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Law and Order: Motorcyclist charged with DWI following accident in Basom

By Howard B. Owens

Thomas Monte Carlo, 57, of Lewiston Road, Basom, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, unlawful possession of marijuana and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Carlo was apprehended by Deputy Joseph Corona following a reported one-vehicle motorcycle accident at 7:23 p.m. Saturday on Lewiston Road, Basom.

Matthew James Florian, 25, of Slusser Road, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant related to an aggravated unlicensed operation charge. Florian was stopped by State Police on Route 5, Town of Batavia, and turned over to the Sheriff's Office on a warrant. Florian was jailed on $200 bail.

Michael Scott Vanburen, 46, of Alexander Road, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, unsafe backing and consumption of alcohol in a vehicle. Vanburen was arrested after he reportedly backed his 2004 Pontiac GTO out of his driveway, across the road and into a ditch at 12:27 a.m. on Saturday.

Dana Lewis Toates, 19, of Roosevelt Highway, Hilton, is charged with unlawful possession of alcohol under age 21. Toates was reportedly a passenger in a vehicle stopped for a traffic violation and found to allegedly be in possession of alcohol.

Corey M. Vickers, 29, of Morrow Road, Pavilion, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, unlicensed operation and stopped on pavement. Vickers was charged after being observed by a Wyoming County deputy allegedly stopped on the roadway in the Town of Perry, outside of his vehicle, vomiting. Vickers' driving privilege was suspended after he allegedly failed to appear for a summons in the Village of Portville.

Alissa A. Fodge, 23, of Bergen, is charged with grand larceny, 3rd. Fodge was arrested by State Police in the Town of Barton for an alleged act reported Oct. 18. No further details released.

Car wreck at Meadville and Salt Works roads, West Alabama

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported at Meadville and Salt Works roads in West Alabama. Alabama Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 5:22 p.m.: A responder on scene says all parties involved will be sign-offs. Two flatbed tow trucks are called.

UPDATE 5:43 p.m.: The Alabama assignment is back in service.

GCC creates new award -- Entrepreneur of the Month -- and OA grad is named for November

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to recognize the entrepreneurial spirit of its students through a new Entrepreneur of the Month program. This month, 19-year old Arielle Thompson is being recognized. Arielle graduated with an Advanced Regents diploma from Oakfield-Alabama Central School in 2012 and started her business Photography by Arielle in October 2012. She is a Liberal Arts major at GCC.

Arielle has always had an interest in photography, but wasn't able to purchase the camera she needed until after high school.

"I took a basic course with a local photographer on how to use my camera and all of the settings, but other than that I am self-taught," she says. "I like to consider myself a portrait photographer because that is what I enjoy most. I enjoy being with people and being able to create something that makes them smile."

Arielle's business was born out of necessity. Her mother, Tonya Thompson, needed Arielle to take her brother Justin's senior pictures. Though she had limited experience and knowledge about taking a portrait, Arielle did it and found that everyone loved how they turned out.

"That is when I decided to try and turn that into something, because of how excited everyone seemed to have been when they saw them," she said.

While business was slow in the beginning months, Arielle saw a significant increase in interest when the weather warmed and has been surprised at the inquiries she's received.

"I never thought I would be having so many people call and ask me to take photos of their special moments," she says. "I was even given the opportunity this past June to take photos of a wedding."

Business professor Lauren Paisley is full of praise for her student.

"Arielle is an outstanding example of a student willing to do whatever it takes to succeed," Paisley said. "GCC's Entrepreneurship program, offering the option of an associate in applied science degree or certificate, is the perfect pathway for students of all ages to pursue their dream of owning their business or launching a new product or service. Arielle is a very focused student and we are supporting her efforts in every way possible."

A President's List full-time student, Arielle also has two part-time jobs in addition to her photography business.

"Many people do not understand how I am doing all of this, but photography is my stress reliever from work and school. Many people want to sit, relax and watch TV during their down time, but I would rather be taking photos," she says.

"Her commitment to success in all her endeavors is inspiring," Paisley said.

Arielle finds inspiration from the support of family and friends and the response she's received to her photographs.

"I have never received so much support for anything I have ever done like I do with my business," she says. "It is my driving force."

Arielle currently shoots on location only, but is looking for a space to set up a small indoor/outdoor studio. People interested in contacting her can find her on Facebook at Photography by Arielle.

Man suspected of firing shots at patrol vehicles Monday morning arrested

By Howard B. Owens

A 49-year-old Alabama resident is being held without bail and facing two felony charges in connection with an alleged shots-fired incident at a residence on Bloomingdale Road early Monday morning.

Reuben Lay is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, and reckless endangerment, 1st, both Class D felonies. He's also charged with misdemeanor counts of criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation and harassment, 2nd.

The incident began at 1:49 a.m. when dispatchers received a call from a woman on Bloomingdale Road saying she had been strangled.

As a deputy and trooper responded, she told dispatchers that her alleged assailant had gone into another room of the house and was trying to get his hands on a gun. She then reported he had the gun and had loaded it.

By the time law enforcement arrived, she was outside, in the driveway.

Shortly after the officers reported being on scene and speaking with the caller, a deputy told dispatchers, "Genesee, he just shot at my car. All units are backing out of the driveway. He just shot at the car."

A trooper then says, "We're out of there. Another gunshot."

An officer then said, "It sounds like a .22 rifle."

"They're close. They're close," said a deputy. "Wherever he's shooting from, get the --- out of there."

Minutes later, the Emergency Response Team was requested to the scene.

Because it was not a hostage situation and there was no signs of immediate danger, the ER team assembled at Batavia PD took some time making preparations to respond. About an hour later, the decision was made by the Sheriff's Office that ERT would not be needed.

We've requested more information from Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble about what happened next, but with the holiday, he has not responded to our request for more information.

Tonight, a press release about the arrest of Lay as the suspected shooter was issued by the Sheriff's Office.

Previously: Active shooter reported on Bloomingdale Road

Active shooter reported on Bloomingdale Road

By Howard B. Owens

State Police and Sheriff's deputies are at a location on Bloomingdale Road where a person with a gun is apparently firing shots.

One officer said it sounded like a .22 rifle. Another said, "that last shot came from over by the woods, by the car."

The county's emergency response team (aka SWAT) is being dispatched.

UPDATE 2:39 a.m.: A reader who heard the start of the call said it began with the report of a domestic disturbance, with a female caller reporting the male half was threatening to kill her. A Mercy ambulance is dispatched, we believe as a precaution. Also Alabama fire is being assembled at its hall.

UPDATE 3:57 a.m. (by Billie): The ERT response is cancelled. Mercy medics and Alabama firefighters are back in service. No further information available at this time.

UPDATE 4:18 a.m.: At this point, we don't have any further information about what actually happened and how local law enforcment handled (or decided to handle) the situation. We will provide any updates that become available.

Schumer pitches STAMP to semiconductor industry executives

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Today, in a letter to the Board of Directors of the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), U.S. Senator Charles Schumer pitched Upstate New York as the international center for the growing semiconductor- and chip-fabrication industry. Schumer touted several Upstate locales and specifically pointed to the newest potential mega-site (1,250 acres) for chip fab, the Genesee County Science, Technology, and Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP).

Schumer highlighted the development of Upstate New York’s nanotech sites, underlining the many advantages offered by the Luther Forest Tech Campus, the Marcy Nanotech campus, and now the Genesee County STAMP site. Schumer, who recently hosted the SIA at a Capitol Hill briefing with newly elected senators, urged the 18 semiconductor industry CEOs who comprise the SIA Board to consider Upstate New York sites, including STAMP, when establishing their next semiconductor manufacturing and research facility, citing advantages like access to affordable power, and world-class research universities and proximity to a large qualified workforce.

“The STAMP site will join existing hubs like the Luther Forest Tech Campus and Marcy Nanotech campus, and will become the second semiconductor mega-site in New York State, bolstering the state’s reputation as the preeminent destination for high-tech semiconductor research, design, and development,” Schumer said.

His letter to industry leaders was released in advance of the 2013 Annual Semiconductor Industry Association Dinner, to be held on November 7th in San Jose, California, when representatives from STAMP will make a presentation to the Board of Directors to outline the advantages of the site. Representatives of other New York centers, including Marcy and Luther Forest will also be present.

Schumer continued, “Thanks to decades of joint public-private investments in infrastructure and education, and a talented workforce, Upstate New York is the number-one place to establish semiconductor manufacturing in the nation. The promise of the Genesee County STAMP site only adds to New York’s reputation as fertile ground for high-tech and, specifically, semiconductor manufacturing. Simply put: the high-tech manufacturing sector has the potential to remake Western New York and the entire Upstate economy, delivering a new generation of middle-class jobs. It has already begun in the Capitol District, is spreading to Utica, and is poised to take-off in Western New York, too.

"Upstate New York’s proximity to transportation and energy networks, its access to the creativity and large workforces of major metropolitan cities, and its world-class technology and engineering universities are exactly what the semiconductor industry needs to ensure national and global success – and I made that known to the CEOs of the leading companies.”

In his letter, Schumer highlighted the unique advantages various Upstate New York State sites, including Genesee County’s STAMP site, provide to the semiconductor industry. The industry has benefited from the State’s advanced transportation networks, industrial infrastructure, and utilities at its other leading semiconductor sites. Schumer explained that the STAMP site would continue with this trend, offering close access to Interstate-90, high-capacity electric transmission lines, a large-scale high-pressure gas line, and the New York Power Authority’s hydropower low-cost electricity zone.

These assets ensure that the semiconductor factory would receive robust utility capacity, redundancy, and reliability at competitive prices, in some cases at a 75-80 percent market discount. The STAMP site is also situated between the Rochester and Buffalo metropolitan areas, which contain international airports, active customs stations, and a 2.1 million workforce population.

Last year, Schumer successfully advocated on behalf of STAMP by calling on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide necessary wetlands permit assurances so that STAMP’s developers could advance the site’s development and begin marketing the site to prospective tenants. Schumer has also taken a lead advocacy role for the semiconductor industry in the 113th Congress, which has led to the passage of major immigration reform legislation and a long-term reauthorization of the federal helium reserve, a critical lifeline for semiconductor manufacturers.

The growth of the semiconductor industry in Upstate New York has also been encouraged by the region’s strong research and educational base. The State is home to some of the world’s leading technology and engineering universities, including the University of Albany’s College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE), the Rochester Institute of Technology, the University at Buffalo, the University of Rochester, and Cornell University — all of which are spearheading efforts in research, commercialization, workforce development, and collaboration in the high-tech and semiconductor fields.

Schumer called on the SIA companies to consider the advantages offered by the New York’s high-tech resources, and mega-sites like STAMP primed for development, when choosing the location of their next chip fab. Schumer noted that the long-term development of the STAMP site would bring long-lasting, stable jobs to New York and make the region a hub of high-tech manufacturing.

Possible chimney fire on Martin Road on the reservation

By Billie Owens

A possible chimney fire is reported at 368 Martin Road on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation. The house is filled with smoke Alabama Fire Department is responding along with mutual aid from East Pembroke and Indian Falls. Akron is put on standby. The location is between Bloomingdale Avenue and Erie County's Scotland Road.

UPDATE 10:47 a.m.: A firefighter on scene reports the fire is contained to the fireplace, and they will need equipment to tear into it in an effort to keep it contained.

UPDATE 10:55 a.m.: Akron is told they can stand down.

UPDATE 11:03 a.m.: East Pembroke and Indian Falls are on scene along with Alabama.

UPDATE 11:14 a.m.: Indian Falls is back in service.

UPDATE 11:23 a.m.: The fire is out. Alabama command and other responders are back in service.

Car crash at Judge Road and Route 77, no injuries but it's blocking traffic

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident is reported at Judge Road and Route 77 in Alabama. There are said to be no injuries but it is blocking traffic. Alabama Fire Department is responding along with law enforcement.

UPDATE 12:14 p.m.: A Sheriff's deputy on scene reports there are three vehicles involved.

UPDATE 12:15 p.m.: There is a minor injury -- a hand laceration.

UPDATE 12:17 p.m.: Mercy medics are called to respond in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 12:20 p.m.: Alabama command cancels the medical response.

UPDATE 12:22 p.m.: One of the Alabama units called is standing down, another is on scene.

Man reportedly forces way into home on Meadville Road, goes into the bathroom, and leaves

By Howard B. Owens

A person wearing tan pants with bushy hair reportedly forced his way into a residence on Meadville Road, Alabama, went into the bathroom and then left.

He apparently didn't steal anything or harm anybody.

The resident reports the man came to the door and after opening the door, words were exchanged and the man barged in.

The man was last seen heading north on Meadville Road.

A deputy is responding.

Law and Order: Batavia man jailed in Wyoming County after alleged domestic incident, short chase with police

By Howard B. Owens

Daniel C. Dilaura, 39, of Brooklyn Avenue, Batavia, is charged with felony criminal contempt, unlawful imprisonment, 2nd, criminal mischief, 4th, felony DWI, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle, refusal to submit to breath test, obstructing government administration, 2nd, and resisting arrest. Dilaura was reportedly in a vehicle on State Route 39 at Chapman Avenue, Town of Castile, when he was observed in an alleged domestic dispute. Dilaura allegedly held a female in his car against her will. Once Dilaura pulled the vehicle to the side of the roadway, she reportedly attempted to call for help, at which time Dilaura allegedly took her phone away. She was able to get the phone back a short time later and phone 9-1-1. The first officer on scene was Aaron Chase, Perry PD. He reported observing Dilaura exit the driver's seat of his car and begin running away on foot. Chase pursued Dilaura into a nearby field and was able to apprehend Dilaura after an alleged brief struggle. Dilaura was turned over to the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office when deputies arrived. Dilaura allegedly violated an order of protection barring offensive conduct toward the female. He was allegedly found to be driving drunk and has a prior DWI conviction from 2007. Dilaura's vehicle was towed from the scene. He was jailed without bail.

Jerald E. Bliemeister, 43, of Gibson Street, Oakfield, is charged with driving while ability impaired by alcohol and failure to keep right. Bliemeister was stopped at 3:37 a.m. Sunday on Route 354 at Schad Road, Town of Bennington, by Deputy Colin Reagan, Wyoming County Sheriff's Office, for an alleged traffic violation.

Three 17-year-old Batavia residents are charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youths were allegedly found in possession of marijuana by Batavia PD at 2:15 a.m. Saturday on Walker Place, Batavia (behind Batavia Middle School).

Richard A. Brink, 32, of 1625 Culver Road, Rochester, is charged with disobeying mandate. Brink allegedly violated a court order by contacting a protected person.

Anthony Daniel Micucci, 19, of Bonnie Brea Drive, Darien, is charged with petit larceny. Micucci allegedly entered the vehicle of another person without permission and stole personal property. Micucci was jailed on $2,500 bail. Micucci was also charged with criminal trespass, 2nd, and possession or consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle.

Amara Michele Dahn, 23, of Royce Road, Varysburg, is charged with petit larceny. Dahn is accused of stealing merchandise from Kmart.

Jorden Mackenzie Charcholla, 23, of Fairgrounds Road, Byron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right, speeding and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle on a public highway. Charcholla was stopped at 11:12 p.m. Friday on Townline Road, Byron, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Amy S. Hofert, 40, of 67 Mechanic St., Elba, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Hofert allegedly punched another person in the nose.

Mark Anthony Antinore, 35, of Clinton Street Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Antinore allegedly threatened another person with physical injury during an argument.

Shadow S. Jonathan, 18, of Basom, is charged with assault, 2nd, and criminal possession of a weapon, 4th. Jonathan was arrested by State Police for an alleged incident Sept. 13. No further details released.

Kyle A. Arne, 19, of North Tonawanda, is charged with petit larceny. Arne is accused of stealing from a location on Veterans Memorial Drive.

Rollover accident on Bloomingdale Road in Alabama

By Billie Owens

A truck rolled over at 944 Bloomingdale Road at Griffin Road. The driver has minor injuries. Alabama Fire Department is on scene and Mercy medics are responding. The truck is leaking fluids and there is a van blocking the roadway.

UPDATE 12:11 p.m.: Alabama commands puts the medics back in service.

UPDATE 12:50 p.m.: The Alabama assignment is back in service.

Law and Order: Batavia man accused of menacing with loaded shotgun

By Howard B. Owens

Kevin Michael Lampman, 40, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with menacing, 2nd. Lampman allegedly pointed a loaded shotgun at another person during an argument. He was jailed on $2,000 bail.

Ian J. Blake, 26, of Le Roy, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana, 5th. Blake was allegedly found in possession of a baggie of more than 25 grams of marijuana while on Lake Street, Le Roy. Blake was jailed on $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bond.

Faith Brenda Obeirne, 45, of Mount Read Boulevard, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Obeirne was arrested in Monroe County on a warrant out of Town of Batavia Court. She was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Saul Doynseday Standsblack, 35, of Parker Road, Alabama, is charged with burglary, 2nd, and forcible touching. Standsblack is accused of illegally entering a residence on Bloomingdale Road, Alabama, and forcibly touching the intimate parts of a person inside the residence. Standsblack reportedly left the residence on foot and was located a short time later by deputies Matthew Fleming and Jason Saile and taken into custody. Standsblack was jailed on $10,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond.

Colin Michael Borgus, 21, of Savage Road, Churchville; Kaci Lynn Sciarabba, 20, of East North Street, Geneva; and, (name redacted upon request), 21, of Queensland Drive, Spencerport, are charged with criminal possession of marijuana, 5th. The three people were allegedly found at 10:05 p.m., Oct. 3, in a car with the windows down in a public parking lot in Oakfield smoking marijuana.

Shed fire on Route 5 by South Lake Road, Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A shed fire (which has also been referred to as a barn) is reported 653 Main Road in Pembroke near South Lake Road. Pembroke command on scene says "there are exposure issues," to a nearby structure. Route 5 and South Lake Road are being shut down. Called to provide mutual aid are: Darien, Corfu, East Pembroke, Indian Falls, Alabama, and Akron.

UPDATE 5:07 p.m.: The fire is knocked down. No exposures involved. They are doing rehab on the shed. Responders still headed to the scene are told to come in non-emergency.

UPDATE 6:13 p.m.: The road is reopened. All responders are back in service.

UPDATE (by Howard): Photos added. No official cause, but it's possibly an electrical fire according to preliminary indications. A van and an ATV were destroyed along with tools.

Law and Order: Batavia man accused of walking in middle of road in Wyoming County

By Howard B. Owens

Gregory S. Snyder, 45, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct and unlawful possession of marijuana. The Wyoming County Sheriff's Office received two separate complaints of a man walking in the middle of the roadway on Route 98, Town of Attica. About 90 minutes later, there was a complaint of a man walking in the middle of the roadway on Route 98 in the Town of Bennington. Synder was reportedly located by deputies walking on Route 98. Snyder was charged with disorderly conduct and obstructing the flow of traffic. Upon his arrest he was allegedly found in possession of marijuana. Snyder was reportedly transported to the Village of Attica and released to a sober third party.

Charles Howard Sims, 43, of McIntyre Road, Caledonia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing and two counts of criminal mischief. Sims allegedly choked a woman during a domestic incident. He also allegedly ripped her shirt and also damaged a door. Sims was jailed on $250 bail.

Jacob Duane Defisher, 17, Roanoke Road, Pavilion, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Defisher allegedly pushed another person and then punched that person causing the person's lip to bleed and swell.

Louis Michael Biro, 52, of East Shelby Road, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, refusal to take breath test, failure to stop for stop sign, speeding (unreasonable speed, special hazards), unapproved/no face shield on motorcycle. Biro was allegedly driving at the time when a one-vehicle accident occurred involving a motorcycle at 10:12 p.m. Sept. 9 on Bloomingdale Road, Alabama. The accident was investigated by Deputy James Diehl.

Complaint: young man riding four-wheeler without helmet, shirt, shoes

By Billie Owens

A caller complains to dispatch that a young male about 20 years old is riding a brown four-wheeler up and down the middle of Tesnow Road and he is not wearing a helmet, a shirt, nor shoes. A Sheriff's deputy is responding. Tesnow Road straddles Alabama and Pembroke.

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.

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