pembroke

Matthew Michael Maniace, 38, of Fargo Road, Bethany, is charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs, with a prior conviction within the last 10 years; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; obstruction of governmental administration in the second degree; and moving from lane unsafely. He was arrested Dec. 2 on the charges that stem from an accident that occurred at 11:37 p.m. on Sept. 8 on Prole Road Extension, Stafford. After an investigation and toxicology results, it is alleged that Maniace drove a vehicle while his ability to do so was impaired by drugs, resulting in a motor-vehicle accident. It is also alleged that he possessed drugs at the time and attempted to flee from deputies on foot. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Chamoun, assisted by Deputy David Moore.

Michael Jeffrey Vogt, 40, of Albert Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or more; no front license place; and failure to keep right. Vogt was arrested at 1:52 a.m. Nov. 26 on Main Road in Pembroke. He was issued traffic tickets and is due in Pembroke Town Court on Dec. 17. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor, assisted by Deputy Jordan Alejandro.

Victor H. Montanez, 48, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with four violations: driving while intoxicated; driving with a BAC of .08 percent or more; moving from lane unsafely; and speed exceeding 55 mph. He was arrested at 1:48 a.m. on Nov. 28 on Lake Street Road in Le Roy. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore, assisted by Le Roy Police Officer Steven Cappotelli.

Preston Scott Daigler, 22, of South Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with third-degree criminal mischief. At 3:49 a.m. on Nov. 26, Daigler was arrested on the charge after allegedly punching out a back window of a vehicle in the driveway on South Pearl Street in Oakfield. He was arraigned virtually in Oakfield Town Court and is due in Genesee County Court on Jan. 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young.

Matthew Michael Maniace, 38, of Fargo Road, Bethany, is charged with petit larceny. On Dec. 2 Maniace was arrested. It is alleged that on Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. on Fargo Road in Bethany the defendant agreed to repair parts of the victim's truck. While in possession of the truck, he allegedly took the keys and a tow hitch from the truck and never returned the items to the victim. Maniace was arraigned in Bethany Town Court and issued an appearance ticket to return on Dec. 22. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Gauthier, assisted by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush.

The WNY National Cemetery, which was dedicated in a ceremony Monday (see video), is now accepting reservations for interments for deceased qualified veterans, according to a spokesman for Veterans Affairs.

Les' A. Melnyk, chief of public affairs and outreach for the VA's National Cemetery Administration, said families and funeral directors who wish to schedule interments can do so by calling the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at (800) 535-1117. 

Interment dates and times are determined on a first-come, first-served basis in accordance with the family’s wishes and available time slots at the cemetery, Melnyk said.

Information regarding who is eligible for interment at a national cemetery can be found here.

Randy Reeves, undersecretary for Memorial Affairs, a division of Veterans Affairs, during a dedication for the new WNY National Cemetery in Pembroke, announced that the cemetery will be ready to receive the remains of veterans with honor and dignity on or before Dec. 18.

Besides Reeves, speakers at the dedication included Sen. Charles Schumer, who spreadheaded the effort to bring a national cemetery to Western New York, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, Rep. Chris Jacobs, and Robert Wilkie, secretary for Veterans Affairs.

NOTE ABOUT THE VIDEO: The VA initially denied access to the dedication to six media outlets, including The Batavian. After some phone calls, we were granted access to the ceremony, which had already started. We missed the first five minutes or more and had no time to set up a microphone at the podium. Thank you to our friends at WBEN in Buffalo for sharing reporter Mike Baggerman's recording of the speeches to sync with our video.

Press release from the Office of Sen. Charles Schumer:

Celebrating a victory over a decade in the making, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today dedicated the Western New York National Cemetery in Pembroke. The senator was joined by Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) officials and Western New York veterans who have been instrumental in the push to create a veteran cemetery in Western New York.

Schumer explained that the establishment of the nation’s newest Veterans’ Cemetery in Western New York is a long-sought and well-deserved opportunity to honor the more than 77,000 veterans and family members in this region who will have a proper military burial at a site close to their homes, families, and communities they served and defended. This Veterans’ Cemetery will be the first and only of its kind in the Buffalo-Rochester area and will save thousands of military families from having to travel more than 100 miles in some cases to what was previously the closest Veterans' Cemetery in Bath.

The senator noted that a four-hour round trip was not often feasible for families of veterans who wanted to visit their loved ones, which is why he and local veterans have worked for over a decade to make a more accessible national cemetery a reality for Western New York.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said, “Today at long last, veterans across Western New York will have a fitting resting place and eternal place of honor right here in the very community they dedicated their lives to defend and serve. Dedicating this hallowed ground today answers the call of veterans who organized over a decade ago for a local National Cemetery. I was proud to take up their call and work alongside them to now realize this day. Now a grieving family will not be left to travel over 200 miles from their home to bury or visit their loved ones.

"Now the veterans of Western New York who have done so much for us and our nation will have a proper burial, at a National Cemetery close to their home, family and thankful community. The Western New York National Cemetery is a testament to the thousands of veterans across this region, who through their service and sacrifice in defense of our nation, have earned a place in our nation’s newest national shrine. “ 

Schumer has long fought to make the Western New York National Veterans Cemetery a reality. Beginning in the 2000s and culminating in 2009 Schumer, together with various veterans groups, led the charge to bring a much-needed veterans’ cemetery to Western New York arguing that a lack of a national veterans’ cemetery within a 75-mile radius of Buffalo and Rochester meant that it was long past time for the underserved veterans and family members living in Western New York to have a fitting burial option closer to home.

A group of veterans started the process to get a cemetery dedicated for veterans in Western New York in the mid-2000s. The group, organized by Erie County Veteran and Advocate Dr. Patrick Welch gathered over 10,000 signatures that he and other veterans provided to Senator Schumer that called for the establishment of a veterans' cemetery in Western New York. For several years, Schumer worked hard alongside the veteran's community of Western New York to push the U.S. Veterans Affairs Administration to establish a National Veterans Cemetery in WNY.

In 2010, the VA responded and announced it would establish a new veteran’s cemetery in Western New York as there where at least 80,000 veterans that resided at least 75-miles from the National Veterans Cemetery in Bath, which is the closest existing cemetery but still more than 100 miles away from Western New York.

In 2019 Schumer secured an additional $10 million that they VA said it would require to complete the cemetery’s Phase 1 construction. In January of 2018, Schumer called on the VA to complete the final acquisitions of two land parcels of 60-acres and 77-acres, respectively, in Pembroke needed to create the cemetery and one month later announced the VA had done so. In 2016, Schumer announced that following his push $36 million in federal funding for the construction phase of the cemetery in Western New York had been secured and included in the final continuing resolution (CR) package.

Doug Doktor, chairman of the Genesee County Joint Veterans Council, said, “Genesee County’s veteran community is extremely proud to be the host-county for the Western New York National Cemetery. Today we celebrate years of hard work to see this cemetery constructed and thank Senator Schumer who has been with us since the beginning and fought for years to secure the funding to make our Cemetery a reality.  Now local veterans have our fitting final resting place of honor close to home and our families.”   

Jim Neider, OIC of the Joint Veterans Honor Guard of Genesee County and member of the Glenn S. Loomis American Legion Post 332 Batavia, said, “We are deeply grateful to at long last dedicate the new Western New York National Cemetery and to know that local veterans and their family members will have an eternal home of honor right here in Genesee County. And we are thankful for partners like Senator Schumer who heard our call and stood with us at every turn to see that this day would come. As the home of our Nation’s newest National Cemetery we are gratified to host the cemetery and honor the thousands of Western New York veterans for their service and sacrifice to our nation.” 

The Military Officers Association of America Western New York Chapter representative said, “The Western New York Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America is gratified that Western New York veterans and their families will now have a final resting place that is both accessible and appropriate. Senator Schumer has been a steadfast advocate for this project. Now after many tumultuous years, we are able to eternally honor the countless men and women across our region who dedicated their lives in military service to our nation."

Patrick W. Welch, Ph.D., Marine Corps (Ret) and Western New York Veterans Advocate, said, “Today marks an historic and momentous day for Western New York veterans, their families, and our entire community. It was 16 years ago that the late Lou Palma invited me and a small coalition of Western New York veterans to begin calling upon Federal leaders to build a National Cemetery in our community. Our advocacy captured the attention of U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer who, along with his staff, worked with us for about three years to inform our efforts and strengthen our cause.

"By late 2008, our coalition had grown and we presented Senator Schumer with a petition signed by over 10,000 Western New Yorkers who supported our noble cause.  Since then, Senator Schumer has been the driving force behind the Western New York National Cemetery in the halls of Congress. Together, we worked hand-in-hand to bring Western New York National Cemetery into reality, and today we celebrate its dedication.”

Nicholas Stefanovic, director of the Monroe County Veteran Services Agency, said, “We’re glad join with veterans throughout Western New York to mark the dedication of the new National Cemetery. Now and for many decades to come we will have a fitting hallowed ground, close to our homes and our families, to honor our veterans for their service to our nation. We appreciate Senator Schumer’s long support of the veterans’ community to see this new National Cemetery now established in Western New York.”  

Laura Stradley, executive director of the Veterans Outreach Center in Rochester, said, “The new National Cemetery is vital to serve Western New York’s veterans and their families from Rochester to Buffalo and beyond. We appreciate Senator Schumer’s work through the years to bring this cemetery to fruition and ensure veterans will have the fitting resting place they deserve and earned through their honorable service to our nation.”  

A complete list of Schumer’s actions to secure a national cemetery in Western New York appears below:

• In December 2019, Schumer secured the additional $10 million that the VA said it would need to complete the cemetery’s full phase 1 buildout;
• In August 2019, Schumer announced the start of construction would begin so that the cemetery would be ready to accommodate first burials by the end of 2020;
• In February 2018, Schumer announced that the VA had completed the final acquisitions of two parcels of land (60-acres and 77-acre) in Pembroke needed in order to begin construction of the new Western New York National Veterans Cemetery;
• In February 2016, Schumer announced that the just-released President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2017 included $36 million in funding for the construction phase of the newest National Veterans’ Cemetery in Pembroke;
• In December 2015, Schumer launched his push to secure federal funding for the construction phase of the cemetery;
• In July 2014, Schumer called on the VA to move forward on plans to acquire the adjoining 60-acre parcel that abuts the current 132-acre site. This would immediately make the cemetery nearly 50-percent larger to allow for decades more of use, increase future capacity, and enable the cemetery entrance to be built off of Indian Falls Road instead of the heavily trafficked State Route 77 to provide better access to the cemetery for veterans’ funeral processions and visitors;
• In May 2014, Schumer announced that the VA had selected a site for the long-awaited Western New York Veterans’ Cemetery on a 132-acre parcel at 1232 Indian Falls Road in the Town of Pembroke, Genesee County;
• In May 2014, Schumer announced that the results of the archeological cultural-resource study determined a finding of “no significant impacts,” thus allowing the VA to move forward on the purchase of the preferred site on Indiana Falls Road later that month;
• In Sept 2013, Schumer wrote to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (SHPO) to urge the agency to complete an archeological cultural-resource study required in order for the VA to complete the required approvals needed to close on the purchase of the preferred Indian Falls Road site in Pembroke;
• In April 2013, Schumer organized a meeting at Daemen College with local veterans and VA officials to update Veterans on the VA’s timeline and in order for veterans to provide input to the VA;
• In March 2012, after the VA failed to find suitable land to purchase following two separate solicitation attempts, Schumer wrote to then-VA Secretary Shinseki to urge that the VA put forth a clear timeline and path forward to avoid another protracted process that could come up empty. In response, the VA dispatched personnel to Western New York to conduct site visits at several sites in WNY, issued a final solicitation for sites, and developed several candidate sites for evaluation, of which one was the 132-acre site in Pembroke that the VA subsequently acquired;

Beginning in the 2000s and culminating in 2009 Schumer, together with various veterans groups, led the charge to bring a much-needed veterans’ cemetery to Western New York arguing that a lack of a national veterans’ cemetery within a 75-mile radius of Buffalo and Rochester meant that it was long past time for the underserved veterans and family members living in Western New York to have a fitting burial option closer to home. 

A group of veterans started the process to get a cemetery dedicated for veterans in Western New York in the mid-2000s. The group, organized by Erie County Veteran and Advocate Dr. Patrick Welch gathered more than 10,000 signatures that he and other veterans collected to Senator Schumer that called for the establishment of a veteran’s cemetery in Western New York.

For several years, Schumer worked hard alongside the veterans' community of Western New York to push the U.S. Veterans Affairs Administration to establish a National Veterans Cemetery in WNY. In 2010, the VA responded and announced it would establish a new veteran’s cemetery in Western New York as there where at least 80,000 veterans that resided at least 75-miles from the National Veterans Cemetery in Bath, which is the closest existing cemetery but still more than 100 miles away from Western New York.   

The total 269-acre site on Indian Falls Road in Pembroke is located approximately 30 miles from Buffalo and 48 miles from Rochester. The cemetery will provide a fitting burial option to approximately 77,100 currently underserved veterans and family members living in Western New York. Veterans with a qualifying discharge, their spouses, and eligible dependent children may be buried in a VA national cemetery.

Also eligible are military personnel who die on active duty, their spouses and eligible dependents. Burial benefits available for all eligible veterans, regardless of whether they are buried in a national cemetery or a private cemetery, include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, and a government headstone or marker.

Alonzo C. Williams, 44, of Watson Street, Batavia, is charged with: criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony; and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, also a Class B felony. He was arrested after an investigation by the Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force, which is comprised of officers from the Sheriff's Office, Batavia Police Department and Le Roy Village Police Department. It is alleged that Williams sold a quantity of crack cocaine to an agent of the drug task force. Williams, who had an active arrest warrant, was located driving on North Street in the City of Batavia and he was taken into custody. Williams was arraigned in Genesee County Court, then released on his own recognizance. The drug task force was assisted by uniformed deputies, Batavia police and the District Attorney's Office.

Michael Eugene Weichman, 25, Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief, third-degree assault, and criminal obstruction of breathing. On Nov. 22, the Genesee County Sheriff's Office received a report of a domestic incident that occurred at 5 p.m. on Nov. 19 on Pratt Road. Weichman was identified as the suspect, then arrested and arraigned virtually at Genesee County Jail. A NYS parole detainer was put in place for Weichman and he remains in jail. The case was handled by Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Deputy Howard Wilson. Sgt. Andrew Hale also assisted in the case.

Shawn Phillip Wolcott, 38, of South Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt and obstruction of governmental administration in the second degree. Following a complaint of a violation of a court order, Wolcott was arrested at 4:49 p.m. on Nov. 22 on South Main Street Road. During his arrest he allegedly obstructed deputies by barricading himself in his home. Wolcott was released with an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Batavia Court on Dec. 10. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Jacob Gauthier.

Richard David Trykowski III, 39, Tinkham Road, Darien, is charged with: aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree; aggravated driving while intoxicated -- BAC of .18 percent or more; DWI -- first offense; moving from lane unsafely; unreasonable speed; and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Trykowski was arrested after an investigation of a one-car accident that occurred at 10:07 p.m. on Nov. 22 on South Lake Road in Pembroke. He was issued appearance tickets and is due in Pembroke Town Court on Jan. 7. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Jacob Gauthier.

Health Alert

The Genesee County Health Department is alerting the public to possible COVID-19 exposures at the Le Roy Moose Lodge and the Flying J Travel Center in Pembroke. Contact tracing is in progress; however unidentified individuals may have unknowingly been in contact with the positive cases.

Le Roy Moose Lodge:

• Monday, Nov. 16th between the hours of 8 and 10 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 20th between the hour of 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 21st between the hours of 4 and 7 p.m.

Flying J Travel Center:

• Tuesday, Nov 17th between the hours of 3 and 10 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 18th between the hours of 3 and 11 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 19th between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

We advise all individuals who were at the Le Roy Moose Lodge or the Flying J Travel Center on the stated dates and times to monitor their symptoms for 14 days.

If symptoms of COVID-19 develop, contact your primary care provider to seek testing immediately and self-isolate until you receive your test results.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include but are not limited to: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea.

For more information please visit: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home

A motor-vehicle accident is reported at 9036 South Lake Road, Pembroke.

A car reportedly hit a house and the driver fled the scene.

One car involved.

Injuries are reported.

Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments responding.

Jennifer M. Moore, 35, of River Street, Batavia, is charged with: two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony; and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that Moore sold crack cocaine to an agent of the Genesee County Local Drug Task Force on two separate occasions. Moore, who had an active arrest warrant, was located sitting in a vehicle that was parked in a parking lot on Park Road in the Town of Batavia, where she was taken into custody. She was also allegedly in possession of crack cocaine at the time of her arrest. Moore was arraigned in Genesee County Court and released under the supervision of Genesee Justice. The task force is comprised of law enforcement officers from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, the Batavia Police Department, and the Village of Le Roy Police Department. The task force was assisted by deputies and the District Attorney's Office.

James O. Weathers, 47, of Teralta Street, Rochester, and Ayeola N. Williams, 46, of East Path Rise, West Henrietta, were arrested on Oct. 31 on Route 33 in the Town of Stafford. At 12:38 a.m., Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore was on patrol in a marked Sheriff's vehicle and stopped their vehicle after observing a traffic violation. Williams was the driver and was put through field sobriety tests, which she allegedly failed. Further investigation and a vehicle search allegedly found marijuana and a loaded firearm. She is charged with: criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree -- a loaded firearm, which is a Class C felony; driving while ability impaired by alcohol, a violation; speeding -- over 55 mph, a violation; and operating a motor vehicle while having an open container of an alcoholic beverage in the vehicle. Her passenger, Weathers, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, too. The District Attorney was consulted for bail recommendations and the defendants were arraigned by Town of Alabama Judge Pamela Thurber via Skype due to COVID-19 protocols. Both were then put in jail with Williams bail set at $1,000 cash or bond; Weathers' bail was set at $15,000 cash or $30,000 bond. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore, assisted by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun.

Charlene Rae Cook, 31, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment, resisting arrest and second-degree criminal contempt. Cook was arrested after a domestic incident at 1:10 p.m. Oct. 25 on Liberty Street for allegedly violating an order of protection. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in jail on $5,000 cash bail, $10,000 bond, or $20,000 partially secured bond. She was due to return to city court on Oct. 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Nicole McGinnis.

Kevin Maurice McCoy, 54, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt and failure to appear in court as ordered. At 7:54 p.m. on Oct. 31, McCoy was arrested after allegedly violating a stay away order of protection by being in the presence of the protected party on East Main Street. There was also an arrest warrant for him out of Batavia City Court. McCoy was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in jail, with bail set at $1,500 cash, $3,000 bond or $6,000 partially secured bond. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer John Gombos, assisted by Officer Samuel Freeman.

Brandon C. Dodd, 33, of Highland Park, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny -- theft of a motor vehicle; and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. At about 1 a.m. on Nov. 1, Dodd was arrested after the theft of a motor vehicle at a residence on Highland Park. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court via Skype and is due there on Nov. 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Joshua Girvin, assisted by Officer Nicole McGinnis.

Mathew Ray Albaugh, 35, of Townline Road, Bergen, is charged with driving while intoxicated and speeding -- exceeding 55 mph. At 1:42 a.m. on Nov. 1, Albaugh was arrested on Townline Road in Bergen after a traffic stop for speeding. It is alleged he was driving over 55 mph while having a BAC of .08 or more. He was released on an appearance ticket to be in Bergen Town Court on Nov. 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore.

Kristen Elizabeth Sekuterski, 34, of Orleans Avenue, Batavia, is charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs -- first offense; and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Following a "check-the-welfare complaint" at 10:04 a.m. Oct. 30 on Alleghany Road in the Town of Pembroke, Sekuterski was arrested. She was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Pembroke Town Court on Nov. 19. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth, assisted by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Justin D. McQuillen, 32, of Freeman Road, Byron, is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- with a BAC of .08 percent or more; DWI -- common law; and speeding. McQuillen was arrested Oct. 31 on Oak Street after allegedly being observed speeding at 8:52 p.m. He was released on appearance tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on Feb. 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Benjamin G. Evans IV, 32, of Federal Drive, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested Oct. 30 after allegedly not following court mandate on Oct. 19. Evans was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on Nov. 10. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy  Jacob Gauthier, assisted by Kenneth Quackenbush.

Tricia Marie Ruth Martinez, 27, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested after allegedly agreeing to purchase a Halloween costume from the victim and then taking the costume without paying for it at 5 p.m. Oct. 30 on Colby Road in Darien. Martinez was issued a ticket to appear in Darien Town Court on Dec. 1. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Gauthier.

Walter Tomlin Snell, 32, of Byron Holley Road, Byron, is charged with failure to appear. He was arrested Oct. 26 when located by Genesee County Probation after allegedly failing to appear in court as scheduled. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released on his own recognizance. He is due back in city court Nov. 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot.

A woman who lives on Marble Road in Pembroke called dispatch to complain that neighbors south of her at a horse farm let their dogs run loose on her property "again" and now one of her dogs has returned to her house with an injury.

The property is between Gabbey and Akron roads.

A deputy will respond, starting with a phone call to the complainant.

A victim in a car accident with injuries and the need for extrication was first reported at 10:13 p.m. in Pembroke. The location is 626 Main Road. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are on scene.The victim was unconscious in a creek; that person has been extricated. A second victim is possible. Mercy Flight was called and has landed.

UPDATE 10:49 p.m.: The vehicle smashed into a utility pole, a fire hydrant and a house and then plunged into a creek. National Grid has been notified about the pole and Monroe County Water Authority is being notified now regarding the broken fire hydrant.

UPDATE 10:53 p.m.: There is an ongoing effort to rescue another occupant of the vehicle. They asked for firefighters on the other side of the creek "to hold the rope."

UPDATE 11:46 p.m.: The vehicle has been removed from the water. The rescue team is conducting a secondary search of the water for any possible additional victim.

UPDATE 11:55 p.m.: GC Sheriff's deputies are on scene and a second unit is requested.

UPDATE 12:07 a.m. (information via Alecia Kaus/Video News Service): According to Sgt. Andrew Hale, Sheriff's Office, a red Mustang went off the roadway, struck a pole, a garage, and then went into the creek. The back half of the vehicle was sheared off. The driver was not coherent after being extricated and was transported to ECMC by Mercy Flight with an apparent serious injury. It is unknown if there were other occupants in the vehicle. Volunteer firefighters are searching the creek and the surrounding area.

UPDATE 11:49 a.m., Monday, Oct. 26 (By Howard): The 1998 Mustang was operated by Brent J. Graham, 32, of San Hill Road, Akron. According to the accident report prepared by Sgt. Jason Saile, Graham was westbound on Route 5 when he failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway and traveled off the north shoulder of the road. The vehicle struck a utility pole, continued westbound and struck a fire hydrant, and then traveled across Back Street, striking a guardrail, continued westbound, striking a stop sign and another National Grid pole. The Mustang overturned and came to rest in two pieces in Murder Creek.

Reader-submitted photos.

Press release:

This Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.,Genesee County law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will give the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. 

Bring your pills to either of these collection sites below for disposal: 

• Pembroke Town Hall, Route 5 at Route 77 in Pembroke -- received by Genesee County Sheriff Deputies;
• Alva Place Parking Lot, Batavia (across the street from Batavia Showtime movie theater located in the Genesee Country Mall) -- received by Batavia Police Officers. Sharps will also be accepted at this location only.

The service is free and anonymous; no questions asked. Collection sites will follow local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations, which includes masks for citizens dropping off medication.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.  

Last fall, Americans turned in nearly 883,000 pounds of prescription drugs at nearly 6,300 sites operated by the Drug Enforcement Agency and almost 5,000 of its state and local law enforcement partners.

DEA, along with its law enforcement partners, has now collected nearly 6,350 tons of expired, unused, and unwanted prescription medications since the inception of the National Prescription Drug Take Back Initiative in 2010.

David M. Schmieder, 26, of Silver Road, East Bethany, was arrested after he allegedly assaulted a Wyoming County Sheriff's Deputy in the Village of Gainesville last month. At 1:04 p.m. on Sept. 23 Wyoming County Sheriff's deputies responded to a complaint about a man walking down the middle of Route 19, obstructing traffic and acting irrationally. Upon arrival, Schmieder allegedly refused to follow orders and ignored deputies. When one deputy approached Schmieder, the police report says he "forcefully punched the deputy in the head." A short struggle ensued and two deputies were able to take Schmieder into custody. The defendant is accused of being found with an amount of suspected drugs in his mouth, "which he refused to spit out." The injured deputy was transported to Wyoming County Community Health System for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Schmieder was taken to Wyoming County Community Health System for "treatment of a medical condition." On Oct. 1 he was released from Erie County Medical Center and arrested. Schmieder was taken to Wyoming County Jail for virtual arraignment in front of Wyoming County Court Judge Michael Mohun. He is charged with: second-degree assault; tampering with physical evidence; obstructing governmental administration in the second degree; resisting arrest; disorderly conduct -- obstructing traffic; and violation of probation. Schmieder was put in Wyoming County Jail without bail on the count of violation of probation. On the other charges, bail was set at $100,000 cash, $200,000 either bond or partially secured bond (same amount).

Hope Marie Grasso, 50, of Haven Lane, Le Roy, is charged with: criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree; attempted grand larceny in the third degree; and attempted grand larceny in the fourth degree. She was arrested at 10:04 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8. Grasso had allegedly possessed two fraudulent checks that amounted to a combined total of $52,800 and she is accused of trying to cash them at a local bank. She was put in jail and was scheduled to be arraigned this morning (Oct. 9) in Batavia City Court. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore.

Francisco Martinez Jr., 47, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with: open container of alcohol on public property; petit larceny; two counts of endangering the welfare of a child; and second-degree harassment. He was arrested after an investigation into a disturbance at 3:38 p.m. Oct. 3 in Austin Park on Jefferson Avenue in Batavia. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 5. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Samuel Freeman, assisted by Officer Adam Tucker.

Nateeka M. Gibson, 31, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with burglary in the second degree -- illegal entry into a dwelling, and disobeying a mandate of a judge. Gibson was arrested at 3:24 p.m. on Oct. 4 on Washington Avenue in Batavia after allegedly unlawfully entering the home of a person with a complete stay away order of protection. Gibson was arraigned in Batavia City Court via Skype and released under supervision of Genesee Justice with a 24/7 house arrest order. Gibson was due to return to court on Oct. 8. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Mark Theodore Helm, 39, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Helm was arrested on Oct. 5 after an investigation into an incident that occurred on State Street at 3:10 on Sept. 28. Helm is accused of pushing and punching another male during an altercation. Helm is due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 5. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Samuel Freeman.

David James Leroy, 28, of Gabbey Road, Pembroke, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested at 1:24 this morning, Oct. 9, after an alleged altercation with another person. Leroy was released with an appearance ticket to be Pembroke Town Court on Oct. 21. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore.

Zachary V.D. Seeley, 23, of Lyman Road, Bergen, is charged with aggravated criminal contempt. He was arrested on Oct. 5 following an alleged violation of an order of protection that occurred at 9:09 p.m. Sept. 26 on Ellsworth Avenue in Batavia. Seeley was arraigned in Batavia City Court via Skype then put in jail "until his return date" to court on Nov. 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Jeffery Robert Roth, 54, of South Main Street, Oakfield, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt for allegedly disobeying a court order. Batavia Police Officer Peter Post arrested Roth on an active arrest warrant out of Batavia City Court and the defendant was arraigned on Oct. 4 via Skype. Roth was put in jail on $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 bond and is due back in court on Nov. 5. Post was assisted by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Grace C. Murray, 21, of Hawks Road, East Bethany, was arrested Oct. 2 after she turned herself in at Batavia Police Headquarters on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court. It was issued after she allegedly failed to appear for sentencing on an undisclosed matter on Sept. 15. Murray is to return to court on Oct. 15. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, assisted by Officer Adam Tucker.

A motor-vehicle accident is reported on Route 77 in front of the Flying-J.

Unknown injuries.

There is reportedly a post-accident verbal altercation in progress.

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

A small airplane is reported down in the area of 9115 Boyce Road in Corfu. The call to dispatch was initially placed by the Buffalo Airport and subsequently a female caller told a dispatcher the crash was in the woods behind her house.

Buffalo authorities said the plane can hold up to six passengers, but it is unknown how many people are on board.

Corfu and East Pembroke fire departments are responding with a UTV and a hazmat team is called as a precautionary measure.

First responders near the scene say the smell of fuel is in the air.

Law enforcement says the plane is due west (about a half mile) of the Boyce Road address; behind "Mr. Fry's residence." A laneway is nearby but the site of the impact, with heavy damage apparent, is accessible only by foot.

UPDATE 12:08 p.m.: Pembroke and Indian Falls fire police are asked to shut down Boyce Road at Route 33 and Route 5. "The impact hole is apparent but no bodies." "We're looking for victims."

UPDATE 12:11 p.m.: "I don't see anybody -- we're going to have to do a search of the woods," says a firefighter.

UPDATE 12:20 p.m.: A crew from Crittenden Fire Department in Erie County is asked to fill in at Corfu's hall.

UPDATE 12:23 p.m.: Amherst Fire Department in Erie County is asked to stand by in their quarters.

UPDATE 12:49 p.m.: Mercy Flight (top photo) was briefly assisting in the search. It is back in service and the State Police Helicopter is doing an air search. Newstead fire is standing by in quarters.

UPDATE 1:20 p.m.: The Buffalo-based plane was returning to Buffalo from Manchester, NH, at the time it crashed. According to its aircraft registration summary, it is a 2009 SOCATA, with seven seats and a single Turbo-prop engine with 850 horsepower, referred to in the aviation industry at a TBM-850.

UPDATE 2:09 p.m.: Below is an image of the model of aircraft that crashed from the manufacturer's website, courtesy of our news partner WBTA.

UPDATE 3:27 p.m.: The plane is registered to an address that is shared by that of the high-profile law firm of Cellino & Barnes.

UPDATE 3:52 p.m.: According to Genesee County Sheriff William Sheron Jr., there were two people on board, a male and a female, but he declined to provide identification pending notification of family. There are no survivors. The Buffalo News has confirmed that attorney Stephen Barnes, a licensed pilot, was on board. The impact was severe and it created a large crater in the ground and a huge debris field. The plane nearly disintegrated; the largest part of the plane that could be found was a piece of a wing only 3 to 4 feet long. He said it will be quite some time before remains can be recovered and that will be difficult. Federal Aviation Administration personnel are on scene.

UPDATE Oct. 3, 2:09 p.m.: Below is the actual aircraft piloted by Stephen Barnes, registered as N965DM LLC. Technically it is a 2009 SOCATA 700N version, but aviators refer to it as an TBM-850, according to reader Jim Riner. He's a Byron native who now lives in Englewood, Colo., and works for Wetzel Aviation. Riner sent us this photo from the FlightAware website.

Rochester Regional Health will resume lab services at its Pembroke Laboratory Service Center location effective today, Oct. 1.

With health and safety at the top of mind, we have new safety measures and processes in place to protect patients.

• A maximum of two patients will be allowed inside the facility at a time.
• Patients will need to call upon arrival to check in and be directed to enter the building when a room is ready.
• Masks will be provided to any patient who arrives without one.

While care may look different, please rest assured that we are delivering the same high-quality care we always have.

Lab services are resuming with new hours at this location:

Rochester Regional Health Laboratory Service Center – Pembroke

860 Main Road

Corfu, NY 14036

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

• 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday

• 7 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Closed weekend and holidays.

Rochester Regional Health Labs at 16 Bank St., Batavia, and 3 Tountas Ave., Le Roy, are also open for your convenience. Visit rochesterregional.org for office hours and more information.

A motor-vehicle accident with minor injuries that is partially blocking traffic is reported at 1677 Main Road in Pembroke. There are two patients complaining of back, neck and knee pain. Mercy medics and East Pembroke fire are responding. A second ambulance is requested to the scene, which is located between Boyce and Cleveland roads.

16 Ellsworth Ave., Batavia. This is a super home! Solid, ready to move in, super clean and updated throughout AND conveniently located to everything-schools, library, parks and shopping. This home is so spacious and well laid out – extra large rooms nice kitchen cabinetry, new flooring through out, and two full large baths, one on each floor. There is also off of kitchen, a large pantry room with laundry hookup -- so convenient! Three bedrooms and full bath upstairs, the master bedroom is oversized with pretty wood accents and nice lighting. There is also full attic -- if you need more storage. As well as a freshly painted, clean and bright basement area for all the rest or a place to work. Cute fenced in back yard and drive...this a great home! Click here for more information on this listing.

Call Reliant Real Estate today 585-344-home (4663).

Thank you #Truckers4Trump! pic.twitter.com/leBrV3wo0J

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 29, 2020

Overnight, President Donald Trump shared with his more than 86 million Twitter followers a video of the five "Trump Trailers" that were painted "Trump 2020" by local residents and paraded more than a week ago on routes 33, 77 and 5 on the west side of Genesee County.

The tweet has been retweeted 19,000 times and liked more than 84,000 times. The video now has more than one million views.

Previously: Photos: Five trailers supporting Trump's reelection put on display in western part of Genesee County

Andrew Theodore Pape, 31, of Chili Riga Road, Churchville, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; operation of a motor vehicle with suspended registration; refusal to take a breath test; unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree; and moving from lane unsafely. Pape was arrested at 9:49 pm. Sept. 18 on Jerico Road in Bergen following the investigation of a property damage accident that occurred at 9:10 p.m. He was issued appearance tickets for Nov. 4 in Bergen Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig, assisted by Deputy James Stack.

Jacob William Cobti, 18, of Burdick Road, Akron, is charged with: driving while ability impaired by alcohol; refusal to take a breath test; and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. On. Sept. 20 at 7:54 a.m., Cobti was arrested after an investigation of a disabled vehicle on Alleghany Road in Pembroke. He was issued traffic tickets and released. He is due in Pembroke Town Court on Oct. 21. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young.

David Gerard Sankel, 68, of Spencerport Road, Spencerport, is charged with driving while intoxicated and refusal to take a breath test. He was arrested at 12:55 a.m. on Sept. 19 on South Lake Road in Le Roy after an investigation by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office. Sankel was issued appearance tickets and is due in Town of Le Roy Court on Oct. 6. The case was handled by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Hale.