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Pembroke kids have fun learning about fire safety

By Daniel Crofts

When Mr. Fire comes knockin' at your door, make sure you know what to do!

That's the gist of the message Sgt. Major William Joyce, of the East Pembroke Fire Department, had for Pembroke Primary School students last week.

He and firefighters from various districts came to talk to the kids about the importance of being prepared for fire-related emergencies.

These are some of the trucks that pulled up to the school in the morning, much to the delight of the children:

Part of being prepared for a fire, according to Joyce, is developing an evacuation plan, which has to include a designated spot for the family to meet outside the home.

"And please don't pick your mom or dad's truck," Joyce said. "Mom and dad might have gone to the store or something, which means the truck could be gone."

He recommended picking a neighborhood tree or telephone pole, because "last time I checked, trees and telephone poles don't walk away."

Secondly, Joyce stressed the importance not only of getting out of a burning house, but also of staying out.

"Don't go back in for your dog or your cat or your favorite toy," he said. "You can always buy a new dog, cat or toy at the store, but there's no store I know of where your parents can get another little boy or girl."

Families should practice these and other safety measures through home fire drills, according to Joyce.

"Monday night is the best time for fire drills," he said, "because the firefighters are at the hall and we have all the equipment we need ready."

And in case one of these little ones were to get stuck in the house during a fire, Joyce stressed one very important thing they would need to remember:

"Don't be afraid of the firefighters."

He acknowledged that firefighters can look kind of scary when they come crawling into the house or room in the dark, masked, dressed in heavy gear, and breathing like Darth Vader.

Joyce explained that the masks and suits are to protect the firefighters, and that they crawl in order to avoid the fire, which is going to be "up above."

To help the kids out, the firefighters did a little demonstration in the gymnasium, with the lights off -- the kids were asked to shout out "help," as if they were trapped in a fire and needed rescue:

Some practical tips for fire prevention and safety were included in the presentation as well. Some of these were:

• Remember to empty your wastebaskets

• Keep the doors unblocked

• Change your smoke detector's battery regularly

• Don't try to put out the fire yourself; call the fire department

The assembly was followed by some hands-on activities for the kids, including tours of the buses, a look at firefighters' equipment, and trying on firemen's uniforms. These activities went on for most of the day, with classes taking turns touring the rigs:

 

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:

On the way back to my car I got a look a the school's playground, which I thought looked pretty cool:

Photos: Pembroke over Notre Dame

By Howard B. Owens

Destin Danser submitted four photos from the Notre Dame vs. Pembroke game. Pembroke moved 5-1 with the 20-13 victory over Notre Dame (3-3).

More photos after the jump:

Photo: Emergency preparedness day at Pembroke Primary School

By Howard B. Owens

Volunteer firefighters from several companies turned out to Pembroke Primary School today as part of East Pembroke's annual effort to educate students on emergency preparedness.

Eleven trucks rolled up to the school first thing this morning, with all the sirens, horns and flashing lights the children could hope for.

Most of the trucks stayed at the campus throughout the school day and classes of children took turns touring the rigs.

Firefighters also provided information on emergency preparedness.

Driver faces possible charges following rollover accident

By Howard B. Owens

A driver involved in an early-morning, single-car rollover accident on Route 33 in Pembroke was taken to ECMC and may face charges related to the accident.

Igor Tancevski, 26, of 101 Christina Drive, North Chili, was reportedly traveling west on Route 33 when his car went off the road in the area of 1505 Route 33 hitting a mailbox  and a post.

The 2008 Toyota sedan rolled over and came to rest on its passenger side.

No other vehicles were involved in the 4:07 a.m. accident, which is being investigated by Deputy Eric Seppela.

The nature of any possible pending charges were not disclosed.

Three-car accident reported on Main Road, Corfu

By Howard B. Owens

A three-car accident with injuries has been reported in front of Kutter's Cheese, 857 Main Road, Corfu.

Mercy EMS and Pembroke Fire and Indian Falls Fire are being dispatched.

UPDATE 4:16 p.m.: One injury reported. Extrication required.


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Police Beat: Two men arrested for allegedly fighting on Pringle Avenue

By Howard B. Owens

Tyrone N. Thigpen, 33, of 9 South Lyon St., Batavia, and Robert L. Williams Jr., 20, of 25 Harvester Ave., Batavia, are charged with disorderly conduct. Thigpen and Williams are accused of fighting on Pringle Avenue at 3:10 a.m., Saturday.

Paul D. Barth Jr., 19, of Cohocton Road, Pembroke, is charged with petit larceny. Barth is accused of stealing merchandise while employed at Kmart. The alleged thefts occurred between July through September.

Lynn Ann Hertweck, 42, of Reed Road, Churchville, is charged with a felony count of DWI, aggravated DWI (driving with a BAC of .18 or greater) and improper left turn. Hertweck was stopped in the area of 30 Hunter St., Bergen, at 1:54 a.m., Sunday, by Deputy Howard Carlson.

Richard J. Kubus, 30, of 25 Vine St., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Kubus is accused of attempting to steal a grocery cart full of merchandise from Tops Market in Le Roy. The total value is reportedly $401.69.

Trevor D. Cliff, 19, of Avon, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, operating a motor vehicle without an inspection certificate and speeding. Cliff was stopped by State Police at 8:28 p.m., Saturday, on Townline Road in Alabama.

Donald I. Wagner, 61, of Pavilion, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to use designated lane. Wagner was stopped by State Police at 10:55 p.m. on Court Road, Covington.

A 17-year-old from Attica is accused of petit larceny from a location in Alexander. The youth was arrested by State Police at 1:39 p.m., Thursday. No further details released.

Follow up to an accident we reported Friday: Injured, Nikkolas M. Bruner, 52, of Basom.

Follow up to "wanted" post for Deborah Compton: Compton was taken into custody Saturday at her residence and released on $1,500 bail.

Hornets scorched by Dragons on Homecoming Night

By Ethan Thompson

The Pembroke Dragons destroyed Oakfield-Alabama's homecoming hopes last night in a one-sided game that was nearly a shutout. The final score was 33 to 6.

Pembroke scored early in the game on a 2-yard touchdown run by Caine Cole and never slowed down.

They scored twice in the second quarter on a 21-yard touchdown pass from Cody Bedard to Jamie Scherer and a 1-yard touchdown run by Caine Cole.

Pembroke scored again early in the third quarter on a 32-yard touchdown run by Jamie Scherer, however, Caleb Lang's extra point attempt was blocked.

Late in the 3rd quarter, Jamie Scherer ran 17 yards for another Pembroke touchdown.

Oakfield finally scored for the first time in the game midway through the 4th quarter, but their extra point attempt went wide left.

 

 

Pembroke Dragons defeated by Attica Blue Devils

By Ethan Thompson

The visiting Attica Blue Devils defeated the previously undefeated Pembroke Dragons last night by a score of 38 to 12.

The Attica defense held the Dragons to just 199 total offensive yards, 31 of which came on a touchdown pass from Cody Bedard to Caleb Lang. However, any momentum Pembroke gained on that play was quickly wiped away when Attica's special teams blocked the extra point attempt.

Attica's offense dominated throughout the game, gaining 340 total yards against the Pembroke defense.

Attica's Brad Clark contributed 147 yards on 25 carries on the day, averaging 5.8 yards per run, while Pembroke's Wyatt Chittenden and Jamie Scherer each had a respectable 10 tackles.

Perhaps the biggest difference in the game was the number of turnovers; Pembroke gave up four (two fumbles, two interceptions), while Attica didn't give up any. Next week Pembroke travels to Oakfield to take on the Hornets, while Attica goes back home to play Alexander.

Below is a video with some highlights of the game. I'm very sorry for the lack of audio. We had some technical difficulties.

Alexander 7 Pembroke 0

By Chad Flint

 Alexander improved to 5-0-1 on the season with a 7-0 win over Pembroke at home on Saturday morning.  Alexander jumped out to a 5-0 halftime lead with goals from Sophomore Abby Shilvock (7th minute - assisted by Junior Julia Pettys), Senior Megan Schmieder (13th minute, assisted by Senior Morgan Mattice), Pettys (24th minute, unassisted), Senior Kylie Bank (35th minute assisted by Pettys and Sophomore Gabby Kwiatek) and Senior Tessa Bigelow (38th minute assisted by Bank).

Alexander put 2 more goals away win the 2nd half with Kwiatek finding the net in the 7th minute unassisted and Shilvock finding the net for her 2nd in the 14th minute unassisted.  Senior Hannah Wilson had 5 saves in net for her 5th win of the season and her 1st shutout.  Alexander's next game is Wednesday the 22nd @ Notre Dame.

Minor injury motor-vehicle accident on Thruway

By Billie Owens

A minor-injury accident on the eastbound Thruway at mile-marker 400 is reported. Six people are involved.

Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments and Mercy EMS are responding. Darien fire is requested to respond to the Pembroke intersection exchange on the Thruway.

UPDATE (8:48 p.m.): There is one car off the road, no roll-over. Looks like a "back axel accident" with people suffering minor bruises.

UPDATE (8:51 p.m.): The individuals involved are all purportedly refusing medical evaluation/treatment.

Photo: 'The Barn'

By Howard B. Owens

If I'm going to take pictures of barns, I need to take a picture of "The Barn" on Route 77 in Pembroke, right?

When I drove by today, the sky and the yellow wildflowers seemed like a good setting.

Resident reports seeing flames off Angling Road

By Howard B. Owens

An unknown type fire has been reported somewhere in the area of Angling Road, East Pembroke.

The caller is a resident on Main Road and reported seeing flames, but couldn't give the exact location.

East Pembroke Fire is responding.

A fire chief who lives in the area says he hasn't seen anything.

UPDATE 10:07 p.m.: It is apparently a controlled burn.


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Single-car accident in Pembroke leads to DWI charge

By Howard B. Owens

A 21-year-old Pennsylvania woman was charged with DWI following a single-car accident on Main Road in Pembroke on Monday morning.

Jessica A. Franks, 5109 Bellvedere Road, Tobyhanna, Pa., allegedly failed to reduce her speed as her car entered a curve causing it to leave the roadway and strike a mailbox and its post.

The mailbox and post went airborne and struck a parked car. Franks' car then continued westbound striking two trees and a utility pole.

Franks was taken by ground ambulance to ECMC. The accident occurred at 5:41 a.m. in the area of 607 Main Road.

Franks' passenger, Darcie L. Myers, 21, was not injured.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Howard Carlson.

 

Woman suffered head injury after reportedly jumping from car Saturday night

By Howard B. Owens

A woman who reportedly got into an argument with the driver of a car on Route 77 on Saturday night suffered a head injury after jumping from the car, according to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

The initial report received by the Sheriff's Office was that Gina Schmidt, 21, was shoved from the moving car.

Investigators now believe the 21-year-old Oakfield woman jumped.

Driving the 2003 Dodge Stratus northbound on Route 77 near Route 5 at 9:25 p.m. was Derrick Jackson, 23, of Oakfield.

Schmidt was a passenger in the back seat when she reportedly jumped.

Jackson did not stop and continued driving north.

A Mercy ground ambulance transported Schmidt to ECMC.

No charges have been filed.

The investigation is being handled by Deputy Patrick Reeves, Deputy Tim Wescott and Sgt. Greg Walker. Assisting at the scene were the State Police and the Indian Falls and Pembroke fire departments.

(initial report)

Bus driver from Kid Rock tour sentenced to 90 days in Genesee County Jail

By Howard B. Owens

A rock 'n' roll tour bus driver busted for DWI in Pembroke in July, 2009, blew his chance at a probation-only sentence by getting arrested twice on alcohol-related charges after he entered his guilty plea in May.

Joseph Devlin, 38, employed by a company charged with driving around the Kid Rock entourage, will serve 90 days in the Genesee County jail starting today.

The Florida resident was allegedly arrested in his home state for DWI -- a charge his attorney indicated was dismissed -- and on a charged related to an alleged domestic disturbance.

Attorney Jeremy Schwartz said as a result of the alleged domestic incident, Devlin entered a 12-week alcohol counseling program.

Schwartz said that when he met Devlin a year ago, he didn't believe Devlin had a drinking problem.

"For a 39-year-old who doesn't have a single arrest that's not hard to believe," Schwartz said.

Devlin lost his job after his arrest and has since started a business in Florida with his wife. Both Devlin and Schwartz asked Judge Robert C. Noonan not to send the former bus driver to jail because of the hardship it would create on his family.

Devlin and his wife have two children.

"Going to jail right now would really mess their lives up," Devlin said. "I know it’s my fault, but it would mess up what I’ve fought so hard to get going after losing my job."

Devlin said the past year has been stressful.

Noonan indicated he was initially going to impose a stiffer sentence but after reviewing the pre-sentencing report by the Probation Department, and considering the hardship on the business, he backed off giving a longer jail term.

"Somebody is going to have to tell Mr. Devlin that you are going to have to face some consequences for your alcohol conduct," Noonan said. "And that's me."

Devlin must also pay a $5,000 fine by Jan. 1.

Porn-watching truck driver who killed Erie County mother given prison term

By Howard B. Owens

A truck driver who State Police say was looking a porn while on the Thruway in Pembroke just before his rig slammed into a disabled car, killing an Erie County mother, will spend three to nine years in prison.

Ohio resident Thomas Wallace sobbed prior to his sentencing by Judge Robert C. Noonan, reading a prepared letter of apology. The husband of 33-year-old Julie Stratton, as well as other family members, also read statements.

Wallace earlier entered a guilty plea to manslaughter in the second degree.

The 45-year-old trucker was driving on little sleep and watching a pornographic movie on his laptop computer when his truck hit Stratton's car. Stratton's car had only moments earlier hit a deer, causing it to stall in the passing lane. She was on the phone with Genesee County's 9-1-1 dispatcher when her car was struck.

Woman pushed from car on Route 77, Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

A woman was allegedly pushed from a silver Chevy Cavalier somewhere along Route 77 in Pembroke.

The woman is reportedly lying in the road.

The incident occurred near the Flying J.

Pembroke and Indian Falls Fire is responding.

Mercy Flight is on ground standby.

A 16-month-old is reportedly still in the vehicle.

UPDATE 9:48 p.m.: Mercy Flight is not needed. The woman will be transported by ground ambulance.

UPDATE 9:59 p.m.: The woman has reportedly told law enforcement she jumped from the car.

UPDATE 10:03 p.m.: It sounds like the vehicle has been located and the child is safe.

Police Beat: Driver charged under Leandra's Law

By Howard B. Owens

Shawn Robert Hugar, 24, of Vandermark Road, Scio, is charged with DWI, a felony count of driving with a child under 15 in the car, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle and unsafe backing. Hugar was located at  12:55 a.m., Monday, on Route 77, south of Sumner Road, Darien, after backing his car into a ditch. Upon investigation, Sgt. Greg Walker found Hugar to be allegedly intoxicated and driving with a child in his car (a felony violation of Leandra's Law).

Tina M. Whitbeck, 43, of Penn Yan, is charged with a felony count of DWI, criminal contemp, 2nd, and aggravated DWI (drivng with a BAC of .18 or higher). State Police responded to a call at 8:40 p.m., Sunday, of a car partially blocking Pearl Street Road. The driver was also reported to be acting strangely. Upon investigation, Whitbeck's BAC was allegedly found to be .22. Whitbeck is also accused of traveling with a passenger that she was ordered to stay away from.

Jason Cleveland, 27, of Leroy, is charged with DWI and failure to keep right. Cleveland was stopped at 10 p.m., Sunday, by State Police on Route 77, Darien. Upon investigation, Cleveland was allegedly found to be operating with a BAC of .10.

Lansing H. Gardner, 35, of Lyndonville, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .15. Gardner was stopped by State Police at 9:32 p.m., Sunday, on Colby Road, Darien.

Eric J. Goodwin, 31, of Lockport, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .13. Goodwin was stopped at 12:45 a.m., Monday, by State Police, on Route 77 in Pembroke.

James E. Leair, 19, of Depew, is charged with unlawful possession of alcohol by a person under 21. Leair was cited by State Police at 7:30 p.m., Friday, on Sumner Road, Darien.

Keith A. Harman, 50, of Lancaster, is charged with DWI and aggravated DWI. Harman was stopped at 10:39 p.m., Friday, by State Police on Sumner Road, Darien.

Honored member of local firefighting community laid to rest

By Howard B. Owens

Family members, friends and fellow firefighers gathered at the Corfu Fire Hall this morning for a memorial service for William Dix, who died Wednesday at his business, Jay E. Potter Lumber. He was 56.

Dix served the local firefighting community, and the community of Genesee County, for 40 years.

"He will be with us wherever we go," said Betsy Abramson during a short and dignified graveside service in Alabama following the memorial service. "Everyone who knew Bill so intimately, please, please, tell these precious little ones what a wonderful grandfather they had."

Genesee County's firefighting community honors William Dix

By Howard B. Owens

Hundreds of Genesee County's firefighters were in Corfu this evening to pay respects to William Dix, who died Wednesday.

Dix served as a deputy fire coordinator with Genesee County Emergency Services for 22 years as well as past chief of the East Pembroke Fire Department and most recently as commissioner with the East Pembroke Fire District.

Services for Dix will be tomorrow (Monday) at 11 a.m. at the Corfu Fire Hall with burial to follow in Alabama.

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