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Disturbance at Econolodge, Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

An employee at the Econolodge in Pembroke told dispatchers she had to lock herself in a closet because of the conduct of a person in the lobby.

The activity was described as "unwanted advances" by the female guest. 

The woman has apparently left the front desk area now, but the caller reports she kept repeating the phrase "the angels are with us."

She also reportedly "destroyed" the front desk area.

It's not known what room she is staying in.

Law enforcement is responding.

UPDATE 6:28 a.m.: The female has been located in front of the Flying J.

Accident reported on the eastbound Thruway

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident, with one person "possibly injured," is reported on the eastbound Thruway at mile marker 402.5. A car struck a wall. It is blocking both lanes of traffic on top of the Route 5 overpass bridge of the Thruway. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are responding along with Mercy medics.

UPDATE 4:18 a.m.: A male is out and walking around. His vehicle has heavy front-end damage and there was air-bag deployment. State troopers are responding.

UPDATE 4:24 a.m.: "We're being told the driver left the scene," says a first responder. About 200 feet of the guard rail on top of the bridge is down and the Thruway Authority is being notified of this. The left (inside) lane of traffic is flowing smoothly, but the other lane remains blocked.

UPDATE 4:44 a.m.: The male at the scene has minor injuries and is being transported to UMMC. The Pembroke and Indian Falls assignment is back in service.

PCD Kiwanis Club will hold annual Easter Egg Hunt promptly at 12:15 p.m. this Sunday

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Pembroke Corfu Darien Kiwanis Club is sponsoring its Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday and it begins promptly at 12:15 p.m. at the Pembroke Town Park (Route 77 and next to the high school).

This is for kids ages 2 to 10 years old and there are 3,500 plus eggs. Please bring your camera since the Easter Bunny will be there.

The PCD Kiwanis has been sponsoring this event for 40+ years!

This is an outdoor event and please dress appropriately for the weather. For more information, call Pat at 762-8419.

Neighborhood Watch program forms in East Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

Crime isn't out of control in East Pembroke, but the idea of a neighborhood watch program in the hamlet is to make sure things don't get worse, said Amber Winters, one of the group's organizers.

There is crime in every neighborhood, she said, and East Pembroke isn't unique.

"It’s a pretty normal rate of crime here but that doesn’t mean we have to be OK with it," she said.

More than 150 people have joined a Facebook neighborhood watch group. The group has joined National Neighborhood Watch, a division of the National Sheriffs' Association, and is planning a meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. at the elementary school April 19.

The Sheriff's Office is fully supportive and will participate in the meeting, said Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble.

"Years ago we used to have several neighborhood watch groups in the county and they kind of died off," Dibble said. "We're very interested in neighborhoods that want to start these up.

"We’re excited to see what we can do to give this group what it needs," Dibble said.

The main purpose of neighborhood watch group is just to help neighbors get to know each other better, which helps residents identify things that are out of the ordinary.

"There are more rental properties now and people are coming in and we're looking at a lot of new faces all of the time," Winters said. "We just don't know anybody anymore and we want to connect all of the new families and the faces and the houses who don't know each other so we get to know each other."

One impetus for the group was the assault at the Arrow Mart a couple of months ago. Some community members thought, Winters said, that maybe they should do something before crime does become a serious problem in the hamlet.

"With all the car break-ins, people attacked in their homes, the assault at the Arrow Mart, we were feeling more frustrated," she said.

At the meeting on the 19th, people will be able to meet each other, but the Sheriff's Office will also be on hand to let the community know what it has available to help the group.

"We just don’t know our neighbors like we did back in the day," Dibble said. "It’s the truth. We know that."

East Pembroke residents are looking for a chance to change that.

Multiple alarms sounding at Yancey's Fancy in Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

What started out as a single alarm of fire is now multiple alarms sounding at the Yancey's Fancy manufacturing plant in Pembroke, including in the boiler room.

The address 8818 Brickhouse Corners Drive.

Pembroke Fire and Indian Falls fire were initially dispatched. Once more alarms sounded, Newstead Fire was dispatched. Corfu Fire has been put on standby.

UPDATE 12:50 a.m.: A chief on scene said the alarm box shows only alarm sounding. Several employees are on scene and there is no sign of fire. The boiler room has been checked, nothing showing.  All equipment can standby in quarters.

UPDATE 12:53 a.m.: Corfu and Newstead can go back in service. A chief is on scene awaiting the arrival of a company rep for further investigation, but there's nothing showing.

UPDATE 1:12 a.m.: Faulty smoke head. Pembroke assignment back in service.

Possible house fire reported in Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

A possible house fire is reported at 569 Scribner Road, Pembroke.

A fire responder reports heavy smoke.

Pembroke fire, Indian Falls fire and City of Batavia Fast Team are dispatched.

City's second platoon requested to the hall.

Mercy EMS dispatched to stand by at scene.

UPDATE 1:35 p.m.: It was a dryer fire. Fire is out. Ventilating. The structure is described by a source as "a brand-new house."

UPDATE 2:10 p.m.: All units back in service.  

Reader submitted photos.

Law and Order: Woman accused of credit card theft

By Howard B. Owens

Tracy Lynn Miller, 32, of South Lake Road, Pembroke, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Miller was taken into custody on a warrant after being released from the Erie County Holding Center. Miller allegedly failed to appear in County Court after being indicted by a grand jury. The indictment stems from an alleged theft/or use of a stolen credit card. She was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Jeffery Lee Tennity, 52, of Keeney Road, Le Roy, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Tennity was charged following an investigation into an unspecified complaint at 4 p.m. Thursday on North Byron Road, Elba. The complaint was investigated by Deputy Jeremy McClellan.

Kendra Quinette Thomas, 29, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with driving on a suspended registration. She was arrested on a warrant for the charge following a traffic stop by Deputy Cory Mower.

Pembroke High School wins mock trials competition

By Howard B. Owens

Pembroke High School took first place, beating Byron-Bergen in the finals yesterday, in the regional Mock Trial competition.

The final was held in the Orleans County Courthouse with Michael Rivers presiding.

Pembroke team members: Kassandra Sanner, Matthew Reeb, Eli Fox, Seth Librock, Tyler Wood, Bethany Zwolinski, Sophia Zwolinski, Aiden Costich, Rachel Tebor and Theodore Pintabona.

The Byron-Bergen team members: Nathan Knickerbocker, Shaun LoVerdi, Jared Fregoe, Michael Caruso, Reanne Dressler, Rebecca Johnson and Hannah VanSkiver.

Advisors: Marian Gerhardy and Donna McJury; Attorney Advisor: Jake Whiting.

Accident with entrapment reported in Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

An accident with a possible injury and entrapment is reported on Main Road east of  Lake Road, Pembroke.

Pembroke fire, Indian Falls fire, and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 3:11 p.m.: A witness in the area said no entrapment.  Patients were sign offs.

Accident reported on Main Road in Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

A car has gone off the road into the woods on Main Road in Pembroke.

No injuries reported.

The location near the Pembroke Fire Hall, 630 Main Road.

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

Law and Order: Deputy follows tire tracks in snow after finding fire hydrant damaged by car

By Howard B. Owens

John Eric Jaszko Jr., 31, of Kelsey Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, refusal to take breath test, driving left of pavement markings, inadequate headlamps. At 12:50 a.m., Deputy Ryan Young discovered at property damage accident at 3599 Galloway Road where a fire hydrant was sheared off and laying by the side of the road. There was no vehicle around. Young followed tire tracks in the freshly fallen snow and the tracks led him to Jaszko's home. After a brief investigation, Young determined that Jaszko had been the driver of the vehicle and that he had allegedly been driving drunk. Deputy Eric Meyer and Sgt. John Baiocco assisted in the investigation.

Sean Aldwyn Jr., 24, of Starling Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Deputy Richard Schildwaster reported detecting the odor of marijuana following a traffic stop at 5:48 p.m. Saturday on Park Road. Following a vehicle search, a quantity of marijuana was allegedly found in the vehicle.

Salvatore Michael Schwable, 19, of Webber Street, Oakfield, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, unlicensed operator, and inadequate headlamp. Schwable was stopped at 10 p.m. Sunday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Cassidy Longhini.

Law and Order: Central Avenue man charged with assault in Feb. 26 brawl, sex offender charged with failure to register address change -- again

By Billie Owens

Jason E. Carpenter, 38, Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with second-degree assault. Carpenter was arrested following an investigation into a fight involving multiple persons at the corner of Liberty and Sumner streets in the city at 12:10 a.m. on Feb. 26. Carpenter is accused of punching another person in the eye causing multiple facial fractures. He was jailed without bail and due in City Court on March 7. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.

Jamie L. Soto, 42, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with sex offender failure to mail verification form in 10 days -- prior offense, and sex offender failure to notify of address change in 10 days -- prior offense. This female was arrested and arraigned on March 9 in City Court. She had reported that she was living at a residence on East Main Street in "Apt. 4." Through an investigation, it was learned that there is no Apt. 4 and Soto had never resided in an apartment at that address. She was released under supervision of Genesee Justice and is due in City Court on April 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Hill.

Daniel Thomas Henning, 36, of Buffalo Street, Attica, is charged with: DWI; DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or higher; inadequate exhaust; improper right turn; driving on sidewalk; and unlicensed operator. At 10:09 p.m. on March 8, Henning was arrested on Cedar Street in Batavia following the investigation of a motor-vehcile accident on Route 5 in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in City Court April 19. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jenna Ferrando, assisted by Deputy Michael Lute.

Otto C. Reinhardt III, 50, of Clarence Center Road, Clarence, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt following an incident at the Genesee County Courts Facility at 4 p.m. on March 7. It is alleged that Reinhardt had contact with an individual for whom a complete stay-away order of protection had been issued, thus barring him from any contact with that person. He was jailed on $1,000 cash bail or bond. He was due in City Court March 8. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Russell R. Miles Jr., 48, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at a Batavia eatery on Main Street in Batavia at 4:32 p.m. on March 8 after he was found with a protected female. He was put in jail and was due in City Court March 9. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

Debbie M. Simmons-Keller, 58, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested at 4:25 a.m. on March 7 following a domestic dispute. She was issued an appearance ticket for March 21 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanigan, assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

Melissa A. Wetmore, 44, of Main Street Road, Corfu, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. She was arrested at 4:20 p.m. on March 6 on Pearl Street, Batavia, following a traffic stop of a vehicle in which was a passenger. It is alleged that marijuana was found underneath her seat. She was issued an appearance ticket for March 14 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards.

(name redacted upon request), 23, of Boyce Road, Pembroke, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and running a red light. She was arrested at 12:17 a.m. today (March 10) on Alleghany Road in Pembroke following a traffic stop. She is due in Town of Pembroke Court on March 28. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer.

Grand Jury: Man indicted for 2013 Pembroke burglary, two others accused of DWI

By Billie Owens

David J. Mylar IV is indicted for the crime of third-degree burglary, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 3, 2013, that Mylar knowingly entered or remained unlawfully inside a building on Main Road in the Town of Pembroke, with the intent to commit a crime.

Gregory J. Rodak is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Nov. 17 in the Town of Bergen that Rodak drove a 2007 Volkswagon on Townline Road while in an intoxicated condition. In count two, he is accused of DWI, per se, also a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .08 percent or more at the time.

Beverly B. Meadows is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated as a misdemeanor. It is alleged that on Dec. 6 in the Village of Le Roy that Meadows drove a 2003 Chevrolet on North Street while in an intoxicated condition. In count two, she is accused of DWI, per se, as a misdemeanor, for allegedly having a BAC of .08 percent or more at the time. In count three, Meadows is accused of the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that at the time of the crimes alleged in counts one and two, that she knew or had reason to know that her driver's license was suspended or otherwise withdrawn by authorities.

State Police investigating racist graffiti left on church building in Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

State Police opened an investigation Saturday into a report of racist graffiti being left on the side of a building in Pembroke that is owned by a church based in Cheektowaga.

Trooper James O'Callahan, spokesman for Troop A in Batavia, said it is against State Police policy to provide details on an ongoing investigation, but he did confirm such an investigation is taking place.

The property is on Marble Road and is owned by New Creation Fellowship.

Driver in high-speed chase that ended on South Main suspected of driving stolen vehicle

By Howard B. Owens

A 32-year-old Depew woman is in custody today after allegedly leading police on a high-speed chase through Corfu, the Town of Batavia and into the City of Batavia where the reportedly stolen car she was driving hit a spike strip before crashing into a tree.

Kimberly A. Genson, of Lancer Court, Depew, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 4th, unlawful fleeing a police officer and reckless driving.

The chase started after Deputy Rachel Diehl was dispatched to the Corfu area to investigate a complaint of erractic driving.

Diehl spotted a vehicle fitting the description, a black SUV, heading eastbound at a high rate of speed on Route 33. Diehl activated her emergency lights, but rather than stop, the vehicle sped up, according to the Sheriff's Office report. Diehl initiated a pursuit and backup units responded.

Spike strips were deployed on Pearl Street in the City of Batavia. The strips caused the vehicle to slow down, but it continued and tried to negotiate a turn onto South Main Street where the driver lost control and the vehicle struck a tree. 

The Sheriff's report includes no mention of any possible injuries.

The vehicle had been reported as stolen earlier in the day in Buffalo.

The investigation is ongoing and being conducted by Diehl, Deputy Ryan Long, Deputy Rich Schildwaster and Sgt. Jason Saile. Assisting at the scene were Batavia PD, State Police, City fire and Mercy EMS.

Genson was arraigned this afternoon in Town of Batavia Court and jailed on $25,000 bail or $50,000 bond.

Photo submitted by Samantha Schoener.

(initial report)

4-H Dairy Club tours Yancey's Fancy

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

On February 20, 2017 twenty 4-H Dairy Club members and their families were given a private tour of the new processing facility at Yancey’s Fancy.

The young dairy enthusiasts were given a behind the scenes look at the commercial dairy processing industry and left the tour with a visual understanding of how artisan cheese is produced.

To learn more about the Genesee County  4-H Youth Development Program visit our website: http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/4-h-youth-development 

Pembroke second-graders fill care bags for parents with children at Ronald McDonald House

By Howard B. Owens

Children in the second grade at Pembroke Elementary School did their part yesterday to make the world a little brighter place for families at the Ronald McDonald House.

After a fundraiser that the children participated in collecting beverage can tabs and included a $500 donation check from a member of the community. Yesterday, the students stuffed paper bags with snacks, water and candy that will be delivered to the Ronald McDonald House.

The students also colored and decorated bags as part of the gift to the families.

Parents with children undergoing treatment at the Ronald McDonald House will be able to pick up the bags when they visit so they have snacks and water during their daily stay.

Investigators looking for suspect in assault on employee of Arrow Mart in East Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

The Sheriff's Office is investigating an assault on a female store employee at the Arrow Mart in East Pembroke the night of Feb. 25, Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster confirmed this morning.

The attack was reported about 8:25 that night.

A female employee said she was returning to the back door after dropping some cardboard in a dumpster. Brewster said the assailant punched her in the head.

The victim was medically examined and released. 

She said she punched her attacker several times. Investigators also took swabs of her hands and they are awaiting lab results.

There was no sexual assault, Brewster said.

Deputies search the area after the report and did not find the suspect and there were no surveillance cameras that captured events or the suspect.

The suspect is described as a tall, heavy-set male wearing all dark clothing and a hood. He headed south on Reed Road. The suspect may have facial cuts or bruises as a result of the confrontation.

Brewster said there have been no similar reports in Genesee County.

The investigation is ongoing.

People who might be able to provide additional information are asked to call the Sheriff's Office at (585) 343-5000.

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