Skip to main content

pembroke

CSX has opened two railroad crossings, but five remain closed

By Howard B. Owens

Two of the group of railroad crossings between the Genesee and Erie County line that had been closed reopened this morning by 9, but the rest remain closed and according to a CSX manager at Wortendyke Road, will remain closed through tomorrow.

Upton and Snipery roads are open.

Route 77, which had been partially closed for some repair work was open at 10:30 a.m.

The closures are affecting travel for residents, bus drivers, and of course, emergency responders

We requested comment from the CSX media center last night and again today but have yet to get a response.

Crossing above: Wortendyke Road.

UPDATE: As soon as I hit save on this, a representative from CSX called. He needed to get more information so he could get us more information. We'll update this post accordingly when we hear back.

Wilkinson Road


Ellinwood Avenue

Colby Road

Fargo Road

No leads in series of car break-ins, ATV theft in East Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

Thieves made off with laptops, GPS devices, cash, backpacks and book bags during a series of break-ins to cars in the East Pembroke area this past weekend.

During the spree an ATV was stolen from a home on Read Road, East Pembroke.

Deputies are investigating the thefts but have no leads at this point, according to Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster.

There are about 20 known larcenies from Saturday and Sunday, Brewster said.

"Often times, we get a call of four or five larcenies and it turns out there may have been 15 or 20 more people who just don't report it," Brewster said.

The ATV stolen was left outside, but did not have its keys in its ignition. It was pushed down the road a ways and then apparently hotwired, Brewster says.

It's a 2009 Yamaha Raptor, white with red rims.

Brewster said another ATV was stolen in Darien about three weeks ago and later recovered in Lancaster.

It was apparently driven down a railroad bed and then abandoned.

"A lot of times these kids try to hide it in the weeds thinking it won't be found and they can come back and ride it again later," Brewster said. "They don't dare take it home."

Anyone with information that may assist in the investigation can call the Sheriff's Office at (585) 343-5000.

Batavia beats Pembroke 7-4 in girls softball game

By Howard B. Owens

Following a 7-4 Batavia victory over Pembroke, both coaches for the girls softball teams said they see things to build on that could carry them into sectional play.

"We need to be more consistent," said Pembroke's Ron Funke. "We're a good hitting team, but we to do the little things. The mental mistakes are hurting us right now."

The Lady Dragons are 3-4 so far this year and Funke said that now that the weather should improve and the girls play together more, those little mistakes will get ironed out.

"The more games we get in, the more consistent we'll become," Funke said.

For Burt Howell, head coach for Batavia, he saw a pitcher today, and his hitters who are starting to put things together.

"When you see them go from practice to game and get some of the skills in it makes you think they're going to get better fast," Howell said.

Kim Walsh threw hard today and Howell thinks that was the big difference in the game.

"She controlled the game from the circle," Howell said. "If she she pitches like that on a daily basis, there isn't anybody we don't think we can't beat. We need the youngsters to make plays behind her, but when she throws like that the girls are in the game and we start to actually make plays."

Among the younger players who stepped up their performance today was Hannah Bowen, who went 2-4 and his hitting .667 so far this season. She's in eighth grade. She also had three RBI on two doubles.

Walsh also went 2-4, including a monster double that would have cleared any fence in a typical softball field if there was one at the Batavia field.

Pembroke had 10 hits, led by Deanna Perry, who went 2-3, and Danni Dellapenta, who was 2-4 with two doubles, and Bre Johnson, who had a triple.

Howell praised Perry saying that she proved she could turn on Walsh's fastball, so they had to change speeds on her.

To purchase prints of photos, click here.

Fire reported in apartment in Corfu

By Howard B. Owens

A structure fire is reported 735 Genesee St., Corfu.

Corfu fire along with Pembroke, East Pembroke, Darien and the City's Fast Team all dispatched.

Firefighters on scene say people are still in the house and they're trying to get them out. The fire is at the back of the structure, possibily on a porch.

UPDATE 11:34 p.m.: The City's Fast Team is cancelled.

UPDATE 11:35 p.m.: The fire is knocked down. Crittendon and Akron were also called, but now are cancelled.

UPDATE 12:15 a.m.: Corfu returning to quarters.

Rich Funke to be honored tonight by St. John Fisher

By Howard B. Owens

Pembroke native Rich Funke, who started his broadcast career at WBTA, will receive a lifetime achievement award from St. John Fisher College.

The award is named after Jack Palvino, a member of the university's first graduating class who became well known in Rochester media.

The award ceremony is this evening.

Funke's broadcast career in Rochester and Batavia spans 40 years.

His first big assignment in broadcast news was covering the Attica prison riot for WBTA.

(via WHEC)

Car found on fire in Pembroke off the Thruway

By Howard B. Owens

A chief is on scene in Pembroke of what was initially reported as a grass fire off the Thruway but now appears to be a motor vehicle accident where the car caught fire.

The car was pretty far along burning by the time it was found.

No indication at this point that there is any victims in the area.

The location -- I think on Stage Road -- is actually in Newstead's district. Newstead is being dispatched.

It's possible the location is in Erie County.

UPDATE 10:53 p.m.: Nobody is in the car.

UPDATE 10:55 p.m.: Fire is out. Scene has been turned over to Erie County Sheriff. Pembroke not yet back in service. 

GENESEE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL OFFER AN ANTI-RABIES CLINIC FOR PETS.

By David Whitcroft

Genesee County Health Department is offering an anti-rabies immunization clinic on Thursday April 18, 2013 from 4pm til 7pm at the Pembroke Highway Garage located at 1145 Main Road; the NE corner of Route 77 and Route 5, in the Town of Pembroke. Vaccination will be offered to dogs, cats and ferrets. There is no charge for the residents of Genesee County, out of county pet owners will be asked for a $5.00 donation. Please bring your pets with the proper restraints; on leashes, in cages etc. Be prepared to supply pet owner information; name, address, telephone contact info, etc.

Event Date and Time
-

Law and Order: Rochester duo jailed after allegedly shoplifting from Walmart

By Howard B. Owens

Michael B. Collier, 50, of Gladstone Street, Rochester, and Stephen J. Wood, 60, of West Main Street, Rochester, are charged with petit larceny. Collier and Wood are accused of shoplifting at Walmart. Collier was arraigned and turned over to the Orlean's County Sheriff's Office on a warrant and Wood was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Brandon L. Doward, 28, of 125 Liberty St., lowor, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Doward is accused of pushing a woman to the ground during an argument. He was jailed on $750 bail.

Diana L. Bloom, 55, of 117 State St., lower, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Bloom is accused of shoplifting at the Hess Mart, corner of West Main and Oak streets, Batavia.

Harry J. Hall, 46, of Pine Tree Drive, Poughkeepsie, is charged with possession of untaxed cigarettes, plate obstructed and driver's view obstructed. Hall was allegedly found with 24 cartons of untaxed cigarettes during at traffic stop by Deputy Chris Parker at 10:01 a.m., Sunday, on Route 77, Pembroke.

Mitchell Scott Lindbergh, 44, of Chairfactory Road, Elma, is charged with stalking, 4th. Lindbergh is accused of repeated contact with a person in Darien he had been told to leave alone.

Brian Lee Smith, 51, of Colonial Blvd., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Smith is accused of violating an order of protection by contacting the protected party via e-mail.

Dennis Andrew O'Neal, 25,of Alleghany Road, Corfu, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. O'Neal is accused of punching holes into the drywall of a house in Corfu.

Andrew Richard Bastiano, 26, of Sumner Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and operating with inadequate lights. Bastiano was stopped at 10:59 p.m., Friday, on Townline Road, Bergen, by Deputy Jason Saile.

Chimney fire reported on Genesee Street in Corfu

By Billie Owens

A passerby reported flames coming from a chimney at 856 Genesee St. in Corfu. Corfu, City of Batavia Fire Department's Fast Team along with Darien, Pembroke, East Pembroke, and Indian Falls are called to the scene. First responders confirm flames shooting from the chimney.

UPDATE 11:46 p.m.: Only Corfu and Darien are told to continue to the scene. Akron and Crittenden, the Fast Team and the others are cancelled. An infrared camera and a ladder to access the side of the house are requested.

Driver said deer scared him off the road, causing accident that led to power outage in Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

A driver early this morning said he was spooked by a deer, causing him to lose control of his vehicle, strike a utility pole and cause a power outage in the Pembroke area.

Theodis Charles Hill III, 22, of 193 S. Main St., #26, Batavia, was westbound on Route 5 near Lover's Lane at 12:55 a.m. when his car traveled off the south shoulder of the road and into a drainage ditch.

The vehicle overturned and struck a National Grid utility pole.

The accident cause power lines to catch on fire and firefighters had a difficult time extricating Hill, though he reportedly suffered only minor injuries.

He was transported to ECMC by an ambulance with an arm injury, though he was listed as going into shock at the time of his transport.

Hill was issued a citation for alleged failure to keep right.

(Initial Report)

Car into pole on Route 5, minor injuries, but lengthy extrication process expected

By Howard B. Owens

A car has hit a pole in the area of Route 5 and Lovers Lane, Pembroke, and while the driver is conscious and alert and appears to have only minor injuries, he's trapped in the vehicle, which has rolled on its side.

The driver is standing in the vehicle and the roof will need to be removed to get him out.

A chief said it will be a lengthy extrication process. The vehicle needs to be stabilized for extrication to continue at this point.

Route 5 is shut down to westbound traffic at Route 77.

Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments on scene. Corfu Fire handling traffic control.

Note: I'm going back to bed, so don't expect any further updates tonight. If this is a Sheriff's Office call, there will likely be a follow-up accident report at some point.

UPDATE 1:26 a.m.: OK, an update. The wires on the pole are now burning. Crews warned of the danger above them while they work and a truck is being moved. National Grid had already been notified. Also, the vehicle was reportedly off the road for some distance and managed to avoid hitting other poles prior to hitting the one it did. There's quite a debris trail leading to the accident, according to a deputy.

UPDATE 1:29 a.m.: National Grid has a 10-minute ETA and requests that crews stay away from the wires. A chief says just the connecting arm that appears to be burning now, not the wires.

CTE students inducted into National Tech Honor Society

By Billie Owens

Press release:

In March, the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) Chapters inducted 119 Career and Technical students from the Charles G. May Center and Batavia Campus. Evening candlelight ceremonies took place at the May Center and Elba High School.

These students met a rigorous criteria set forth by this national organization. The minimum grade-point average for acceptance is a 3.0. Students are also selected based upon credit hours completed, attendance, volunteer service, and membership in other student organizations.

Honorary memberships were presented to Michael Glover, Ph.D., district superintendent of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, and David O’Geen, Precision Machining instructor at the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center.

Batavia Career and Technical Education Center

Alexander

William Burke                         Metal Trades

Miriah Gaudy                          Metal Trades

Christina Haniszewski            Health Careers Academy

Donald Ohlson                       Electronics & Comp Tech

Fleur Remington                    Legal Careers Academy

Matthew Szymanski               Metal Trades

Brittany Taylor                        Legal Careers Academy

 

Attica

Ashley Brotherton                  Health Careers Academy

Aleiah Brunner                       Animal Science

Nathan Burry                         Building Trades

Mitchell Cayea                       Metal Trades

Amber Holley                         Criminal Justice

Kellee Kibler                          Health Careers Academy

Angela LePrell                       Health Careers Academy

Nicole Strauchen                   Health Careers Academy

Batavia

Tyler Kuhn                             Conservation

Rebecca Meloon                   Cosmetology

Miranda Reed                       Animal Science

Louis Scafetta                       Building Trades

Ashley Stachowski                Animal Science

McKenzie Stevens                Legal Careers Academy

Byron Bergen

Nicole Fore                            Health Careers Academy

Kara Hall                                Health Careers Academy

Andrew McKenrick                 Conservation

Blake Snyder                         Conservation

Alexandra Walker                   Health Careers Academy

Caledonia Mumford

Devan Ayers                          Metal Trades

Andrew Carpino                     Auto Technology NATEF

Nichole Essig                         Health Careers Academy

Brittany Kerr                           Animal Science

Cody McGinnis                       Metal Trades

Ryan Sickles                          Metal Trades

Elba

Viviana Gaytan                      Human Services

Le Roy

Alexandra Beswick                Computer Information Academy

Christopher DeFelice             Legal Careers Academy

Emily Morrill                           Health Dimensions

Verneda Peete                       Legal Careers Academy

Brittany Shultz                       Culinary Arts

Oakfield Alabama

Brian Borkholder                    Electronics & Comp Tech

Paige Chatt                            Legal Careers Academy

Chelsea Cleveland                 Health Careers Academy

Brittany Denton                      Health Careers Academy

Jenifer Igoe                            Health Careers Academy

Casey McVay                         Computer Information Academy

Brennan Neidrauer                 Metal Trades

Sadie Schultz                         Legal Careers Academy

Haley Woodrich                      Human Services

Pavilion

Nicole Forti                             Health Careers Academy

Heather Yuhnke                     Cosmetology

Pembroke

Mitchell Allen                          Auto Technology NATEF

Kari Ammon                           Health Careers Academy

Nick Blackwell                        Graphic Arts

Austin Blaszak                       Graphic Arts

Brooke Keller                         Cosmetology

Tyler Lang                              Conservation

Law and Order: Trio of youths accused of breaking into residence, stealing bracelet

By Howard B. Owens

Joshua A. Stantos, 18, of 4585 Lake Ave., Rochester; Tyree A. Bradley, 20, of 1270 North St., Rochester; and, Skylynn D. Johnson, 16, of 110 Walnut St., Batavia, are charged with burglary, 2nd, and robbery, 2nd. The suspects are accused of entering a residence without permission and using force to steal a bracelet. The alleged incident was reported at 3:34 p.m., Thursday. All three were jailed without bail.

Darrin Todd Moreland, 47, of Telegraph Road, Medina, is charged with petit larceny. Moreland is accused of stealing snow fences and posts.The fences were rolled up and laying along the side of Lewiston Road waiting for the Town of Oakfield Highway Department to pick up.

Charles Rashad Foster, 26, of Carter Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Foster was a passenger in a vehicle stopped at 3:33 p.m. Sunday on Oak Street, Batavia, by Deputy Kevin McCarthy and found during the traffic stop to allegedly possess marijauna.

Brianna Elise McGrady, 24, of Campbell Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, driver's view obstructed and unlicensed operator. McGrady's vehicle was stopped at 3:33 p.m. Sunday on Oak Street, Batavia, by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Edward Thomas Zaremski, 62, of Lockport Road, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, failure to keep right, refused pre-screen device. Zaremski's vehicle was stopped by Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello at 11:56 p.m. Saturday on Lockport Road, Oakfield, after a report of a vehicle in Elba being driven erratically. Zaremski was jailed on $100 bail.

Lauren Kay Pellegrino, 31, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, speeding, possession of an open container, unlicensed operator. Pellegrino's vehicle was stopped at 12:07 a.m. Saturday on Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Jessica Katherine Forrester, 21, of Erie Street, Albion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Forrester was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Deputy Patrick Reeves on Route 77 in Pembroke.

Christopher Arron Saddler, 29, of West State Street, Albion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd. Saddler was stopped at 6:17 p.m. Friday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Emma Jean Brinkman, 57, of Sunset Parkway, Oakfield, is charged with petit larceny. Brinkman is accused of stealing $84.93 in merchandise from Kmart.

Lisa Sue Metcalf, 33, of Batavia Oakfield Townline Road, Oakfield, was arrested on a bench warrant for alleged criminal possession of stolen property, 3rd. Metcalf is accused of failure to comply with Genesee Justice conditions. Metcalf was jailed on $250 bail.

Raymond Amaro, 26, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged violation of probation. Bail was set at $50,000.

Melanie Patricia Heidt, 21, of Elmgrove Road, Rochester, is charged with possession of more than 400 untaxed cigarettes. Heidt was stopped at 9:23 p.m. Thursday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Francis J. Sheehan, 61, of 400 E. Main St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and criminal contempt, 1st. Sheehan is accused of punching a woman. There was allegedly an order of protection in place.

Ryan C. Riggi, 18, no permanent address, is charged with failure to appear. Riggi was turned over to Batavia PD on a warrant out of City Court and jailed on $5,000 bail.

Summer Ogden, 37, of 29 Central Ave., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, and burglary, 2nd. Ogden was allegedly found in the apartment of a person she is barred from contacting after police were summoned to a Liberty Street location for a reported disturbance. Ogden allegedly entered the residence without permission. The criminal contempt charge is a felony because Ogden has a similar conviction in the past five years.

Kelvin B. Murphy, 40, of 319 Ellicott St., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and grand larceny, 4th. Murphy allegedly stole a wallet while at a business on East Main Street, Batavia. The wallet contained credit cards and cash.

Daniel L. Dioguardi, 31, of 4993 Upper Holley Road, Holley, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property and two counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument and two counts of petit larceny. Dioguardi turned himself in on warrants for the charges.

Rachael A. Baeher, 26, of 40 Church St., Le Roy, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child, appearance in public under influence of a drug other than alcohol, unlawful possession of marijuana and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Baeher was arrested after police were summoned to the Days Inn at 11:16 p.m., Wednesday, for the report of a woman requesting assistance after ingesting drugs. Baeher allegedly had two small children with her. She was jailed on $1,500 cash bail.

Timothy A. Shay, 48, of Waterport, is charged with issuing a bad check. Shay was arrested by State Police in connection with an alleged incident in the City of Batavia reported at 1 p.m., March 19. No further details released.

Cory J. Trybushyn, 25, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Trybushyn is accused of stealing from Target at 9:56 p.m., Thursday. Trybushyn was arrested by State Police.

Ramel J. Askew, 19, of Bronx, is charged with petit larceny. Askew is accused of stealing from Target at 4:36 p.m., Friday. Askew was arrested by State Police.

Do you need to be rescued?

By Tracy Byrnes

Do you need to be rescued?

Life stinks sometimes, even for a skunk! Last summer I discovered that we had five baby skunks living under our front porch without a mother. It was a puzzling situation…I did not know what to do because of the mighty punch that they pack! After a few hours of observing them, I decided they needed help, so I became their rescuer. They were not going to make it without the intercession of another, so I was it. Each day I would feed them and give them water, and I would just sit and observe their interaction with each other. What I witnessed would often bring a smile on my face or a tear to my eyes. One day while I was walking in the backyard, I looked over and saw that two of the babies had fallen into the garden pond. They were desperate and were struggling to get out. I had to reach down and rescue them from drowning. You can only imagine my apprehension of picking them out of the water. I did it, only after a quick prayer to their creator asking Him to keep their tails lowered. He answered that prayer and they were saved with no consequence to me, which put a smile on my face! Thank you Lord!

Another day while sitting on my front porch the babies were in a heap sleeping on the sidewalk. It was feeding time so I opened the front door and watched all the babies but one come over to me to be fed. That one baby skunk was gone. What I witnessed from the others brought tears to my eyes. They kept nudging that little still skunk as if to say, “come on, it’s time to eat…wake up”. They pushed and pulled on that baby skunk until he was safely under the front porch. They took him home where he could be close to them. Life does stink sometimes, even for a skunk!

Do you ever feel like your drowning in sorrow and lifes hardships?  Do you ever feel like you need to be rescued? Let me tell you of life’s greatest rescuer, His name if Jesus Christ. He came from heaven to earth so that those who call on Him as their savior may find hope, and one day be taken home to heaven to be eternally with Him (Romans 6:23). He rescued us by coming and dying on the cross at Calvary so that we may have our sins forgiven (Romans 5:8). How can He rescue you? Say a prayer asking Him to forgive you of all your sins, and ask Him to help you to live a life that is pleasing to Him. He will rescue you if call on Him (Romans 10:9-10).

Yes, life stinks “sometimes”, even for a Christian. But, when you decide to follow Him and make Him Lord of your life, He will work all things out for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). He promises to be with you and will never forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).

We are in the Easter season, a time to reflect on what Jesus did for us on the cross.  Allow Him to be your rescuer and become Lord of your life. Allow Him to forgive you and help you. Call out to Him in prayer and He will answer you. He will reach down and pick you up, He will intercede for you (Hebrew 7:25).

I was the baby skunks rescuer until they were mature enough to be safely transported to their new home called the woods. Jesus Christ became my rescuer thirty four years ago when I asked Him to forgive me and come into my life. I know He will come one day to safely take me home to be with Him forever, my eternal home called heaven (John 14:3).

If you would like someone to pray with you, please call Batavia Assembly of God at 343-8521. We would also like to invite you to a week of prayer April 22nd through the 28th beginning at 6pm to 7:30pm at the church located at 24 North Spruce Street, Batavia. You may also come for prayer any Sunday morning beginning at 8:30am. Someone would be glad to pray for you at anytime.

May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

Tracy Byrnes
Prayer Coordinator
Batavia Assembly of God

Law and Order: Woman arrested on drug, weapon warrant after release from jail

By Howard B. Owens

Juliette Anne Moore, 33, of Wayne Street, Lancaster, is charged with criminal use of drug paraphernalia, criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Moore was arrested on a warrant following her release from the Erie County Jail on a unrelated matter. Moore was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Jamie Lynn Edenholm, 25, of Gabbey Road, Pembroke, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Edenholm was arrested Wednesday. No further details were released.

Eldon Javier Ortiz, 18, Buell Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Ortiz is accused of shoplifting at Kmart. Arrested at the same time on the same charge was Phillip Matthew Boyd, 18, of Redfield Parkway, Batavia.

Batavia and Pembroke tie in Mock Trials final, with Batavia advancing on tiebreaker

By Howard B. Owens

It took a tiebreaker, but Batavia High School came out on top in the 2013 GLOW-region Mock Trial Tournament.

In Monday's final round, held in Warsaw, Batavia and Pembroke each scored 110 points in two simultaneous trials.

The plaintiff sides for both teams won their respective trials, making both teams 1-1 on the evening.

Wyoming County Court Judge Michael F. Griffith presided over one trial and and attorney Michael M. Mohun presided over the second.

The tiebreaker came down to Batavia scoring 114 points in the semifinal round to 90 for Pembroke.

The case involved a lawsuit by a student who accused a technical, private college of not providing the education and opportunities promised prior to his/her enrollment.

The photos are from Mohun's courtroom with Pembroke on the plaintiff side and Batavia on defense.

For Pembroke: Ben Reiner, Brandon Kohorst and Erik Schoenecker were plaintiff attorneys and Cody Zajaczkowski, Karen Glomb and Bryan Cox were witnesses.

The defense attorneys for Batavia: Trey Abdella, Danielle Quinn, McKenzie Stevens; the witnesses: Eric DiLaura, Cara Ranalli, Katie Kesler.

Batavia advances to the regional tournament, which will be held in the Genesee County Courthouse this year. The date, yet to be determined, will be one of the last two Saturdays in April.

To purchase prints, click here.

Batavia and Pembroke come out on top in semi-finals of Mock Trial tournament

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia High School beat Alexander on Wednesday evening in a Mock Trial competition held in the Livingston County Courthouse and will move on to the area final competition Monday in Warsaw.

Batavia will face Pembroke, who beat Byron-Bergen.

The four teams squared off in two-round competitions, with each side trying a case once as the plaintiff and once as the defense.

Batavia won both rounds against Alexander, scoring 114 points to Alexander's 105.

Pembroke also won both sides, with a score of 90 points against 82 for Byron-Bergen.

The case this year is a civil suit between a computer student who feels a private college offering programing degrees misled him about the quality of education he/she would receive and the prospects for employment post-graduation.

The cases were presided over by Livingston County Court judges Robert Wiggins and Thomas Moran.

The photos are from the first round between Batavia and Alexander, with Batavia in the plaintiff role and Alexander on defense.

Batavia's plaintiff team: Kaitlin Logsdon, Matt Gabriele and Beth Bennon as attorneys and Brandon Smart, Dylan Beckman and Chelsea Jensen as witnesses. Alexander's defense attorneys were Kaeleigh Bean, Felicia Rynkowski and Deven Blowers, with witnesses Audrey Browne, Evelyn Aubrey, Katie Wolfley and Karl Kunze (on both sides).

On defense for Batavia were Trey Abdella, McKenzie Stevens and Danielle Quinn, with witnesses Eric Dilaura, Katie Keiser and Cara Randall. Alexander's plaintiff attorneys were Russell Brinkman, Justin Zito and Samantha James.

\

To purchase prints of these photos, click here.

Motor-vehicle accident with injuries on Knapp Road

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported on Knapp Road. A woman has back and facial injuries. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are responding along with Mercy medics and law enforcement.

UPDATE 4:13 p.m.: The 62-year-old victim was roadside, getting mail out of her mailbox, when her vehicle was reared-ended. The vehicle which struck her's sustained heavy front-end damage and left the scene. Erie County has been notified to be on the lookout for the vehicle (didn't hear what kind), since the victim's home is close to the county line. The driver of the vehicle which left the scene is said to be an older man wearing a hat. Indian Falls was told to stand down.

UPDATE 4:21 p.m.: The victim's daughter, 42, was also in the vehicle and they are now inside the residence, complaining of lower back pain but able to walk around. Both will be transported to a hospital, but responders weren't yet sure which hospital.

Fire on tractor-trailer on eastbound Thruway, East Pembroke is responding

By Billie Owens

The cab of a tractor-trailer was reportedly on fire in the eastbound lane of the Thruway at mile marker 394.0 and East Pembroke Fire Department is being dispatched. Subsequently, it was reported that it may be a tire on the rig that is burning and that the vehicle may still be moving.

UPDATE 1:03 p.m.: Firefighters checked the area, but found no smoking big rig. "It must've rolled out of the district."

Authentically Local