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Darien

Grand Jury: Three people indicted for felony DWI, all allegedly had prior misdemeanor DWI convictions

By Billie Owens

Michelle A. Condidorio is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Feb. 2 in the Town of Alexander that Condidorio drove a 2013 Chevrolet on Telephone Road while intoxicated. In count two, she is accused of the crime of driving while intoxicated per se, as a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .18 or more at the time. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, the defendant is accused of being convicted of a misdemeanor DWI on Jan. 20, 2011, in the City of Batavia, and that conviction was within 10 years of the crimes currently alleged.

Jeremy J. Schraufstetter is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 28 in the Town of Darien that Schraufstetter drove a 1984 Chevrolet on Broadway Road while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of the crime of driving while intoxicated per se, as a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .08 or more at the time. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, the defendant is accused of being convicted of a misdemeanor DWI on March 19, 2008, in Village of Depew Court, and that conviction was within 10 years of the crimes currently alleged.

Michael J. Smith is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Nov. 2 in the Town of Le Roy that Smith drove a 2003 Chrysler on East Main Street while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of the crime of driving while intoxicated per se, as a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .08 or more at the time. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, the defendant is accused of being convicted of a misdemeanor DWI on Dec. 1, 2008, in the Town of Le Roy, and that conviction was within 10 years of the crimes currently alleged.

Darien Town Justice honored for 10 years of serving on faculty of National Judicial College in Nevada

By Billie Owens

Photo from left, Joy Lyngar, NJC Provost, Hon. Gary Graber, Hon. Benes Z. Aldana (Ret.), president & CEO of National Judicial College, Reno, Nev.

Submitted photo and press release:

Hon. Gary A. Graber, Darien Town Justice, was recognized for 10 years of service as a faculty member at the National Judicial College, Reno, Nev., on April 12.

During that period, Judge Graber taught at 24 classes in eight states in addition to the National Judicial College location in Nevada. The remainder of the classes were either state specific or national Web courses, all of which focused on commercial driver’s license / commercial motor-vehicle topics.

Judges have a vital state enforcement role in the nation’s commercial driver’s license (CDL) safety program. Not only must they take into account the CDL regulations when adjudicating and sentencing drivers, they must know and require their courts to adhere to CDL reporting requirements.

These outreach sessions provided through federal grants minimize the lack of familiarity and education with regard to CDL/CMV regulations. Members of the judiciary at all levels must better understand their roles in the CDL program and the effect their decisions and actions have on state enforcement of highway safety.

National Grid crews working to restore power to 1,150 customers

By Billie Owens

From National Grid:

Work crews (local and outside) are busy throughout Genesee County with restoration efforts ongoing following the yesterday's high winds that brought down a lot of trees and power lines. The current number of customers out of power is 1,150.

The areas with the largest number of customer outages are Darien, Bergen and Byron.

Currently, crews are active in the following areas:

  • Darien
  • Byron
  • Bergen
  • Alexander
  • Oakfield
  • Stafford
  • Le Roy
  • Pavilion

Chimney fire reported on Walker Road in Alexander

By Billie Owens

A chimney fire is reported at 2286 Walker Road, Alexander. The location is between Smithley and Hickox roads.

Alexander, Darien and Corfu fire departments are responding, along with Mercy medic #3.

First responders called to weather-related incidents county-wide

By Billie Owens

NOTE: Readers, if you have weather-related photos, photos related to anything in this post, email them to howard@thebatavian.com

A tree is down, partially blocking the roadway at 10840 Bowen Road in Alexander. Alexander firefighters are responding with a chainsaw to cut the tree and remove it.

In the area of the Log Cabin Restaurant, a transformer and three or four power lines are down in the roadway. The location is 1227 Gilmore Road. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are responding. National Grid is notified; no ETA -- "They're obviously are dealing with multiple issues."

Wires and/or tree branches are reported down on Whitney Mill Road in Elba.

UPDATE 10:41 a.m.: A tree and wires are down and entangled at 3583 Batavia Oakfield Townline Road.

UPDATE 10:43 a.m.: Tree down across the roadway at 9555 Beaver Road, Alexander.

UPDATE 10:44 a.m.: Tree and/or wires down on Francis Road, between Brown Road and Route 20, Bethany.

UPDATE 10:46 a.m.: Tree and wires down at 2781 Shelby Road. Oakfield Fire Department responding.

UPDATE 10:50 a.m.: DPW requested by City Fire to Cherry and Pringle for a large limb down blocking the roadway.

UPDATE 10:54 a.m.: National Grid is reporting 10 areas in Genesee County with power outages. The largest, 41 customers, is in Pavilion, in the area of Texaco Town. In Elba, Townline Road is being shut down at Pekin Road for a tree down.

UPDATE 10:59 a.m.: A tree has fallen into a residence at 3189 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. East Pembroke Fire dispatched.

UPDATE 11 a.m.: A semi-truck rollover accident is reported on Route 77 in front of Darien Lake Theme Park. Unknown injuries. Unknown cargo. Darien Fire dispatched.

UPDATE 11:04 a.m.: A large pine tree is reportedly down across the road in the area of 3525 Rose Road, Batavia. On Darien truck accident, truck is empty, no injuries, no fuel spill. Darien Fire can respond non-emergency.

UPDATE 11:08 a.m.: There is a power outage in East Pembroke with 40 customers without service. In Pembroke, a poll with a transformer is leaning with low hanging wires in front of Yancys Fancys.

UPDATE 11:23 a.m.: A box truck rollover accident is reported on Route 77 at McGregor Road, Darien. Injuries are reported. There are reportedly two occupants in the truck. Darien Fire dispatched. A chief is requesting that Route 77 be shut down to truck traffic.

UPDATE 11:27 a.m.: Route 5 is being shut down for westbound traffic at Route 77.

UPDATE 11:30 a.m.: Wires in trees with flames is reported on Dodgeson Road and Seward Road, Alexander. Alexander Fire responding.

UPDATE 11:35 a.m.: A tree and wires down, no fire, in the area of 2257 Countyline Road, Darien.

UPDATE 11:46 a.m. There is reportedly a car on tree branches and wires with a fuel leak in the area of 2023 Indian Falls Road, Pembroke. There are occupants in the vehicle. East Pembroke fire responding. No sparks are flames. Wires down at 118 E. Main St., Le Roy. A tree is down and blocking at Circular Hill Road and Wilcox Road, Byron.

UPDATE 12:10 p.m.: A tree is down on a house on Union Street. No structural damage. No wires down but it looks like the rest of the tree might come down soon.

UPDATE 12:13 p.m. A tree has come down on a gray Toyota Avalon at the McDonald's in Le Roy. It's unoccupied. Unknown owner at this time.

UPDATE 12:15 p.m.: In Alabama, 90 National Grid customers are without power.

UPDATE 12:20 p.m.: If we've got the right call here, occupants extricated at incident on Indian Falls Road.

UPDATE 12:24 p.m.: A dispatcher informs a Sheriff's patrol supervisor that there is a long list of pending hazardous conditions calls.

UPDATE 12:28 p.m.: A tractor-trailer rollover is reported in Pavilion on Route 63 at Court Road. Pavilion fire dispatched. Unknown injuries. Unknown cargo.

UPDATE 12:35 p.m.: Route 63 is being shut down. The driver can't be located. A pole with transformer is broken. The location is in Wyoming County. A Wyoming County deputy is in route. There is a fuel leak.

UPDATE 12:37 p.m.: The driver is in a pickup truck parked roadside.

UPDATE 12:38 p.m.: Oakfield fire is dispatched to 7001 Lewiston Road, the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District, bus garage, for a fire alarm in the gas island.

UPDATE 12:41 p.m.: On Pavilion truck accident, Mercy ambulance can continue non-emergency. Probably a sign-off. The trailer is empty. Small fuel spill to clean up.

UPDATE 12:46 p.m.: Westbound Route 5 in Le Roy is being shut down by Le Roy fire at York Road. We didn't catch the reason.

UPDATE 12:50 p.m.: Limb down on Pringle Avenue, Batavia. No electrical lines involved.

UPDATE 1:01 p.m.: A two-car accident is reported at Buffalo Street and Attica Road, Alexander. Alexander fire dispatched. Unknown injuries. A large tree is down on South Main Street. South Main is being closed at River and at Dewey.

UPDATE 1:13 p.m.: Wires arcing, 8503 Lover's Lane Road. East Pembroke fire dispatched.

UPDATE 1:15 p.m.: Tree down blocking on Gilbert Street, Batavia. Also, State Street is being blocked.

UPDATE 1:22 p.m.: Photo submitted by Cherie Chatt of a tree down on a house in Oakfield.

There is also a tree down on wires at 2781 E. Shelby Road. Oakfield Fire Police on scene.

UPDATE 1:25 p.m.: Tractor-trailer rollover accident reported at 6744 Quaker Hill Road, Elba. Unknown injuries. Unknown cargo. Elba fire dispatched.

UPDATE 1:28 p.m.: Reader-submitted photo of tree down on South Main Steet, Batavia.

UPDATE 1:31 p.m.: Power outage in Elba, 316 customers without power. 

UPDATE 1:37 p.m.: Tree down on Fisher Road, Oakfield.

UPDATE 1:44 p.m.: Law enforcement dispatched to Lewiston Road in the area of the Thruway overpass for a report of a person in black pants and a black jacket with red hat looking in mailboxes.

UPDATE 2:23 p.m.: Traffic lights are out in the city at Main and Oak streets.

UPDATE 2:54 p.m.: Photo of Lewiston and Main, Batavia, about 30 minutes ago. There were strong winds and heavy snow for a short period. Every traffic light on West Main is out of service.

UPDATE 3:52 p.m.: It was a very busy day for emergency dispatchers. Sheriff William Sheron shared the photos below from one of the busy times. The call rate has slowed considerably over the past hour or so.

UPDATE 6:21 p.m.: Photo submitted by a reader, 40 Church St., Le Roy.

UPDATE 6:39 p.m.: Mari Egloff submitted these photos of trees down in her yard in Alexander.

UPDATE: Dayne Burroughs and Pamela Reinhardt shared the pictures below of damage at St. Joe's Cemetery.

Law and Order: Batavia man accused of violating court order

By Howard B. Owens

Derek J. Wert, 36, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st. Wert is accused of violating an order of protection by making contact Sunday with the protected person at the person's residence. Wert was arraigned and jailed without bail.

Austin Kendrick Vogt, 20, of Fairway 6, Macedon, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Vogt allegedly broke a mirror in a bathroom at College Village at 7 p.m. Sunday.

Faith Marie Greene, 21, of Canterbury Lane, Tonawanda, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and speeding. Greene was stopped at 3:20 a.m. Saturday on Route 77 in Darien by Deputy Eric Meyer.

Andrew Gerard Jones, 54, of Attridge Road, Churchville, is charged with DWI, driving under the influences of drugs and alcohol, refusal to take breath test, and speeding. Jones was stopped at 12:26 p.m. Saturday on Pearl Street Road, Batavia, by Sgt. John Baiocco.

Walter Bernard Hale Jr., 40, of East Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Hale is accused of posting pictures online of a person under the protection of a court order.

Grand Jury: Man accused of causing serious physical injury to a person in Darien with his vehicle while intoxicated last June

By Billie Owens

Robert R. Greiner III is indicted for the crime of second-degree assault, a Class D felony, for allegedly recklessly causing serious physical injury to another person by means of a dangerous instrument -- a motor vehicle -- on June 3 in the Town of Darien. In count two, he is accused of second-degree vehicular assault, a Class E felony, for allegedly operating a 2015 Nissan on Route 77 while intoxicated on June 3 in Darien, causing serious physical injury to another person. In count three, he is accused of another instance of second-degree vehicular assault for having a BAC at the time of .08 or greater while operating the Nissan in a manner that caused serious physical injury to another person.

Alberto G. Santos is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, a Class C felony. It is alleged that on Feb. 4 in the Town of Le Roy that Santos possessed a loaded firearm -- a Sig Sauer Model SP2022. In count two, he is accused of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, a Class C felony, for allegedly knowingly possessing stolen property -- consisting of one or more firearms, rifles and shotguns.

Syjesman T. Brown is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 8 in the Town of Le Roy that Brown possessed the narcotic drug heroin with intent to sell it.

Leaha R. Wimmer is indicted for the crime of fourth-degree grand larceny, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 16 in the Town of Darien that Wimmer stole a Citizens Bank debit card. In count two, she is accused of the same crime involving a Bank of America Visa debit card on Sept. 19, also in Darien.

Photos: 'Peter Rabbit's Spring Fair' in Darien

By Howard B. Owens

The Girl Scouts in Darien today hosted "Peter Rabbit's Spring Fair" at the Darien Fire Hall, which featured crafts, games, a visit from the Easter Bunny, and a basket raffle.

Darien Lake Theme Park extends 2018 season to include Jack-o-Lantern Jamboree

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Darien Lake Theme Park Resort will extend its operating season to six months for 2018, stretching from opening day on Saturday, May 5 to the conclusion of its new fall event, Jack-o-Lantern Jamboree on Sunday, Oct. 29.

The Jack-o-Lantern Jamboree will kick off Saturday, Sept. 28 for five weekends of pumpkin-themed entertainment including specialty foods, costume contests, a trick-or-treat trail, a pie-eating contest and a brand-new laser light show. In addition, park guests will have the unique opportunity to bring a carved jack-o-lantern to help Darien Lake break the Guinness World Record for most carved pumpkins in a line.

For guests 12 and under, bringing a carved pumpkin will earn them free park admission.

“With an extended operating season, not only is there even more time to ride the new Tantrum roller coaster but establish new family traditions as well,” said Darien Lake General Manager Chris Thorpe.

“Buying a family four pack of season passes to put in the Easter basket not only gets you unlimited park visits, free parking, and bonus friend tickets but a free camping visit as well.”

Some of the other events in Darien Lake’s vibrant 2018 event lineup include:

·         Season Pass Holder Appreciation Weekend – May 5-6

To open our 2018 season, we are inviting all season pass holders to be the first in line to process their passes and kick off the summer with a free souvenir mug, free friend tickets, free parking and a bonus free good any-day friend ticket.

·         Father’s Day Car Show and Beer Festival – June 16-17

Classic cruisers and specialty cold brews combine for an unforgettable weekend at our annual car show.

·         Color Me Rad – June 23

Back for the sixth year, runners will be color bombed with blue, green, pink, purple, and yellow cornstarch until their face, shirt, and body come out tie-dyed in this family fun 5K. Registration is now open.

·         Kingdom Bound – July 29-Aug. 1

The 32nd annual Christian music festival will return with performances by multiple artists and speakers, plus family-friendly activities. Mandisa, for King & Country and Danny Gokey, are just a few of the musical acts slated to perform.

·         Harvest Fest – Sept. 8-9, 15-16, 22-23

Food trucks, microbrews, live music and fall activities including crafts, pumpkin painting and beer slides will lead us into the extended Halloween season.

·         Jack-o-Lantern Jamboree – Sept. 29-30, Oct. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28

Five weekends of pumpkin-themed entertainment including specialty foods, costume contests, a trick-or-treat trail, a pie-eating contest and a brand-new laser light show.

For more information on any of Darien Lake’s events or to purchase park admission, accommodations or a season pass, visit DarienLake.com.

Dog breaks through ice on pond in Darien, firefighters responding to rescue it

By Billie Owens

A Darien dog is in need of rescue after breaking through the ice on a pond at 10904 Darien-Alexander Townline Road. Darien Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 10:32 a.m.: A first responder on scene reports the dog is on the ice, not in the water. The location is across from Skyline Campground.

UPDATE 10:44 a.m.: Darien command reports dog has been extricated from the pond.

Law and Order: Batavia man accused of fleeing police, resisting arrest

By Howard B. Owens

David T. Neauaus, 31, of Fisher Park, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged obstruction of governmental administration, 2nd, resisting arrest, endangering the welfare of a child, and criminal trespass. He was jailed on $5,000 bail. He was also arrested on charges of assault, 3rd, and unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle. The alleged incidents occurred March 10. Bail on these charges was set at $10,000.

Rebecca V. Flanagan, 41, of Sliker Hill Road, Conesus, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely. Flanagan was stopped at 4:48 p.m. Wednesday on Ellicott Street, Batavia, by Officer Cowen Mitchell.

Elliot Lee Lyons, 27, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief. Lyons was charged after surveillance video revealed he allegedly damaged a wall inside a residential facility on State Street.

Paula G. Pierce, 26, of Lewis Place, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to comply with a court-ordered program as part of a previous sentence on a criminal conviction. Pierce was released on her own recognizance.

Katty L. Jackson, 22, of Summer Street, Buffalo, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Jackson was arrested after police were dispatched to Central Avenue, Batavia, at 8:21 p.m. Tuesday to investigate an incident and located Jackson, who was allegedly violating an order of protection.

Johnny Dinh, 40, of Clinton Street, Batavia, is charged with forcible touching. Dinh is accused of touching another person inappropriately without consent or invitation at a location on Clinton Street Road, Batavia, on Feb. 28.

Brett Nelson Magoffin, 42, of Genesee Street, Corfu, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely. Magoffin was arrested following an investigation at 11:16 p.m. Thursday into a physical altercation at a location on Simonds Road, Darien, by Deputy Andrew Mullen and Deputy Ryan Young.

Jonathan Christopher Elleman, 26, of Exchange Street, Attica, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and driver's view obstructed. At 2:40 a.m., dispatchers received a report of an erratic driver in the Town of Darien. Deputies Ryan Young and Eric Meyer responded and located a vehicle matching the description of the one reported by a caller parked on the side of Sharrick Road. Upon further investigation, Elleman was charged.

Lou Ann Lindsley, 62, of Medina, is charged with DWI and refusal to take breath test. Lindsley was stopped at 8:50 p.m. Sunday on Route 77, Alabama, by State Police.

Jacob J. Szumigala, 24, of Oakfield, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Szumigala was stopped at 2:52 a.m. Sunday on Lockport Road, Alabama, by State Police.

House filling with smoke from wood-burning stove in Darien

By Billie Owens

Smoke from the piping of a wood-burning stove is filling the residence at 1740 Richley Road, Darien. The location is just east of Colby Road. Residents have been advised to evacuate. Darien Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 10:24 a.m.: A firefighter on scene reports there is a possible leak coming from the wood stove in the basement.

UPDATE 10:26 a.m.: Command says Darien can proceed in non-emergency mode.

Leadership, Accountabiity, Courage & Knowledge class attended by 37 local volunteer firefighters

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The second Leadership, Accountabiity, Courage & Knowledge (L.A.C.K.) class of 2018 was attended by 37 Genesee County volunteer firefighters.

The L.A.C.K. program held at the Genesee County Fire Training Center on Feb. 15 was a four-hour program providing  an opportunity for fire officers, training officers and chief offers to improve their personal and organizational skill set.

Ongoing eduction and training of our first responders is essention for awareness, prevention and safe and effective response.

Visit the Genesee County Office of Emergency Management FACEBOOK or department Web page for future training opportunities.

February L.A.C.K. participants in Genesee County included: 

ALABAMA FIRE DEPARTMENT 

Richard Brunea                 

Sidney N. Eick

Aron J. Kehlenbeck                 

Ryan Thompson                 

Todd M. Thompson                 

BATAVIA, TOWN FIRE DEPARTMENT

Scott T. Maloy                 

BERGEN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Scott R. Mayne                 

BETHANY VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Jeff R. Fluker

Christopher M. Page

Jeff Pietrzykowski

BYRON VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Justin T. Baxter                 

Robert A. Mruczek

CORFU VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Gregory S. Lang                    

Matthew R. Lenhard

Rob G. McNally

Daniel P. Smith

DARIEN VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Joe T. Marino                 

David W. McGreevy                 

Timothy E. McGreevy                 

EAST PEMBROKE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Lloyd J. Casselbury                    

Destin G. Danser                 

James R. Gayton                    

Paul J. Kirsch                 

Donald E. Newton Jr.                    

Jocyelyn Perry                    

Julie Waldron                    

David A. Winters            

ELBA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Kevin W. Dart                    

Nicholas J. Esten                    

Leonard  Peterson                    

Caitlin E. Zipfel                  

INDIAN FALLS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Edwin F. Mileham Jr.                  

LE ROY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Timothy L. Hogle                          

PAVILION VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Dewey A. Murrock

Donald A. Roblee                          

SOUTH BYRON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Dean L. Bates                  

Scott A. Blossom

Law and Order: Woman wanted on warrant accused of possessing cocaine at time of arrest

By Howard B. Owens

Madalyn R. Muntz, 32, of Evans Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd, criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument, and unlawful possession of marijuana. While conducting an investigation on Liberty Street, members of the Local Drug Task Force located Muntz. She was taken into custody on a City Court warrant and at the time of her arrest allegedly found in possession of cocaine, a needle, drug paraphernalia, and a device for smoking marijuana. She was also arrested by Batavia PD on the warrant alleged failure to meet requirements of sentencing on a prior conviction. Muntz was released after posting bail.

Jonathan Edward Stanton, 35, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged petit larceny, criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd, criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Police received a report of a suspicious male at the Rite Aid on West Main Street, Batavia. Upon investigation, Deputy Ryan DeLong and Deputy Brad Mazur determined Stanton allegedly stole $119.97 in merchandise from the store and was in possession of drug paraphernalia, a needle and marijuana.

Daniel E. Gubnitsky, 23, of Sheron Road, Greece, and Jennifer A. Schreiber, 18, of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, are charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Gubnitsky and Schreiber were charged after police were called to investigate a suspicious vehicle parked at the VFW Hall at 25 Edwards St., Batavia, at 9:22 a.m. Thursday. 

Joseph M. Tornabene, 26, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Tornabene allegedly struck another person in the face during an argument reported at 2:30 p.m. Friday at a location on Dellinger Avenue, Batavia. Tornabene left the scene. The victim signed a complaint and Tornabene later turned himself in at Batavia PD headquarters. 

Cale Daniel Rice, 41, of Drake Street Road, Elba, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding and failure to notify DMV of a change of address. Rice was stopped at 1:06 a.m. Saturday on Route 98 in Elba by Deputy Eric Meyer.

Shamique D. Hubbard, 28, of Hamlet, North Carolina, is charged with DWI, driving while impaired by drugs, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Hubbard was stopped at 10:51 p.m. Sunday in the Town of Batavia by State Police.

Matthew J. Gaudio, 29, of Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and aggravated unlicensed operation. Gaudio was stopped by State Police in Darien at 10:14 a.m. Thursday. Following arraignment, Gaudio was ordered held on bail.

Ervin Finkley, 50, of Rochester, is charged with grand larceny, 4th, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and fleeing from an officer in a motor vehicle. Desiree Ghee, 31, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property. Norman C. Ghee, 53, of Rochester, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. The trio was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 1:27 p.m. Thursday in the City of Batavia. All three were ordered held on bail. No further details released.

Vehicle in the water off of Chick Road, Darien

By Howard B. Owens

A vehicle has reportedly gone off the road and is in the water at Chick Road and Attica Road, Darien.

Darien fire and Darien ambulance dispatched.

UPDATE 11:15 p.m.: The vehicle was unoccupied.

UPDATE 12:30 p.m., Sunday: There was a search of the area last night and this morning. The operator was eventually located, safe.

Truck accident reported on Route 20 in Darien, wires down

By Howard B. Owens

A motor-vehicle accident is reported in the area of 1964 Broadway, Darien.

There are wires down with reports of power outages in the area.

A semi-truck and possibly a pickup truck are involved.

Unknown injuries.

A first responder on scene says the pole is sheared off and traffic lights are down.

Traffic is being shut down.

UPDATE 2:15 a.m.: It's a single pickup accident. The tractor-trailer clipped the lines as it was coming through, according to a law enforcement officer on scene.

UPDATE 2:20 a.m.: A fire hydrant was also sheared off. An area stone quarry delivering crushed rock needs to be notified that its trucks will need to find an alternate route for the time being due to the train derailment in Attica.

UPDATE 2:27 a.m.: DOT being notified that Route 20 will be closed for a few hours.

UPDATE 2:46 a.m.: There's a broken pole on Route 238 with a transformer on it. National Grid reports fewer than five customers affected by the power outage.

UPDATE 3 a.m.: Darien ambulance is transporting a patient to UMMC ECMC.

UPDATE 8:42 a.m.: Fire services went back in service about 6 a.m. Route 20 remains closed. Roadblocks now covered by deputies.

UPDATE 8:52 a.m.: Route 20 is reopened.

UPDATE: Carter S. Dale, of Attica, has been identified by the Sheriff's Office as the driver of the pickup truck. He has been charged with DWI, moving from lane unsafely and not wearing a seatbelt. According to the Sheriff's Office, Carter was driving a Ford F-250 that went off the north shoulder of the roadway and struck a utility pole, street light pole, and a street sign, before coming to rest. A tractor-trailer traveling through the area at the time snagged low-hanging wires. The accident was investigated by Deputy Ryan Young, Sgt. John Baiocco, and Deputy Jeremy McClellan. Assisting with the scene were Darien fire and Alexander fire, the State Police, National Grid, Monroe County Water Authority, DOT and gas and cable companies. 

Reader submitted photo.

Genesee County fire personnel learn about hazards of alt fuels and new tech

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and press release:

The Alternative Fuel Vehicles & New Technologies four-hour class was offered by the Genesee County Office of Emergency Management Services in conjunction with the NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control on Feb. 12 at the Fire Training Center.

It was attended by 63 fire personnel from Genesee County and the surrounding area.

Information about the hazards of the new fuels such as methanol, compressed natural gas and electric power; as well as the pressures created within fuel cylinders was addressed in addition to safety information on other possible hazards related to alternative fuel vehicles. State Fire Instructor David Harrington also addressed the changing technology of the automobile. 

Genesee County participants included: 

Alabama

Aron Kehlenbeck

Gary Patnode

William Schutt

Ryan Thompson

Todd Thompson         

Town of Batavia

Josh Boyle         

Daniel Coffey         

Paul Dibble         

Gary Diegelman         

Clayton Gorski

Stephen Kowalzyk

Scott Maloy

Ian Sanfratello

Tyler Stewart

Robert Tripp

Ray Zwolinski

Corfu

Mitchell Bates         

Cyle Felski

Kristen Gaik

James Hale

Tyler Lang

Matthew Lenhard

Rob McNally

Steve Rodland

Lori Ann Santini

Brian Schollard

Daniel Smith

Jacob Stiles

Ben Trapani

Ray Zwolinski

Darien

Joe Marino

David McGreevy

Tim McGreevy

Brandon Scott

Mark Starczewski         

Elba

Jennifer Cardinali

Michael Heale

Tim Hoffarth

John Mudrzynski

Michael Pfendler

Michael Schad

Oliver Shuknecht

Megan Tabor

Nathan Tabor

George Underhill

Bob Zipfel         

Caitlin Zipfel

Conor Wilkes        

Stafford

Rodney Bobo         

Samantha Call

Ken Collins

Ronald DeMena

Tim Eckdahl

Matt Hendershott

Randal Henning

Steve Johnson

Ashley Swatzenberg

Newly elected county officials attend training in Albany

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Newly elected Genesee County legislators Gordon Dibble (District 3, towns of Pembroke & Darien), John Hilchey (District 1, towns of Alabama & Oakfield), and Gary T. Maha (District 9, Wards 4 & 5, City of Batavia) attended an Orientation Program for Newly Elected and Appointed County Officials, sponsored by the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) at its annual Legislative Conference held in Albany Jan. 29-31.

Topics of discussion and presentations included an overview of the New York State Association of Counties; New York State Open Government Laws; Major Policy Issues Affecting Counties; Introduction to County Finance and Budget Issues; County Government Structure in New York State; Ethics in Government; Adopting Local Laws; and Role of the Clerks of Legislative Boards.

Approximately 70 newly elected and appointed county officials attended the training program, and upon completion were awarded Certificates of Achievement by NYSAC’s County Government Institute and Cornell University.

Law and Order: Akron man accused of hitting another person with baseball bat, causing serious injuries

By Howard B. Owens
      Ismael Laffosse

Ismael L. Laffosse, 31, Fisk Road, Akron, is charged with second-degree attempted assault, second-degree menacing, third-degree criminal mischief, and criminal possession of a weapon, 4th. Laffosse is accused of striking another person with a baseball bat and damaging that person's personal property. The incident was reported at 6:54 p.m., Jan. 29, at a location on Apollo Drive, Batavia. The victim suffered serious injuries but has been released from the hospital.

Armando L. Carrion-Rojas, 23, of McCall Road, Greece, is charged with criminal mischief. Carrion-Rojas is accused of breaking the driver's side mirror of his girlfriend's car at 1:50 p.m. Monday at a location in Le Roy, and of damaging a residence door after his girlfriend locked him outside the residence. He was jailed on $500 bail or $4,000 bond.

Derek James Wert, 36, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Wert allegedly contacted by electronic means a person he was ordered by a judge not to contact. Wert was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Ronald F. Ratulowski, 44, of Eleanor Place, Batavia, is charged with third-degree assault. Ratulowski was arrested on a warrant. The original incident was reported at 11 p.m. Sept. 10 at a location on Eleanor Place. No further details released.

Bonnie L. Cortright, 30, West Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on two City Court warrants. The reason for the warrants was not released. She was released on her own recognizance.

Kevin Andrew Rivera, 23, of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with third-degree criminal mischief. Rivera allegedly broke the window of a College Village dorm room at 10:56 p.m. Monday.

Nicholas Gerald Schafer, 19, of Broadway Road, Darien, is charged with DWI, driving while impaired by drugs, driving while ability impaired by the combined influence of drugs and alcohol, and parking violation on a highway. Deputy Kyle Krzemien was dispatched at 4:17 p.m. June 30 to Batavia Elba Townline Road, Elba, to investigate a complaint of a subject passed out in a vehicle. Following an investigation, Schafer was charged.

Jeremiah D. Williams, 26, of Batavia, was arrested by State Police following a revocation of parole. He was ordered held in jail.

An 18-year-old resident of Batavia is charged with petit larceny. The defendant was arrested on Goade Park. The incident was reported at 6:17 p.m. Monday in Kendall. The arrest was made by State Police at 6:10 a.m. Tuesday. No further details released.

Katrina P. Giummo, 29, of Corfu, is charged with petit larceny. Giummo is accused of a theft reported in Corfu at 1:18 p.m. Monday. She was arrested by State Police. No further details released.

Dozens honored on GCC's dean's list for fall 2017 semester

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College, including all seven campus locations in Batavia, Albion, Arcade, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw, proudly announces the following are among 351 full and part-time students who were named to the dean's list for the Fall 2017 semester. Students honored on the dean's list have earned a quality point index of 3.50 to 3.74. 

The College also maintains President's and Provost's Lists comprised of students who earned quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better. These other GCC honorees are announced separately. Go to the College's website at www.genesee.edu.

This year's Genesee Community College Fall 2017 dean's list honorees, with their hometowns, are listed below:

Zachary Antonucci of Alexander, NY

Alexis Hackmer of Alexander, NY

Kathleen Kwasniewski of Alexander, NY

Jared Lennon of Alexander, NY

Katlyn Adamczak of Basom, NY

Sara Stanley of Basom, NY

Natalie Amico of Batavia, NY

Brianna Brade of Batavia, NY

Cameron Clark of Batavia, NY

Katelyn Connors of Batavia, NY

Hope Davids of Batavia, NY

Riley Dyson of Batavia, NY

Matthew Fouquet of Batavia, NY

Andrew Frank of Batavia, NY

Emily Harris of Batavia, NY

Jillian Helwig of Batavia, NY

Shelby Hill of Batavia, NY

Sarah Hollands of Batavia, NY

Jazmine Holmes of Batavia, NY

Leighann Howland of Batavia, NY

Felicia Kennedy of Batavia, NY

Dolapat Kijsiravej of Batavia, NY

Sataka Kijsiravej of Batavia, NY

Samuel Lang of Batavia, NY

Rebecca Mattison of Batavia, NY

Angelina Miconi of Batavia, NY

Leah Monteleone of Batavia, NY

Shannon O'Brien of Batavia, NY

Taylor Paris of Batavia, NY

Chandah Sundown of Batavia, NY

Madison Swiatowy of Batavia, NY

Micheal Van Dorn of Batavia, NY

Cassandra Warren of Batavia, NY

Laura Whitcroft of Batavia, NY

Jennifer Williams of Batavia, NY

Jaysen Wylie of Batavia, NY

Jeremy Fink of Bergen, NY

Kristin Hohn of Bergen, NY

Kimberly Lovett of Bergen, NY

Tina Ambrosoli-Keller of Corfu, NY

Timothy Crandall of Corfu, NY

Sarah Gohn of Corfu, NY

Spencer Graff of Corfu, NY

Alysia Magoffin of Corfu, NY

Katelin Miller of Corfu, NY

Jessica Ryckman of Corfu, NY

Brittany Taylor of Corfu, NY

Shelby Turner of Corfu, NY

Alexander Breissinger of Darien Center, NY

Claire Francis of Darien Center, NY

Cameron Sutton of Darien Center, NY

Laura Tyx of Darien Center, NY

Curtis Kreutter of East Bethany, NY

Matthew Baker of Elba, NY

Aaron Bastiano of Elba, NY

Amanda Castaneda of Elba, NY

Alyssa Laudico of Elba, NY

Justin DiFalco of Le Roy, NY

Mondell Elliott of Le Roy, NY

John Gombos of Le Roy, NY

Alyssa Hill of Le Roy, NY

Brandon Hodge of Le Roy, NY

Taylor Kirby of Le Roy, NY

Morgan Luce of Le Roy, NY

Sara Platek of Le Roy, NY

Mary Ross of Le Roy, NY

Jessica Barclay of Oakfield, NY

Samantha Borkholder of Oakfield, NY

Rebecca Carlsen of Oakfield, NY

Allen Chatt of Oakfield, NY

Jonathan Kedzierski of Oakfield, NY

Christopher Coniber of Pavilion, NY

Nathan Ford of Pavilion, NY

Trinidad Salinas Guzman of Pavilion, NY

Maelee Sanford of Pavilion, NY

Alyssa Stalica of Pavilion, NY

Elizabeth Blossom of South Byron, NY

Genesee Community College serves over 6,000 students per semester through more than 70 academic programs and certificates, including the new Marketing and Social Media concentration within the Business Administration program, and the new Nanotechnology degree with ECC. On a microscopic scale, nanotech focuses on careers in biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, medicine and photovoltaics. 

GCC's new Student Success Center makes admissions, financial aid, and enrollment a simple and efficient process. The college has earned three national sports titles; most recently, the Men's Soccer team brought home the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association D-III title. The athletics program, housed in the brand new, state-of-the-art Richard C. Call Arena hosts more than a dozen intercollegiate men's and women's teams.

Highly convenient, GCC operates seven campus locations throughout Western New York, as well as a significant online learning program. College housing is available at College Village, just a three minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes and state-of-the-art technology both inside and out of the classroom, Genesee Community College is known for being "high-tech" and "high-touch."

For further information about all of GCC's opportunities, go to www.genesee.edu.

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