is charged with petit larceny. Demorcy is accused of shoplifting at Walmart.

Mazariegos Rene Roblero, 26, of McGregor Street, Corfu, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to dim headlights, unlicensed driver and unsafe tire. Roblero was stopped at 2:20 a.m., Saturday, on Main Street, Village of Oakfield, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Timothy Wood, 22, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Wood is accused of threatening to harm a woman.

Woodrow C. Horseman, 35, no permanent address, is charged with petit larceny. Horseman is accused of shoplifting from the Wilson Farms on East Main Street, Batavia. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

After 50 years, at age 90, OACS cafeteria work retiring

By Howard B. Owens

Betty Zaffram celebrated her 90th birthday this afternoon with the cafeteria staff of Oakfield-Alabama Central School.

After more than 50 years of service to the school district, Betty is retiring.

She returned to work today after recuperating from surgery, just in time to celebrate her birthday with her co-workers.

Photo submitted by Bernadette Easton.

Boys, playing with handcuffs, have themselves in a bind

By Howard B. Owens

Two young boys have handcuffed themselves together and a deputy has been dispatched to help them out.

One of the cuffs is apparently too tight on one boy and his hand is starting to turn blue.

The boys are on South Main Street, Village of Oakfield.

Police Beat: Time Warner accuses Batavia woman of theft of services

By Howard B. Owens

Luz J. Castro, 27, of 679 E. Main St., Batavia, is charged with theft of services. Castro was arrested following a complaint by Time Warner Cable.

Rebecca S. Hensel, 28, of 8311 Kelsey Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speeding. Hensel was stopped at 1:03 a.m. on West Main Street in the area of Bogue Avenue for allegedly going 50 mph by Officer Darryle Streeter.

Robert C. Paris, 21, of 3469 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Paris is accused of harassing an acquaintance.

A 17-year-old resident of 41 S. Pearl St., Apt. 1, Oakfield, is charged with falsely reporting an incident, 3rd. The youth is accused of contacting the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on April 13 saying she was a victim of a crime. The reported incident allegedly did not occur.

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

By Robin Walters









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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



 





Trio of reputed Hells Angels accused of racketeering have ties to Genesee County

By Howard B. Owens

Three people indicted in Federal Court today on racketeering charges have Genesee County ties.

All three are said to be associated with the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club in Rochester.

James Henry McAuley Jr. (aka "Mitch"), 62, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering activity.

Indicted as co-conspirators after the fact were Richard E. Riedman (aka "Eric"), 37, and Timothy M. Stone, 31, who were previously arrested in Corfu in June 2009 for allegedly stealing scrap metal.

McAuley, described by Federal authorities as vice president of the Rochester Hells Angels, is married to Donna L. Boon (aka Donna L. McAuley). Boon, 45, was arrested at her Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road residence on July 9, 2010, in connection with an alleged methamphetamine ring headed by Donald G. Vanelli, 48, of 8394 Lake St., Le Roy.

Vanelli, who was said to be president of the Road Agents Motorcycle Club at the time, entered a guilty plea in Federal Court in January to a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Boon faces federal charges related to conspiracy with intent to distribute narcotics. Her case is still pending.

The case against Riedman and Stone is still pending.

McAuley, Riedman and Stone were indicated along with Robert W. Moran Jr. (aka "Bugsy"), 59, and Gina Tata, 47.

According to the indictment, McAuley, Moran and Tata beat up a patron of an unidentified restaurant on May 31, 2006. Tata allegedly told Moran that the patron threatened the motorcycle club. Moran allegedly struck the head and body of the patron repeatedly with a baseball bat. 

Tata, Riedman and Stone allegedly conspired to help Moran and McAuley avoid apprehension.

A press release from the office of William H. Hochul, U.S. Attorney for Western New York, describes the Hells Angels as a criminal organization whose members function as a continuing unit for the common purpose of facilitating criminal activity, including acts involving narcotics trafficking and murder."

It also says, "Members of the Rochester Hells Angels claim to control certain territory up to Syracuse, and allegedly use violence for a number of illicit purposes, including those who did not show proper respect to the organization."

The indictment alleges that all defendants acted with the specific purpose of maintaining and increasing their positions in the Hells Angels. 

"The country’s federal racketeering statutes were specifically designed to help combat acts of violence committed by members of a criminal organization," Hochul said in a statement. "This office stands ready to utilize these statutes – and aid our local law enforcement partners - whenever circumstances warrant."   

McAuley is currently locked up in the Elkton Federal Corrections Facility in Elkton, Ohio.

He was sentenced in April 2008 to eight years for participating in a conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering. 

McAuley conspired to murder members of the Kingsmen Motorcycle Club in Fulton, N.Y., because the Kingsmen, who were affiliated with the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, were establishing a chapter in the Hells Angels territory.

According to public records, McAuley has lived in Rochester, Spencerport, Brockport and Fairport. There is no record of his having lived in Genesee County.

Driver uninjured when tree fell on Lewiston Road

By Howard B. Owens

The driver of a car that was struck by a large, wind-downed tree on Lewiston Road yesterday was not injured in the 11:13 a.m. crash.

Eileen E. Siano, 49, of Lewiston Road, was northbound when she noticed a tree starting to fall into the roadway. Siano swerved to the right to try and avoid the falling oak, but it struck her car, causing heavy damage.

Siano was driving a 2008 Chevy sedan.

(initial report)

Excitement grows for O-A Alumni Softball Tournament

By Brittany Baker

As a softball team alumna of Oakfield-Alabama High School, I can say with certainty that I'm quite excited to get a chance to play on the same fields I ran around on "back in the day."

But, I'm not the only one who's ready to relive my time as a high school athlete. Registration forms for the tournament are starting to come in, according to James Patric, currently a physical education teacher and baseball coach at O-A.

"More and more people are calling about the game and details so I hope we have a good turnout," he said.

Patric hopes more enthusiastic alumni turn in their registration forms so the tournament can be a "real hit" in its first year.The deadline to turn in the forms and money has been extended to Wednesday, May 4, just in case some more people decide to join in the fun.

In an attempt to gauge interest in an activity like this, a Facebook event page was put together asking Oakfield graduates to pass the link around. About 50 positive responses poured in so planning began and a date was set for the first Oakfield-Alabama Alumni Softball/Baseball Tournament.

It will take place at the softball/baseball fields at the school from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 14. Registration costs $40 and will include a chicken barbeque dinner, a T-shirt to commemorate the day, Gatorade during the game and a chance to "hit the one you missed" or just to enjoy the sport with some old comrades.

"It should be a really fun day for everyone involved," Patric said.

Since it's likely the reunited teammates might want to mingle after the games, an adult reception is scheduled at the Caryville Inn on Main Street in the Village of Oakfield.

For more information or for last minute registration, contact James Patric at 716-560-3438 or e-mail him at jpatric@oahornet.org.

Multiple charges filed against motorcycle rider who allegedly fled from deputies

By Howard B. Owens

An Oakfield motorcycle rider who led local law enforcement on a high speed chase early this morning faces multiple charges, including DWI and reckless driving along with four counts of speeding.

The Sheriff's Office says Gregory P. Smith, 20, of Main Street, Oakfield, reached speeds this morning of 120 to 136 mph on what a witness described as a "crotch rocket" style motorcycle, according to dispatchers.

Initially, at 6:22 a.m., deputies were dispatched to the Village of Oakfield for a report of a motorcyclist driving fast and erratically, possibly intoxicated.

The driver reportedly dumped the bike near Wilson Farms, got it back up and headed south on Route 63, which is where he was intercepted by deputies.

When deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop, Smith allegedly sped up, heading south on Route 63 into Batavia.

The suspect then continued west on West Main Street Road, through the Town of Batavia. When the driver reached Kelsey Road, he reportedly turned north and then headed west on Galloway Road. At Downey Road, he turned north and continued to Maple, where he turned back toward the village.

Smith reportedly lost control of the bike on Route 63 at Hutton Road.

He then allegedly fled on foot.

Law enforcement officers caught up with Smith in a cornfield north of the accident location and deployed a Taser to subdue him.

Smith faces the following charges: DWI; driving with a BAC of .08 or higher; reckless driving; unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle; four counts of speeding (120 in a 40 mph, 130 in a 45 mph, 120 in a 55 mph and 136 in a 30 mph); five counts of failure to stop for a stop sign; driving left of pavement markings; passing on the right; running a red light; unlicensed operation; and leaving the scene of a property damage accident.

The incident was investigated by Deputy Howard Carlson. Assisting in the incident were Deputy Lonnie Nati, Warrant Officer Eric Olson, Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello and the State Police.

High winds continue, trees down, power outages

By Howard B. Owens

In the past hour, calls for trees and utility poles down have subsided, and the wind seems to have died down a bit, but a strong wind warning remains in effect until 4 p.m.

There are about a dozen locations where power outages have been reported, most significantly in Elba, where 871 National Grid customers are without power. The power outage was reported at 8:48 a.m. and no ETA for when power will be restored.

Above, what's left of a tree that blew down on Lewiston Road in Oakfield. Below, a contractor saws off a large broken limb from a tree on Wortendyke Road, Town of Batavia, that was hanging precariously over the roadway.

Tree knocks down power line, which then caught fire on Park Avenue

By Billie Owens

A tree has fallen onto a power line, which is now on fire, at 7058 Park Ave. The pole that is attached to the power line may be broken. Oakfield Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 11:34 a.m.: The pole is sheared off in the middle. A transformer is on the ground and it's live.

UPDATE 11:35 a.m.: National Grid is notified but says it will be awhile in responding. The chief says "This should be at the top of their list."

Car strikes tree that fell onto Lewiston Road

By Billie Owens

A tree was blown onto the roadway at 6804 Lewiston Road and it was struck by a car. The driver is said to be "shaken up." The tree is completely blocking the road.

The location is between Bliss and Macomber roads. Mercy medics and Oakfield fire are en route. Fire police for traffic control are called.

UPDATE 11:23 a.m.: The tree is about five to six feet in diameter -- it's a big oak -- and the chief has called for chainsaws and loaders to cut up and haul away the wood.

UPDATE 11:38 a.m.: The driver is out of the car now.

UPDATE 12:20 p.m.: The roadway is clear and is open to traffic. Crews are back in service.

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