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Law and Order: A pair of DWI arrests

By Howard B. Owens

Lee Uzarowski, 50, of Main Street, Akron, is charged with DWI, no tail lamps, driving left on crest of grade or curve, and driving left of pavement markings. Uzarowski was stopped at 1:28 a.m. today on Hopkins Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Matthew Clor.

Lamar Lee Mobley, 23, of Warren Street, Batavia, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and speeding. Mobley was stopped at 10:17 a.m. Thursday on Lewiston Road, Batavia, by Deputy Howard Wilson.

Pembroke victorious over Attica at homecoming

By Destin Danser

The Pembroke Dragons hosted The Attica Blue Devils Friday night for their annual homecoming game. The Dragons capitalized on multiple turnovers by the Blue Devils, helping them to secure a convincing 35-20 victory. 

Zach von Kramer rushed 42 times for 322 yards and three touchdowns. Reid Miano was 3-9 for 58 yards and a TD. Jacob Miller had a 23-yard TD reception.

Photos by Destin Danser Photography. To view complete gallery or purchase prints, click here. 

Law and Order: Batavia man arrested at Fire Hall on trespass charge

By Howard B. Owens

Anthony J. Nobile, 28, of New York Place, Batavia, is charged with trespass. Batavia PD was dispatched to 18 Evans St., Batavia, which is the City of Batavia Fire Hall, to investigate a complaint of a male subject who would not leave. Nobile was arrested and released on an appearance ticket.

Kiha Samuel McNear, 19, of Walnut Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. McNear was located by Officer Frank Klimjack and taken into custody. He was arraigned and jailed on $1,000 bail.

Tyrone N. Thigpen Sr., 40, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Thigpen allegedly violated a stay away order of protection at 7:50 a.m., Monday.

Jordan B. Abrams, 25, of Alabama, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Abrams was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 10:24 p.m. Sept. 24 in the Town of Alabama. No further details released.

Felicia A. Dumar, 27, of Byron, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Dumar was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 10:07 a.m. Tuesday on Swamp Road, Byron. No further details released.

Russell S. Almeter, 63, of East Aurora, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Almeter was stopped by State Police at 12:14 a.m. Wednesday on the Thruway exit ramp in Pembroke. He was also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

Accident on Thruway on-ramp in Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

A two-car accident with one person injured is reported at the 48-A on-ramp for the Thruway off of Route 77 in Pembroke.

Pembroke fire and Indian Falls fire dispatched along with Mercy EMS.

UPDATE 4:15 p.m.: T-bone accident. Twenty-two-year-old female driver, 12-weeks pregnant; needs to be evaluated.

Law and Order: Akron man accused of taking vehicle, selling tools without permission

By Howard B. Owens

Jeri Carlton Lobur, 51, of Hoag Avenue, Akron, is charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle and petit larceny. Lobur is accused of using another person's vehicle in Pembroke without permission and then selling power tools that were stored in the vehicle without the owner's permission.  

Dominic Daniel Czerniak, 18, of Wyvil Avenue, Scottsville, is charged with criminal possession of a marijuana, 4th, and speeding. Czerniak was stopped at 6:18 p.m., Monday, on Main Street, Corfu, for an alleged traffic violation by Officer Richard Retzlaff. Czerniak was allegedly found in possession of more than two ounces of marijuana.

Aaron D. Swimline, 31, of Alabama, is charged with felony DWI, speeding and unlawful possession of marijuana. Swimline was stopped at 10:44 p.m. Sunday on Route 63 in the Town of Shelby by State Police.

Accident reported on the Thruway in Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

An accident with possible injuries is reported on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 403.

Pembroke fire and Indian Fall fire along with Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 12:27 p.m.: A Mercy medic on scene has requested Mercy Flight.

UPDATE 1:34 p.m.: Mercy Flight has a three-minute ETA.

UPDATE 1:49 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne, destination not specified. Assignment back in service.

Pembroke will get win Friday after Geneseo throws away 2017 season in apparent drug scandal

By Howard B. Owens

The Pembroke Dragons get a night off, get to skip a road game and they will pick up a win this Friday because Geneseo High School has forfeited its entire season over an apparent drug scandal.

This Friday's game was supposed to be Geneseo's homecoming game, too.

Geneseo Superintendent Tim Hays announced the district was scrubbing the team's season this afternoon.

"A number of players have been dismissed from the Geneseo High School Varsity Football Team," Hayes said in a statement. "These dismissals stem from serious violations of the District's Code of Conduct and Athletic Eligibility Standards.

"Due to the number of student-athletes involved and the serious nature of this incident, pursuant to our Athletic Code and New York State Public High School Athletic Association standards, the remainder of the varsity football season will be forfeited."

The Livingston County News reported today that police are investigating a report that a player brought OxyContin pills to Friday's game against Bolivar-Richburg. The player allegedly distributed the pills to teammates.

Geneseo won that game on the field 26-24 but that game will now revert to the loss column with the Geneseo Blue Devils giving up that win as well.

Pembroke moves to 5-1 on the season and next plays Attica on Oct. 6 at home.

"The Geneseo Central School District is committed to upholding the highest standards of excellence in all of our academic, extracurricular, and athletic programs," Hayes said. "We will continue to work with all of our student-athletes to ensure that their actions represent the expectations of the District and our community."

Hilton man identified as pedestrian struck and killed on Thruway

By Howard B. Owens

State Troopers are investigating why a 47-year-old man from Hilton got out of his vehicle on the Thruway at 8:40 p.m., Saturday, and ran into traffic.

William H. Ferguson was struck and killed by a car near the exit of the Thruway in Pembroke.

The accident is being reconstructed by the State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.

No further information was released.

(Initial Report)

Pedestrian reportedly struck on westbound Thruway

By Billie Owens

A pedestrian has been struck on the westbound Thruway near mile marker 402.5. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments and Mercy medics are responding to the motor-vehicle accident with injuries. A first responder on scene said "there is damage on the onramp as well as fluids (leaking)."

UPDATE 8:10 p.m.: All responding units are to stage "at the interchange."

UPDATE 8:13 p.m.: One vehicle is said to be blocking the left shoulder of the roadway.

UPDATE 10 p.m.: This was a fatal accident. We will provide more information when it becomes available.

East Pembroke Fire District to hold public hearing on its 2018 budget Oct. 10

By Billie Owens

Press release:

A public hearing will be conducted by the East Pembroke Fire District in the East Pembroke Fire Hall, 2623 Main Road, East Pembroke, from 6 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 10.

It will be held to permit public review of the proposed budget for the East Pembroke Fire District for the calendar year of 2018, pursuant to Town Law 176.

A copy of the proposed budget has been filed with the town clerks in Alabama, Batavia, and Pembroke, and is available for review.

All persons residing within the area to be served, all persons, firms and corporations owning real property within the area to be served, and all persons, firms and corporations whose business interests or employment would either be benefited or adversely affected, whether or not a resident or owner of real property within the area to be served, shall have the right to be heard in person or by representative at the public hearing.

BY ORDER OF The Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Pembroke Fire District, Towns of Alabama, Batavia, and Pembroke, Genesee County New York.

William R. Joyce, Secretary East Pembroke Fire District

Grand Jury: Man indicted on two felonies for allegedly possessing assault weapon and large capacity ammo feeding device in Bryon

By Billie Owens

Charles S. Ganoung IV is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on March 25 in the 6300 block of Transit Road in the Town of Byron that Ganoung possessed an assault weapon. According to the indictment, it was a DPMS Panther Arms semiautomatic .223-caliber rifle, equipped with a telescoping stock, pistol grip, detachable high-capacity magazine, loaded with 28 live rounds, flash suppressor/muzzle break and a bayonet mount. In count two, he is accused of the same crime for also allegedly possessing a large capacity ammunition feeding device. The indictment says it was a large capacity .223-caliber magazine loaded with 28 live .223-caliber rounds.

Tawny L. Collazo is indicted for the crime of aggravated driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on May 25 in the Town of Pembroke that Collazo drove a 2013 Dodge on Route 5 while in an intoxicated condition and while a child 15 years of age or less was a passenger. In count two, she is accused of aggravated DWI, per se, as a Class E felony. In is alleged in count two that she had a BAC of .08 or more at the time with passenger age 15 or under. In count three, Collazzo is indicted for the crime of aggravated DWI as a Class E felony for allegedly driving while intoxicated while a second child age 15 or less was a passenger. In count four, she is again accused of aggravated DWI, per se, as a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .08 or more at the time with a second passenger age 15 or younger.

Michael J. Wojdyla is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on June 3 in the Town of Darien that Wjodyla drove a 2009 Chevrolet on Main Park Road while in an intoxicated condition. In count two, he is accused of DWI, per se, as a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .08 or more at the time.

Photos: Kiwanis Classic Car Show in Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

The Kiwanis Club of Corfu/Pembroke/Darien sponsored its annual Classic Car Show at the Pembroke Town Park today.

There was also a basket raffle benefiting Crossroads House.

Photos by Lenora Kohorst.

Westbound Thruway accident blocking both lanes of traffic

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with unknown injuries is reported on the westbound Thruway in the area of mile marker 403. Both lanes of traffic are reportedly blocked. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are responding along with Mercy medics.

UPDATE 8:54 p.m.: One patient is a sign-off; a second ambulance is called to the scene.

UPDATE 9:03 p.m.: Pembroke assignment is back in service. A Mercy rig is asked to stand by in case needed by EMS.

Pembroke man who was shot Thanksgiving Day 2015 by terrorized girlfriend found guilty of burglary and trespass

By Howard B. Owens

It didn't take long for a jury, after a weeklong trial, to deliberate and find Charles Schilling, of Pembroke, guilty of counts of second-degree burglary and second-degree criminal trespass.

The charges stem from an incident Thanksgiving Day 2015 when Schilling broke into a house where his girlfriend was living, got into an altercation, and she grabbed a .357-Magnum to defend herself, fired three times, striking him at least once in the leg.

In closing arguments, Public Defender Jerry Ader tried to convince the jury that there was ample reason for a not-guilty verdict based on reasonable doubt.

"What really happened?" Ader told the jury. "Since yesterday, those words keep coming back to me. What really happened?"

He said the only version of events the jury had to go on was the testimony of Schilling's girlfriend, who admitted to being confused on some points.

"She is admittedly not sure about what happened," Ader said. "Anything is possible, she said. When she was asked, she said, 'Anything is possible.' She could remember certain things and she couldn't remember certain things."

Ader said the couple had been together for years with a well-established pattern in a dysfunctional relationship of fighting and talking, and texting, then fighting more, with verbal and physical abuse going both ways.

In order to convict Schilling of burglary, Ader said, the jury would have to find that Schilling went to the house, owned and occupied by the father of Schilling's girlfriend, with the intent to commit a crime once he got inside.

It seemed quite probable, Ader said, that Schilling went to the house on Thanksgiving only to talk, but as usual, the talk escalated into a fight.

If Schilling didn't intend to assault and menace the victim, then he couldn't be found guilty of burglary, Ader said.

"Based on the testimony you heard, reasonable doubt is clear," Ader said.

When Assistant District Attorney Robert Zickl stood to begin his closing arguments, he stepped to the lectern in front of the jury and for a few minutes, just stood there and looked at them.

His point was, he said, that when he approached the lectern, his intention was clear. His intention was to speak. The jury didn't expect him to remain silent. The context explains intent, he said. The jury knew that if he stood up and walked to the lectern, he intended to speak. They didn't really have to guess at his intention.

In the same way, Schilling's intention was clear. He had told a friend that he was angry with his girlfriend because he believed she had performed in a pornographic video that had been posted online. Schilling's intent was also clear because he had been at the house a few days earlier and gave his girlfriend "a stiff beating," Zickl said. Zickl said Schilling's intent was also clear because when he arrived at the house on Nov. 26, 2015, he tried to break down the front door, damaging it, and then gained access by kicking down another door.

"How can anyone say he did not have the intent to commit a crime when he got inside, when the first thing he did when he got inside was commit a crime?" Zickl said.

It was also clear that Schilling was guilty of criminal trespass because he well knew that his girlfriend's father had barred him from his property. Schilling's girlfriend had even warned him on prior occasions not to come over because her father wouldn't allow it.

Schilling will be sentenced at a later date.

Person pinned between tractor and tree in Pembroke, minor injuries

By Howard B. Owens

A person is reportedly pinned between a tractor and a tree at a residence on Cohocton Road, Pembroke.

He's believed to have suffered only minor injuries.

Pembroke fire, Indian Falls fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 3:27 p.m.: East Pembroke's utility vehicle requested to the scene. The location is well off the road, behind a barn. Also a chief asked for the availability of Mercy Flight as a precaution. Mercy Flight 4 out of Buffalo is on ground standby.

UPDATE 5:25 p.m.: We've received word that the person did not require medical treatment beyond being evaluated at the scene.

Law and Order: Man accused of driving vehicle without permission, ruining engine

By Howard B. Owens

Marquis Rashod Brown, 20, of Victor Lane, Hamlin, is charged with burglary, 3rd, criminal mischief, 2nd, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and petit larceny. Brown allegedly entered a building on South Lake Road, Bergen, at 6 p.m. Aug. 3 without the owner's permission, left and drove the owner's vehicle without permission, and then caused more than $1,500 damage to the vehicle by overheating and ruining the engine.

Garl Lyn Fields, 33, of LaGrange Avenue, Rochester, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd. Fields was stopped by Irondequoit PD. He posted bail and was released to Gates PD on a warrant. He was issued an appearance ticket and released to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on a warrant out of Town of Stafford Court. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released on an order to appear in Town of Stafford Court at 9 a.m., Oct. 3.

Kristi Marie Stoughton, 41, of Woodhill, Newark, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and driving left of pavement markings. Stoughton was stopped at 11:40 p.m. Monday on Genesee Street, Pembroke, by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Crystal Marie Bouter, 28, of Porter Avenue, Batavia, and Nicole Kimberly Sullivan, 31, of Covington Street, Perry, are charged with petit larceny and conspiracy, 6th. Bouter and Sullivan are accused of stealing several mobile phone cases valued at $785.77 from Walmart. It's alleged that they agreed to coordinate their efforts to steal the cases. Both were jailed on $1,000 bail each.

Accident reported on Route 5 in East Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

A motor-vehicle accident is reported at the intersection of Route 5 and Indian Falls Road, East Pembroke.

Unknown injuries.

East Pembroke fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 11:53 a.m.: Minor injuries. Not blocking. There's a lot of debris in the roadway. National Grid requested to the scene to check on a utility pole.

Football Preview: Pembroke poised for break-out season

By alex brasky

Pembroke Football has had a rough go of things in recent years, but 2017 could be the season where we see them finally break out. With a familiar face making the move to Dragons’ head coach, and many experienced athletes returning to the roster, Pembroke is working toward a level of success which hasn’t been seen from this program in quite some time.

Season Outlook

Former head coach, and 2016 assistant Justin Loeber has returned to the helm of the Dragons’ program and has also welcomed back another former Pembroke head coach, and Greater Buffalo Sports HOFer, Dick Diminuco as offensive coordinator. The rapport between these two has already been built – dating back to Diminuco’s time spent as HC – and it is Loeber’s belief that their working relationship will translate to a smooth transition on the field.

In addition to two familiar faces on the sidelines, Pembroke returns a QB who has previously run Diminuco’s offense, and return a RB who led the GR in rushing yards a season ago. A young offensive line may provide a bit of growing pains for this offense to begin the year, but expect their experience in the backfield to carry them through October – and into the Section V postseason.

I believe in this team this year, more-so than I ever have before. Their Divisional schedule has remained the same, and their non-Divisional games are both winnable. If the Dragons can take care of business, they should prove me right in 2017.

Key Matchups

Week 1 – York/Pavilion

The Golden Knights are a big, strong team who will test the Dragons’ young offensive line immediately to begin the season. 

Week 2 – Alexander

The Trojans won the GR League Title last season, and will be a tough out once again in 2017.

Week 5 – Geneseo

I have heard good things about Geneseo during the preseason. This will be another non-Divisional test for the Dragons. 

Week 6 – Attica

Attica is my preseason pick to win the Division, giving this game in Week 6 the potential to be a very big game for Pembroke. 

Key Players

Reid Miano (QB/DB)

Reid returns for his third season under center for the Dragons, and leads an offense which has plenty of experienced talent behind him. 

Zach von Kramer (RB/DB)

Zach returns as the GR League’s leading rusher, and will be out to defend his rushing title in 2017.

Damion Ramirez (OL/LB)

Damion is the most-experienced of the Pembroke lineman, and will have to do his best to bring the younger guys along throughout the year. 

Brandon Kowalski (WR/DB)

Brandon is a steady contributor for Pembroke on both sides of the ball. His stats may not show it, but he is a vital piece to this team this season. 

Jarrod Carrow (TE/DL)

Jarrod is another returning athlete for the Dragons who is due for a breakout year. 

Coach’s Quote

“What I learned my first (stint as head coach), was that I was so unprepared to take the job,” began second-time Pembroke HC Justin Loeber a few weeks ago. “Coach Diminuco came in, I had two years to work with him, and he showed me how to really practice, and get the most out of our kids. I feel much more-prepared my second-time around.”

Things are finally looking up for Pembroke Football. Stay tuned for what could be a big year.

Child struck by car in Pembroke in critical condition

By Howard B. Owens

A 10-year-old child from China who was struck by a car last night on Route 77 by the Flying-J is listed in critical condition at Women and Children's Hospital, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The child, whose name has not been released, remains in the Intensive Care Unit.

The accident was reported at 8:17 p.m. after the child reportedly failed to yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic.

No charges were filed against the driver whose car struck the child.

Child seriously injured after being hit by car on Route 77 in Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

A 10-year-old boy from Kunming, China, was seriously injured last night after being hit by a car on Route 77 in front of the Flying J Travel Plaza in Pembroke.

Investigators say the child tried crossing the road without yielding the right of way to cross traffic at 8:17 p.m.

He was hit by 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe driven by Kenneth R. Paulter, 62, of Lancaster.

The boy was taken by Mercy Flight to Women and Children's Hospital in Buffalo.

Paulter was not injured and no charges have been filed as a result of the accident.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Rachel Diehl and members of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office. Assisting at the scene were the Pembroke Fire Department, Indian Falls Fire Department, Corfu Fire Department and Mercy EMS.

(Initial Post)

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