pembroke

(Submitted photo.)

A motor-vehicle accident is reported on the eastbound Thruway at or near Exit 48 in Pembroke. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments, along with Mercy medics, are responding.

UPDATE 8:31 p.m.: The male driver was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital by ground ambulance, but didn't seem to have life-threatening injuries because he was out and walking around at the scene before being transported, according to an eyewitness.

Leroy Hannah Jr., 43, of Bradfield Street, Rochester, is charged with improper left turn, unlicensed operator and aggravated unlicensed operator for allegedly having 36 active suspensions on an ID card (not a driver's license). The subject was stopped at 1 p.m. on June 11 on Alleghany Road in Darien for making an illegal left turn. He was jailed in lieu of $5,000 bail and is due in Darien Town Court on Tuesday. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Eli Matthew Aaron Smoke, 27, of Meadville Road, Alabama, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. He was arrested at 6:13 p.m. on June 11 on Meadville Road following a domestic incident wherein he allegedly struck a child several times leaving bruising and welts on the child's body. He was arraigned, then released and a stay away order of protection put in place. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.

Amy R. Doxtater was arrested on June 11 following a traffic stop on Route 20 in Darien. She is charged with: driving while intoxicated; aggravated DWI with a BAC of .18 percent or higher; aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd; moving from lane unsafely; driving left of pavement markings in a no-passing zone; and refusal of breath-screening test. She was issued tickets and is to appear in Darien Town Court on July 12. The case was handled by Sgt. Jason Saile, assisted by Deputy Howard Carlson and Deputy Robert Henning.

Megan Ann Burns, 23, of 5668 Leete Road, Lockport, is charged with criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. During a traffic stop on Feeder Road in Alabama at 1:40 p.m. on June 8, Burns was allegedly found to possess several hypodermic needles loaded with suspected narcotics. She was issued appearance tickets and released. She is to be in Town of Alabama Court on July 12. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Jeremy Charles Kaufman, 24, of 2868 Maple Road, Wilson, is charged with criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. During a traffic stop on Feeder Road in Alabama at 1:40 p.m. on June 8, Kaufman was allegedly found to possess several hypodermic needles loaded with suspected narcotics. He was issued appearance tickets and released. He is to be in Town of Alabama Court on July 12. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Tyler Michael Confer, 23, of Walk Road, North Tonawanda, is charged with driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .08 percent or higher, first offense, and driving while intoxicated, first offense. The defendant was arrested at 4:57 a.m. on June 12 after he was allegedly found doing donuts on Lewiston Road. He was released on appearance tickets for Pembroke Town Court on July 17. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Young.

Alizet Krysthalia Espinosa, 18, of Glendale Park, Rochester, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. She was arrested at midnight on June 12 following the investigation into a property damage complaint at Darien Lake Theme Park. She was arrested for allegedly damaging an entry door and a touch screen monitor. She was jailed in lieu of $250 bail and is due in Darien Town Court on July 21. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer.

Chase J. Francis-Whipset, 27, of Caledonia, was arrested on June 4 by the Le Roy Police Department and charged with: one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 5th degree with the intent to sell, a Class D felony; aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, a Class E felony; unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation; speed in zone, a violation; unlicensed operator, a violation; and driver's view obstructed, a violation. Francis-Whipset was stopped by the Le Roy Police after allegedly operating a motor vehicle on East Main Street speeding. After a brief investigation, it was found that Francis-Whipset had a suspended driver’s license. Further investigation revealed that Francis-Whipset allegedly possessed a quantity of cocaine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Francis-Whipset was arraigned in the Town of Le Roy Court and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $3,000 cash bail or $6,000.00 bond. Francis-Whipset is to appear in court on June 8.

Blake Riley Pahuta, 18, of Alleghany Road, Pembroke, is charged with petit larceny, sixth-degree conspiracy, third-degree tampering, and unlawful possession of marijuana. A 17-year-old-female from Pembroke is charged in the same incident for petit larceny, sixth-degree conspiracy and third-degree tampering. The charges for both individuals stem from a shoplifting complainant from Kmart. Pahuta was operating the suspect vehicle from a larceny; the female was a passenger in that vehicle. Pahuta was observed northbound on Route 77 at 3:50 p.m. on June 6. As a State Police patrol attempted to stop the vehicle, a large black bag was thrown from the suspect vehicle. The vehicle was later stopped on Cohocton Road in the Town of Pembroke and at the end of the investigation, Pahuta and the female were arrested on the charges. They were taken to jail for processing, then released on appearance tickets for Town of Batavia Court and Pembroke Court at a later date(s). The cases were handled by Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster, assisted by Deputy Michael Lute.

The Pembroke, Indian Falls, Corfu and East Pembroke volunteer fire departments came together yesterday to stage a DWI accident drill for the seniors of Pembroke High School in advance of their annual prom.

The drill simulates a fatal accident caused by a drunken driver.

Also participating were the Sheriff's Office, Coroner Karen Long, Mercy EMS, Mercy Flight and C.B. Beach Funeral Home.

To find out more about volunteering with your local fire department, visit ReadyGenesee.com.

To purchase prints, click here.

A caller to dispatch reports that the driver of a flatbed semi-truck just dumped "500 papers out the windown in front of his house." The address is 1503 Main Road, Pembroke. The semi continued heading westbound. It has a black container in the back. Law enforcement is responding.

A vehicle has rolled over and travelled into the trees off the westbound lanes of the Thruway in the area of mile marker 404.7.

A minor head injury is reported.

Pembroke and Indian Falls responding along with Mercy EMS.

A disabled tractor-trailer has partially blocked Route 77 by the Flying J.

Emergency responders are on scene.

UPDATE 8:45 p.m.: Roadway is clear.  

Submitted photo.

Christopher Tyler Sprague (pictured left), 22, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with third-degree burglary, second-degree criminal mischief, and petit larceny. On May 25, Sprague was transferred from Genesee County Jail to Batavia City Court where he was arraigned on these charges following an investigation into a burglary which occurred at a business at 3 Treadeasy Ave. in the city between May 7 and May 9. Sprague allegedly broke into the building and stole money while inside. He also allegedly damaged several picnic tables and pavilions behind the building. Following his arraignment before City Court Judge Durin Rogers, he was released, but due to a pending parole violation for which he was being held, he was transported back to jail. He is to be in City Court to answer the charges at 1 p.m. on June 8. The case was handled by Batavia Police Det. Richard Schauf, assisted by Det. Eric Hill.

Chase Michael Putnam, 20, of Circle Drive, Williamson, is charged with driminal possession of a weapon, 4th, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. At 11:57 a.m. on May 26, Putnam was stopped on Route 77 in the Town of Pembroke The defendant was allegedly found in possession of a quantity of suspected cocaine and marijuana, as well as a doubled-edge knife. Putnam was arrested and issued an appearance ticket for June 21 in Town of Pembroke Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Patrick Reeves.

David Alan Ornt, 24, of Hall Road, Holley, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, speed in excess of 55 mph, and open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle. He was arrested on the charges following a traffic stop at 6:52 p.m. on May 22 on South Holley Road in the Town of Byron. He was issued appearance tickets for June 20 in Town of Byron Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute, assisted by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Chet William Kenyon, 32, of Sandybrook Drive, Hamlin, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana in the fifth degree and open container of alcohol in a a motor vehicle. He was arrested at 6:23 p.m. on May 22 on South Holley Road in Byron following a traffic stop. He was issued appearance tickets for June 20 in Town of Byron Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute, assisted by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Press release:

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration (NCA) announced the name "Western New York National Cemetery" for the new national cemetery planned for construction in Pembroke, New York.

“The Veterans of Western New York deserve a final resting place worthy of their service to our nation,” said Ronald E. Walters, interim under secretary for Memorial Affairs.

National cemeteries are named based on the geographic location of the cemetery. VA relies on local veterans and community leaders to submit name suggestions. Of the names submitted, “Western New York National Cemetery” best met VA’s naming criteria and is consistent with the requirements specified in title 38 United States Code § 531, requiring VA property, including national cemeteries, to be named for the geographic area in which the facility is located. Any other name suggestion, such as that of a particular person, requires congressional action.

VA purchased the Genesee County property at 1232 Indian Falls Road off Exit 48A on Interstate 90 for $625,000 in May 2014. The cemetery will serve more than 96,000 veterans, their spouses and eligible children in the Buffalo and Rochester areas. The initial phase of construction will develop approximately 70 acres and provide for approximately 10 years of burials, accommodating both casketed and cremated remains.

The nearest open national cemetery is Bath National Cemetery located in Bath, New York, approximately 85 miles away.

When GS-39 called in "out of service" at 3 p.m. today, the dispatcher thanked him for his 30 years of service to the people of Genesee County.

Sgt. Jim Meier said during an interview that morning that there is a bit of sadness that comes with drawing the curtain on his career in law enforcement. He's enjoyed the work and the people he worked with.

"I knew the day was coming sooner or later, but it's been 30 years and I feel like it was just yesterday when I started," Meier said. "I really do."

Meier began his career at the Sheriff's Office in 1986, working the jail for a year before moving into patrol work, after earning his degree in criminal justice from Genesee Community College.

He's a graduate of Pembroke High School.

"I don't know if there is anything specific (that inspired the career choice)," he said. "I looked at things I thought I was good at and went into criminal justice and I found it interesting and it just kind of progressed from there."

He never found the job particularly hard, he said.

"I mean, there are some things that we do, like when we're at the death of family members, it can be a bit taxing, but I never found anything difficult," he said. "It all came pretty naturally."

Asked for a key memory from 30 years with the Sherriff's Office, the first thing that came to mind was the passenger train derailment in Batavia in 1994.

"I think I was a week out of supervisor school and I can remember it like it was yesterday," Meier said. "It's amazing that nobody died in that derailment, but it was the most eerie thing in the world when you go to the scene and you don't know what to expect and all of the sudden you see the twisted metal all over the place. It was unbelievable."

There are a lot of young guys in local law enforcement now, and Meier encourages them to stick with it, even when the hours are long and the sacrifices pile up. It's worth it, he said.

"The advice I give all the young guys is this, when you start this job, you have to come in and do it with eyes wide open, meaning you're going to have to work midnights, you're going to have to work holidays, you're going to have to work weekends," Meier said. "You're going to have to sacrifice some things you may not want to sacrifice, but there's a lot of good things that you get from making those sacrifices."

Press release:

U.S. News & World Report released its current rankings for high schools across the nation recently and several area schools earned spots in the top 225 of New York State.

Pembroke High School ranked 123 out of 1,272 public schools in the state. Elba was also in the top 15 percent, coming in at 172, with Le Roy right behind at 180. Medina (207) in Orleans County and Warsaw (213) in Wyoming County also ranked within the top 225.

The report’s criteria are based on overall performance of students on state tests, participation and performance on advanced placement exams and graduation rates. The goal of these rankings is to provide an unbiased picture of the top performing schools and how well those schools serve all of their students.

U.S. News & World Report has been releasing annual high school rankings since 2007.

US News & World Report New York State High School Rankings

Rank    School                  Student/Teacher Ratio                   College Readiness                  Math Proficiency            English Proficiency

123      Pembroke                    11:1                                                     38.4                                        92%                                   94%

172      Elba                              8:1                                                      29.1                                        95%                                    76%

180      Le Roy                         12:1                                                     27.6                                        86%                                    90%

207      Medina                              14:1                                                     23.0                                         88%                                    90%

213     Warsaw                              11:1                                                     22.1                                         88%                                    92%

*from usnews.com

Press release:

The Pembroke Music Department will be hosting the first ever Pembroke Music Alumni Concert on Memorial Day Weekend!

There is still time to register to perform if you haven’t already! The cost per performer is $35, and includes a shirt, folder, music, lanyard, and lunches for Friday and Saturday.

There are currently more than 40 people registered from the classes of 1960 - 2015, from Tennessee to Florida, and from Connecticut to Corfu!

The choral selections include: The National Anthem, Pembroke Alma Mater, Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus," "Corner of the Sky" from Pippin, "O Sifuni Mungu," and "Rhythm of Life" from "Sweet Charity."

Rehearsals are:

Friday, May 27

9 a.m. to noon – Chorus Rehearsal

1 to 3 p.m. – Band Rehearsal

Saturday May 28

10 a.m. to noon – Band Rehearsal

1 to 3 p.m. – Chorus Rehearsal

The public concert is 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 28, at Pembroke High School, located at 2486 Main Road, Corfu. General Admission is a suggested donation of $10 at the door to help support the school's Music Department.

Please e-mail Dan Reisdorf for more information! dreisdorf@pembrokecsd.org

A motor-vehicle accident with multiple minor injuries is reported at the tollbooth for the Thruway in Pembroke.

Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments responding.

Two Mercy EMS units responding.

UPDATE 10:43 a.m.: Law enforcement required at the scene to deal with an irate male.

UPDATE 11:11 a.m.: Units back in service. A 10-year-old transported with neck and back pain.

Reader-submitted photo.

Due to a motor-vehicle accident in Erie County, westbound Route 5 at Crittenden Road is being closed to traffic by fire police from Pembroke and Indian Falls.

UPDATE 10:31 a.m.: The road is reopened. Pembroke and Indian Falls are back in service.

A rollover accident is reported on the Thruway, westbound lane, near mile marker 402.4, Pembroke.

There is a person unable to get out of the vehicle, but uninjured.

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

UPDATE 7:19 a.m.: There are two vehicles involved. Two people involved. Both uninjured, up and walking around.

UPDATE 7:41 a.m.: A second accident is reported in the westbound lane, about 100 yards west of Exit 48. Initially, no Mercy EMS unit was available to respond, so Darien was going to be dispatched, but a Mercy unit cleared another call and is now responding. Both patients at the first accident were sign-offs, so now that ambulance is available. Pembroke and Indian Falls are also handling the second accident.

UPDATE 7:49 a.m.: Make that 100 yards east of the interchange (probably our mistake). Responders haven't located the accident, but a dispatcher says that a trooper is out with the accident and there was airbag deployment.

UPDATE 8 a.m.: Responding units were on location almost immediately after last update.

UPDATE 8:05 a.m.: All patients at second accident will be sign-offs.

Press release:

This Saturday, April 30, the Batavia Police Department, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and the Le Roy Police Department will be participating in the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.

The annual event is aimed at providing a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.

It will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. in the parking lots of the Batavia Police Headquarters, the Le Roy Police Headquarters, and the Pembroke Town Highway barns located at routes 5 and 77 in East Pembroke.

This event is sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Agency.

A car vs. truck accident is reported at mile marker 404 of the Thruway. That's in Pembroke.

A chief on scene reports one minor head injury.

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

Smoke is reported coming from the basement at 8752 Lovers Lane Road, Pembroke.

Pembroke fire, Indian Falls fire and City of Batavia's Fast Team are dispatch.

Corfu is asked to stand by in their fire hall.

UPDATE 7:57 a.m.: The resident tells a chief that she smells something burning. No sign of smoke or fire. The residence has been evacuated.

UPDATE 8:13 a.m.: Burned out sump pump in the basement. The pump will be removed and the smoke cleared.

Law enforcement is out with an individual at Boyce Road and Route 5, Pembroke, who became the subject of a multi-patrol search after reportedly making attempts to walk on the Thruway.

He was reportedly warned to stay off the Thruway, but was later seen on the Thruway again.

At one point during the search, a trooper reminded all responding units that there were no pending criminal charges, he was just an individual trying to get to New York City.

The individual is being transported to the Pembroke exit by a deputy, who will meet up with troopers from Troop T.

UPDATE 8:54 p.m.: The subject is now in custody of a Troop T trooper and is facing a possible criminal trespass charge.

Amelia Rose Witkowski, 30, of Angling Road, Pembroke, is charged with second-degree burglary, making a punishable false written statement and petit larceny. She was arrested for allegedly entering a resident on Main Road in Pembroke at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 29 and stealing property from within. She also allegedly provided a written deposition to a Sheriff's deputy which contained false information. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Graff, assisted by Deputy Christopher Erion.

Kimberly M. Zeiner, 48, of Caroline Street, Albion, was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and driving without headlights following a traffic stop at 3 p.m. April 6 on West Main Street, Batavia. Zeiner was subsequently arrested on April 14 on an outstanding bench warrant on those charges issued out of City of Batavia Court. The defendant was jailed in lieu of $250 bail. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Nicholas Adam Dubois, 18, of Shady Lane, Batavia, is charged with two counts of petit larceny. Dubois was arrested following an investigation of theft of stone from two locations in the Town of Byron. He was released with appearance tickets. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Matthew Fleming, assisted by Deputy Michael Lute.

A 17-year-old is charged with two counts of petit larceny. The youth was arrested following an investigation of theft of stone from two locations in the Town of Byron. The subject was released with appearance tickets. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Matthew Fleming, assisted by Deputy Michael Lute.