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Train stopping in Corfu for smoke coming from railroad car

By Howard B. Owens

A CSX train is stopping at the Ellinwood crossing, Corfu, for a possible fire in a train car.

It's unconfirmed that there is a fire, but there was a report of heavy black smoke coming from car.

The train was originally going to stop at Wilkenson Road, so East Pembroke Fire Department was dispatched.

A deputy on scene says he sees the train, but nothing is showing.

UPDATE 2:40 p.m.: A passerby called in the smoke. CSX was contacted and is stopping the train as a precaution. No confirmed fire at this time. Corfu fire is staging in their district at Ellinwood. East Pembroke is staging at Wilkenson.

UPDATE 2:51 p.m.: Nothing found yet. An engineer indicates that one of the diesel engines was blowing some black smoke at some point, but no indication of a fire.

UPDATE 2:59 p.m.: The train is being sent on its way. All fire units back in service.

Man with overheated car on Thruway suffers steam burns to face

By Billie Owens

A 19-year-old man is suffering from steam burns to his face and difficulty breathing following an accident involving an overheated vehicle on the Thruway. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding to mile marker 394. 9 in the eastbound lane. Radiator fluid burned him.

UPDATE 2:51 p.m.: Responders are advised that traffic is still backed up on the Thruway due to the camper rollover accident about an hour ago. The chief tells them to get on the south shoulder and "run the shoulder" to get to the burn victim.

UPDATE 3:11 p.m.: The patient is being transported to Erie County Medical Center.

Suicide standoff on Pratt Road ends peacefully

By Billie Owens

The skills of a seasoned negotiator and the quick, efficient response of several different agencies is credited with helping diffuse a volitile suicidal standoff on Pratt Road that began about an hour ago.

The white male who had a gun pointed under his chin and threatened to kill himself was just taken safely from the scene outside of the Apple Grove Mobile Home Park to the State Police barracks, where he will be properly evaluated. Charges against him are pending, but no details have been provided.

"The situation was resolved peacefully," said State Police Sgt. Ron Lobur. "...(The responders) are all heroes. They all did a good job. We had a positive outcome. Nobody was hurt."

In addition to state troopers, responders included Sheriff's deputies, Mercy medics and the East Pembroke Fire Department.

Lobur said it was fortunate that State Police Investigator Leo Hunter happened to be on duty and got to the scene swiftly.

A witness said officers kept the man talking and kept giving him cigarettes to enjoy. Then Hunter arrived.

"Within three minutes, he had him put the gun down," the witness said.

Fire behind stove at East Pembroke archery club

By Billie Owens

A fire behind a stove is reported at the Sportsman's Coonhunters Association, an archery club, located at 8776 Hopkins Road in East Pembroke. The flames are out but firefighters are called to check for extensions into the walls.

East Pembroke and Town of Batavia fire departments are responding. A firefighter on scene says extensions are unlikely. An infrared camera is requested to be sure.

Motor-vehicle accident with injuries on Thruway

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported on the westbound Thruway at mile marker 395. One person is lying on the ground. East Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE 6:47 p.m.: Four vehicles are involved. A medic on scene says injuries are minor. A second ambulance is requested.

UPDATE 6:51 p.m.: East Pembroke command ordered Mercy Squad 1 to go back in service.

UPDATE 7:01 p.m.: A State Trooper is on scene and a tow truck is en route.

Two-car, head-on collision with serious injuries on Indian Falls Road

By Billie Owens

A two-car, head-on collision accident is reported on Indian Falls Road in the area of Pratt Road. Both drivers will need extrication. One of them is unresponsive and has three minors as passengers.

East Pembroke Fire Department is responding, along with mutual aid from Pembroke and Indian Falls, plus two Mercy EMS units. Two Mercy Flight helicopters are called in and a landing zone is being set up on the corner of Pratt and Indian Falls roads.

An Oakfield medic is on scene and a rig out of Oakfield is called to respond, too. Corfu Fire Police are called to handle traffic control and to shut down Indian Falls Road.

UPDATE 5:21 p.m.: A third Mercy Flight helicopter is called for, and is available, but a crew needs to be assembled. They are working to do that and will advise.

UPDATE 5:22 p.m.: The first helicopter is on the ground. Indian Falls at Route 5 is being closed to traffic.

UPDATE 5:25 p.m.: A second landing zone is being set up north of the scene, on the southeast corner of Indian Falls and Cleveland roads.

UPDATE 5:27 p.m.: A third helicopter has secured a crew and is 15 minutes away.

UPDATE 5:30 p.m.: A third landing zone is being set up at Kilian and Slusser roads.

UPDATE 5:33 p.m.: The second helicopter has landed, but not at the site originally designated. It's at Pratt and Indian Falls roads, where the first helicopter landed.

UPDATE 5:37: "Mercy Flight is advising they have a fourth helicopter if Squad 2 can ride on it."

UPDATE 5:38 p.m.: A fourth helicopter will not be needed.

UPDATE 5:41 p.m.: All patients have been extricated.

UPDATE 5:43 p.m.: Oakfield medics are en route to UMMC with two small children on board.

UPDATE 5:46 p.m.: The last helicopter has landed. The first chopper is headed to Women & Children's Hospital in Buffalo.

UPDATE 5:56 p.m.: The second helicopter is headed to Erie County Medical Center.

UPDATE 6 p.m.: The last helicopter is headed to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester at the patient's request.

UPDATE 7:48 p.m.: All East Pembroke units back in service. The road is reopened.

UPDATE 10:11 p.m.: A caller has told dispatchers that a television news crew is setting up in the area of the accident with very bright lights, "blinding drivers." A deputy is responding.

More pictures from the scene after the jump.

Car veers off Thruway into the woods

By Billie Owens

A car traveled off the eastbound Thruway and into the woods. Severity of injuries is unknown. The location is mile marker 394.8.

East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy EMS are dispatched. State Police are on scene.

UPDATE 2:08 p.m.: A head injury is reported.

Man slices finger in roofing accident

By Billie Owens

A man with a partially amputated finger is in and out of consciousness in East Pembroke, following an accident while he was doing roof work.

He was found in a silver pickup truck at 1705 Main Road, between Cleveland and Boyce roads.

East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy medics are called after law enforcement contacted dispatch.

Company with site in East Pembroke announces big donation to help vets

By Billie Owens

As conflicts and unrest continue to be commonplace in the Middle East and throughout the world, the spouses and families of our troops continue to struggle both personally and financially at home while their family members are participating in active duty.

The Captain Morgan brand, which has a facility in East Pembroke, has announced a $150,000 donation to Loyola Recovery Foundation, headquartered in Pittsford, through its First Mate Fund (established last year).

The donation will benefit Operation Economic Freedom, a brand-new program of the foundation that focuses on providing job opportunities for veterans, their families and others affiliated with the military.

The donation will be used to recruit and train military spouses to serve as health support specialists and establish a home-based call center to offer assistance to veterans actively recovering from alcohol abuse and other health conditions.

In addition to providing follow-up and transportation services to veterans, the home-based call center will provide more than 30 part-time jobs and enable spouses to work from home on a flexible schedule, affording significant cost-savings in areas like daycare for families with young children.

To date, Captain Morgan has contributed nearly $500,000 to national and local nonprofit organizations through the fund, including Designated Drivers Foundation, Feeding America Tampa Bay, the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and various food banks.

To support the First Mate Fund, upload a picture of your Captain’s Pose and share your legendary story at www.Facebook.com/CaptainMorganUSA <http://www.Facebook.com/CaptainMorganUSA>, and the Captain will donate $1 per pose in his quest for One Million Poses and one million dollars to charity.

For more information about Loyola Recovery Foundation, visit http://www.loyolarecovery.com/ <http://www.loyolarecovery.com

Electrical fire reported in Batavia mobile home

By Billie Owens

An electrical fire was reported at the Batavia Mobile Home Park, Lot #26, at 3322 W. Main St. Road. The trailer has been evacuated and the electical breakers shut off. The fire is now out.

"Everybody's out. The trailer is filled with smoke. I'm checking the panel box," says a Sheriff's deputy at the scene.

East Pembroke and Town of Batavia fire departments responded.

Car explodes, causing possible house fire on Pratt Road

By Billie Owens

A vehicle that was on fire near a house at 2560 Pratt Road has exploded. The fire is believed to have spread to the structure. East Pembroke Fire Department is responding along with a tanker from the Town of Batavia.

A firefighter says a large amount of black smoke can be seen from the Indian Falls bridge.

A woman at the residence who called 9-1-1 in a panic was told to evacuate the house.

The location is between Slusser and Powers roads.

"Be advised -- it looks like it hasn't spread to the house yet, just the vehicle in the driveway," says a responder.

UPDATE 2:37 p.m.: Town of Batavia is told "to take their time coming in."

UPDATE 2:39 p.m.: The fire is under control. They are looking for hot spots. Medics are called for a person who suffered some minor burns when the fire "flashed over."

Car snaps power pole in half on Pratt Road

By Billie Owens

A car has struck a pole at 2811 Pratt Road, just east of Powers Road. There are no injuries reported. The pole snapped in half. There are electrical and cable wires down.

East Pembroke Fire Department is responding. Law enforcement is on location.

UPDATE 11:54 a.m.: Westbound traffic on Pratt Road is being shut down.

UPDATE 11:58 p.m.: National Grid was contacted. No ETA given.

UPDATE 12:04 p.m.: National Grid expects to be on scene in about 15 minutes.

UPDATE 12:43 p.m.: The roadway is reopened. Responders are back in service.

Transformer arcing on Pearl Street Road

By Billie Owens

A transformer is said to be arcing repeatedly at 3305 Pearl St. Road. No fire is reported. East Pembroke Fire Department is dispatched.

UPDATE 1:50 p.m.: A firefighter on scene reports nothing is showing. National Grid is notified. The caller told dispatch the transformer had arced three or four times today and it was "pretty loud and bright."

Head-on collision with serious injuries on West Main Street, Batavia

By Billie Owens

A head-on collision with serious injuries is reported at 3265 W. Main St. in the Town of Batavia. A responder on scene says one person is unconscious and another person is semiconscious.

Mercy Flight is unavailable. East Pembroke and Town of Batavia fire departments are responding with all available manpower. Two Mercy ambulances are responding.

East Pembroke personnel are shutting down traffic at Route 5 and Hopkins Road. Town of Batavia's crew is shutting down traffic at Wortendyke Road and Route 5.

Oakfield is called to provide extrication equipment.

UPDATE 7:41 a.m.: Mercy Flight in Batavia became available and is launching momentarily to go to the scene.

UPDATE 7:50 a.m.: Mercy Flight is circling and preparing to land in a field of grass northeast of the crash site. Light winds out of the south, the flight crew is told.

UPDATE 7:54 a.m.: Mercy Flight is on the ground. Both patients have been extricated.

UPDATE 8:05 a.m.: A chief reports that a portion of Route 5 will be shut down for at least an hour. One patient is being taken to a hospital via Mercy Flight and the other is going in an ambulance. Hospitals have not been specified. Two flatbed tow trucks are en route.

UPDATE 8:13 a.m.: Sheriff Gary Maha confirmed that one of the crash victims has died and a coroner has been called.

UPDATE 8:28 a.m.: Mercy Flight is going to Strong Memorial Hospital. The next of kin is being notified regarding the death, then the name of the victim will be released.

UPDATE 9:07 a.m.: Route 5 has been reopened. All fire units back in service.

GCC today announced Dean's List students for Fall 2010

By Billie Owens

Today, Genesee Community College announced the Genesee County students who are among 612 on the Dean's List for the Fall 2010 semester. These students earned a quality point index (grade-point average) of 3.50-3.74.

The honorees, their hometowns and attendance status, are:

ALABAMA

Jake Nadolinski, full time

ALEXANDER

Daniel Dudek, part time

Sabrina Herman, full time

Clayton Miller, part time

Teresa Morris, full time

John Ognibene, full time

Laurie Schwab, part time

Cindy Schwartz, part time

Stacy Wirth, full time

Lacey Wolfley, full time

BASOM

Kassondra Conrad, full time

Andrew Greene, full time

Danielle Hirtzel, full time

Ely Winnie, part time

BATAVIA

Jenise Albert, part time

Valeria Antonetty, part time

Jessica Barone, full time

Christopher Blachowicz, full time

Ann Brade, part time

Alex Brasky, part time

Katherine Clemm, full time

Neil DeLillo, part time

Richard DelPlato, part time

Nicole DiSalvo, full time

Erin Dobbertin, full time

Melissa Dorman, full time

Ian Dries, full time

Delores Dyer, full time

Ashley Falcone, full time

Charles Ferraro, full time

Kaelie Grazioplene, full time

Rachel Guppenberger, full time

Kimberly Gutzmer, full time

Brett Hake, part time

Shauna Hutchinson, part time

Kimberly Ianita, full time

Jessica Jaszko, full time

Katie Kosciolek, part time

Gregory Kryman, full time

Jenna Lynn Leach, full time

Shelly Lopez, full time

Elizabeth Martin, full time

Emily Mott, full time

John Mullen, part time

Colleen O'Donnell, full time

Daniel Oquendo, full time

Joseph Pedro, full time

Theresa Pellegrino, part time

Joshua Que, full time

Meagan Roese, full time

Amy Roggow, part time

Erin Ruzzi, full time

Erin Schafer, part time

Joseph Schlossel, part time

James Schnellinger, part time

Amber Shea, full time

Trisha Smith, part time

Brian Sprague, full time

Kathryn Svensen, part time

Mark Temperato, part time

Wendy Walker, part time

Todd Warren, full time

Katelyn Wickson, part time

Caitlin Wilkinson, full time

Mercedes Wollek, full time

Cameron Wright, full time

BERGEN

Karen Beaney, part time

Ryan Chatham, full time

Carrie Cooper, part time

Samantha Elliott, full time

Amanda Heale, full time

Gary Heale, part time

Kelsey Hill, part time

Cynthia Mack, part time

Rebecca Mosher, full time

Tavy Shippers, part time

Ashley Spangenburg, part time

Miranda Tardy, full time

BYRON

Kevin Jackson, full time

Mark McLaughlin, full time

Timothy Nicholas, full time

CORFU

Eric Allen, full time

Shannon Bartlett, part time

John Bernardini, part time

Patrick Betz, full time

Stacy Brockway, part time

Joseph D'Amato, full time

Lisa Falkowski, part time

Melissa Gardner, full time

Jessica Gerould, full time

Ashley Ingram, full time

Jamie Johnson, full time

Tracy Kearney, full time

Victoria Rebmann, full time

Kara Rykert, full time

Ashlin Thuman, part time

Dana Wolbert, full time

DARIEN CENTER

Larissa DeMuth, part time

Abigail Engel, full time

Nadine McClurg, part time

Alexander Muench, full time

Rebecca Piechowiak, full time

Michelle Waldo, full time

EAST BETHANY

Sarah Baird, part time

Karen DeFelice, full time

Ian Lawson, part time

EAST PEMBROKE

Lucinda Barber, part time

ELBA

Michael Anauo, full time

Keenan Hughes, part time

Christopher Johnson, part time

Jeana Pfalzer, full time

Danyelle Scarborough, part time

LE ROY

Jennifer Beherns, part time

Joeylyn Berl, part time

Jacob Bortle, part time

Ashley Carney, part time

Jason Coniber, part time

Chad Cummings, part time

Margery Fitzsimmons, part time

Jamie Givens, part time

Bridget Grayson, part time

Anthony Macaluso, full time

Sharlene Majors, full time

Melissa Meadows, full time

Brenda Melton, full time

Caleb Nicodemus, full time

Joel Pitts, part time

Bethany Roth, full time

Katherine Stearns, part time

Jeremy Tiede, part time

Duane Weber, part time

Bradley Wight, part time

Sharon Wynn, full time

OAKFIELD

Kari Adams, full time

Amanda Bachorski, full time

Ariel Bentkowski, full time

Kristen Casper, full time

Julie Mendez, full time

Kendra Moak, full time

Sara Mooney, full time

Nathan Oaksford, part time

Veronica Rebert, full time

Maria Sanders, full time

Olivia Waldron, full time

PAVILION

Matthew Berkemeier, part time

Daniel Case, part time

Marie Hart, part time

Jeannie Kirch, part time

Brian Leach, full time

Emily Mess, full time

Julia Sallade, full time

Deborah Schroeder, full time

Peter Sherman, part time

James Smart, full time

STAFFORD

Amber Carmichael, part time

Jacob Cone, part time

Mark Williams, part time

Genesee Community College offers more than 60 academic programs and certificates, including the brand-new Veterinary Technology A.A.S. degree and Polysomnographic Technology A.A.S. degree, (the study of sleep disorders).

Genesee is accessible through seven campus locations throughout Western New York, as well as through online classes in the Distance 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." Find out more at <http://www.genesee.edu >.

Man was stuck in power lift 75 feet in the air

By Billie Owens

A man was stuck in a rented power lift about 75 feet in the air. He came down a few minutes ago. No problems now. Safe to say on this clear and sunny day, he had a dang good view of the countryside.

He called dispatch to tell them of his plight at 8701 Hartshorn Road in East Pembroke. We guess he was working on some wires. (Turns out, it was a tree.)

East Pembroke Fire Department was called along with Town of Batavia for mutual aid, but the problem with the rig apparently was fixed before crews could arrive. Law enforcement was there.

The rental company was called. The man told dispatch that the machine just shut down -- that maybe it needed a new switch. Of course, it's difficult to diagnose when you're several stories off the ground.

No word on how the machine became operable again.

Motor-vehicle accident with injuries on Thruway

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported on the Thruway in the westbound lanes at mile marker 395.8.

East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE 3:35 p.m.: Traffic is backed up all the way to Kelsey Road. One lane is blocked. A second ambulance is requested. State Troopers are on location.

UPDATE 3:47 p.m.: Mercy EMS is told to go back in service. Oakfield is continuing.

UPDATE 4:10 p.m.: Emergency responders are back in service.

Smell of smoke in Indian Falls residence

By Billie Owens

The smell of smoke is reported inside a residence at 8409 Indian Falls Road in Indian Falls. The basement of the home is flooded, too.

Oakfield, East Pembroke and Pembroke fire units are called.

UPDATE 8:03 p.m.: Assignment back in service.

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