Skip to main content

Alabama

Accident reported at 77 and Ledge, Alabama

By Howard B. Owens

A motor vehicle accident believed to be with injury is reported at Route 77 and Ledge Road.

Alabama fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE (by Billie) 10:45 a.m.: There is entrapment. The accident is blocking traffic. One vehicle has three adults and a child inside. A second ambulance is called. Three vehicles are involved, one of which is towing a small trailer.

UPDATE 10:49 p.m.: Indian Falls is called as mutual aid to provide traffic control, and aid with extrication if needed. Law enforcement is on scene.

UPDATE 10:52 a.m.: There is a total of four patients.

UPDATE 10:54 a.m.: Alabama commands reports there is no entrapment.

UPDATE 10:56 a.m.: A third ambulance is called in.

UPDATE 11:05 a.m.: The child's injuries are minor. One ambulance is going to Erie County Medical Center. Three patients, including a 75-year-old female, are being taken to UMMC.

UPDATE 11:42 a.m.: The two other patients bound for UMMC are a 2-year-old boy and a 42-year-old male. Indian Falls is back in service. Most, if not, all Alabama units have cleared the scene.

UPDATE 11:57 a.m.: The Alabama assignment is back in service.

Motorcyclist out of hospital following late night accident at Arrowhawk Smoke Shop

By Howard B. Owens

A 52-year-old Oakfield resident who was involved in a motorcycle accident on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation on Sunday night was treated and released after being flown by Mercy Flight to ECMC.

Louis M. Biro, of East Shelby Road, was driving a 2011 Honda east on Bloomingdale Road when he allegedly failed to stop at a stop sign at Reuban Road and continued east into the Arrowhawk Smoke Shop parking lot. The Honda continued through the parking lot and struck a dirt embankment and a pile of cut trees.

The accident was reported at 10:14 p.m.

Charges are pending, according to the accident report.

The accident was investigated by Deputy James Diehl.

(Initial Report)

Motorcycle crash on Bloomingdale Road

By Billie Owens

A motorcycle accident with injuries is reported at 852 Bloomingdale Road. A first responder reports the rider is "up into the brush" of the back parking lot of the Arrowhawk Smoke Shop. Alabama Fire Department and Mercy medics are called to the scene.

UPDATE 10:23 p.m.: Mercy Flight #5 out of Batavia is called to the scene. A clerk at the store reports seeing the rider in the wooded area behind the store. A responder located the rider underneath some brush.

UPDATE 11:08 p.m.: Mercy Flight is in the air.

Batavia boy critically injured in accident in Alabama died yesterday

By Howard B. Owens

Shawn P. Wolcott, age 10, succumbed to injuries sustained in an accident on Ledge Road, Alabama, on Saturday.

The Sheriff's Office received notification of the boy's death late yesterday.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation, said Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble.

Wolcott was a resident of Batavia, living on Maple Street with his father, who was also injured in the accident.

The father, Shawn P. Wolcott Sr., was treated and released for his injuries at Erie County Medical Center.

Wolcott Sr. told investigators that his car jerked to the right, causing it to go off the roadway striking a utility pole.

The car hit the pole on its side causing the rear half of the car to shear off. The boy was sitting in the rear passenger seat.

Shawn was taken by Mercy Flight to Women & Children's Hospital in Buffalo.

Previously: Batavia boy seriously injured in accident in Alabama

Law and Order: Woman accused of trying to get wrong person arrested

By Howard B. Owens

Bonnie S. Olsandi, 44, of 31 Montclair Ave., Batavia, is charged with falsely reporting information about an actual offense/incident. Olsandi is accused of providing false information to police about an actual incident in an attempt to have the wrong person arrested for the alleged crime.

Haley H. Humphrey, 19, of 21 Wood St., Batavia, is charged with offering a false instrument for filing and falsely reporting an emergency. Humphrey is accused of falsely reporting a domestic incident.

Melissa A. Broadbent, 35, of 52 Walnut St., Batavia, is charged with obligation of a parent or guardian. Broadbent was arrested because of alleged curfew violations after her 15-year-old son was apprehended following an investigation of a report that two males were attempting to break into cars near the fire hall. The alleged incident was reported at 11:26 p.m., Sunday. Also charged was Priscilla M. Aiken, 40, of 2 Miller Ave., Batavia.

Joshua R. Hofer, 17, of 67 Mechanic St., Elba, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and unlawful possession of alcohol under age 21. Hofer was arrested following an investigation by Batavia PD into a reported disabled vehicle on Walnut Street at 4:07 a.m., Saturday.

Lena M. Evans, 26, of 46 Washington Ave., upper, is charged with petit larceny. Evans is accused of shoplifting at Tops.

Micahel L. Kennedy, 26, of 45 Prospect Ave., Batavia, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation and driving a vehicle without an interlock device. Kennedy was stopped at 1:05 a.m. Saturday on West Main Street by Officer Felicia Degroot.

Ted E. Kingsley, 40, of 119 State St., upper, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Kingsley is accused of stealing an 18-pack of beer from Tops.

Douglas A. Porter, 43, of Basom, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Porter was stopped by Deputy A.J. Previty of the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office at 1:15 a.m. Tuesday on Route 354, Town of Bennington. Previty responded to a report of an erratic driver coming into Wyoming County from Erie County. Porter was jailed on $500 bail.

Elan B. Pire, 24, of Elba, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing and unlawful imprisonment, 2nd. Pire was arrested by State Police for an alleged incident reported at 8:51 p.m. Saturday in the Town of Byron. No further details released.

Batavia boy seriously injured in accident in Alabama

By Howard B. Owens

A Batavia boy was seriously injured this morning when the car he was riding in left the roadway on Ledge Road and struck a utility pole.

The car snapped in half with the rear passenger area skidding to the south shoulder near the pole and the front end of the car spinning about 30 yards ahead and stopping in the south shoulder just short of a corn field.

Shawn P. Wolcott, 10, was taken by Mercy Flight to Womens and Children's Hospital by Mercy Flight.

Shawn's condition reportedly improved after arriving at the hospital.

His father, Shawn P. Wolcott Sr., a resident of Maple Street, Batavia, was also seriously injured and transported by Mercy EMS to ECMC.

Wolcott told investigators that his car jerked for an unknown reason to the right before exiting the roadway.

Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble said at the scene during a preliminary part of the investigation that there are no markings in the roadway prior to the car's impact with the pole to indicate any kind of emergency or evasive action, including braking.

Speed is not considered a factor in the accident.

Because of the serious nature of the injuries, the Crash Management Team was dispatched to the scene to conduct an investigation and accident reconstruction. Typically, Crash Management investigations take weeks if not months to complete.

Alabama fire responded to the scene along with firefighters from Pembroke and Indian Falls.

Serious injury accident reported on Ledge Road, Alabama

By Howard B. Owens

A car has hit a telephone pole in the area of 1301 Ledge Road, Alabama. Multiple callers to dispatch indicate serious injuries with one person unconscious.

Mercy Flight 5 is being dispatched.

Alabama Fire Department responding along with full response from Indian Falls and Pembroke.

UPDATE 8:25 a.m.: A 10-year-old boy is in critical condition.

UPDATE (By Billie) 8:30 a.m.: A Mercy ambulance is dispatched because the driver is also injured. Ledge Road is shut down at Alleghany.

UPDATE 8:33 a.m.: The helicopter in Buffalo is put on ground standby in case it's also needed.

UPDATE 8:37 a.m.: Mercy Flight has landed. National Grid has a 15-minute ETA. The utility pole is broken in half.

UPDATE 8:43 a.m.: Ledge Road is also closed near the Totem Pole Smoke Shop located at 1031 Ledge Road.

UPDATE 8:48 a.m.: The driver, who is the boy's father, is being transported to Erie County Medical Center via ambulance.

UPDATE 8:51 a.m.: Mercy Flight will transport the child to Womens & Children's Hospital in Buffalo.

UPDATE 8:56 a.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne.

UPDATE 9:18 a.m.: The Crash Management Team is at the accident site investigating. The sedan involved was split competely in two, between the front and back seats.

UPDATE 11:21 a.m.: The Alabama assignment is back in service. A half lane of traffic remains blocked due to the National Grid repair work under way.


View Larger Map

Law and Order: Tennesee couple allegedly caught in the woods off Park Road making meth

By Howard B. Owens
Ricky A. Leach Jr. Jessica M. Ring

Ricky A. Leach Jr., 33, and Jessica M. Ring, 28, both of 1605 Green Circle, Goodletsville, Tenn., are charged with criminal possession of the precursors for methamphetamine and making methamphetamine. State Police responded to the wooded area near Target after receiving a report of suspicious activity. Leach and Ring were allegedly caught in the act of making meth. Both were jailed on $10,000 bail each.

Kiernan William Kinney, 24, of Woodstock Gardens, Batavia, is charged with sexual abuse, 1st. Kinney is accused of subjecting a 21-year-old woman to forced sexual contact.

Juan A. Roman, 36, of 17 Elm St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Roman is accused of head butting another person during an alleged incident at 2 p.m. Wednesday on Walnut Street, Batavia.

Michael D. Snyder, 41, of 13 1/2 Union St., Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. Also charged, Edward T. Lette Jr., 43, of 3827 W. Main St., Batavia. Snyder and Lette are accused of stealing two 30-packs of beer from Tops. The suspects reportedly fled the store on bicycles and were apprehended minutes later by state troopers and Batavia PD officers.

Rachell Onie Soggs, 25, of West Main Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Soggs is accused of stealing $28.74 in merchandise from Walmart on Aug. 17. Soggs reportedly left the store before she could be located by authorities. Soggs was also arrested on charges of falsifying business records and criminal possession of stolen property. Soggs allegedly tried to sell stolen property at a local business.

Harold Laverne Howard, 41, of Alleghany Road, Basom, is charged with DWI, refusal to take breath test, speeding (73 mph in a 45 mph zone), failure to stop for stop sign and no plate lamp. Howard was stopped at 2:37 a.m. on Route 77, Basom, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Latoya D. Jackson, 27, of 209 Liberty St., Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon with intent to use a weapon and harassment, 2nd. These are additional charges stemming from an alleged incident Aug. 19 in which Jackson allegedly cut two people with a knife.

Car fire on Meadville Road, Alabama

By Billie Owens

A car fire is reported near 6751 Meadville Road. Alabama Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 3:14 p.m.: The car fire is out. Alabama is back in quarters.

Residential fire reported on Council House Road on the reservation

By Billie Owens

A fire is reported in a residence at 380 Council House Road on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation. Alabama Fire Department is responding along with mutual aid from Indian Falls and Oakfield.

UPDATE 6 a.m.: Alabama command puts Indian Falls and Oakfield back in service and orders Alabama to continue in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 6:09 a.m.: Alabama command puts two responding Alabama units back in service.

Photos: An egret and a tree in Alabama

By Howard B. Owens

Egrets, I find, are very tough birds to photograph. I've tried dozens of times both at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge and at the Batavia Sewer Treatment Plant. You really need a longer lens than I own (and probably can never realistically expect to own) because they spook so easily. This shot was the last one in a series taken yesterday at the refuge just before the bird flew off, and the only one that was in focus.

Heading back to Batavia, I stopped for the photo below of a lone pine tree on a hill off Route 77 in Alabama.

Law and Order: Warrant suspect accused of resisting arrest

By Howard B. Owens

Corey James Hemmer, 27, of South Main Street, Elba, is charged with resisting arrest. Hemmer allegedly resisted when a deputy attempted to place him under arrest on a bench warrant. The warrant was related to a petit larceny charge out of Lockport.

Stephen William Miles, 51, of North Street Albion, is charged with petit larceny. Miles is accused of participating with David Martin in the theft of a 46" LED television from Kmart on Sunday night. Miles was jailed on $1,000 bail.

TyAnna Desiree Green, 18, of Lewis Place, Batavia, is was arrested on bench warrants out of the Town of Batavia, for alleged failure to appear. Green was jailed on $500 bail.

Christopher J. Clark, 33, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Clark is accused of shoplifting from Walmart. Clark was arrested by State Police.

Michael T. Sawyer, 23, of Lockport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Sawyer arrested by State Police on Skye Road, Alabama.

3rd Annual Prayer Conference

By Tracy Byrnes

PLEASE SAVE THE DATE...Batavia Assembly of God Church is hosting its 3rd Annual Prayer Conference Friday, Sept. 13th, 6:00pm to 9:00pm (registration is from 6pm - 7pm) and Saturday, Sept. 14th, 8:00am to 4pm. The theme for the conference is "Presence, Prayer, and the Power of God". The keynote speaker will be Dick LaFountain. Dick is an accomplished  speaker and a published author of the book, "Time Alone With God". His passion is to motivate a renewed love for prayer and the presence of God in our churches. Workshops will also be available.

Event Date and Time
-

Law and Order: Darien Lake patron reportedly didn't like the cost of his Dip'in Dots

By Howard B. Owens

Anthony Gene Stone, 24, of Delmar Road, Greece, is charged with disorderly conduct. Stone reportedly didn't like the price of his Dip'in Dots while visiting Darien Lake Theme Park and Resort at 6:28 p.m. Saturday. While arguing with the Dip'in Dots attendant, Stone allegedly picked up the cash registered and slammed it back down.

Nathan W. Larson

Nathan W. Larson, 23, of 24 South St., Le Roy, is charged with attempted rape, 1st, and two counts of criminal sexual act, 1st. Larson is accused of attempting to engage in sexual intercourse with a person by force while at a residence in the Village of Le Roy on Saturday. During the incident, Larson allegedly engaged in other sexual conduct against the victim both by force and while the victim was incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless. Larson was jailed on $15,000 bail.

Jennifer Lyn Stack, 27, of 46 S. Main St., lower, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Stack allegedly stole $105 cash that was stowed in a vehicle.

Adam R. Mcleod, 27, of 37 Austin St., Rochester, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and criminal obstruction of breaking or blood circulation. Mcleod was allegedly involved in a domestic incident at a residence on Elm Street in Batavia at 2 a.m. Saturday.

Steven A. Acevedo, 23, of 238 Ellicott St., upper front, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, menacing, 3rd, coercion, intimidation to instill fear of injury and criminal mischief. Acevedo was allegedly involved in a domestic incident Wednesday at his residence. Acevedo was ordered held without bail.

Kenneth J. Schmoke, 57, of 132 State St., #2, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. Schmoke is accused of possessing prescription medications and drug paraphernalia.

Patricia A. Dulmage, 18, of 20 Dellinger Ave., Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief.  Dulmage is accused of damaging property of another family member during a domestic incident.

Richard C. Hutchinson, 43, of 3 Walnut St., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Hutchinson is accused of shoplifting from Tops.

Nicholas Ian Iacubucci, 24, of Trabold Road, Rochester, is charged with disorderly conduct. Iacubbucci was allegedly obstructing traffic on Route 77 in front of Darien Lake Theme Park at 10:59 p.m., Tuesday. Iacubucci was reportedly intoxicated at the time.

Sean Nevan Lindquist, 50, of Judge Road, Basom, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, felony aggravated unlicensed operation, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and possession of a controlled substance not in original container.  Lindquist was arrested following an investigation by Deputy Patrick Reeves into a one-car accident on Martin Road, Alabama, at 10:19 p.m. Saturday. Lindquist allegedly drove his vehicle too fast around a curve, lost control, and the vehicle went into a ditch.

Cody J. Sundown, 23, of Skye Road, Alabama, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, felony aggravated unlicensed operation, driving without an interlock device, criminal mischief, 4th, no seat belt, loud exhaust and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Sundown was arrested following an investigation by Deputy Jason Saile into a report of criminal mischief on Skye Road at 4:41 a.m., Saturday. Sundown allegedly drove over a mailbox on Skye Road.

Donald Wayne Sczepanski, 50, of Alleghany Road, Darien Center, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, unsafe passing and unsafe tire. Sczepanski was arrested following an investigation by Deputy Patrick Reeves into a motor-vehicle accident at 9:19 p.m. Friday on Route 238, Alexander. Sczepanski reportedly lost control of his vehicle while allegedly attempting to pass another vehicle. His car wound up in a ditch.

Timothy Lee Shuknecht, 23, of Oak Orchard Road, Elba, is charged with unlawfully dealing with a child, 1st. Shuknecht allegedly provided alcohol to a person under age 21.

Larry Charles Bayles, 52, of East Wautoma Beech Road, Hilton, is charged with possession of more than 400 untaxed cigarettes, speeding, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle and unlawful possession of marijuana. Bayles was stopped at 4:10 p.m. July 28 on West Sweden Road, Bergen, by Sgt. Ron Meides.

Jared L. Long, 43, of Bergen, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Long was stopped at 8:40 p.m. Saturday on Prole Road, Stafford, by State Police.

The Orleans County Sheriff's Office reports that 19 people, including people from Genesee County, were cited Sunday morning for possession or consumption of alcohol under age 21 following a complaint of a loud party on New Guinea Road, west of Upper Holley Road. Deputies found several cars, a camper, several tents and a large bonfire. There were some 60 to 70 people at the party, most of them consuming alcohol, according to the press release. The property owner, who was not present, was notified and he declined to press trespassing charges.

ATV rider remains hospitalized after spending eight hours in ditch with broken legs

By Howard B. Owens

An ATV rider with two broken legs who spent at least eight hours lying in a ditch by the side of Meadville Road, Basom, before being found by another person remains hospitalized.

Arlyn L. Jonathan, 34, of Shanks Road, Alabama, was reportedly driving an ATV on Meadeville Road at 1 a.m., Thursday, when he lost control and went off the roadway.

As the ATV flipped over, Jonathan was ejected and struck a tree. His ATV struck another tree.

He apparently had no means of communication and wasn't found until about 8 a.m.

Alabama Fire Department respond to the scene and Jonathan was transported to ECMC by Mercy Flight.

A hospital staff member said Jonathan remains hospitalized but his condition is not listed on his records.

Deputy Lonnie Nati investigated the accident and reported the cause as "unsafe speed." He did not report any citations being issued.

Local company demonstrates field drainage system to help farmers grow more corn

By Howard B. Owens

The high price of corn the past few years has local farmers trying to figure out how to increase their yields, according to Drew Klotzbach, owner of Alleghany Farm Services, and one way is to improve the drainage of the field.

The better the draining, especially in wet years such as this one, the more corn that will grow.

One of the specialties of Klotzbach's company is installing drainage tiles and he said he's seen an increase in demand locally in recent years.

"It's just a way to improve production," Klotzbach said. "They've got to improve the land. They're not making more land, so ..."

Klotzbach hosted an open house today for interested parties on a farm field next to his business lot on Route 77 in Alabama. Along with his son and employees, he demonstrated his GPS-guided trenching and tile-laying machines.

"It's all about getting the water off the ground faster," Klotzbach said.

The tiles -- more like hoses these days -- are perforated and collect water and drain it off into retention ponds.

"In dry years, it will even help bring up water from the bottom," Klotzbach said.

Possible broken leg reported in accident on Meadville Road, Alabama

By Howard B. Owens

Alabama Fire Department is responding to a motor-vehicle accident on Meadville Road where the driver reportedly has a broken leg and says his vehicle has been stuck in a ditch for eight hours.

Mercy Flight 5 out of Batavia requested to the scene.

Photos: Ag in Alabama and Stafford on a sunshine day

By Howard B. Owens

You don't see rectangular hay bales much these days, but while out in Alabama this afternoon I spotted a few in a field off Maple Street Road.

And below, a tractor in a field off Sanders Road, Stafford.

Car crash at Route 77 and Ledge Road, Alabama

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at Route 77 and Ledge Road. Alabama Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. A person is believed to have a fractured leg and is not able to get out of the vehicle. It is blocking traffic.

UPDATE 1:14 p.m.: Another ambulance is requested along with aid from Pembroke and Indian Falls fire. There are two additional patients, one with a head injury, and the other with a spine and neck injury.

UPDATE 1:16 p.m.: Mercy Flight 5 out of Batavia is called to the scene.

UPDATE 1:19 p.m.: The landing zone will be an adjacent strawberry field.

UPDATE 1:34 p.m.: The helicopter landed a couple of minutes ago.

UPDATE 1:40 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne, bound for Strong Memorial Hospital. A Mercy medic ambulance is taking one patient to Unity Hospital in Rochester, formerly named Park Ridge Hospital.

 

Authentically Local