Pavilion

A car vs. pole accident is reported at Route 20 and Linwood Road. Pavilion Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

A car has reportedly struck a pole in the area of 11017 South Street Road, Pavilion.

A person is pinned in the car. Wires are down.

Injuries are possible.

Pavilion Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

Le Roy's rescue requested to the scene.

UPDATE 9:31 a.m.: Mercy Flight dispatched.

UPDATE(s) by Billie 9:36 a.m.: Mercy Flight #5 is airborne.

UPDATE 9:40 a.m.: Mercy Flight has landed. National Grid is expected to arrive in 20 minutes for repairs.

UPDATE 9:50 a.m.: National Grid is on scene.

UPDATE 10:11 a.m.: The victim has been extricated.

UPDATE 10:17 a.m.: Mercy Flight is in the air, going to Strong Memorial Hospital.

UPDATE 10:47 a.m.: Howard at the scene reports that officials believe the seriously injured driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel of his pickup truck. He appears to be in his mid-40s. It took at least 45 minutes for rescuers to extricate the victim. They had to use a winch to pull the front of the cab from the rear of the truck. The man was conscious and able to talk throughout the rescue effort. He suffered serious injuries to his legs and chest, and possibly internal injuries.

UPDATE 11:30 a.m. (by Howard): The truck's front end was heavily damaged and the pole was sheared in half. The wires were pulled off the house at that location and a second pole near the house was on the ground. The truck came to rest in a cornfield. Pavilion Assistant Chief Dewey Murrock said, "When I first pulled up, I thought it was going to be very bad, but he was awake and talking. I was actually surprised at that." We'll post pictures from the scene after we receive word that family notifications have been completed.

UPDATE 12:10 p.m.: Family notifications completed, but we don't have the victim's name yet.

UPDATE 12:21 p.m.: The driver is identified as Steven Lantz, 47, of North Street, Le Roy.

UPDATE 5:22 p.m.: Lantz is listed in satisfactory condition, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Colin J. McCullough, 17, of Telephone Road, Pavilion, is charged with first-degree rape following an investigation by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office that determined he allegedly had forcible sexual intercourse with a 17-year-old female acquaintance on June 6. He was arrested on the felony charge July 21 and arraigned in Town of Pavilion Court, then released under supervision of Genesee Justice. He is to reappear in court on Aug. 12. Colin was arrested by Deputy Matthew Fleming, following the investigation by Sheriff's Investigator Timothy Weis and Deputy Frank Bordonaro.

Ryan James Sharpstene, 27, of Chili Rigi Center Road, Churchville, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property with a value exceeding $3,000 and unauthorized use of a vehicle, 1st. It is alleged that Sharpstene was in possession of a stolen vehicle out of South Byron on July 16 and was operating this vehicle following the alleged theft without the owner's consent. He was jailed on today in lieu of $10,000 cash bail. The case was investigated by Deputy Joseph Corona

Bart A. Towne, 45, of Highland Park, Batavia, was arrested July 22 on two misdemeanor drug-related charges following an investigation by the Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force, comprised of Sheriff's deputies and Batavia Police NET officers, plus the Le Roy Village PD. They were investigating the possession and transportation of heroin in and around Genesee County. Officers conducted a traffic stop in the Town of Byron, and Towne was allegedly found in possession of a quantity of heroin and a hypodermic needle. He was jailed on $2,500 cash bail and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, a Class A misdemeanor, and criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument, also a Class A misdemeanor.

Jessica Jane Moscicki, 24, of Briarwood Terrace, Batavia, was arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on Saturday, July 23, on an active bench warrant issued out of the Town of Batavia. The warrant stemmed from her failure to appear for sentencing on an original charge of petit larceny, which occurred Aug. 27, 2013, on Lewiston Road. She was jailed on no bail and is to reappear in court on July 29. The case was investigated by Deputy Joseph Graff, aasisted by Deputy Dana Richardson.

A 17-year-old and a 16-year-old, both from Albion, are charged with petit larceny for allegedly stealing merchandise from Darien Lake Theme Park on July 20. The cases were investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Deputy Christopher Parker.

Tom Stringham, cub master for Pack 6016 in Pavilion, makes fire during the Pavilion Days celebration on West Park Street. The street was filled with vendors and community groups for the annual event.

Library Trustee Debbie Davis points to the floor plans for a new library, which is being funded largely by a donation of $200,000 by Edgar and Mary Louise Hollwendel.

Kaidryn, 4, gets her hair braided by Alyssa Park.

Elijah, 10, weaves while Sue Conklin provides instruction.

A Letter to the Readers of The Batavian:

This letter is to thank everyone who battled the massive fire that destroyed an iconic landmark in the Town of Pavilion on June 1st. Although a major part of our town's history lays in ruin, another historic landmark only eight feet from the structure that burned, still stands. No words can fully express our gratitude, but we will try...

To the firemen and women of the three counties and 14 departments who responded, we will always remember you are the reason our building is still standing, virtually untouched by the raging flames only feet away. With all that is wrong in this world, you showed us everything that is right. Your dedication to service, commitment to your community, teamwork and camaraderie were outstanding. Your gift to humanity is grace beyond measure. You gave us everything you had that fateful day, yet asked for nothing in return.

To the families of the firefighters and volunteers:

Thank you for your sacrifice on that beautiful sunny Sunday. We can only imagine the plans and projects that were put on hold while your loved one battled this blaze for hours and hours on end. How proud you must be of their service. These amazing men and women are appreciated and needed. They are an inspiring example to all. Look up and honor these brave and dedicated men and women.

To all the volunteers: Salvation Army, Red Cross, Town of Pavilion employees and residents who supplied water and food, your presence was comforting and nothing less than epic.

To those who donate to these organizations, a special thank you and a prayer that you may never need their services.

To the countless people that prayed that our building be saved, God listened!

To the three families that lost everything, we watched helplessly as your worldly processions went up in flames. Your calmness, strength, and faith is an inspiration that will forever be etched in our minds and hearts.

A special thank you and acknowledgement to the Town of Pavilion officials, highway department, and County Fire Coordinators office.

To Townsend Energy and Griffith Energy who donated supplied and delivered 275.2 gallons of diesel fuel to the fire trucks we salute your commitment to the community.

Lastly we want to thank God for His grace, watching over those that protect and serve. No humans or pets were lost.

Sincerely,

David and Ann D'Angelo, owners of 11114 and 11116 W. Park St., Pavilion
Catherine Carlsen from Country Hill
Teresa Tracy and Melissa Coral from Jazzy Creations
Ann D'Angelo from Remission Café
Pat Wolcott
Veronica Branch
McKenzie D'Angelo

(Photo provided by McKenzie R. D'Angelo)

Brenden Robert Jones, 29, of Oakbrier Court, Penfield, is charged with grand larceny, 4th, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Jones is accused of stealing more than $2,800 in merchandise from Walmart. Jones alleged had a crack pipe in his possession at the time of his arrest. The investigation is continuing and more charges are possible. Jones was released under supervision of Genesee Justice. Also arrested and charged with grand larceny was Matthew David Marvin, 26, of Old Country Lane, Fairport. Marvin was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Witness Smith, 45, of Laurel Drive, Attica, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Smith allegedly left a child who was under his supervision unattended in a motor vehicle at 12:22 p.m, June 16, on Jackson Street, Batavia.

Gordon M. Yohe, 71, of Swamp Road, Byron, is charged with felony DWI, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle and refusal to take breath test. Yohe was arrested following a report at 2:38 p.m., June 10, of a suspicious person at a business on East Main Street, Batavia. Yohe was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Tyler J. Aina, 22, of Waterport Carlton Road, Albion, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. Aina posted bail and was released.

Jeremy J. Smith, 19, of Loyalist Avenue, Rochester, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Smith allegedly violated an order of protection by contacting a family he was ordered not to contact. Smith was jailed on $500 bail.

Kewa R. Buckman, 43, of Otis Street, Rochester, was arrested on a warrant related to an alleged parking on city streets between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. Buckman was being held in the Monroe County Jail on an unrelated traffic charges. He was transferred to Batavia PD custody, posted cash bail and was released.

Pauline J. Hensel, 61, of Lewiston Road, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant and jailed on $750 bail.

Robert Mitchell Andersen, 44, of Sand Hill Road, Caledonia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, suspended registration and driving without a license. Andersen was stopped at 5:06 p.m. Sunday on Lewiston Road, Batavia, by Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello.

Beniluis Ruiz, 38, of Ellicott Street Road, Pavilion, is charged with criminal sexual act, 3rd, endangering the welfare of a child and unlawful dealing with a child. Ruiz allegedly sexually assaulted a person under age 17. He also allegedly provided alcohol to people under age 21.

Scott Macumber Castle, 52, of Vallance Road Le Roy, is charged with trespass. Castle allegedly trespassed at Byron-Bergen Central School. Castle was allegedly advised previously by school officials to stay off school grounds.

Evan Stout raised his hand during a tour of the milking parlor at Grassland Dairy in Pavilion this morning because he wanted to know if it hurt the cows when they're milked.

Steven Tudhope assured him they were not hurt.

Evan was one of more than 200 area school children who toured Grassland, owned and operated by Brent Tillotson, as part of Kinder Farmin' Day (formerly Dairy Day), sponsored by the Genesee County Farm Bureau. 

"It's important for today's generation to learn about agriculture because they're going to be tomorrow's consumers and tomorrow's ag workforce," said Barm Sturm of the Farm Bureau.

Tillotson said he hosted the tour this year because he thinks it's important for children to learn firsthand about dairy farming.

"We do as much for kids as we can," Tillotson said. "It's good for them to come out and see that food doesn't just come off a truck."

Steven Tudhope explains to a group of Pavilion students how cows are milked.

Chad Tillotson shows a group of Wolcott School students the different kinds of organic feeds used on Grassland, which is a certified organic dairy farm.

Kara, of Wolcott School, holds a chick.

Melissa Thater with her young goat and a group of children.

Terra Laurie and Mark Fiscus lost nearly all of their possessions in Sunday's fire in Pavilion. Friends have started an online fundraiser to assist them. Click here for more info.

If one picture could tell a story, this would be it. The eastern exposure of Country Hill Gifts with its second-story flower box completely unharmed by a fully involved fire that destroyed the former grocery store building at the corner of Ellicott Street Road and West Park Street. There's no real damage to the entire eastern exposure.

And the building to the north of the destroyed building is also fine.

Chad Freeman said today once the fire started, it was largely fought defensively with a mind toward saving the neighboring structures.

The cause was likely electrical with a line arcing, causing insulation in the second floor ceiling to smoke and burn until air hit it, giving fuel to the fire.

Freeman noted that the first floor was almost completely undamaged by the fire. The building was too heavily damaged, however, and last night an excavator had to knock it down.

This afternoon, crews were on scene to pump water from the basement of Country Hill, but there was even very little smell of smoke in the store.

The two items below were posted to the Pavilion, New York Facebook page by Jay Brooks. A bit of the store's history.

Joshua Scott Bettilyon, 26, of Gorton Road, Alabama, was charged with two felonies and several violations stemming from an incident on May 30. He allegedly operated a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or more, which is a felony, and was also charged with DWI with a previous conviction of same within the last 10 years, another felony. In addition, he was cited for alleged ATV violations -- reckless driving, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, unregistered vehicle, unlawful operation on highway, inadequate brake lights, unsafe tires, no / improper lights, and uninsured vehicle. Bettilyon was arrested by Sheriff's deputies after a short vehicular pursuit. NYS Police assisted in this incident, which was investigated by deputy Joseph Corona, assisted by troopers Hanssel and Kosowski.

Donald E. Ford, 40, of Oak Street, Batavia, was arrested by Batavia PD on charges of endangering the welfare of a child and harassment, 2nd, in an incident on May 30 on Oak Street. He allegedly threatened to harm an individual while that individual was in the presence of three children. He was jailed and bail set at $2,500. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Eric Hill, assisted by officer Frank Klimjack.

Edwin Leroy Stancliff Jr., 35, of Alleghany Road, Corfu, was arrested by Sheriff's deputies on May 30 and charged with two counts of menacing, 2nd, and criminal possession of a weapon, 4th. Stancliff allegedly displayed a 6-inch kitchen knife during a domestic dispute, threatening his girlfirend and an acquaintance. After his arraignment in Pembroke Town Court, he was jailed. The incident was investigated by Sheriff's deputy Lonnie Nati, assisted by deputy Christopher Parker.

Christopher Lynn Bayliss, 35, of Tower Road, Wyoming, was arrested June 1 following the investigation of a motor-vehicle accident on Attica Road in Alexander. He is charged with felony DWI, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, refusal to take breath test, unsafe backing of a vehicle and driving without a seat belt. He was jailed on $5,000 cash bail and is to return to Alexander Town Court on June 10.

Bryan H. Fetterly, 28, of Barrville Road, Elba, is charged with harassment in the second degree -- physical contact, and criminal mischief in the third degree -- damaging property of another person in excess of $250. It is alleged that on West Main Street in the City of Batavia on May 30 Fetterly and two other subjects were in a vehicle when an argument took place. Fetterly allegedly kicked one of the subjects several times before exiting the vehicle and then struck the vehicle, causing damage to that vehicle. He was arrested and released on an appearance ticket and is to be in Batavia City Court on June 3. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Chad Richards.

Allen W. Gray, 34, of Oak Street, Batavia, was arrested and charged with harassment, 2nd, following an incident on South Main Street, Batavia, on May 29. Batavia PD officers went to investigate a disturbance complaint and it's alleged that Gray shoved two people following a verbal altercation. He was issued an electronically generated appearance ticket and released. He is scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court on June 3. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by officer Christopher Camp.

Mamie M. Baugh, 36, of Dewey Avenue, Rochester, is charged with third-degree assault following an incident on May 25 on Bank Street in the City of Batavia. She was arrested after Batavia PD responded to a disturbance at that location. She was issued an appearance ticket for city court. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Keven DeFelice, assisted by officer Nedim Catovic.

Joseph Bennett, 26, of West State Street, Albion, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property and petit larceny. He was transferred to Batavia Police by Albion Police on May 29 after being arrested on a warrant for violation of Genesee County probation. He was jailed in lieu of $5,000 cash or $10,000 bail bond and is due in Batavia City Court on June 6. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Nedim Catovic.

Darrin Mitchell Brown, 24, of South Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. On June 1, he was arrested by a Sheriff's deputy for allegedly violating a court order of protection by threatening the protected person. Brown was issued at appearance ticket and is scheduled to be in Town of Oakfield Court on June 16 to answer to the charge. The incident was investigated by deputy Joseph Loftus.

Joey Aaron Evans, 23, of State Street, Batavia, was arrested by Batavia PD on May 29 on a bench warrant issued by Batavia City Court for allegedly failing to comply with drug court and petit larceny. He was jailed on $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bond. He is to appear in city court again on June 26.

Michael D. Snyder, 42, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested following an incident on May 30 wherein he allegedly took a 30-pack of Budweiser beer from Top's Market without paying for it. Snyder fled eastbound on Route 5 and was apprehended near the Batavia Fire Department. He was released on an appearance ticket and is to appear in city court on June 3. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Chad Richards, assisted by officer Richard Schauf.

John A. Snook, 26, of Gillette Road, Albion, is charged with petit larceny for allegedly stealing $51.95 in merchandise from Walmart on May 14. He was arrested by Genesee County Sheriff's deputies and is currently in Orleans County Jail and is scheduled to appear in Town of Batavia Court on June 16. The incident was investigated by deputy Joseph Loftis.

A 16-year-old student at Pavilion High School was arrested on May 30 and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. The student was allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance while at the high school. The student was issued an appearance ticket for Pavilion Town Court at a later date. The incident was investigated by Sheriff's deputy Chad Minuto.

After nearly an hour on scene in Pavilion yesterday, I told a chief things seemed under control and I was heading back home to my yard work.

At that point, the two-story commercial and residential structure at the corner of Ellicott Street Road and West Park Street looked fine. There was a faint whiff of smoke in the air, but no smoke showing and certainly no visible fire.

"You might want to stick around," the chief said.

A firefighter told me a few minutes later as he laid out hose from a tanker truck, "this could get really interesting really fast."

Later the chief would tell me, "see, my worst fears came true."

The origin of the fire was in the crawl space of the attic. An area covered in hard wood, spray-in installation and only 18 inches of space in any direction.

First Assistant Chief Sean Vogt said his crew was poking through the ceiling, trying to find the right access point to the smoldering fire and Le Roy's crew had punched a ventilation hole in the roof, then the fire took on a life of its own.

"If we we could have gotten up there, gotten our hose lines up there, wetted it down, maybe we could have saved a little more of the building, but with it going through the roof, it just flashed over on us too fast," Vogt said. "It was just rough."

Pavilion's volunteer firefighters responded to the structure at 2:40 p.m. for the report of smoke in the building. Le Roy was immediately requested to the scene. Soon, responses from Bethany and Stafford were requested as well, then Bergen.

By the time fire broke out, there were two ladder trucks in position (Town of Batavia had its ladder in place minutes after the first flame erupted through the roof).

Even with Le Roy shooting water at the first flames, the blaze spread quickly once it got going.

As big and as destructive as the fire became, firefighters did manage to contain it to the one building, even though a house sat inches from the north wall and another commercial building was only two or three feet to the west.

County records do not list what year the building was constructed, but the west wall was covered in the same faux-brick metal siding that show up in 150-year-old photos of the former Wiss Hotel in Le Roy (the last building standing that I know of in Genesee County with this siding is in Corfu).

As many as 200 firefighters from Genesee, Livingstone and Wyoming counties responded to the fire. 

While the responding fire trucks can pump at least 1,250 gallons of water per minute, the fire hydrants in Pavilion flow at no more than 450 gallons per minute. At least a dozen tanker trucks responded to the scene to draw water from a nearby creek to provide additional water flow.

At least two firefighters were overcome by smoke and heat and were transported by Mercy EMS to area hospitals for evaluation.

Initially, while the fire was just smoldering, residents of the apartments were able to retrieve some belongings. The residents of the house to the north rescued their cat before the smoke got heavy.

Red Cross was on scene to provide food and beverages for firefighters.

(Initial Report)

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John M. Englerth, 43, of 6534 Main Road, Stafford, is charged with DWI and failure to submit to breath test. Englerth was stopped at 11:48 p.m. Friday on Bank Street in Le Roy by a village police officer. Englerth was allegedly observed driving without wearing a seat belt and allegedly failed to keep right.

Jordan R. Smart, 22, of 6 Gibson St., Oakfield, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC. of .08 or greater. Smart was allegedly seen driving erratically and stopped at 1:39 a.m. Saturday on East Main Street, Le Roy, by a village police officer.

Justin Thomas Hemmer, 33, of South Main Street, Elba, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Hemmer was jailed on $500 bail.

Aaron Mark Sechrist, 23, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Sechrist allegedly stole $26 in merchandise from Walmart.

Ajia Rae Hasenauer, 21, of Main Street, Le Roy, is charged with a violation of probation. Hasenauer was arrested following a traffic stop at 8 a.m. Friday on Main Street, Le Roy, by Deputy John Weis. Hasenauer is also accused of aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, unlicensed operator, failure to stop at a red light, failure to signal a right turn and no headlights during inclement weather.

Taylor Levi Finnin, 21, of Main Street, Le Roy, was arrested on a bench warrant for an alleged failure to pay a fine. Finnin was arrested following an appearance on an unrelated Family Court matter. Finnin was arraigned before Judge Robert C. Noonan and released on a promise to start making $50 per month payments.

Raymond James Radley, 48, of Main Street, Leicester, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, and harassment, 2nd. Radley was arrested by deputies from Livingston County and turned over to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on a warrant out of Town of Pavilion Court stemming from an alleged incident May 11 on Perry Road, Pavilion. Radley was jailed on $5,000 bail.

A semi-truck has broken down on Route 19 in Le Roy and is blocking the road.

Le Roy Fire Police requested to respond and close Route 19 at Perry Road. Pavilion Fire Police requested to shut down traffic at Stubb Road.

The trucking company has a tow on the way.

Pavilion High School juniors and seniors got a pre-prom reminder not to drink and drive from local emergency responders.

With Pavilion Fire Department in the lead, personnel from Bethany fire, Stafford fire, Mercy EMS, the Sheriff's Office and State Police put on a demonstration this morning of what a fatal DWI-involved accident is like.  Also participating were Coroner Barry Miller and Michael Tomaszewski, owner of the Tomaszewski Funeral Home.

The accident victims were played by Jacob Hoffman, Amanda Sauer, Cody Greene and Kelly Kraft. Their parts were student drunken drivers, two seriously injured (Mercy Flight was scheduled to participate for one of the victims, but had to cancel), and one dead-at-the-scene passenger.

Narrating events was D.R. Roblee, of the County Emergency Management Office.

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A possible electrical fire is reported inside the residence at 6173 Ellicott Street Road. Pavilion and Le Roy fire departments are responding. The location is at the corner of Transit Road.

UPDATE 11:11 a.m.: National Grid is called to the scene.

UPDATE 11:56 a.m.: National Grid is there now.

UPDATE 12:18 p.m.: The assignment is back in service.

John Laverne Robinson, 51, of North Lake Road, Bergen, is charged with menacing, 2nd. Robinson is accused of pointing a shotgun at another person while the person was looking through Robinson's window.

Aaron M. Hatt, 22, of Alexander, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Troopers responded to a complaint of a domestic dispute in the Town of Pembroke. In route, troopers came upon a young man walking down the center of Gabby Road. He reportedly said he had just argued with a female at the address of the initial complaint. Hatt was taken back to the house and upon investigation, troopers learned Hatt had allegedly been involved with a physical confrontation with the victim. He allegedly possessed marijuana at the time of his arrest.

Connor W. Kelly, 19, of Rushville, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. A trooper stopped Kelly's vehicle on Clinton Street Road, Stafford, for allegedly lacking its plate lamp. the trooper noted evidence of alleged recent marijuana use.

Bernard Lee Evans, 43, of Cato Street, Pavilion, was arrested on bench warrants for alleged criminal contempt, 1st, and harassment, 2nd. Evans was held without bail.

Kelly Marie Faro, 37, of Church Road, of Hamlin, was arrested as a fugitive from justice. Faro was arrested on an unrelated matter by Deputy John Baiocco. During his investigation, he discovered an active warrant out of Cuyahoga County for alleged drug possession. Faro is being held without bail pending extradition.