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Motorist fails to stop after striking motorcyclist down in the roadway on Route 77

By Howard B. Owens

Investigators are looking for information on a vehicle that struck a motorcyclist who was down in the roadway last night on Alleghany Road in Pembroke following a collision involving another vehicle. 

The vehicle that struck the motorcyclist, believed to be a Hyundai sedan, fled the scene southbound.

Travis R. Hartloff, 26, of Attica, was seriously injured in the accident and transported by Mercy Flight to ECMC.

The initial investigation indicates that Hartloff was northbound on Route 77 just before 9 p.m. when a vehicle in front of him slowed down to make a right-hand turn into the parking lot of an ice cream shop.

His 1983 Yamaha motorcycle struck a 2009 Honda Pilot driven by Garrett A. Stevenson, 20, of Clarence. In the vehicle with Stevenson were Samantha P. Kolbert, 18, of Cheektowaga, and Hope E. Stevenson, 17, of Clarence. None of the occupants of the Pilot were injured.

After Hartloff's bike struck the Pilot, Hartloff was thrown from the bike and he fell in the middle of the roadway.

Anyone with information that might help identify the driver and the vehicle that struck Hartloff are asked to contact the Sheriff's Office at (585) 345-3000.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation. 

The accident is being investigated by Sgt. Andrew Hale, Sgt. Jason Saile, Investigator Joseph Loftus, Deputy Kyle Krzemien, and Deputy Brock Cummins. 

Assisting at the scene were State Police, Corfu Fire Department, Pembroke Fire Department, and Mercy EMS.

(initial report)

Photos by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

Law and Order: Liberty Street man accused of stealing two vehicles, Pavilion man accused of growing pot

By Billie Owens

Edward George Ruckdeschel, 58, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with third-degree grand larceny, a Class D felony. The defendant was arrested after an investigation into the theft of a vehicle at 8:54 p.m. on Jan. 13 on Genesee Street in Pembroke. He was arraigned in Pembroke Town Court at 11 a.m. Aug. 11 and ordered held on cash bail (unspecified) and put in jail "where he is currently residing." He is due in Genesee County Court at a later date. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Investigator Howard Carlson.

Edward George Ruckdeschel, 58, of Liberty Street, Batavia is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, and third-degree criminal trespass. On Aug. 10, the defendant was arrested after an investigation into the theft of a vehicle at 1:05 a.m. on Dec. 10 from West Main Street Road in Batavia. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Batavia Court on Sept. 24. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Brian L. Dutton, 62, of Pavilion, is charged with unlawfully growing cannabis (marijuana) and unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree. He was arrested Aug. 12 following a joint investigation by the U.S. Border Patrol and the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office. A U.S. Border Patrol helicopter allegedly located cannabis growing inside a metal enclosure behind Dutton's residence on Aug. 7, and the pilot led deputies to the location. The plants, allegedly grown by Dutton, were seized and destroyed. Dutton was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Covington Court on Aug. 31. The case was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's Sgt. Colin Reagan, Deputy John Button, and Investigator Aaron Anderson.

Law and Order: Pratt Road man accused of possessing images of sexual performance by a child under age 16

By Billie Owens

Jordan R. Difilippo, 27, of Pratt Road, Pembroke, is charged with possessing sexual performance of a child less than 16 years old. Difilippo was arrested for allegedly possessing three images of a sexual performance of a child under age 16, a Class E felony, at 2 p.m. on Jan. 11, 2017. He was issued an appearance ticket to be in Pembroke Town Court at 1 p.m. on Sept. 9. The case was investigated by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office personnel -- Youth Officer Timothy Wescott, Chief Deputy Joseph Graff. They were assisted by the FBI, the Chesterfield, Va., Police Department, and the Genesee County District Attorney's Office.

Law and Order: Man accused of injuring hands by slamming door one time, kicking door shut another

By Billie Owens

Robin S. Brooks, 58, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, (inset photo right) is charged with third-degree assault. The defendant was arrested after an investigation of an incident at 7:30 p.m. July 17 on Hutchins Place in which Brooks allegedly broke someone's hand by slamming it in a door. Brooks was arraigned at 12:15 p.m. July 31 in Batavia City Court and was due to return to court on Aug. 5. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Samuel Freeman, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Robin S. Brooks, 58, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, is charged with second-degree assault. The defendant was arrested after an investigation of an incident at 8 p.m. July 27 on Hutchins Place in which Brooks allegedly kicked a door shut on a female's hand, causing serious physical injury. Brooks was arraigned at 9:30 a.m. July 31 in Batavia City Court and jailed on $2,500 cash bail or $10,000 bond. Brooks was due to return to city court on Aug. 5. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Samuel Freeman.

David P. Grossman Sr., 37, of Maple Street, Batavia, (below left inset photo) is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested at 8:32 p.m. Aug. 3 on Maple Street after a harassment complaint that alleges he struck two different males during an altercation. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released with a return date of Aug. 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

David P. Grossman Sr., 37, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with: fourth-degree criminal mischief; third-degree criminal mischief; second-degree burglary -- a dwelling; endangering the welfare of a child; and obstructing governmental administration in the second degree. Grossman was arrested at 2:46 a.m. on Aug. 4 on Highland Park in Batavia after he allegedly broke into a house, threatened the resident inside and damaged property. After his arrest, he allegedly kicked and damaged a patrol car, for which he is also charged. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed without bail. He is due to appear in court again on an unspecified date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jordan McGinnis, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Paul James Feitshans, 22, Siehl Road, Akron, is charged with: endangering the welfare of a child; harassment; and criminal obstruction of breathing. Feitshans was arrested at 5:59 p.m. Aug. 5 following the investigation of a disturbance on Coe Avenue in the Village of Oakfield. He allegedly struck a person and obstructed their breathing while in the presence of a child. He was arraigned in Genesee County Court and released on his own recognizance. He is due in court at a later date (unspecified). The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon, assisted by Mathew Clor.

Isaac J. Floyd Jr., 56, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, menacing in the second degree, and obstruction of governmental administration in the second degree. Floyd was arrested after an investigation into a disturbance that occurred at 7:07 p.m. July 26 on State Street. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in jail (bail status not provided). He is due back in court Aug. 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Wesley Rissinger.

William J. Hixenbaugh, 30, of School Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief in the fourth degree and criminal contempt in the second degree. He was arrested Aug. 1 after an investigation of a domestic incident July 29 on School Street. It is alleged he damaged another person's property. He was released with an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Adam Tucker.

Janice Lynn McGuire, 46, of Galloway Road, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated, first offense; operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more, first offense; speed not reasonable under special hazard; moving from lane unsafely; consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle on a highway; and failure to notify the DMV of an address change within 10 days. After a personal injury accident on Cleveland Road in Pembroke at 9:28 p.m. on Aug. 5, McGuire was arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated. She was released with appearance tickets and is due in Pembroke Town Court on Sept. 17. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Matthew Clor.

Hawley celebrates passage of two bills honoring Western New Yorkers

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley is celebrating the recent passage of two bills that have renamed highways in Genesee and Orleans counties for citizens of the region.

The Genesee Bill (A.8900B) designates Route 77 between Pembroke Town Park and the intersection of Indian Falls Road in the Town of Pembroke, County of Genesee, as the "SP4 C. Jay Hall Memorial Highway."

The Orleans Bill (A.9639) designates the highway system constituting State Route 31 from the intersection of Route 31 and Transit Road to the intersection of Route 31 and Wood Road, in the Town of Albion, Orleans County, as the "Charles W. Howard Memorial Highway."

“I’m proud that the Assembly passed these bills to help us recognize the men of our community so they will be remembered now and forevermore,” Hawley said. “It’s times like these that remind me why I continue to work in state government; to give back to the community in any way I can.”

Four people trapped in vehicle after accident on Thruway in Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

A motor-vehicle accident has been reported in the westbound lane of the Thruway near mile marker 400 with four people trapped in a vehicle.

Unknown injuries.

Pembroke fire, Indian Falls fire, along with East Pembroke and two ambulances from Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 10:07 a.m.: The only reason the four people can't get out of the vehicle is they are blocked in by trees. No injuries.

UPDATE 10:14 a.m.: All occupants out of the vehicle.

Caller reports threatening person is videotaping at TA Travel Center

By Billie Owens

A caller reports a person is videotaping at the TA Travel Center in Pembroke, saying he plans to post to YouTube, and is threatening to harm truckers and/or their vehicles. Law enforcement is responding. The Center is located at 8420 Alleghany Road.

Law and Order: Four Erie County teens accused of trespassing in Indian Falls

By Billie Owens

Sammy H. Esaleh, 18, of Bucyrus Drive, Amherst, is charged with trespass. He was arrested at 3:33 p.m. on July 17 at Indian Falls on Gilmore Road in Indian Falls. He is due in Pembroke Town Court on Aug. 25. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Erion.

Haydar A. Esaleh, 18, of Glenden Place, Williamsville, is charged with trespass. Esaleh was arrested at 3:33 p.m. on July 17 at Indian Falls on Gilmore Road in Indian Falls. He is due in Pembroke Town Court on Aug. 25. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Erion.

Rohin Ramin, 18, of Ayrault Drive, Amherst, is charged with trespass. Ramin was arrested at 3:33 p.m. on July 17 at Indian Falls on Gilmore Road in Indian Falls. He is due in Pembroke Town Court on Aug. 25. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Erion.

Benjamin P. Rogemoser, 18, of Forbes Avenue, Tonawanda, was arrested at 3:33 p.m. on July 17 at Indian Falls on Gilmore Road in Indian Falls. He is due in Pembroke Town Court on Aug. 25. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Erion.

William J. Galliford, 60, of Reed Road, Bergen, is charged with: unauthorized use of a vehicle -- operating without owner's consent; resisting arrest; driving while intoxicated -- first offense. At 7:19 p.m. on July 20, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies were investigating a complaint of an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. They located the vehicle on Reed Road in Bergen and Galliford was allegedly operating it while being toxicated. He allegedly fought with deputies. He was released with appearance tickets and is due in Bergen Town Court on Aug. 12. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Deputy Mathew Clor.

Law and Order: Two Batavia residents arrested, one accused of DWI, the other of possessing drugs

By Billie Owens

Lyndsey Jean Wilcox, 36, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more; driving while intoxicated; unlicensed operator; failure to keep right; and moving from lane unsafely. Wilcox was arrested at 3:03 a.m. July 17 after a motor-vehicle accident on Clinton Street Road in Bergen. The defendant was released with appearance tickets for Sept. 2 in Bergen Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young.

Athena M. Hanley, 33, Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. On July 16 at 4:45 p.m. on Main Road in the Town of Pembroke, Hanley was arrested after the investigation of a motor-vehicle accident. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Pembroke Court on Aug. 12. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Hale.

Car vs. pole accident, unknown injuries, is reported on Main Road in Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A car vs. pole accident with unknown injuries is reported at 1433 Main Road in Pembroke. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 4:12 p.m.: Injuries are believed to be minor.

UPDATE 4:13 p.m.: National Grid is notified that the pole is cracked and utility wires are damaged.

UPDATE 4:25 p.m.: A second ambulance is called to the scene.

UPDATE 4:29 p.m.: National Grid is on scene.

UPDATE 4:42 p.m.: One person is being transported to ECMC.

UPDATE 5 p.m.: Two patients were transported in separate ambulances to ECMC.

Law and Order: Duo accused of robbing a victim on Hutchins Street

By Billie Owens

Jennifer J. Hogan (inset photo left), 29, of Buell Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree robbery. She was arrested and arraigned in Batavia City Court at 9:30 a.m. on July 7. This was due to an arrest warrant stemming from an incident that occurred at 6:20 p.m. on Oct. 2 on Hutchins Street in Batavia. She also had two additional bench warrants out of city court. She was arrainged then jailed on $15,000 cash, $40,000 bond, or $60,000 partially secured bond.
 She is due to return to court on July 18. Hogan is accused of removing money from a victim's pocket after her co-defendant, 54-year-old David Vega (inset photo right), of Rochester, had allegedly prevented the victim from leaving the residence by grabbing the victim's hand, which was injured in the incident. Vega is charged with second-degree robbery and after arraignment in city court, was jailed on $25,000 cash, $50,000 bond, or $100,000 partially secured bond. No information provided about Vega's court date. No weapons were displayed. The cases were investigated by Batavia City Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Matthew I. Diers, 36, of West Main Street, Batavia, is a convicted Level 2 sex offender charged with sex offender failure to report a change of internet identifiers within 10 days as required on the NYS Sex Offender Registry. He was previously been convicted of failing to notify authorities of a change of status within 10 days, thereby elevating this charge to a Class D felony. He is in jail without bail. The case was handled by Batavia City Police Officer Jason Ivison.

Laytefa A. Franklin, 31, Castle Place, Buffalo, is charged with endangering the welfare of an incompetent person and criminal obstruction of breathing. Franklin was arrested on July 2 and arraigned in Batavia City Court. It is alleged that at 9:15 a.m. on Jan. 4 on Bank Street in Batavia that Franklin intentionally obstructed the breathing of an incompetant person by intentionally blocking the victim's nose and mouth. Franklin was released under supervision of Genesee Justice. She is due back in court on Aug. 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Samuel Freeman, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Daniel W. Mosholder, 28, no permanent address, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree stangulation. Mosholder was arrested after a domestic incident on North Spruce Street in Batavia at 6:45 a.m. June 28. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and is due there again on Aug. 20. The case was handled by Batavia City Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Austin Hedges.

Rae C. Cook, 31, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Cook was arrested after a disturbance on Liberty Street at 8:30 p.m. on June 29 in which she allegedly struck a neighbor. Cook was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on July 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Miah Stevens.

Mark Anthony Constable Jr., 31, of Ganson Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: second-degree harassment -- physical contact; criminal mischief -- intentionally damaging property; and grand larceny in the fourth degree -- taking property from a person. Batavia police were dispatched to Ganson Avenue at 10:56 a.m. on June 30 for a physical domestic incident. After arraignment in Batavia City Court, Constable was released on his own recognizance. He is due back in city court on Aug. 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis, assisted by Officer Adam Tucker.

Thomas Franklin Hofmeier, 19, of Alleghany Road, Pembroke, is charged with third-degree criminal mischief and fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested on Main Road in Pembroke at 8:32 p.m. on July 11 after he allegedly used a car key to scratch the exterior of the victim's vehicle and broke the rear view mirror in the vehicle. He also allegedly took the victim's cell phone when the victim attempted to call 9-1-1 and threw the phone into a nearby ditch so the victim was unable to call for help. Hofmeier was put in Genesee County Jail and was arraigned July 12 in Genesee County Court. He was released and is due to appear before Judge Charles Zambito on Sept. 1. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Gauthier, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

Thomas J. Wolcott, 36, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. Wolcott was arrested at 12:07 p.m. on July 7 on Main Street after an investigation into a violation of a court order. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on July 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Samuel Freeman, assisted by Stephen Cronmiller.

Rae C. Cook, 31, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. Cook was arrested after an investigation into a domestic incident at 9:35 p.m. on July 8 on Liberty Street. Cook allegedly violated an order of protection. Cook is due in Batavia City Court on Aug. 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Miah Stevens.

Andre Lamar Roberts, 27, of Burrows Street, Rochester, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. At 12:30 a.m. on July 1, Roberts was found by BYS Troopers walking on Route 98 in the roadway. He was taken to Batavia Police Headquarters and arrested for allegedly violating an order of protection at a location on West Main Street in Batavia. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed on $4,000 cash bail or $8,000 bond or $15,000 partially secured bond. He is due back in city court on Aug. 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Robert B. Schultz, 61, of Ross street, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- with a BAC of .08 percent; DWI -- common law; and moving from lane unsafely. Schultz was arrested at 8:48 p.m. July 4 on Harvester Avenue in Batavia after a motor-vehicle accident on Harvester Avenue. He is due in Batavia City Court on Aug. 5. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Adam Tucker.

Willie L. Williams, 33, of Laser Street, Rochester, is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree; and criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree. At 11:18 a.m. on June 30, Williams was arrested after an investigation into a traffic stop that occurred earlier in the day on East Main Street, Batavia. After arraignment in Batavia City Court he was jailed without bail and is due back there on Aug. 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Samuel Freeman, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Niagara Orleans Football Association delays season due to COVID-19, may start in March

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Niagara Orleans Football Association (NOFA) has been delayed due to COVID-19 pandemic to a date to be determined.

The NOFA organization is tentatively looking to plan for our 2020 season of football and cheer to commence, if possible, in March 2021. As well, NOFA intends to commence the regularly scheduled 2021 season the last week of July 2021.

In the meantime, please watch for NOFA football and cheer activities for our football players, cheerleaders and families.

Be SAFE and WELL NOFA families!

NOFA is the governing body for football and cheerleading for the areas that include Akron, Albion, Attica, Batavia, Holley, Medina, Newfane, Oakfield-Elba, Pembroke, RoyHart, and Tri-Town school districts.

NOFA has a full-contact football program that is age based with ages ranging from 6 – 13 based on a Dec. 1 birthdate.

We have four Divisions: 6 – 7 years old are Beginners; 8 -9 years old are Minis; 10 – 11 years old are JV; and 12 – 13 years old are Varsity.

Joe Bradt
Treasurer
NOFA Youth Football
PO Box 34
Oakfield NY 14125

Pembroke passes Emergency Parking Ban to curb 'generally disrespectful behavior' at Indian Falls

By Billie Owens

Public Notice

In an effort to curb the trespassing, littering and generally disrespectful behavior exhibited by those swimming and jumping at the falls in Tonawanda Creek in the Hamlet of Indian Falls, the Town of Pembroke Board has passed an Emergency Parking Ban effective through Sept. 30th.

The Emergency Parking Ban covers all of Waddington, Ogden and Short streets. The Emergency Parking Ban also covers portions of Gilmore, Little Falls, Phelps and Meiser roads.

Persons parking in these areas will face a $100 fine and the possibility of having their vehicle towed at their own expense. 

While the Town Board recognizes the right of people to assume the risk for their actions, we ask that people be mindful about the impact their actions could have on friends and family should an accident happen.

The lifelong impact of a death or paralysis can be devastating to friends and family. People also need to be mindful of the hazards potential rescues can pose to our first responders in the event of an accident.

Truck strikes toll booth in Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

A Chevy Blazer has reportedly struck a toll booth at the 48a Exit of the Thruway in Lane 5.

Unknown injuries but an ambulance is requested to the scene and entrapment was reported. The subject is out now.

An oil and gas spill is reported.

Indian Falls fire and Pembroke fire on scene. Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 5:31 p.m.: Only one injury reported. The driver of the vehicle. The driver is conscious and alert, reporting neck pain. 

Reader-submitted photo.

Oh happy day: Pembroke Family Medicine joins Oak Orchard Health

By Billie Owens

From left: Mary Ann Pettibon, CEO Oak Orchard Health; Dr. Mary Obear of Pembroke Family Medicine; and Oak Orchard Board Chair Gary Skoog.

Submitted photo and press release:

On July 1 it became official, Pembroke Family Medicine joined Oak Orchard Health.

In addition, Oak Orchard wanted to recognize Dr. Mary Obear’s commitment to the community by dedicating the Corfu location to her. Oak Orchard Board Chair, Gary Skoog, presented a plaque and made the dedication.

Moving forward, this location will be known as The Dr. Mary E. Obear Center.

It was a happy day with many in the community coming to the event (masks on!) to celebrate this occasion.

Both Mary Ann Pettibon, CEO Oak Orchard Health, and Dr. Obear said a few words.

“I’m really moved by this occasion, said Dr. Obear, of Pembroke Family Medicine. "We’re so pleased to have found a partner in Oak Orchard Health. They align perfectly with our current model of practicing high-quality, patient centered care. It has always been about our patients."

“Dr. Obear is the reason we’re here," said CEO Pettibon. "She started this practice many years ago, it was her dream to bring primary care to this community and it grew to two more locations. We’re excited to welcome Pembroke Family Medicine patients and providers into our organization."

Both organizations were recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as Patient Centered Medical Homes, which focuses on improvements in quality of the patient experience, growing staff satisfaction, and reducing health care costs.

Oak Orchard Health 

Originally founded in 1966, Oak Orchard has grown from a migrant health project into an integrated health center with multiple locations providing health care services for everyone located in the communities we serve.

Currently serving more than 22,000 patients at six locations, Oak Orchard Health is a recognized patient-centered medical home and 501(c) nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) located in the towns of Alexander, Batavia, Corfu, Brockport, Albion, Lyndonville, Hornell and Warsaw.

In Genesee County, Oak Orchard now has three locations:

  • 3384 Church Street, Alexander
  • 319 W. Main St., Batavia
  • 860 Main Road, Corfu

 Phone is (585) 599-6446.

Three-vehicle collision reported on Route 77 at Gabbey Road, Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A three-vehicle collision with injuries is reported at Route 77 and Gabbey Road / Indian Falls Road, Pembroke. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are responding along with two Mercy medics and Sheriff's deputies. A first responder on scene says there's debris all over the roadway. One vehicle is in a field, two more are off the road. Alabama Fire Police are called for traffic control.

UPDATE 12:45 p.m.: Three flatbed tows are called in. One victim is an 48-year-old with a minor arm injury.

UPDATE 12:47 p.m.: One person has an abdominal injury and bruising.

UPDATE 12:51 p.m.: Traffic will be shut down at Akron Road.

UPDATE 12:53 p.m.: A third ambulance -- a Mercy BLS unit -- is called to the scene.

UPDATE 1:14 p.m.: One patient is being transported to ECMC. The roadway will be reopened shortly.

UPDATE 1:34 p.m.: The roads are reopened and the assignment is back in service.

UPDATE 3:40 p.m. (by Howard): The accident report states that Ireland M. Sutton, 20, of Alexander, was driving a 2009 Chevy sedan southbound on Route 77 when she allegedly failed to stop for a car in front of her. That car was a 2015 Kia driven by Shamar Spinks, 27, of Buffalo. Spinks had his Kia stopped while waiting to make a left-hand turn at the intersection of Alleghany Road and Indian Falls Road. The collision pushed the Kia sideways and into the northbound lane of traffic. It was struck by a 2016 Chevy sedan driving by Joseph H. Hooker, 46, of Akron. Sutton was cited for allegedly following too closely. She, along with Spinks, and Michael J. Hooker, 8, were transported to area hospitals for evaluation. Neither Joseph Hooker nor K.A. Tierson-Hooker, 48, a passenger in the third vehicle, were injured. The accident was investigated by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Photos submitted by Josh Sibbald.

CTE students inducted into the National Technical Honor Society

By Billie Owens

Top photo: Macayla Burke (right) receives the first-place Holowach Scholarship from Jon Sanfratello, executive principal, GV BOCES Batavia Campus. Macayla is a Health Careers Academy student from Batavia City School District.

Submitted photo and press release:

The Batavia Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center is proud to announce the achievements of its seniors. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this awards ceremony event that was scheduled to be held in June was canceled.

The 25 Genesee County award winners, their programs, home schools and scholarships received, are noted below.

  • Chase Bordonaro -- Building Trades, Le Roy CSD, Home Depot Award
  • Juliana Branche -- Culinary Arts, Batavia CSD, Culinary Arts Club Award
  • Jesse Bray -- Metal Trades, Batavia CSD, Dan Bender Award
  • Alexander Brumsted -- Building Trades, Byron-Bergen CSD, Home Owner Award
  • Macayla Burke -- Health Careers Academy, Batavia CSD, Holowach Memorial Scholarship – first place
  • Casey Felski -- Building Trades, Pembroke CSD, Building Trades Alumni Award
  • Wyatt Gaus -- Culinary Arts, Batavia CSD, Batavia Rotary, Chef Russell Bugbee Memorial Award, Culinary Arts Club Award, Holowach Memorial Scholarship (Alternate), Josh Mouery Memorial Award
  • Madison Heaney -- Health Dimensions, Le Roy CSD, UMMC Clinical Excellence Award, UMMC League Award
  • Paige Haile -- Health Careers Academy, Batavia CSD, AM Highest Academic Average, Holowach Memorial Scholarship – second place
  • Nicole Hume -- Metal Trades, Alexander CSD, Dan Bender Award
  • Jacob Humes -- Health Careers Academy, Batavia CSD, AM Clinical Excellence Award
  • Noah Kutter -- Culinary Arts, Pembroke CSD, Extra Mile Award
  • Benjamin LaBombard -- Metal Trades, Le Roy CSD, Gene Haas Foundation Award
  • Kyler LaCarte -- Building Trades, Le Roy CSD, Home Depot Award
  • Benjamin Lemley -- Building Trades, Notre Dame HS, Roy H. Turnbull Memorial Award
  • Dylan Pehrson -- Building Trades, Batavia CSD, Paul Levins Memorial Award
  • Paola Perez -- Justice Academy, Oakfield-Alabama CSD, Outstanding Achievement Award
  • Emma Sallome -- Cosmetology, Batavia CSD, Cosmetology Teacher Award
  • Wyatt Sando -- Metal Trades, Byron-Bergen CSD, Don Abramo Jr. Memorial Award
  • Dan Santullo -- Health Careers Academy, Alexander CSD, PM Highest Academic Average
  • Gavin Schmidt -- Collision Custom & Restoration, Batavia CSD, Select Collision Top Gun Award
  • Lauren Schmieder -- Health Careers Academy, Alexander CSD, PM Clinical Excellence Award
  • Tyler Stevens -- Collision Custom & Restoration, Elba CSD, Car Quest Auto Body Skills Award
  • Charlotte Wright -- Animal Science, Le Roy CSD, FFA Service Scholarship
  • Braeden Zimmerman -- Collision Custom & Restoration, Byron-Bergen CSD, Car Quest Auto Body Skills Award

GCEDC board to consider incentives for $3 million mix-use project in Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors will consider approving incentives for a $3 million mixed-use project by J & R Fancher Property Holdings LLC (Brickhouse Commons) at the agency’s July 2 board meeting.

The 32,254-square-foot, three-story facility is proposed to be constructed on a 7.9-acre parcel at Genesee County’s Buffalo East Technology Park (BETP) in the Town of Pembroke.

The Brickhouse Commons project includes adding 17 market-rate, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments on the second and third floors, and an interior space comprised of four spaces for commercial tenants, as well as indoor parking and a fitness center.

A public hearing on the proposed incentives was held May 26.

J & R Fancher Property Holdings LLC’s proposed investment contributes to Genesee County’s growth strategy for residential growth to parallel strong economic growth in shovel-ready industrial parks.

Genesee County’s 67-acre Buffalo East Technology Park campus maintains multiple parcels for development opportunities and is home to Yancey’s Fancy cheese manufacturing and production facility.

BETP is located at the intersection of New York State Route 77 and New York State Route 5 in the Town of Pembroke offering easy access to New York Interstate 90 at Exit 48-A.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting will be conducted via conference and online at www.gcedc.com.

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