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Rollover accident, no injuries, on Route 5 in Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A one-vehicle rollover accident is reported on Route 5, west of Indian Falls Road, in Pembroke. There are no injuries, but a medic is called to evaluate in an infant who was in the vehicle.

East Pembroke fire is responding.

Photo: Brent Persia's CD release party

By Howard B. Owens

Tonight, Pembroke native Brent Persia, hosted a CD-release party at Center Street Smoke House, Downtown Batavia. Before a full house, Persia sang songs from his debut CD as well as some favorite covers. The singer-songwriter's CD will be available for purchase through his website.

Police Beat: Driver accused of hit-and-run in the city arrested

By Howard B. Owens

Justin J. Wheeler, 37, of Attica, is charged with driving with ability impaired by drugs and failure to keep right. Wheeler is accused of being involved in an alleged hit-and-run accident on South Main Street, Batavia, and was subsequently stopped on Route 98, Town of Alexander, for allegedly operating erratically. (initial report)

Thomas Anthony Sobczak, 45, of West Main Street, Corfu, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana. Sobczak was stopped on an unidentified road in Batavia at 2:45 p.m., Nov. 15, for allegedly following too closely behind a semi-trailer by Deputy Brian Thompson. Thompson reported allegedly finding marijuana and codeine in Sobczak's possession.

Jeffrey M. Kohorst, 22, of 6105 Main Road, Stafford, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speeding. Kohorst was stopped at 9:51 p.m., Saturday, in the City of Batavia by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Michael Todd Dibble, 19, of Indian Falls Road, Corfu, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Dibble was stopped at 11:35 p.m., Saturday, on Route 5, Town of Batavia, for an alleged traffic violation by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

A 16-year-old of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth was charged following a traffic stop on Angling Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Brian Thompson. A 16-year-old passenger in the car was also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The 17-year-old driver was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, reckless driving and speeding (90 mph in a 55 mph zone). The reckless driving drive stems from an alleged attempt to elude law enforcement with four passengers in the car.

Gary David Doctor, 28, of East Main Street, Corfu, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and unsafe tires. Doctor was stopped on Route 33, Pembroke by Deputy Brian Thompson.

Dylan James Hawkins, 18, of Hilltop Acres, Morrow Road, Pavilion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Hawkins was reportedly a passenger in a vehicle stopped on East Avenue by Deputy Brian Thompson. The 17-year-old driver, of Bryant Street, Batavia, was also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

Teriance M. Schramm, 20, of Edwards Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon and unlawful possession of marijuana. Schramm was allegedly seen on Nov. 15 walking down Ross Street with nunchaku ("nunchucks") in his pocket. He was questioned by Deputy Matt Butler and also found to allegedly possess marijuana.

Summer Ogden, 34, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt and disobeying a court order. Ogden was arrested by State Police at 8:32 a.m., Saturday. No further details released.

Driver loses consciousness on Thruway, car in a ditch

By Howard B. Owens

A driver reportedly lost consciousness while on the Thruway and his car went off the roadway into a ditch.

The accident occurred in the area of mile marker 398.2.

East Pembroke Fire and Mercy EMS responding.

Police Beat: Bail set at $1K for man accused of violating order of protection

By Howard B. Owens

Ronald A. Smith, 18, of 3189 Broadway Road, Alexander, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Smith is accused of violating a court order protecting a female acquaintance. During the investigation he was allegedly found in possession of marijuana. Smith was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Latoya Y. Stanley, 101 State St., Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass and criminal mischief, 4th. Stanley is accused of going to the apartment of another person and damaging the doorway.

Randy L. Sanfratello, 41, of 4016 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Sanfratello is accused of trying to fight another man at East Town Plaza on Oct. 20. He was arrested on a warrant out of Batavia City Court.

Nathan Lorel Smatana, 21, of Lincoln Place, Lockport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Smatana was arrested following the investigation into a motor-vehicle accident at 5:12 p.m., Friday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Joseph Graff.

Victoria Lynn Phillips, 49, of Molasses Hill Road, Bethany, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Phillips was arrested by Deputy Jason Saile following a 9-1-1 call out of the Town of Darien at 11:46 p.m., Friday.

Adam Scott Hamilton, 25, of Curwood Drive, Tonawanda, is charged with disorderly conduct. Hamilton was picked up on a bench warrant out of Town of Darien Court for failure to pay a fine. He paid the fine and was released.

Alejandro Cortes Ruiz, 28, of Oak Orchard Road, Elba, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, inadequate headlights, unlicensed operation and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Ruiz was stopped at 11:54 p.m., Friday, on South Lyon Street, City of Batavia, by Deputy Jason Saile. Bail was set at $2,500.

A 17-year-old from Batavia is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth was nabbed when a K-9 allegedly alerted on his vehicle parked in a parking lot.

A 17-year-old from Basom is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth was nabbed when a K-9 allegedly alerted on his vehicle parked in a parking lot.

Randall William McKeown, 48, of Dellinger Avenue, is charged with a felony count of DWI, driving with a BAC .08 or greater, aggravated unlicense operation, 3rd, and moving from lane unsafely. McKeown was stopped on Route 5, Batavia, at 12:31 a.m., Sunday, by Deputy Joseph Graff.

Christopher Thomas Guillod, 23, of Olde Tavern Circle, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving left of pavement markings and inadequate exhaust. Guillod was stopped at 1:12 a.m., Sunday, on Oak Street, Batavia, by Deputy Jason Saile.

Two-vehicle accident in Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A two-vehicle accident, blocking the roadway, is reported at West Main and Allegany Roads in Pembroke.

Car hits pole in fron of Kutter's Cheese

By Billie Owens

A car-into-pole accident with minor injuries is reported in front of Kutter's Cheese, located at 857 Main Road in Corfu.

Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE (4:11 p.m.): The woman is reported to be uninjured. Mercy EMS is continuing in non-emergency mode. She told responders that she was trying to park her car when her vehicle struck the pole. The vehicle is damaged.

Three-car accident reported on Thruway

By Howard B. Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries has been reported on the Thruway, eastbound lane between mile markers 402 and 404.

Pembroke and Indian Falls Fire  with Mercy EMS being dispatched.

The Pembroke chief warns that responders should be aware that the Route 77 bridge over the Thruway is very slick.

On scene, the chief reports three vehicles involved. No word yet on injuries.

UPDATE 9:04 a.m.: Everybody is out of the cars and walking around. One person may have an eye injury.

UPDATE 9:14 a.m.: A second ambulance is requested to the scene.

Grassfire reported in Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A grassfire is reported on Marble Road, near Akron Road. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are responding.

UPDATE (3:22 p.m.): The little fire has burnt itself out. Alabama fire helped out and got to the scene first. The units from Pembroke and Indian Falls were held back and now Alabama is returning to quarters.

Police responding to possible child abduction on Route 77

By Howard B. Owens

Multiple law enforcement units are responding to Route 77 north of Route 5 following the report of a possible child abduction by a parent.

The report came in through OnStar.

The suspect car is a 2010 silver Chevy Malibu.

UPDATE 2:11 p.m.: The search is now located in the area of Flying J.

UPDATE 2:13 p.m.: A deputy has the vehicle stopped in the Flying J's parking lot. Brighton PD is being notified. The car is registered to a woman in Spencerport.

UPDATE 2:19 p.m.: Deputy: "The child is fine. (The driver) was heading to the rez for cigarettes." Now it appears that Ogden PD is lead agency.

Police Beat: Batavia woman with multiple prior arrests in trouble again

By Howard B. Owens

Latoya D. Jackson, 25, no permanent address, is charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Jackson was arrested after police responded to T.F. Brown's restaurant at 12:35 a.m., where she was reportedly causing a disturbance after being denied entry due to her apparent intoxication. Jackson allegedly yelled obscenities on Liberty Street and began to struggle with officer Darryl Streeter following her arrest. Jackson was jailed on $2,500 bail. For previous reports on Jackson, click here.

Manuel Larry Valdez, 32, of Shane Drive, North Syracuse, is charged with criminal mischief, petit larceny, harassment and disorderly conduct. Valdez was arrested following an investigation by Deputy Jason Saile into an alleged incident at 9:55 p.m., Friday, on Veterans Memorial Drive. Valdez is accused of yelling profanity in a public parking lot, allegedly pulling the hair of another person, biting her arm and punching her in the face.  Valdez also allegedly damaged the victim's car keys so she couldn't start her car. Valdez also allegedly stole merchandise from a store. He was jailed on $10,000 cash bail.

Mark R. Mack, 48, of 5 Chapel St., Mt. Morris, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Mack was reportedly found at 3:34 a.m., Friday, in his car with the motor running by Sgt. Michael J. Hare of the Le Roy Police Department, in a parking lot on Main Street, Le Roy.

Andrew Russell Desmond, 27, of Seaford Terrace, Hamburg, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Desmond was stopped at 8:20 p.m., Friday, for allegedly driving 100 mph on Route 5 in Pembroke by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Reeves reported he found Desmond allegedly in possession of marijuana.

Armekcl Devonte Austin, 19, of Terrace Park, Rochester, is charged with trespass. Austin allegedly trespassed on College Village property after being evicted and told to stay away.

Carla L. Spikes, 20, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, unlicensed operation and speeding. Spikes was stopped at 3:13 a.m., Saturday, by Deputy Howard Carlson.

Patrick Anthony Martone, 48, of Benedict Drive, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Martone was stopped by Deputy Brian Thompson at 10:45 p.m., Oct. 24, for allegedly running a red light on West Main Street, Batavia. Thompson reportedly could smell the odor of marijuana coming from the car.

John Richard Schumacher, 19, of Colonial Woods Drive, Alden, is charged with trespass. Schumacher was reportedly on College Village property after being banned from the property several months ago.

Gregory P. Drake, 20, of Phillips Road, Holley, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC. 08, driving left of pavement markings in a no-passing zone, consumption of alcohol in vehicle and failure to dim headlights. Drake was stopped at 12:32 a.m., Sunday, on Route 237, Byron, by Deputy Jason Saile.

Ronald A. Bialy II, 20, of 337 Bank St., Apt. 37, Batavia, is charged with DWI and aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle. Bialy was stopped at 2:33 a.m., Sunday, by Officer Eric Bolles.

Paul E. Bishop, 44, of Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Bishop is accused of striking the 13-year-old child of an acquaintance.

A 16-year-old resident of Killian Road, Pembroke, is charged with trespass. The youth is accused of being on private property after being advised not to.

Marie Nicole Wenzel, 19, of Melville Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Wenzel was stopped by at 2:46 p.m., Sunday, on Route 33 in Stafford, by Deputy Brian Thompson for allegedly tinted windows and illegal license plate cover. Wenzel was reportedly found in possession of a marijuana pipe with marijuana in it.

Campaign mailer upsets officials in Pembroke Fire District

By Howard B. Owens

The Pembroke Fire District is accusing a Democratic candidate for State Senate of misappropriating its logo and inaccurately implying that the district has endorsed his candidacy.

"We question the integrity of any candidate who would run an ad using our likeness and that is written in such a way that it could be falsely construed as an endorsement for his candidacy," District Chief Ed Mileham Jr., said in a statement.

When reached by phone, the candidate, Marc Coppola, running in the 61st Senate District against Republican incumbent Mike Ranzenhofer, apologized repeatedly for the perception that his mailer implied an endorsement.

"I do apologize if that's the way they took it," Coppola said. "I didn't word it that way. I realize they are a not-for-profit. I'm experienced enough to know they could lose their not-for-profit status if they endorse candidates. I would never put them in that position. I would never even ask for an endorsement."

Mileham said he and other district leaders are upset over Coppola's mailer that started hitting Genesee County mailboxes yesterday.

On one side is a picture of Coppola with local residents Randy and Lori Dibble and a statement of support from the Dibbles. The other side has a picture of Coppola with volunteer firefighter and County Democratic Committee member Aaron Blake. Blake is endorsing Coppola.

To view the mailer for yourself: Front / Back.

The caption under the picture reads, "Marc and Firefighter Aaron Blake at Indian Falls Fire House truck dedication in honor of Harry Dibble & Gary Byerly."

"We are disturbed that Mr. Coppola would use the solemn event of the dedication of a truck to deceased department members as a political ad," Mileham said in his statement. "The ad shockingly refers to the deceased members we were honoring and shows the plaque dedicated to them. The candidate was in no way involved with the dedication and appears to have used this event as a crass attempt to obtain votes."

Coppola said he was invited to the dedication by Randy and Lori Dibble and brought no campaign literature with him nor wore any buttons or shirts identifying himself as a political candidate. He said Lori Dibble took the picture using her cell phone camera and when he was putting together the mailer, he realized it was the best picture he had of himself in Genesee County, and that it was the only good picture he had of himself with Blake.

"I didn't mean to imply an endorsement," Coppola said. "It was just a nice picture."

He said he included the caption information because he thought the picture would look out of place without an explanation, and he said Blake suggested that if he left out the name of Gary Byerly that some people, especially his family members, might be offended.

Alexander wins final 3 games

By Chad Flint

 Alexander finished the regular season 13-1-2, 11-1-1 in the league with 3 wins in their final 3 games.  Alexander beat Byron-Bergen 3-1, Batavia 3-1, and Pembroke 6-1.  In those 3 wins Julia Pettys had 9 goals (3 in Bergen, 2 in Batavia, and 4 in Pembroke), Abby Shilvock had 2 (2 in Pembroke) and Claire Hartl had 1 in the Batavia game.

Alexander is currently 2nd in the Class CC sectional bracket but can move up to 1st if Bloomfield drops their final game tonight.  

Alexander won the Genesee Region Division 1 Title in the game against Byron-Bergen and finished 1 point behind Wheatland-Chili in the overall Genesee Region Points Race.

Sectionals start next Tuesday, if Alexander remains in 2nd place they will play Avon in the first round.

Motor-vehicle accident on Route 77 in Corfu

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident involving a tractor-trailer is reported in Corfu on Route 77 near Cohocton Road. There are no injuries but medics are requested to the scene. State Police are on scene along with Corfu Fire Department.

Pembroke Fire Police are shutting down southbound Route 77 at Route 5. Corfu Fire Police are shutting down northbound traffic at Route 77 and Route 33.

Holley tops Pembroke in battle of 5-1 teams

By Howard B. Owens

Three early turnovers put Pembroke in a hole early against Holley in Saturday's match up of 5-1 teams, and a strong effort to recover still left the Dragons short, falling to the Hawks 41-25.

Pembroke struck first in the second quarter, taking a 7-0, but an interception returned for a touchdown and two fumbles -- one was converted into a TD on the Hawks' first play from scrimmage -- told the tale of the game.

By the half, the Hawks held a commanding 28-10 lead.

"We probably made more mistakes this game than any game during the year, but that’s a quality football team we played today," said Head Coach Chip Foster.

The Dragons opened the second half with two quick scores, cutting the Hawks' lead to 26-25, but Pembroke couldn't put the ball across the goal line again, while the Hawks would tack on two more scores.

“The kids kept their hearts in the game right until the end,” Foster said.

Pembroke travels to Wayland-Cohocton next week as the number five seed in the first-round of sectional playoffs. Holley secured the number two seed.

In other Genesee County football action:

  • Notre Dame won the first round of its sectional playoff series, beating Geneseo, 21-20 in overtime. Mike Pratt rushed for 185 yards and scored the winning touchdown. On a muddy field, Geneseo was unable to convert a two-point attempt following a TD on its OT possession. QB Tom Whelehan tossed in two touchdowns and was 6-for-7 for 70 yards.
  • The Batavia Blue Devils (3-4) secured the number eight seed in sectional playoffs with a 35-22 victory over Wellsville (0-7). Ryan Pyatt ran for 184 yards on 17 carries, putting the ball over the goal line once. Mitch Francis returned a kick-off 80 yards for a score and added a 24-yard TD reception. Ray Williams also ran it in once as part of his 80-yard rushing performance.
  • Attica tied Holley for best Genesee Region record with a 14-2 victory over Elba/Byron-Bergen.
  • Oakfield-Alabama (1-6) picked up its first victory of the season, beating Bolivar-Richburg (0-7), 32-14. Jeremy Crawford rushed for 114 yards on 18 carries. Kyle Metz tacked on 82 yards and scored a TD. Tommy Manzella had seven tackles.

More pictures from the Pembroke game after the jump:

Three cars crash at Alleghany and Meiser roads

By Billie Owens

A three-car accident is reported at 7926 Alleghany Road, with unknown injuries. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are responding along with Mercy EMS. It is at the intersection with Meiser Road and cars are blocking the roadway.

UPDATE (1:47 p.m.): The injuries are minor. The roadway is now open.

Four cars crash on Indian Falls Road

By Billie Owens

A four-car accident is reported on Indian Falls Road, with the road blocked.

The injuries are not believed to be serious.

Indian Falls, Pembroke and Mercy EMS are responding. The area is at the junction of Route 77.

Car accident on Main Road in Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A one-car accident with minor injuries is reported at 747 Main Road, between the Thruway and Lake Road, in Pembroke. There are two people involved and there was airbag deployment.

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

UPDATE (2:30 p.m.) The vehicle struck a telephone wire and tractor-trailers are striking it as they drive by. Verizon is being contacted. The occupants are being transported to UMMC for evaluation.

GCEDC announces grants and tax exemptions for local projects

By Howard B. Owens

Here are four recent news items from the Genesee County Economic Development Center:

  • Gov. David Paterson awarded GCEDC a $3.9-million grant to upgrade the short rail line in and around the new Genesee County Agri-Business Park off of Route 5 in the Town of Batavia. The grant money comes from a 2005 bond act for transportation infrastructure in New York. The 202-acre park offers shovel ready industrial land for food processors. Business Facilities Magazine recently named Genesee and Livingston counties as the second-best food processing area in the nation, citing both the Oakta Milk Products facility and the new agri-park in its article.
  • National Grid has awarded GCEDC with $275,000 in grants to further the development of the Buffalo East Tech Park in Pembroke. The 300-acre site is adjacent the Pembroke exit of the Thruway, giving the development area easy access to Buffalo and Rochester. Sixty-seven acres of the park are shovel ready for business development.
  • Sale-tax exemptions totaling $12,000 were awarded to Bruce Scofield, LLC, for reopening a transfer station and recycling center at 8620 Sanders Road, Stafford. The location will serve area residents and businesses with a facility to dispose of waste and recyclables. The facility has been approved by the DEC to receive 150 tons of solid waste per day and 75 tons of recyclables per day. For every $1 of tax exemption, the project is expected to return $141 in public benefit over the next 10 years. Scofield will invest $150,000 in the project.
  • Pineyard Acres, LLC, of 6256 Clinton St. Road, Stafford, is receiving a $29,500 property-tax exemption, a $14,600 sales-tax exemption and a $4,000 mortgage-tax exemption for expansion of its business from 1,400 square feet to 5,600 square feet. For every $1 of tax exemption, the local economy should receive $210 in public benefit over the next 10 years, according to the GCEDC.  Pineyard Acres is expected to invest $335,000 in the expansion.

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