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Pembroke graduate hits it big in college

By Luke Cullinan

After graduating from Pembroke High School in 2012, Caleb Lang signed on with Cairn University, located in Langhorne, Pa., joining the baseball team in his freshman year. Caleb plays third baseman and in the past made the Section V all star team.

In high school, Lang played first and short helping the Pembroke Dragons put together a record season in 2012.

Playing for the Cairn Highlanders in both the NCCAA II and NCAA III leagues, Caleb earned of Rookie of the Year honors and runner-up for player of the year playing in the CSAC. He was also named Cairn Highlander Player of the Year by his university and was Player of the Year in the NCCAA II East Division.

Playing in the NCCAA II division, Lang was one of 15 people to make the all-American team.

During the 2013 season, Lang had a batting average of .452 making him first in the CSAC and 7th in the NCAA III division. Caleb was also 12th in the NCCAA II division for slugging percentage with a .719 slugging percentage.

In his freshman year, Lang made the CSAC all-academic team and the dean's list at Cairn. He also made the university's dean's list both semesters of his senior year. 

Lang is going after a double major, business and Bible.

Lang chose Cairn university because "it just kinda seemed right" and that "it had the background I was looking for...

"I figure if you work as hard as you can and get as good as you can, you never know what can happen. So I figure I'll just play baseball, see where it takes me. But, definitely get my degree... No matter what happens, you'll always have your degree."

Girl's basketball program shows some Genesee Valley pride in tournament showing

By Howard B. Owens

Five girls from Genesee County are part of a Genesee Valley Pride basketball program that recently took third place in a national tournament held in Florida.

The team is made up of Samantha Jurek and Hunter Jurek, from Alden, Abby Kamysz, Attica, Tiara Filbert, Batavia, Rebecca Grimaudo, Churchville-Chili, Kayla Heimlich, Le Roy, Niki Templeton and Logan Fugle, both of Livonia, and Pembroke’s Rylee Mosher, Breanna Johnson and Michaela Nati.

This was the inaugural season for GV Pride, which competed in six regional tournaments before traveling to Florida. For more on the program, visit the team's Web site.

Justice Alexander removed from all pending court cases in Pembroke by order of state

By Howard B. Owens

The state's commission on judicial conduct has ordered that all cases assigned to Town of Pembroke Justice Alexander be reassigned to Justice David O'Connor.

Alexander, the former justice for the Village of Corfu, was indicted yesterday on three misdemeanor crimes, including coercion and official misconduct.

An e-mail was sent to officials in Corfu and Pembroke today informing them of the order.

The e-mail reads:

For your information, kindly find the attached administrative order AO/201/2013 signed by the Hon. A. Gail Prudenti reassigning all judicial matters currently pending before the Hon. Robert E. Alexander, Town Justice, Pembroke Town Court, to the Hon. David M. O'Connor, Town Justice, Pembroke Town Court, effective immediately, and direct that no further judicial matters be assigned to Justice Alexander until further order of the Chief Administrative Judge.

Thank you.

Kate Breen
Court Analyst
Deputy Chief Administrative Judge's Office
for Courts Outside New York City

The Batavian has not yet obtained the attachment cited in the e-mail.

Alexander is the father of Brandi Watts, the former court clerk in Corfu who is accused of stealing more than $10,000 in court funds and filing false documents.  Alexander was charged with crimes related to his alleged attempts to disprove there were missing court funds.

O'Connor is a justice in the Town of Pembroke Court and the Village of Corfu Court.

UPDATE: The attachment, the actual order, is short and to the point:

Pursuant to the authority vested in me, I hereby reassign all judicial matters currently
pending before the Hon. Robert E. Alexander, Town Justice, Pembroke Town Court, to the Hon. David M, O’Connor, Town Justice, Pembroke Town Court, effective immediately, and direct that no further judicial matters be assigned to Justice Alexander until further order of the Chief Administrative Judge.

It's signed by Judge A. Gail Prudenti.

Law and Order: Woman, 63, accused of driving while impaired by drugs

By Howard B. Owens

Martha D. Duke, 63, of Mt. Hope Avenue, Rochester, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs. Duke was allegedly observed by witnesses driving westbound in the eastbound lane of the I-490. She was also allegedly observed driving on the shoulder of Route 33, westbound toward Batavia, at 25 mph. Deputy Chris Parker stopped her vehicle in the City of Batavia. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible in Genesee and Monroe counties.

Dennis A. Edson, 49, of 17 Porter Ave., Batavia, is charged with aggravated harassment (physical contact due to race/religion). Edson is accused threatened a passing male using racial slurs. The alleged incident was reported at 12:10 p.m. Tuesday.

Gloria S. Moretti, 36, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt. Moretti was arrested by State Police in the Town of Pembroke. No further details released.

Chase M. Knight, 23, of Tonawanda, is charged DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Knight was stopped by State Police in the Town of Pembroke at 11:57 p.m. Sunday.

Law and Order: Rochester man jailed for alleged shoplifting at Walmart and Kmart

By Howard B. Owens

Steven Douglas Crandall, 50, of Driving Park, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny and trespass. Crandall allegedly stole an air conditioning unit at Walmart with a $479.08 value. Crandall is allegedly banned from all Walmart stores because of a prior shoplifting allegation. Crandall also had an warrant for his arrest out of Town of Batavia Court for a prior shoplifting charge at Kmart. Crandall was jailed on $500 bail.

Daryl R. Hamler, 19, of Wescott Road, Le Roy, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana, 4th, and speeding. Also charged with criminal possession of marijuana was Rebecca E. Cook, 19, of Caldwell Road, Groveland. Hamler and Cook were allegedly found in possession of more than two ounces of marijuana during a traffic stop by Deputy James Diehl at 12:02 a.m. on Route 19, Le Roy.

Andrew Alexander Halloran, 48, of Northwest 7 Street Road, Miami, Fla., is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, DWI, refusal to take breath test, speeding and failure to keep right. Halloran's vehicle was stopped at 11:43 p.m. Tuesday on Route 20, Darien, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Cheryl L. Behm, 53, of Alden, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, moving from lane unsafely, failure to use designated lane and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Behm was stopped at 1:24 a.m. Wednesday on Main Road at Back Street in Pembroke by State Police.

Earl S. Lockhart, 20, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Lockhart is accused of stealing from Kmart.

Law and Order: Driver accused of DWI twice in one day

By Howard B. Owens

Charles Wayne O'Shea, 35, of East Main Street, Le Roy, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or higher, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle and aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd. O'Shea was arrested twice for alleged drunken driving within a four-hour period. The second arrest came after a traffic stop at 8:36 p.m. Saturday on Route 19, Le Roy, by Deputy Chad Minuto. Minuto said he observed O'Shea driving and knew from being involved with a prior arrest of O'Shea that O'Shea allegedly did not have a valid driver's license, so he initiated a traffic stop. Upon further investigation, Minuto concluded O'Shea was allegedly driving while intoxicated. Four hours earlier, according to Minuto's report, Minuto assisted Deputy James Diehl while Diehl arrested O'Shea for allegedly driving drunk.

Selime Bela, 49, of Crimson Drive, Albion, is charged with petit larceny. Bela is accused of shoplifting $67.49 in merchandise from Kmart.

Brandon Marshall Weig, 25, of Buffalo Road, Bergen, is charged with harassment, 2nd (physical contact). The alleged incident was reported at 1:02 a.m., Friday. No further details released. Weig was also arrested on a bench warrant for alleged criminal contempt, 2nd, and disobeying a mandate.

Michael T. Dibble, 21, of Corfu, is charged with DWI. Dibble was arrested by State Police at Erie County Medical Center for allegedly driving drunk in the Town of Pembroke at 4:19 p.m., Wednesday. No further details released.

Jeremy M. Sheehan, 30, of Le Roy, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Sheehan was arrested by State Police following an alleged incident reported at 1:49 a.m. Thursday in the Town of Le Roy. No further details were released.

Law and Order: Driver charged with DWI after short pursuit by deputy

By Howard B. Owens

David W. Maxwell, 62, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, failure to dim headlights, failure to keep right, refusal to take breath test and controlled substance not in original container. Deputy Kevin McCarthy spotted Maxwell's car at 10:09 p.m. Tuesday on Route 33 in Pembroke and Maxwell allegedly failed to dim his headlights for oncoming traffic. When McCarthy attempted a traffic stop on Maxwell's car, Maxwell allegedly refused to pull over. A short pursuit followed and Maxwell eventually pulled over on Route 33 in the Town of Batavia.

Donna Marie Kroft, 59, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Kroft is accused of shoplifting at Kmart on Tuesday.

Dora Poodry, 19, of Basom, is charged with petit larceny. Poodry was arrested by State Police for an alleged incident reported at 9:18 p.m., Wednesday, at a location on Veterans Memorial Drive. No further details released.

Person injured in hit-and-run accident in Indian Falls

By Howard B. Owens

An ambulance is requested non-emergency to 1055 Sliker Road, Indian Falls, for a person with a possible head injury and cuts and abrasions following a hit-and-run accident at that location.

The patient is conscious and alert and needs to be evaluated.

No information available at this time on the suspect vehicle.


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Photos: East Pembroke's 'Get Fired Up for Trey' fundraiser

By Howard B. Owens

The East Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department is hosting a fundraiser today for Trey (pictured above with Chief Don Newton Jr., and his mother, Heather).

Trey recently underwent surgery for Chiari Malformation (Arnold-Chiari), a serious neurological disorder where the bottom part of the brain, the cerebellum, descends out of the skull and crowds the spinal cord, putting pressure on both the brain and spine causing many symptoms.

The fundraiser will help cover his medical expenses. It includes a chicken BBQ, chance auction and silent auction and goes until 5 p.m. at the East Pembroke fire hall on Route 5.

East Pembroke Fire's fundraiser for Trey

By Howard B. Owens

Members of the East Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department are organizing a fundraiser from noon to 5 p.m., Sunday, June 30, to assist Trey.

The 5-year-old is the son of heather Gill Palandino and Donald Newton Jr. He is being treated for Chiari Malformation (Arnold-Chiari), is a serious neurological disorder where the bottom part of the brain, the cerebellum, descends out of the skull and crowds the spinal cord, putting pressure on both the brain and spine causing many symptoms.

Event Date and Time
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Henry Cook

By Bob Harker

As many of you know, Henry Cook was seriously injured in a motorcycle/deer accident near Pembroke recently. Having the helm of a leading business in the Genesee County area, Henry, his company, and his sons have been in many of our homes "fixing whats broke".

Please join me in wishing Henry and his family a successful and speedy recovery.

 

Grand jury indicts man for alleged oral sexual conduct with person under 17

By Billie Owens

Here are the latest indictments issued by the Genesee County Grand Jury:

Kyle H. Morse is indicted on four counts, all stemming from alleged actions on Sept. 21, 2012 in the Town of Elba.

He is accused of criminal sexual act in the first degree, a class-B felony, for allegedly engaging in oral sexual conduct with another person by forcible compulsion.

In count two of the indictment, Morse is accused of sexual abuse in the first degree, a class-D violent felony, for allegedly subjecting another person to sexual contact by forcible compulsion.

In count three, Morse is accused of criminal sexual act in the third degree, a class-E felony, for allegedly engaging in oral sexual conduct with another person without that person's consent. This alleged lack of consent was by reason of some factor other than incapacity to consent.

In count four, Morse is accused of sexual misconduct, a class-A misdemeanor, for allegedly engaging in oral sexual conduct with another person without that person's consent, and the person was deemed incapable of consent by vurtue of being less than 17 years old.

John J. Slack and Penny S. Sprague are both indicted on two counts each stemming from alleged actions June 16-17, 2012 on Knowlesville Road in the Town of Alabama.

In count one, they are accused of second-degree burglary, a class-C violent felony, for allegedly  entering and remaining unlawfully in a dwelling with the intent to commit a crime. In count two, they are accused of grand larceny in the third degree, a class-D felony, for allegedly stealing property having a value in excess of $3,000 -- in this case, jewelry, money, electonic devices and other property valued at about $11,000.

Franchesca A. Barrome is accused of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, a class-E felony. It is alleged that during Feb. 5-17, 2013, in the Town of Batavia she knowingly possessed stolen property with intent to benefit herself or a person other than the owner, or to impede recovery of the property by the owner. The property was a college ID card.

In count two of the indictment, Barrome is accused of petit larceny, a class-A misdemeanor, for allegedly stealing property by using the ID card to make unauthorized purchases. In count three, she is accused of criminal trespass in the second degree, a class-A misdemeanor, for allegedly entering and remaining unlawfully in a dwelling.

Gary W. Woronowski is accused of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony, for allegedly operating a 2000 Subaru while intoxicated. This allegedly occurred Feb.1, 2013 on Main Road in the Town of Pembroke. In count two, he is accused of driving while intoxicated, per se, as a class-E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .08 or more at the time.

Woronowski is also accused of having been convicted of DWI, as a misdemeanor, in 2007 which is within 10 years of the crimes alleged in this indictment.

Chad M. Dart is accused of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony, for driving a 2013 Chevy pickup on Route 33 in the Town of Stafford on March 10, 2013 while intoxicated. He is also accused of having been convicted of DWI, as a misdemeanor, in 2004, which is within 10 years of the crime alleged in the indicment.

Lastly, the Grand Jury returned a No Bill on DWI charges against Ronald J. Tombari III stemming from alleged incidents which occurred Dec. 12, 2012 in the Town of Pavilion.

Motorcycle crash at Brown and Simonds roads, Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A motorcycle accident with injuries is reported at Brown and Simonds roads. The rider is conscious and alert but the bike is on top of him. Mercy Flight is on air standby. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

The subject is fully outfitted for riding. He's in water, his head is not.

UPDATE 8:15 p.m.: Mercy Flight was called to the scene and has landed.

UPDATE 8:19 p.m.: The patient, who landed in a ditch, is now onboard the helicopter.

UPDATE 8:22 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne, but we don't know its destination.

UPDATE 8:35 p.m.: The East Pembroke assignment is back in service.

Law and Order: Pair of DWIs among reported arrests in county

By Howard B. Owens

Jeremy K. Hogeboom, 38, of South Pearl Street Road, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, speed not reasonable nor prudent, failure to keep right and unlawful possession of marijuana. Hogeboom was stopped at 12:06 a.m. Friday on Phelps Road, Pembroke, by Deputy James Diehl.

Tyler J. Aina, 21, of 13929 Waterport Circle Road, Albion, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, driving left of pavement marketings and failure to stop at stop sign. Aina was stopped by Officer Darryle Streeter at 1:09 a.m. June 15 on Oak Street.

Derrick R. Kio, 22, of 5471 Hudson Road, Pavilion, is charged with disobeying mandate. Kio is accused of violating an order of protection by calling the protected person.

Keith B. Besaw, 42, of 61 1/2 North Lyon St., Batavia, is charged with operating a motor vehicle without an inspection certificate. Besaw was taken into custody by Batavia PD on an arrest warrant issued in City Court.

Brad C. Doward, 23, of 10 Hall St., Batavia, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. Doward was allegedly involved in a domestic incident.

A 17-year-old resident of Swamp Road, Byron, is charged with petit larceny. The youth is accused of shoplifting $39.72 in merchandise from Walmart.

Debra M. Davis, 53, and Samantha B. Steiner, 22, both of 620 Yacht Club Drive, Machias, are charged with petit larceny. Davis and Steiner were arrested by State Police in connection with an alleged incident reported in the Town of Alabama in October. No further details released.

East Pembroke firefighters hosting fundraiser for 5-year-old with rare disorder

By Howard B. Owens

Members of the East Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department are organizing a fundraiser from noon to 5 p.m., Sunday, June 30, to assist Trey.

The 5-year-old is the son of heather Gill Palandino and Donald Newton Jr. He is being treated for Chiari Malformation (Arnold-Chiari), is a serious neurological disorder where the bottom part of the brain, the cerebellum, descends out of the skull and crowds the spinal cord, putting pressure on both the brain and spine causing many symptoms.

Newton is chief of the department and Julie Waldron said department members are ever grateful for all he does for the community.

"Donald and his family do a lot for our fire department and community and we would love to give back to them at this time," Waldron said. "We could never thank him enough for everything he has done for our department, and Heather and Trey, as well. They are all always there when we need them. We are one big family and we are helping our brother, our leader and his family."

The fundraiser includes a chance auction and a chicken BBQ. Pre-sale tickets for the BBQ are $9 and are available on Monday evenings at the department or from members.

Law and Order: Reader tips lead to arrest of alleged 400 Towers bike thief

By Howard B. Owens

Joey A. Evans, 22, of 202 State St., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Evans allegedly admitted to a theft of a bicycle from 400 Towers following several anonymous tips to police from readers of The Batavian.

Darrell Smith, 46, of 26 Queens Drive, West Seneca, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing/blood circulation. Smith is accused of grabbing a woman he knew by the throat.

Bill A. Thomas, 53, of 252 State St., Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct (creating a hazardous or offensive condition), disorderly conduct (obscene language/gestures) and open container. Thomas was arrested at 140 W. Main St., Batavia, for an alleged incident reported at 6:15 p.m., June 3, at 15 Main St., Batavia. No further details were released.

Danny J. Torok Jr., 26, of 3177 Dodgeson Road, Alexander, is charged with burglary, 1st (use or threat of use of a dangerous instrument), criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, unlawful imprisonment, 1st, criminal contempt, 1st (violating an order of protection while using a weapon), and menacing, 2nd. Torok was taken into custody by Batavia PD on an arrest warrant. The alleged incident was reported at 1:30 a.m., May 16. He was jailed without bail. No further details were released.

Cherkiga Starks, 36, of 335 Bank St., Apt. A7, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. The alleged incident occurred at 11:57 p.m., May 31. No further details were released.

Steven E. Wells, 51, of Macomber Road, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, operating without an interlock ignition device, and driver's view obstructed. Mary E. Wells, 51, of Macomber Road, Oakfield, is charged with facilitating aggravated unlicensed operation, David Daniels, 56, of Macomber Road, Oakfield, is charged with consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Steven Wells was stopped at 2:11 p.m., Sunday, on Slusser Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Chris Parker for allegedly driving with driver's view obstructed. Upon investigation, he was found to be allegedly driving drunk. Mary Wells is reportedly the registered owner of the vehicle and is accused of knowing Steven Wells did not have a valid driver's license. David Daniels was a passenger in the vehicle and was allegedly consuming alcohol while in the back seat.

Jason Leo Antos, 21, of Independence Avenue, Niagara Falls, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, and unlawful dealing with a child. Antos is accused of unlawfully entering the campgrounds at Darien Lake Theme Park and supplying alcohol to a minor.

Joshua M. Gaudioso, 24, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with possession and transportation of more than 400 untaxed citgarettes. Gaudioso was stopped for an alleged traffic violation at 5:43 p.m., Saturday, on West Main Street, Le Roy, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. During the stop, Gaudioso was allegedly found in possession of more than 400 untaxed cigarettes and operating on a suspended registration.

Heather Jo Lehman, 20, of Oliver Street, North Tonawanda, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, and unlawful possession of alcohol under age 21. Lehman was allegedly on Darien Lake Theme Park campgrounds property unlawfully and in possession of alcohol at 3:19 a.m., Sunday.

Jeffrey Scott Canale, 43, of Orchard Drive, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to reduce speed on curve, leaving the scene of a property damage accident and failure to keep right. Canale was allegedly driving a 1999 BMW on Oatka Trail, Le Roy, at 2:13 a.m., when he was involved in a single-car accident.

Elizabeth Anne Weiner, 22, of Conkey Avenue, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Weiner was a passenger in a vehicle stopped for an alleged traffic infraction June 2 by Deputy Patrick Reeves. She was allegedly found in possession of Ecstasy (MDMA) and marijuana.

Clifford Leo Regimbal, 34, of Granite Street, Webster, Mass., was arrested on bench warrants for alleged criminal possession of marijuana and unlawful growing of cannabis. Regimbal is being held on an unrelated matter after being returned to New York from Massachusetts, and was arrested on warrants out of Town of Alabama Court. He was also arrested on warrants out of Village of Corfu Court for alleged criminal use of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance, 7th.

Joel David Prouty, 27, of Fisher Road, Oakfield, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st. Prouty is accused of stalking and harassing a protected person in violation of a court order issued by Judge Robert C. Noonan.

Jesse S. Repass, 26, of Oakfield, is charged with petit larceny. Repass is accused of stealing from a location on Lewiston Road, Batavia, and was arrested by a state trooper.

Truck loses drive shaft causing significant diesel fuel leak at travel plaza

By Howard B. Owens

A tractor trailer traveling eastbound on the Thruway this afternoon lost its drive shaft, which hit one of its saddle tanks, opening a gash in the tank and leading to a fuel spill of up to 80 gallons diesel.

Nobody was hurt in the accident, though two cars on the Thruway hit the drive shaft and were damaged.

The truck was able to coast into the the Pembroke Service Area, leaving a trail of slick diesel from the point of the original mechanical failure to the parking lot.

Most of the fuel leaked in the service area parking lot and flowed toward a storm drain.

Diesel fuel was found a few hundred yards down stream flowing into the nearby creak, but firefighters were able to set up barriers and contain the spill at the creek entrance.

Crews were called in to spread absorbent material to clean up the spill in the parking lot.

Thruway crews spread salt on the roadway surface to provide traction and soak up the spilled fuel.

East Pembroke, Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments responded along with the county's Emergency Management team and the hazmat team.  NYSP Troop T assisted at the scene.

(Initial Report)

Pembroke student graduates with a perfect attendance record, K through 12

By Howard B. Owens

Since the day Anthony Platek entered kindergarten, there have been 2,265 school days.

Platek never missed a single day. He graduates from Pembroke High School with a perfect attendance record.

"I just showed up," Platek said. "I came every day, sick or well. People ask me, 'how come you never got sick? How did you do it?' Well, I never said I wasn't sick."

Vice Principal Nathan Work said it's quite an accomplishment.

"We have students who get perfect attendance every year, but Anthony was the first student in a while who has received perfect attendance since kindergarten," Work said.

For the accomplishment, Platek was honored by the school and among his gifts was a Dragons football jersey with his name on it and the number "0" for zero days missed.

Platek said he never really set out to achieve a perfect attendance record.

"I guess you could say kind of happened," Platek said. "I just showed up. I did my thing. I was an average student, really."

Tractor-trailer loses part of drive shaft on Eastbound Thruway, spills diesel

By Billie Owens

A tractor-trailer is leaking a significant amount of diesel fuel at the travel service center in Pembroke, located at 8319 Indian Falls Road.

Also, a portion of the disabled vehicle's drive shaft fell off in an eastbound lane of the Thruway near mile marker 398.7. State Troopers are on scene and it has been removed, but three vehicles are damaged after striking it. There's fuel covering the roadway in that area "as far as I can see" says an officer at the scene.

The East Pembroke fire chief is asking for absorbant material and foam for the fuel spill at the travel center.

"We're going to need a lot of speed dry. It's pouring out like a water hose."

There's a four-inch rip in the truck's gas tank and is gushing so much it's covering the parking lot and is now pouring into the drainage and sewer system.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation is being called out, along with the county Emergency Management Department's Haz-Mat team, and the state Department of Transportation.

Firefighters report being all out of speedy dry at the East Pembroke Fire Hall and will call on the Town of Batavia Fire Department for some. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are called to the travel center to provide mutual aid.

About 120 gallons of fuel has leaked and it's still gushing. The tank was full and now it's down to an eighth of a tank. At least a truckload of absorbant materials is needed. A boom is going to be used to try and prevent any more flow from going into the drainage system.

UPDATE 4:15 p.m.: When asked how the spill was, a firefighter said "It's come down a lot -- either that or she's almost out of fuel."

UPDATE 5:19 p.m.: The East Pembroke chief says fire crews cleaned up as much of the spill as they could and the remainder of it will be handled by the Thruway Authority and the DEC. Fire crews which responded are back in service, including Corfu, which was standing by in its quarters.

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