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Cause of accident that sent adults, three children to hospitals under investigation

By Howard B. Owens

Three children and two adults were injured in a head-on collision that required the response of three Mercy Flight helicopters to the area of Indian Falls Road and Pratt Road on Thursday.

None of the injuries are believed life threatening, though at least one patient remains in intensive care at a hospital.

A Sheriff's Office investigation indicates that a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer driven by Sonya M. Charache, 30, of Gorton Road, Alabama, was southbound on Indian Falls Road when it crossed into the northbound lane for an unknown reason.

The SUV struck a 2004 Chevy Silverado being driven by Donald Sage, 70, of Judge Road, Oakfield.

Sage is in guarded condition (in intensive care) at Strong Memorial Hospital. Sage was transported to Strong by Mercy Flight.

Charache was reportedly unconscious following the accident and taken by Mercy Flight, according to the Sheriff's Office, to Erie County Medical Center. However, this morning, ECMC patient information had no information on Charache's condition.

Riding in Charache's SUV were three children, Jackson K. Gilbert, 2, and Kayda L. Charache, 1, both of Gorton Road, Alabama, and Garrett M. Talbot, 6, of the City of Batavia. 

Garrett was transported to Women & Children's Hospital in Buffalo by Mercy Flight. His condition is not known at this time.

The other two children were transported by the Oakfield volunteer ambulance to UMMC.

Members of the Indian Falls, East Pembroke and Pembroke volunteer fire departments responded to the scene and extricated the patients from the vehicles.

Also responding was the Corfu Volunteer Fire Department along with Mercy EMS, Genesee Emergency Services and the Sheriff's Office.

The accident investigation is being handled by Deputy Kevin McCarthy, Sgt. Greg Walker, Investigator Kris Kautz and Sgt. William Scott of the Crash Management Team.

( Initial report and more photos)

Two-car, head-on collision with serious injuries on Indian Falls Road

By Billie Owens

A two-car, head-on collision accident is reported on Indian Falls Road in the area of Pratt Road. Both drivers will need extrication. One of them is unresponsive and has three minors as passengers.

East Pembroke Fire Department is responding, along with mutual aid from Pembroke and Indian Falls, plus two Mercy EMS units. Two Mercy Flight helicopters are called in and a landing zone is being set up on the corner of Pratt and Indian Falls roads.

An Oakfield medic is on scene and a rig out of Oakfield is called to respond, too. Corfu Fire Police are called to handle traffic control and to shut down Indian Falls Road.

UPDATE 5:21 p.m.: A third Mercy Flight helicopter is called for, and is available, but a crew needs to be assembled. They are working to do that and will advise.

UPDATE 5:22 p.m.: The first helicopter is on the ground. Indian Falls at Route 5 is being closed to traffic.

UPDATE 5:25 p.m.: A second landing zone is being set up north of the scene, on the southeast corner of Indian Falls and Cleveland roads.

UPDATE 5:27 p.m.: A third helicopter has secured a crew and is 15 minutes away.

UPDATE 5:30 p.m.: A third landing zone is being set up at Kilian and Slusser roads.

UPDATE 5:33 p.m.: The second helicopter has landed, but not at the site originally designated. It's at Pratt and Indian Falls roads, where the first helicopter landed.

UPDATE 5:37: "Mercy Flight is advising they have a fourth helicopter if Squad 2 can ride on it."

UPDATE 5:38 p.m.: A fourth helicopter will not be needed.

UPDATE 5:41 p.m.: All patients have been extricated.

UPDATE 5:43 p.m.: Oakfield medics are en route to UMMC with two small children on board.

UPDATE 5:46 p.m.: The last helicopter has landed. The first chopper is headed to Women & Children's Hospital in Buffalo.

UPDATE 5:56 p.m.: The second helicopter is headed to Erie County Medical Center.

UPDATE 6 p.m.: The last helicopter is headed to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester at the patient's request.

UPDATE 7:48 p.m.: All East Pembroke units back in service. The road is reopened.

UPDATE 10:11 p.m.: A caller has told dispatchers that a television news crew is setting up in the area of the accident with very bright lights, "blinding drivers." A deputy is responding.

More pictures from the scene after the jump.

Photos: Early evening in Alabama, Indian Falls and Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

I received a text message this morning from I'm not sure who that read: "Must. Have. More. Photos."

Fortunately, I had already been out yesterday evening on a photo expedition.

Above, the power lines going through the state reserve on Judge Road, Alabama. Below, tall grass off Short Street, Indian Falls, and a lily near the Slusser Road bridge over the Tonawanda Creek, Pembroke.

Youths suspected of vandalism at Corfu Intermediate School

By Howard B. Owens

Investigators are still trying to identify one youth believed to have been involved in vandalism at Corfu Intermediate School overnight Thursday.

The damage was discovered by school officials Friday morning, which included damaged ceiling tiles and a broken bulletin board.

It's possible at least three youths were involved, with two juveniles already identified as possible suspects.

Besides the damage, the suspects allegedly stole a bicycle and candy.

The bicycle has been recovered.

Youth Officer John Dehm and Investigator Tim Weis are handling the case.

Anybody with information can call the Sheriff's Office at 585-343-5000.

Son of Jack Davis accused of leaving the scene of a personal injury accident

By Howard B. Owens

The owner of a red Corvette involved in a single-car rollover accident at 1 a.m., June 20, has been cited for allegedly leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, according to State Police.

The driver is allegedly Robert R. Davis, 50, of 1355 Main Road, Corfu. Davis is the son of Jack Davis, four-time candidate for Congress in the 26th District and president of I Squared R Element Co., in Akron.

After the accident in the area of 871 Gabbey Road, Pembroke, local law enforcement conducted a search for Robert Davis in the area and on South Lake Road, Pembroke, speaking with residents about his possible location. At one point, an investigator noted that at least one homeowner he spoke with had "honesty issues."

Davis was reportedly with his girlfriend. 

According to Sgt. Kurt Schmitt, the female passenger was eventually treated at Suburban Hospital in Erie County, supposedly taken there by a friend.

The Corvette was impounded at Jim and Bob's Service in Pembroke until Robert Davis surfaced. The car was released to Davis yesterday morning and Davis was issued citations for leaving the scene of a personal injury accident among other alleged infractions.

Jack Davis said he had heard his son was involved in an accident and tried finding out more about it last week, being concerned about his welfare, but hadn't gotten much information.

"He's not gotten back to me," Davis said. "I'm sure he's disappointed in what he's done. It's embarrassing, but all families deal with situations like this."

This isn't the younger Davis' first run-in with the law. In 2009, he was charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th for allegedly possessing a switchblade knife. Information is not immediately available on the disposition of that case.

Photos submitted anonymously by a reader.

Pembroke's Holiday Hollow offers first dinner theater

By Billie Owens

Here's a press release from Holiday Hollow in Pembroke.

After 20 years of family oriented Halloween entertainment and three years of Christmas and "tea tasting" shows, the George Walker family at Holiday Hollow in Pembroke has added dinner theater to their repertoire.

On Saturday, July 16, they will premiere "13 Memento Mori Lane," a comedy/mystery/farce, at their new theater, Yorkshire Hall.

Author/director Zachary Walker says that "the show begins the moment you enter the door, as the villain greets you...as you sit down do a delicious dinner, mind your belongings, and get ready for poison brandy, tangled tangos, crashing chandeliers -- and broccoli. What murder would be complete without broccoli?"

Yorkshire Hall shows are usually limited to group bookings and tour buses.

"This is a chance for the general public to get to see our elegant new hall and have a great dinner and show as well," said George Walker, senior member of the family.

But he says that this presentation is unique and future "general public" presentations will depend on response.

"We receive many requests to open our shows to local residents, and this will be a chance to see if there's enough community interest to make future offerings possible," Walker said.

The July 16 "world premiere" of "13 Memento Mori Manor" is scheduled for just one performance at this time, but will feature a "super discount price" of $19.95, which includes dinner, the show, and gratuity.

Advance reservations are required and may be made by calling 762-8160. Additional information is available at www.Yorkshire-Hall.com.

Subject of Wednesday's manhunt faces multiple charges

By Howard B. Owens

A suspect who fled from law enforcement following an attempted traffic stop on Little Indian Falls Road, Pembroke, on Wednesday was eventually cornered by K-9 "Pharoah," who found the man hiding behind a fallen tree.

Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble said Pharoah, who was off leash and ran ahead of his handler, Deputy Brian Thompson, did exactly what he is trained to do. He barked. He didn't bite.

"He barked in his face and as long as he (the suspect) didn't do anything stupid, Pharoah isn't going to do anything but just hold him there," Dibble said.

Taken into custody was Robert Leiser, 42, an Oakfield man that both troopers and deputies on scene yesterday said they've had many dealings with and knew he would turn up eventually.

The initial search for Leiser included a State Police helicopter, but that search, which lasted more than an hour, was called off at around 1:45 p.m.

Thompson was one of the last members of law enforcement -- the search initially included three state troopers, two deputies and a DEC officer -- to leave the Little Falls area. Just as he was leaving, a resident of the area reported spotting the suspect in his back yard.

That resident reportedly grabbed a gun and chased the suspect off his property, but the encounter helped Thompson narrow his search area. 

He let Pharoah off leash and searched for at least another hour and was just about to call off the search for a second time when Pharoah found Leiser.

Leiser was taken into custody by Trooper Holly Hanssel, who initiated the traffic stop on Little Falls Road that began the manhunt, and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, possession of a hypodermic instrument and resisting arrest.

Bail was set at $5,000 and if Leiser makes bail he will be turned over immediately to authorities in Ontario County where he is wanted on two warrants.

At the time of the traffic stop Leiser was observed with a female passenger whom he may be barred from contacting. The state police are investigating a possible criminal contempt charge.

Photos: 66th Annual Strawberry Social in Indian Falls

By Howard B. Owens

There was a big turn out this evening at the United Methodist Church in Indian Falls for the 66th Annual Strawberry Social. The event not only featured some mighty tasty looking deserts, but a chicken dinner, pie sale and auction. A couple hundred people, at least, attended.

Photos: Three pictures from Indian Falls

By Howard B. Owens

You know, it occurred to me yesterday -- I haven't posted a barn picture in a while. So here's one for you. It's off Little Indian Falls Road, Pembroke.

A landscape shot from Meiser Road, Indian Falls.

A historical marker for Gen. Ely Samuel Parker off Sliker Road, Indian Falls. Gen. Parker was born in Indian Falls (he's Seneca Indian) and served in the Civil War. Parker inscribed (based on Gen. Grant's writing) the terms of surrender at Appomattox. (Wikipedia)

Police Beat: Man accused of hitting boy on Father's Day

By Howard B. Owens

Anthony Devon Alexander, 37, Wast Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Alexander is accused of slapping a 13-year-old boy on the face leaving welts and bruising. The alleged incident occurred at noon, Sunday (Father's Day).

Stephanie Rae LaVoice, 26, of Brown Road, Corfu, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving left of the pavement markings in a no-passing zone and driving left at railroad crossing. LaVoice was stopped at 1:17 a.m., Saturday, on Brown Road, Batavia, by Deputy Jason Saile.

Ryan M. Palmer, 29, of 10 Birchwood Drive, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Palmer is accused of shoving a female acquaintance.

Paul B. Heale, 58, of 29 Linwood Ave., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, endangering the welfare of a child and resisting arrest. Heale was arrested following an alleged domestic incident at 6 p.m., Saturday.

Shawn William Shanahan, 40, of Bonnie Brae Drive, Darien, is charged with DWI, aggravated driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, failure to keep right, possession/consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Shanahan was stopped at 2:16 a.m., Sunday, on Route 20, Darien, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Rene Corez-Marrero, 28, of East Utica Street, Buffalo, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and dark window tint. Corez-Marrero was stopped at 7:54 p.m., Saturday, on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Corez-Marrero is also charged with coercion, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. Corez-Marrero was reportedly involved at an incident at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, at Darien Lake Theme Park where Corez-Marrero allegedly did not allow a woman to contact police and took her personal property.

Dean Wilkins, 47, of Telephone Road, Pavilion, is charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd. Wilkins is accused of depositing a forged check into an account at the Le Roy Federal Credit Union. Wilkins was jailed without bail.

Heidi L. Thomas, 27, and Denise R. Queen, no age given, both of 20 1/2 Dellinger Ave., Batavia, are charged with attempted petit larceny. Thomas and Queen allegedly tried to steal merchandise from Dollar General on June 17.

Hannah E. Dibble, 18, and a 16-year-old, both of Akron Road, Corfu, and a 17-year-old of Longs Lane, Corfu, are all charged with petit larceny. The trio is accused of shoplifting at 10:08 p.m., June 14, from Walmart.

Vehicle on its roof on Gabbey Road, Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident, with unknown injuries, is reported at 871 Gabbey Road in Pembroke. The vehicle is on its roof.

The location is "by the bend" at Wyman and Marble roads.

Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE 1:20 a.m.: The driver and a passenger said to be his girlfriend are not in the vehicle. State Troopers went to a house not far away on Route 5, where it was thought they might be, but they weren't there. Now troopers are going to a house on South Lake Road. At least one of the vehicle's occupants is believed to be injured. Firefighters are proceeding to stage in the area of South Lake and Gabbey roads, not far from the accident scene. Mercy medics are continuing non-emergency mode. A hook tow truck is en route to the vehicle, a red Corvette.

UPDATE 1:40 a.m.: Law enforcement tells dispatch that the two parties involved purportedly suffered only cuts and bruises and that they they were taken by a third party to their respective residences. Next, the pair was thought to be indeed at the South Lake Road residence -- based on what a responder reportedly saw -- despite what the homeowner contended. This sparked comments on the scanner about "honesty issues." Now, the Corvette's occupants are thought to be, or are returning to, the home on Route 5. Pembroke and Indian Falls are put back in service, along with Mercy medics. A fire hyrdrant was sheared off as a result of the accident, but is not spouting water. The water authority has been notified.

College's 'ACE' program honors four local students, eight teachers

By Billie Owens

Four Genesee County students were the finalists for Outstanding Scholar Awards in Genesee Community College's Advanced Studies program. The awardees were honored at a ceremony and reception on Wednesday, June 1, in the Stuart Steiner Theatre at the Batavia campus.

Advanced Studies is part of the college's ACE program, or Accelerated College Enrollment, and allows high school students the opportunity to earn college credit from Genesee while attending class within their high school. High school teachers approved as Genesee adjunct faculty teach all Advanced Studies courses. Some of the most enterprising young students earn enough transferable Advanced Studies credit to enter their first year of college as sophomores.

"We're pleased we could make this a special evening for our Advanced Studies students and their families," said Ed Levinstein, associate dean of the ACE program. "The students honored are some of the best and brightest students in our local region."

A total of 21 finalists were selected from 163 nominations in the five subject areas of mathematics, science, social science, foreign language and English. As in years past, a committee of academic professionals from Genesee Community College selected the award winners, listed by subject area and high school:

  • English -- Alaina Chapman, Pembroke
  • Foreign Language -- Paige Radney, Pavilion
  • Mathematics -- Russell Marchese, Notre Dame
  • Science -- Paige Radney, Pavilion
  • Social Science -- Christina Mortellaro, Batavia

In addition to the students being honored for their academic achievements, 18 faculty members were honored for having 10 years of service teaching in the ACE program. Listed below are the eight Genesee County teacher honorees and their high schools:

  • Mike Silivestro Monroe, #1 BOCES  
  • Neal Jones Monroe, #2 BOCES
  • John Tomidy, Byron-Bergen
  • Barbara Harkness, Oakfield-Alabama
  • Jane Neff, Pembroke
  • Karen LaDuke, Alexander
  • Robert Mullen, Batavia
  • Olga Babich, Notre Dame

For more information about the Advanced Studies program at Genesee Community College, call 345-6801 or go to <http://www.genesee.edu/ACE.>

Semi-pro football team moves home games to Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

Semi-professional football has arrived in Genesee County.

The Lyndonville Tigers are now playing their home games in Pembroke.

The team is comprised of players from throughout Genesee and Orleans counties and plays in an eight-team league that stretches from Jamestown to Troy.

Team President Taylor McCabe said over the past seven seasons, the Northeast Football Alliance league has consistently produced "action packed and extremely competitive football."

The Tigers, who finished last season in third place at 8-4, opened the season Saturday, taking a 20-13 loss against Finger Lakes.

Here's the schedule for the remainder of the season:

GAME Date Time Away Team @ Home Team
1- Sat 6/4/2011 5:30 PM Finger Lakes @ Lyndonville
2- Sat 6/11/2011 5:30 PM Lyndonville @ Buffalo
3- Sat 6/18/2011 5:30 PM Jamestown @ Lyndonville
4- Sat 6/25/2011 5:30 PM Southern Tier (Warriors) @ Lyndonville
5- Sat 7/9/2011 5:30 PM Lyndonville @ Southern Tier (Diesel)
6- Sat 7/16/2011 7:00 PM Lyndonville @ Finger Lakes
7- Sat 7/23/2011 5:30 PM Buffalo @ Lyndonville
8- Sat 7/30/2011 5:30 PM Lyndonville @ Jamestown
9- Sat 8/6/2011 5:30 PM Lyndonville @ Southern Tier (Warriors)
10- Sat 8/13/2011 5:30 PM Southern Tier (Diesel) @ Lyndonville 

All home games are played in the Pembroke park just south of the high school.

Possible drowning reported on Gilmore Road, Indian Falls

By Billie Owens

A possible drowning is reported in the creek behind the Log Cabin Restaurant in Indian Falls. The location is 1227 Gilmore Road, by the falls.

It's unknown whether the person is out of the water.

Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are responding along with Mercy medics. The Genesee County Rope Rescue Team is called to assemble and stand by.

UPDATE 3:34 p.m.: The person is out of the water. All response units, except Mercy medics, are cancelled.

UPDATE 3:37 p.m.: Person fell about 20 feet into the water and got "the wind knocked out of him." He was in the water for a short period of time and is now on land, conscious and alert. Pembroke fire is continuing to the scene, non-emergency. The man is between 19 and 20 years old and complaining of neck and back pain.

Elba and Pembroke high school students will also compete for Batavia Downs' scholarship money

By Billie Owens

This information is from the marketing department at Batavia Downs.

Elba and Pembroke high schools were chosen via a random drawing to participate in this year’s $7,500 college scholarship race to be held at Batavia Downs on Sept. 10.

They will be joining Batavia, Notre Dame and Oakfield-Alabama high schools in the competition.

Each school will be represented by one student who is a senior in the 2012-13 academic year. The schools are allowed to use any criteria they wish to pick their student.

During the summer, the students will attend at least five training sessions at the track with their driver to learn the safety and skills needed to drive a horse.

Then between the fourth and fifth live harness races on Sept. 10, they will line up behind the starting gate to compete in a one-mile dash for cash. Earning scholarships of $3,000, $2,000, $1,200, $800 and $500, depending on where they finish.

Last year, Kaley Falkowski of Batavia High School, with professional Jim Mulcahy sitting alongside, was victorious.

The 65th season of live harness racing at the Genesee County oval begins on July 25.

Possible serious accident on Thruway

By Howard B. Owens

There is an accident reported on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 404 with a possible ejection and possible car fire.

Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments dispatched.

Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 8:21 a.m.: Dispatch sorting out reports. Multiple calls. It's possible it was a car fire with a female occupant jumping out of the car. There is at least one report that she is walking and conscious and alert. Mercy Flight on ground stand by.

UPDATE 8:23 a.m.: There is a car fire and a person with a leg injury, according to dispatch. First responder, while driving up, noticed no smoke or fire. One person is sitting, talking to people.

UPDATE 8:31 a.m.: Woman jumped out of vehicle while smoke was coming from it and suffered a leg injury. Mercy Flight cancelled.

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.

Power line down on Gabbey Road, Pembroke, sparking and on fire

By Howard B. Owens

A power line is reportedly down and in the roadway in the area of 1167 Gabbey Road, Pembroke.

The line is reportedly arcing and sparking and possibily on fire.

Pembroke and Indian Falls fire dispatched.

UPDATE 9:07 p.m.: National Grid notified. No ETA.

UPDATE 9:15 p.m.: National Grid reports 75 customers without power from this spot north to the reservation.


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One-car accident, minor injuries, in North Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A one-car accident is reported at the intersection of Indian Falls and North Pembroke roads. The driver is said to have hit a culvert and suffered a minor knee injury.

East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 5:39 p.m.: The driver declined medical treatment. Mercy medics are back in service.

Pembroke PTA entering new Pepsi Challenge for playground grant

By Howard B. Owens

A new Pepsi Challenge grant contest is under way and the Pembroke PTA is pushing for a new playground.

The $50,000 grant would be used to build a "Challenge Park," which will serve as a teaching station for leadership and team-building exercises, as well as a place for students to play during recess. It would also be a recreation area where parents can bring their children after school and on weekends.

You can vote by clicking here, or texting 106129 to the phone number 73774.

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