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Stafford

Police Beat: Elba man charged with setting off illegal fireworks

By Howard B. Owens

Derek Todd Hanchett, 21, of Arnold Road, Elba, is charged with unlawful dealing with fireworks. Hanchett was charged following an investigation by Deputy Jason Saile about a complaint of loud fireworks at 1:33 a.m., Monday, in the area of 4238 West Ave., Elba. Hanchett was allegedly found setting off fireworks and in possession of fireworks.

Edward Woods, 18, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Woods is accused of stealing money from Darien Lake Theme Park while employed at the park.

Nicole Lynn Poler, 26, of Zig Zag Road, Albion, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or more and driving left of pavement markings. Poler was reportedly involved in a one-car accident in the area of 23 Allegany Road, Corfu, at 2:25 a.m. Saturday. The accident was investigated by Deputy Howard Carlson (initial report).

Benjamin Jeffery Kitanik, 26, of Maltby Road, Oakfield, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and driver's view obstructed. Kitanik was stopped at 2:25 a.m. Sunday on Route 77 in Darien, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Cody Lee Pahuta, 19, of Williams Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Pahuta is accused of shoplifting $22.88 in merchandise from Walmart.

Braydon Mitchell Edwards, 20, of Waterloo Street, Clyde, is charged with unlawful possession of alcohol under 21 years of age. Edwards was charged following an investigation into a disturbance at 5:53 p.m. Sunday at Darien Lake Theme Park.

Patrick Gregory Potwora, 26, of Horseshoe Lake Road, Stafford, is charged with a felony count of DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to keep right. Potwora was stopped at  1:52 a.m. Monday, in the area of 20 W. Main St., Batavia, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Chad Michael Henning, 18, of Main Street, Akron, is charged with unlawful possession of alcohol by a person under age 21. Henning was charged following a traffic stop at 12:38 a.m. Saturday by Deputy Jason Saile on Route 77, Darien. Henning was a passenger in the car and allegedly had a container of alcohol in his hands.

Grass fire reported at Route 33 and Griswold Road, Stafford

By Billie Owens

A grass fire is reported at Route 33 and Griswold Road in Stafford. Stafford Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 4:11 p.m.: The fire is a small one in a hedgerow, possibly a controlled burn. Now investigating.

UPDATE 4:17 p.m.: The fire is a controlled burn, about 400 feet from the roadway. Stafford units are back in service.

Grand Jury Report: Man accused of running another car off the road

By Howard B. Owens

William E. Gratehouse III, is indicted on charges of criminal mischief, 2nd, reckless endangerment, 2nd, menacing, 2nd, unlawful imprisonment and endangering the welfare of a child. Gratehouse is accused of intentionally striking a 1998 Dodge Intrepid owned by another person on March 17. Gratehouse allegedly forced the car off the road after striking it. He also allegedly brandished a semiautomatic pistol during the incident and prevented the alleged victim from leaving the area. There allegedly were children in the car at the time.

John R. Sherman is indicted on charges of felony DWI, aggravated driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and driving with a BAC of .08. Sherman is accused of driving drunk Jan. 7 on Route 5 in Stafford.

Kevin C. Heschke is indicated on charges of felony DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Heschke is accused of driving drunk April 7 on Church Street, Le Roy.

Ricky L. Miller is indicted on a charge of burglary, 2nd. Miller is accused of entering a residence on Jackson Street, Batavia, on June 7, with the intent to commit a crime.

Dana D. Hagen is indicted on charges of felony DWI and aggravated driving with a BAC of .18 or greater. Hagan is accused of driving drunk Jan. 12 on Fotch Road, Stafford.

No Bill: The grand jury found insufficient evidence to charge Thomas B. Streamer with assault, 2nd, and assault, 3rd, stemming from an alleged incident in the Town of Le Roy on Jan. 23.

Boat burning in back yard of Stafford residence

By Howard B. Owens

A resident in the area of Randall and Buckley roads, Stafford, is apparently burning a fiberglass boat.

A caller reported seeing a column of black smoke. A first responder found the fire and said that it appeared somebody was burning the boat.

Stafford Fire Department is being dispatched to 6590 Randall Road.

UPDATE 6:41 p.m.: Photo submitted by Donna Hall.

 


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Man falls from horse in Stafford

By Alecia Kaus

A man has been bucked from his horse at 8719 Route. 237. Calling for Stafford Fire Department and Mercy Medic 2 to respond. Possible head and neck injuries. He is alert.

Update: Stafford fire on scene requesting to cancel Mercy Medic 2. The man's wife would like him checked out. They are located in a field next to the house.

Update: South Byron back in service at Stafford's hall.

Driver accused of failing to yield, leading to accident in Stafford

By Howard B. Owens

Five people were injured early this morning when one car allegedly failed to yield to another at the intersection of routes 33 and 237 in Stafford.

All five people were taken to area hospitals.

Accused of failing to yield is Joseph Robert Hale, 30, of Marr Drive, Pittsford.

Hale was reportedly southbound on Route 237. When he reached the intersection, according ot the investigation, he stopped and then proceeded to attempt a left turn onto Route 33.

Hale's 2009 Volkswagen sedan was struck by a 2004 Jeep SUV driven by Jonathan B. Smith, 50, of Porter Avenue, Batavia.

Smith's Jeep overturned.

Hale, who was transported to UMMC, had no passengers.

In Smith's vehicle were Selena M. Smith, 51, Kala Smith, 14. (Note, the fourth passenger is also listed as Selena M. Smith, 51; we'll need to seek clarification on this from the Sheriff's Office).

The Smiths were all taken to Strong Memorial Hospital.

None of the injuries are reported as life threatening.

Smith was cited for allegedly driving without a license.

The accident was investigated by Deputy James Diehl.

Two-car accident at routes 33 and 237, Stafford

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident is reported at routes 33 and 237.

Stafford Fire Department and Mercy EMS dispatched. A third ambulance is requested from Byron since no additional Mercy rigs are available. A fourth ambulance is requested from Bethany.

Traffic control is requested at the west and east ends of the intersection. One lane will be closed and two-way traffic directed by traffic police.

No Mercy Flight helicopters are available. Buffalo is grounded due to weather.

Two people were entrapped, but are now out.

Photos: Genesee County's six, count 'em, six bakeries

By Howard B. Owens

A little less than a year ago, there was only one independent bakery in Genesee County. As of yesterday, there are six.

The latest to open is Sweet Ecstasy, next to the Stafford Trading Post, in Stafford. Above are Tonisha Price, Carla Price, Ginny Robins and Debra Ingham. In the store, Sweet Ecstasy offers cookies and pastries and takes special orders for cakes and other baked dessert items.

Sweet Ecstasy took over the former location of Heavenly Sweets • Deli, which has moved to the corner of routes 63 and 19 in Pavilion. Heavenly Sweets offers pastries, bread and cakes, as well as a fully stocked deli counter. Pictured are owner Bonnie Totten, lower center, Peggy Ellis, left, Caitlyn Meeder and Sherif Woodworth.

The first of Genesee County's current six bakeries is Greg'ry's in Bergen. Greg'ry's was opened 17 years ago by Diane Cunningham. It was started nearly 20 years ago by Gregory Stefl, who sold it to Diane Cunningham. She sold it two years ago and then reacquired the bakery just two weeks ago.

Her new partner, Maura Schaffer (unfortunately, not in today when I dropped by unannounced) has created a line of all-natural pet treats. The bakery still carries a full line of breads, pies, cakes and pastries.

The trend of new bakeries started with Mary Margret Ripley opening up Scratch Bakery in Le Roy (on Main Street, sharing space with Java's). Scratch does most of its business special order, though there's usually cookies and scones (one Ripley's specialities) available in the store. Ripley also has a number of wholesale customers and sells items at local festivals. Customers can order a full line of cakes, cup cakes, pastries, cookies and bread. Ripley also offers home delivery.

Michelle's Bakery and Cafe opened in February on West Saile Drive, Batavia. Michelle said the bakery specializes in old-fashioned pastries, "like grandma used to make." It's a full-service bakery and owner Michelle Farina, left, said the shop can make a decorated sheet cake for any special occasion. The cafe is open for breakfast and lunch and offers sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups. Farina also offers catering. Pictured with Michelle are Samantha McDonald, Cassandra Hirsch and Liz Fenton.

The second newest bakery is Buttercrumbs Bakery in Corfu. Owner Darlene Miller, right, said she researched more than 100 bakeries, including some as far away as Florida, before coming up with a business plan. The shop, right in the Village of Corfu, has a seating area and offers pastries, pies and bread as well as cakes on special order. Miller said the closing of the village grocery store created a real opportunity for her and local residents have responded enthusiastically to the new business. "Corfu has never had anything like this before," said Miller, a longtime resident. Pictured with Miller is Julie Patterson.

It's perhaps just coincidence that I finally got around to putting this post together (I started planning on it back when there were only four bakeries) on the same day my dad is arriving from California for a weekend visit. I grew up in the bakery business and have always loved what a good, independent bakery can produce.

The baked goods at the chains can never match what a good independent bakery makes. Genesee County is now blessed with six quality local bakeries. As consumers, we need to be sure to support them. Entrepreneurs like these owners are what make a community strong and prosperous.

Photos: Le Roy and Pavilion volunteer firefighters hiking to Stafford

By Howard B. Owens

As they do every year -- nobody remembers for how many years -- the volunteers of the Le Roy and Pavilion fire departments towed their antique firefighting hose wagons to Stafford for the Stafford Fire Department's annual parade.

The parade is at 7 p.m.

The carnival runs all weekend with the annual Corvette drawing on Sunday (Father's Day).

Unfortunately, I'll be unable to attend either the parade or the carnival this year (my parents are visiting from California). If anybody else wants to post some pictures, feel free.

Police Beat: DWI charged in Corfu after man reportedly drives through accident scene

By Howard B. Owens

Daniel William Tuerk, 25, of Genesee Street, Corfu, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Tuerk was arrested after reportedly trying to proceed through an accident scene on East Main Street, Corfu, at 12:58 a.m., Saturday.

Earl Bryan Benson, 22, of Chestnut Street, Batavia, is charged with felony DWI and refusal to submit to breath test. Benson was reportedly found asleep in a vehicle at 2 a.m., Sunday, parked at 64 S. Main St., Elba. Sgt. Brian Friday made the arrest after an investigation revealed that Benson allegedly drove drunk to that location. Benson was jailed on $1,000 bail.

name redacted, 18, of 36 Dellinger Ave., Batavia and Jordon E. Terkel, 21, of 76 E. Main St., Corfu, are charged with unlawful dealing with a child, 1st, and endangering the welfare of a child. xxx and Terkel are accused of supplying alcohol to two 15-year-olds and a 16-year-old on May 28.

Jason Warren Spencer, 25 of Church Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation and harassment, 2nd. Spencer is accused of being involved in an unspecified incident alleged to have occurred early Saturday morning.

Eugeno Nunez-Gomez, 22, of Hundredmark Road, Elba, is charged with DWI, drving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right, unregistered motor vehicle, improper/switched plates. Nunez-Gomez was stopped at 1:12 a.m., Sunday, in the area of 5800 Transit Road, Elba, by Deputy Frank Bordonaro.

James Daniel Kavanagh, 21, of North Avenue, Le Roy, is charged with assault, 3rd. Kavanagh is accused of being involved in a fight at an address on Main Road, Stafford, in which he injured another person.  

Jason Paul Schaefer, 19, of Martin Road, Clarence Center, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Schaefer is accused at being at the Phish concert June 8 while another person he is barred from being near was also at the concert. Schaefer then allegedly got into a verbal altercation, allegedly violating the order of protection.

Matthew F. Vanbuskirk, 22, of 108 Myrtle St., Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and having non-transparent side windows. Vanbuskirk was stopped Saturday by a Le Roy Police patrol.

Lena Marie Evans, 23, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Evans was allegedly found in possession of narcotics during a check the welfare complaint at 8:32 p.m., Friday.

Ryan Christopher Riggi, 16, of Transit Road, Elba, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st. Riggi allegedly violated an order of protection after reportedly pushing a caseworker on a home visit. Riggi was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Kevin James Huston, 27, of Brooklyn Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Huston is accused of claiming rewards and discounts from Kmart he was not entitled to obtain.

Evan Charles Burstein, 24, of Sunset Hills Road, Reston, Va., is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Burstein was reportedly found by Darien Lake security wandering around the theme park in an intoxicated condition. Upon investigation by Deputy Chad Minuto, he was allegedly found in possession of Clonazepam tablets outside their original container and a quantity of marijuana. Burstein was jailed on $250 bail.

John Mitchell Irish, 29, of Dartmouth Street, Rochester, is charged with felony DWI. Irish was allegedly involved in a car vs. pedestrian accident on Sumner Road, Darien, at 12:26 a.m., June 9. Irish was jailed on $1,500 bail.

Jessica R. Johns, 28, of 120 Jackson St., Batavia, is charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle, 3rd. Johns is accused of taking the car of an acquaintance without permission on June 9. Johns was located on June 10 and the car was returned reportedly undamaged.

Jason Schafer, 23, of Geneseo, is accused of evading cigarette taxes. Schafer was allegedly found in possession of 2,000 untaxed cigarettes.

DWI alleged in one-car accident on Sweetland Road

By Howard B. Owens

A driver involved in a one-car accident on Sweetland Road, Stafford has been charged with DWI.

Ricky O. Cooper, Jr., 34, of 9344 Warsaw Road, Le Roy, suffered facial cuts and was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital after his 1992 Chevy pickup truck struck a utility pole in the area 6208 Sweetland Road.

Cooper said he was attempting to avoid a deer that had entered the road near a curve when he struck the pole.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Joseph Graff and Deputy Matt Butler.

(initials report)

Car strikes pole on Sweetland Road, Stafford

By Billie Owens

A vehicle has struck a pole in front of 6184 Sweetland Road. There are believed to be injuries. The location is just east of Transit Road.

Stafford Fire Department and Mercy medics responding.

The pole snapped in two, the transformer is in the roadway. The driver may have left the scene and is bleeding from the face.

UPDATE 10:41 p.m.: The driver is still at the scene and is bleeding from the face. A Sheriff's deputy on scene says there are wires down all over the place.

UPDATE 10:50 p.m.: Additional manpower from Stafford is needed for traffic control at the accident scene. "This road will be closed for awhile." The pole is on top of a truck.

UPDATE 12:31 a.m.: Stafford units are back in service. The road is blocked off and National Grid will be on scene for awhile.

UPDATE 12:54 a.m.: The driver was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital at least a couple of hours ago.

Police Beat: Duo accused of no-permit soliciting in Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens

Andrew James Skalsky, 26, of Nelson Drive, Silver Bay, Minn., is charged with soliciting without a permit. Also charged is Samuel Joseph Helland, 20, of 18th SW St., Owatonna, Minn. Both men are accused of soliciting without a permit within the boundaries of the Town of Oakfield on May 26.

Kristen Lynn Brightenfield, 18, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with providing a false written statement. Brightenfield is accused of providing a false written statement May 24 during an investigation into an alleged assault.

Police Beat: Batavia woman accused of vandalizing estranged husband's truck

By Howard B. Owens

Deborah An Dixon-Thatcher, 52, of North Lyons Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd. Dixon-Thatcher is accused of breaking the windows, headlights and taillights out of her estranged husband's 1997 Nissan pickup truck while it was parked at a residence in Bergen at 1:55 a.m., Monday.

Hope Renee Conibear, 37, of Gibson Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Conibear was reportedly involved in a motor vehicle accident April 23 on Hutton Road, Town of Oakfield. The accident was investigated by Deputy Jason Saile.

Joseph Robert Waala, 38, of North Randolph Street, Arlington, Va., is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Waala allegedly damaged a metal fire hose box at 8250 Park Road, Batavia. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

The following individuals were arrested and charged with trespassing for allegedly being on privately owned property at 5447 Main Road, Stafford, without permission: Ryan W. Caltagirone, 20, of Ellicott Street Road, East Bethany, Donald M. Fagan, 19, and Joshua T. Gilbert, 18, both of Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, and two 17-year-olds and three 16-year-olds, all from Batavia.

Katrina Le Brandes, 20, of South Main Street, Perry, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or higher. Brandes was arrested following an investigation of a reported domestic incident at 3:55 a.m. on Buckman Road, Bethany, by Deputy Jason Saile.

Police Beat: Man accused of urinating in girlfriend's car during a domestic dispute

By Howard B. Owens

Daniel Roger Sumeriski, 25, of State Street Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny, harassment, 2nd, and criminal tampering, 3rd. The charges against Sumeriski stem from an alleged domestic incident on May 18 when Sumeriski allegedly took the victim's cell phone and urinated on the interior of her car. Sumeriski was put in the Genesee County Jail where he is being held on a parole warrant.

Robert David Cummings III, 24, of Akron Road, Corfu, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, unlawful possession of marijuana and no seatbelt. Cummings was stopped at 1:34 p.m. Thursday on Bloomingdale Road, Basom, for an alleged seat belt violation. Drug paraphernalia and marijuana were allegedly found in his car. He was jailed on $100 bail. The stop was made by Deputy Chris Parker, who was assisted by Deputy Lonnie Nati and Deputy Brian Thompson with K-9 Pharaoh.

Stephen Vance Recco, 20, of Hemlock Ridge Road, Medina, is charged with criminal impersonation, improper use of a mobile phone and unlicensed operation. Recco was stopped at 4:09 p.m. on Route 77, Alabama, by Deputy Chris Parker for allegedly driving while talking on a mobile phone. Recco allegedly gave a false name and date of birth during the traffic stop.

Jason Howard Freeman, 29, of Bush Gardens, Marilla, is accused of promoting prison contraband. Freeman was allegedly found in possession of a lighter and tobacco while housed as an inmate at the Genesee County Jail.

Thomas Jesse Mullen, 45, of Thorncliff Road, Spencerport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speeding. Mullen was stopped at 11:57 p.m. Friday on North Byron Road, Elba, by Deputy Jason Saile.

Kate Elizabeth Brozic, 28, of Trimmer Road, Spencerport, was arrested on a bench warrant related to a DWI charge. Brozic was picked up by Spencerport Police and turned over to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on a warrant out of Stafford Town Court. She was jailed on $500 bail.

Power outage hitting Batavia, Stafford, Bethany

By Howard B. Owens

More than 2,160 National Grid customers have been without power for an hour and repair crews are unlikely to restore power before 10 p.m.

The effected area covers from just east of the city limits to Morganville and the eastern edge of Stafford down to Little Canada and East Bethany at Roanoke Road.

The outage may be related to a power line reported down and burning on Main Road, Stafford, at 8 p.m.

Possible house fire on Clipnock Road, Stafford

By Billie Owens

A possible house fire is reported at 9378 Clipnock Road in Stafford. There is smoke in the residence.

Stafford Fire Department, along with Town of Batavia and Le Roy units are called to respond.

The location is between Sweetland and Torrey roads.

UPDATE 8:52 p.m.: The Stafford crew is on scene and asks responders to come in non-emergency mode. Le Roy is standing by in Stafford's hall.

UPDATE 9:01 p.m.: Stafford command says there are no signs of fire. The responders are all put back in service.


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Wire lands on truck, is burning, in Stafford

By Howard B. Owens

A wire is reportedly down, landing on a truck, and is burning in the area 5815 Main Road, Stafford.

Stafford Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 8:08 p.m.: National Grid has a 20 to 25 minute ETA. A firefighter on scene reports the wire is not on the truck, but on the ground.


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Nine local residents earn degrees from Nazareth College

By Billie Owens

The following local residents were among more than 555 graduate students from Nazareth College who received master's and doctoral degrees during the college's 84th Commencement Exercises held on May 8.

Laura Hungerford, of Bergen, received a BS degree in Nursing.

Sara George, of Byron, received a  BS degree in Nursing.

Kristin Glazier, of Byron, received a MSW degree in Social Work.

Kimberly Barber, of  Leroy, received a BA degree in History.

Kristine Wolcott, of Oakfield, received a MSE degree in Art Education.

Melissa Cutcliffe, of Pavilion, received a DPT degree in Physical Therapy.

Jessie Janes, of Pavilion, received a BA degree in Sociology.

Riley Carhart, of Stafford, received a BS degree in Accounting.

Sara Churchill, of Stafford, received a MSE degree in Inclusive Education.

Founded in 1924, Nazareth College is located on a close-knit, suburban campus in the dynamic, metropolitan region of Rochester. It offers challenging academic programs in the liberal arts and sciences and professional programs in health and human services, education, and management.

DiSalvo in big race today in California

By Howard B. Owens

Stafford's Jason DiSalvo is racing this weekend at the West Coast Moto Jam in Sonoma, Calif.

This is a sport I don't understand at all, but based on this chart (which features live results, so it could be different when you view it), it looks like he is doing very well. I think he's in first place, 22 laps into the race.

The multiple day event is airing on SpeedTV. The next, and final, telecast is tonight at midnight.

DiSalvo won the first race of the season, the Daytona 200.

Jason returns to New York after this race and begins preparation for the Miller Motorsports Race in Salt Lake City.

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