Stafford

Donna Lyn Hartman, 57, of Marlowe Road, Blasdell, is charged with second-degree identity theft. It is alleged that Hartman used a person's identity during a traffic stop in Livingston County. She was transported to Noyes Hospital in Dansville where she allegedly continued to use that identity. As a result, the Genesee County resident whose identity Hartman allegedly stole incurred more than $1,500 in medical expenses. Hartman was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. An order of protection was issued for the victim, who lives in Stafford. Hartman is due to appear in Town of Stafford Court on Oct. 6. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Chad Minuto, assisted by Kevin Forsyth.

Willie Lee Williams, 34, of Laser Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, with a previous conviction. Williams was arrested July 17 following an investigation into an incident that occurred on June 29 on Hutchins Street in Batavia. He is accused of pointing a handgun, or what appeared to be a handgun, at another person's head and threatening to shoot him. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in Genesee County Jail (bail status not provided). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.

David P. Grossman Sr., 37, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt. He was arrested after a domestic incident at 7:73 p.m. on Aug. 6 on West Main Street, Batavia, during which he allegedly contacted a person with a stay away order of protection against him. Grossman was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on Nov. 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jordan McGinnis.

Jordan R. Rose, 19, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with: second-degree criminal contempt -- disobeying a mandate of the court; and aggravated family offense -- more than one offense within five years. He was arrested at 9:05 a.m. on July 31 after he allegedly violated a court order by calling the protected party numerous times over the phone. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released on an appearance ticket. He is due to return to court Aug. 25. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis, assisted by Officer Peter Post.

Rae Charlene Cook, 31, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. At 6:01 p.m. on Aug. 9, police allegedly observed Cook in the presence of an individual against whom she has an order of protection. Following her arrest, she was released with an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on Nov. 17. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Wesley Rissinger.

Daniel Robert Smythe, 32, of Main Street, Caledonia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. At 5:44 p.m. on Aug. 22 on South Street Road in Pavilion, Smythe was arrested following a complaint of a domestic incident. Smythe was arrested, issued an appearance ticket and is due in Pavilion Town Court on Oct. 10. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon, assisted by Sgt. Michael Lute.

Herbert B. Gennis, 26, of Raymond Avenue, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear in Batavia City Court July 23 on a charge of endangering the welfare of a child. He was arrested on Aug. 17 and arraigned in city court via Skype. Gennis was released and is due back in court on Sept. 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer John Gombos, assisted by Felicia DeGroot.

Mark Theodore Helm, 39, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with: possession of a hypodermic instrument; operating a motor vehicle without insurance; operating an unregistered motor vehicle; operating a motor vehicle with improper plates; failure to use turn signal. Helm was arrested at 6:03 p.m. on Aug. 15 following a traffic stop on West Main Street in Batavia. He was processed, issued an appearance ticket and released. He is due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 17. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, assisted by Officer Sean Wilson.

Jamar Andrew Malana, 23, of Culver Road, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. At 1:25 a.m. on Aug. 22, Malana was arrested on Clinton Street Road in Stafford after Genesee County Sheriff's deputies investigated a vehicle parked on Route 33 in Stafford. The defendant and a male passenger were allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance. Malana was also allegedly operating the vehicle without a valid NYS driver's license. Malana was released with an appearance ticket to be in Town of Stafford Court on Oct. 6. The case was handled by Deputy Jordan Alejandro, assisted by Deputy James Stack.

Mark Davonne Edwards, 23, of Ontario Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. At 1:25 a.m. on Aug. 22, Edwards was arrested after Genesee County Sheriff's deputies investigated a vehicle parked on Route 33 in Stafford. He was released on appearance tickets and is due in Town of Stafford Court on Oct. 6. The case was handled by Deputy Jordan Alejandro, assisted by Deputy James Stack.

Justin M. Ferrin, 43, of Albro Road, Bliss, is charged with issuing a bad check. Ferrin was arrested on a Batavia City Court warrant after turning himself in on Aug. 18. He was arraigned in city court and released on his own recognizance. He is due to return to city court on Aug. 10. The  case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Phillip D. Byford, 29, of Brockport Spencerport Road, Brockport, was arrested Aug. 16 on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court (charge(s) against him unspecified). He was arraigned in city court at 9:35 p.m. and released on his own recognizance. He is due to return to court on Oct. 1. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker.

Submitted photos and press release:

The Interagency Council of Genesee County in conjunction with Stafford’s Little Library at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is excited to announce their collaborative book donation in memory of the late Dr. Sam Leadley, Ph.D.  

Books, reading, writing and down-to-earth teaching were extremely important to Leadley. That's how he learned so much and also how he shared with others his thirst for accurate information.

As for calves, he fell in love with every newborn heifer he ever met. He believed each one deserved to be the best cow she could become.

Leadley was a staple at Attica Veterinary Associates for his calf and heifer expertise. He began specializing in calf and heifer management back in 1988, and ever since his reputation has flourished. He was one of the most recognized names in the calf and heifer industry, not only in the United States, but also around the world. Dr. Leadley consulted on numerous operations in Asia, Europe, and both North and South America.

For some of the same reasons, Leadley volunteered though the Office for the Aging as a means to make a positive difference wherever he could. He was good at it, whether it was working through Lifespan with a widow who'd never handled household finances; delivering books to a shut-in through the Library Visits program; or, helping ACORNS raise funds for the programs at the Genesee County Park & Forest.

He was a member of numerous community organizations and volunteered his time for the Stafford Cemetery Association, Le Roy Historical Society and was a proud member of St. Paul’s.

Above all, he was a helper and a teacher. Many of the books donated in his memory are about farm animals or depict the importance of being a kind and generous person. Leadley was a lover of all things that increased our learning in the world and he worked tirelessly to make his community a better place.

Top photo: Coleman Elliott and Cooper Swanson enjoying a book from Stafford’s Little Library in memory of Dr. Sam Leadley.

A driver whose pickup truck burst into flames following an accident on Route 33 in Stafford on Monday said she wasn't paying attention and failed to notice an uninvolved vehicle slowing down in her lane ahead of her so she hit the brakes and swerved left to avoid a rear-end collision.

Her eastbound 2019 Dodge pickup traveled off the south shoulder of the roadway and struck a signpost and then a culvert.

Possible citations are pending for Justine D. McWethy, 33, of Batavia.

McWethy was transported by ambulance to UMMC for evaluation.

The accident, which was reported at 12:37 p.m., was investigated by Deputy Travis Demuth.

There was a secondary accident on Clinton Street Road at Horseshoe Lake Road about 30 minutes later that sent two people to area hospitals for evaluation. The Sheriff's Office has not released that accident report.

First, there was a pickup truck accident with a car fire and just as Stafford fire had things under control at the first location on Clinton Street Road, an MVA with serious injuries was reported a quarter-mile away on Route 33 at the intersection with Horseshoe Lake Road.

It turned out there were no serious injuries in either accident.

But it was a hot, humid day for the volunteer firefighters, deputies, and medical personnel who responded to both incidents.

Previously: 

• Pickup truck in flames on Clinton Street Road, Stafford
• Crash reported at Clinton Street and Horseshoe Lake roads, Stafford

Two people who were located with a disabled vehicle on Clinton Street Road, Stafford, at 6 p.m., Friday, are facing multiple charges including drug dealing and assault.

During an interaction with the subjects, deputies determined that Shonje Kaliq Jefferson, 22, of Norton Street, Rochester, might be in possession of drugs. A subsequent search revealed he allegedly had a quantity of crack cocaine on his person.

Due to the amount of crack cocaine deputies believe they located, Jefferson was arrested on a count of criminal possession of a narcotic drug with an intent to sell.

Deputy Erik Andre and Investigator Chris Parker arrested Jefferson on charges of criminal use of drug paraphernalia, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, unlicensed operator, and pedestrian failed to walk facing traffic.

A passenger in the vehicle, Chaniah Lache Wellington-Martino, 19, of Danforth Street, Rochester, was interviewed by Parker and Sgt. Andrew Hale. She allegedly threw her purse over a guardrail and an attempt to destroy evidence in the purse while fighting with the officers. She is also accused of attempting several times to bite the officers.

She is charged with attempted assault, 2nd, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, tampering with physical evidence, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Jefferson was arraigned in Genesee County Court and ordered held on $2,000 cash bail or $5,000 bond. The release status of Wellington-Martino was not included in the press release.

A two-car accident with minor injuries is reported at the intersection of Clinton Street Road and Horseshoe Lake Road. Stafford fire, Mercy medics and Le Roy ambulance are responding along with law enforcement.

UPDATE 1:11 p.m.: Byron ambulance is called as the third ambulance in.

UPDATE 1:13 p.m.: Town of Batavia Fire Department is called to shut down traffic at Route 33 and Seven Springs Road.

UPDATE 1:37 p.m.: Byron ambulance is transporting one patient to UMMC.

UPDATE 1:40 p.m.: A female in her 50s is being transported to UMMC of evaluation.

UPDATE 1:46 p.m.: This Stafford assignment leaving the scene and going to the prior accident site at 5470 Clinton Street Road for cleanup. The roadway at Route 33 and Seven Springs Road will remain closed for awhile.

UPDATE 1:53 p.m.: A third ambulance is leaving the scene and transporting a patient to a hospital in Buffalo.

UPDATE 1:57 p.m.: The roadway is reopened. 

A pickup truck went off the road and a first responder reports it's in flames at 5470 Clinton Street Road, Stafford. Mercy Flight in Batavia is put on ground standby. Stafford Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics. The location is between Prole Road Extension and Horseshoe Lake Road.

UPDATE 12:47 p.m.: Mercy Flight is cancelled.

UPDATE 12:50 p.m.: South Byron's tanker is requested to the scene.

UPDATE 1:06 p.m.: The fire is extinguished. One lane was closed to traffic and is being reopened. Traffic control is needed. The tow is en route.

UPDATE 1:50 p.m.: The female driver got out before flames engulfed the truck. She was transported by ambulance to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Clyde Devonte Hoskins Jr., 28, of Genesee Street, Buffalo, is charged with: unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the third degree; reckless driving; speeding -- in excess of 55 mph; unsafe turn/failure to signal; drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle. Hoskins was arrested at 12:25 a.m. Aug. 8 on Route 33 in Bergen. It is alleged that Hoskins failed to stop for a violation of NYS vehicle and traffic law on Clinton Street Road in the Town of Bergen. After a pursuit, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies were able to take Hoskins into custody in the Town of Stafford. He was released on appearance tickets and is due in Bergen Town Court at 5 p.m. on Sept. 17. The case was investigated by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Deputy Jordan Alejandro.

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A sheriff's deputy is responding to 5696 Main Road in Stafford for a report of a large tree down in the roadway blocking eastbound traffic.

UPDATE 5:30 p.m.: The deputy is on scene and reports no portion of the tree is in the roadway blocking traffic; he will soon go back in service.

Catherine Klinkbell, 52, of Bethany Center Road, Bethany, is charged with confinement with extreme temperature of companion animal in vehicle. At 1:08 p.m. on July 27, the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center received a report of a canine inside a vehicle in the Walmart parking lot on Veterans Memorial Drive. The outside termperature was 84 degrees. Genesee County Animal Control was dispatched and reported that the canine was in distress and found that the temperature inside the vehicle was harmful to the canine. The canine was removed from the vehicle and transported to the Genesee County Animal Shelter. The registered owner of the vehicle, Klinkbell, was located and charged with one count of violating Section 353-D of the NYS Agriculture & Markets Law. If found guilty, the violation is punishable with a fine $50 to $100 for a first offense (and up to $250 maximum for subsequent offenses). She is due in Town of Batavia Court at 1 p.m. on Aug. 20. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Animal Control Officer Ann Marie Brade.

Heidi Nicole Pitcher, 27, of Parkedge Street, Rochester, is charged with reckless endangerment in the second degree and endangering the welfare of a child. At 7:19 a.m. July 28, the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center received a report of a domestic incident on Route 237 in the Town of Stafford. Following an investigation into the incident, it is alleged that Pitcher drove the vehicle recklessly, creating a substantial risk of serious physical injury to another person while in the presence of children. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Stafford Court at a later date. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong.

From Timothy J. Hens, P.E., superintendent, Genesee County Highway Department:

More oil and stone work will be done next week on East Road (Route 63 to the county line), East Bethany-Le Roy Road, and Fargo Road (Route 5 to Route 63).

Please drive slowly to avoid kicking up stone. It's a temporary inconvenience, but it's a necessary evil for road maintenance. Biggest bang for the buck by far.

Signs are up in advance of these areas including sides roads.

(Initial Post)

UPDATE: The driver has been identified as John W. Schoonover, 59, of Boyd Road, Pavilion.  The accident report indicates he lost consciousness while driving causing his vehicle to veer off of westbound Route 5, into the eastbound lane, striking an earth embankment on the south shoulder before striking the parked vehicle. Schoonover is at Strong Memorial Hospital and listed in satisfactory condition.

A car slammed into a tree in the front yard at 5446 Main Road in Stafford. The male operator is unresponsive, according to a first responder. The person appears to have a head injury. Stafford Fire Department is called and Mercy Flight in Batavia is on a ground standby.

The location is between Batavia Stafford Townline Road and Fargo Road.

UPDATE 4:40 p.m. "Pick it up; the subject is not responsive; still breathing," says a first responder. The Mercy rig is two to three minutes out.

UPDATE 4:41 p.m.: The driver will need to be extricated; the vehicle door cannot be opened.

UPDATE 4:43 p.m.: Mercy Flight is called to the scene. The door is being removed from the damaged vehicle.

UPDATE 4:45 p.m.: Town of Batavia Fire Department is called to provide mutual aid on this call.

UPDATE 4:46 p.m.: The landing zone will be right on the property where the accident occurred.

UPDATE 4:52 p.m.: Mercy Flight has landed, just west of the house. Town of Batavia's engine has arrived.

UPDATE 5:12 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne, en route to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

UPDATE 5:43 p.m. (by Howard): The driver apparently suffered a medical condition. His work truck appears to have been westbound on Route 5 when it crossed the two eastbound lanes and over a ditch and a driveway on the east side of Extreme Sportswear before striking the rear of a parked car. Either that car or the truck glanced off a tree before the truck came to rest right-side up in a position parallel to the car. The driver was extricated and transported to Strong hospital by Mercy Flight. Sgt. Andrew Hale said the driver was breathing and talking with medics but did not seem coherent. We'll have video from the scene later this evening.

Photos and information from Amy Swanson:

There's a new Little Library in Stafford. It's at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, located at 6188 Main Road (Route 5).

It looks like those you've probably seen -- a little post-held structure standing upright in someone’s front yard, a bit like an oversized birdhouse. 

They are quite popular because there are purportedly 60,000 of them around the world, in 80 countries! At first glance, passersby might wonder “What is that…?” And then, after seeing a few of these little nooks filled with books, no doubt a few have wished they'd stopped by to browse the titles.

Well, beginning this week in Stafford, you can do just that.

We welcome the community to take a peek at the Little Library at St. Paul’s. Step right up, open the doors, and poke through the books inside.

If a title or subject seems interesting, take it home to enjoy. After you’re finished simply return it, or not.

This easy access encourages a bit of joy -- the free giving and keeping or sharing of books. That's nice and it's kind, too.

The Stafford project initially began as a way to give visitors a place to share books of interest for children and for adults. It promotes family literacy by offering a variety of books, encouraging parents and children to join together to read, imagine, learn and explore.

In our ever-changing world, the Little Library offers bit of safe entertainment and adventure for families who may be spending more time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Books will be cleaned and held in time frames for safety before being replaced on the shelves for distribution again. 

Stafford’s Little Library offers a safe spot to pull your car into if you are driving by, so you can look for a book and sit on the outside bench and read if you like.

Each week a different theme will be highlighted. Follow us on Facebook as well.

Donations are always welcome as are comments and questions.

Please email us at:   Staffordlittlelibrary@gmail.com

Stafford’s Little Library was made possible through the generosity of the Outreach grant through the Episcopal Partnership of the Diocese of Western New York and the Batavia, Morganville and Stafford communities.

(Editor's Note: As the Peter Max poster noted in 1969: "Be all you can be. Read.")

A 57-year-old Fillmore man died on Bethany Center Road, Town of Stafford, today after a 2012 Harley-Davidson he was driving struck broadside a pickup truck that was attempting to turn around a few hundred yards north of a crest of the hill.

Donald M. Bernard was northbound when his motorcycle hit the passenger side door of a 2019 Honda pickup driven by Joseph C. Johnson.

Bernard was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The investigation is ongoing but Chief Deputy Brian Frieday indicated at the scene this afternoon that charges are possible.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS responded to the scene.

The collision is being investigated by the Crash Management Team.

NOTE: In accordance with an agreement with the Sheriff's Office, The Batavian withheld publication of photos or a video prior to the name of the victim being released to ensure family notifications were complete.