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Law and Order: Man accused of damaging a vehicle and violating order of protection in Alabama

By Billie Owens

Peter Joseph Mancuso, 32, of Northwood Drive, Williamsville, is charged with third-degree criminal mischief and second-degree criminal contempt. It is alleged that he caused damage to a person's vehicle at 8:44 p.m. March 6 on Roberts Road in Alabama, in violation of an order of protection. Mancuso was arraigned in Genesee County Court April 5, released on his own recognizance and a subsequent order of protection was issued. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Chad Minuto, assisted by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Jeanna Marie Hattaway, 34, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with third-degree criminal trespass. Hattaway was arrested after she entered Walmart at 9:35 p.m. April 2, in violation of a June 12, 2018 Notification of Restriction from Property that was issued by Walmart Stores Inc. Hattaway was issued an appearance ticket and is due in BataviaTown Court on April 15. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Mullen, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

Schumer says Biden's plan to invest in semiconductor industry can fuel WNY job growth

By Press Release

 Press release:

Following his advocacy, Schumer released the following statement regarding President Biden’s Plan to Invest in the U.S. Semiconductor Industry, that included $50 billion to fund and implement the federal semiconductor manufacturing and R&D incentives, which Schumer introduced last year as part of his American Foundries Act, and that passed into law as part of the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act: 

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer said, “I have made it a top priority to work with President Biden to prioritize the absolute necessity of making a major investment in the nation’s semiconductor domestic manufacturing and R&D, which can also fuel new high-paying jobs across Upstate New York.

"President Biden delivered on my requests with his inclusion of $50 billion to implement the new federal semiconductor manufacturing and R&D programs, that I fought for and passed into law in last year’s defense authorization bill. With the industry’s top companies considering expansion and new investment at New York sites -- like STAMP in Western New York, White Pines in Central New York, Marcy Nanocenter in the Mohawk Valley, and Luther Forest in the Capital Region -- we have no time to waste.

"So I want to move quickly to pass this funding to support the semiconductor industry’s plans to invest in the United States, enhance our global competitiveness, promote our national security, and create thousands of new jobs.

"As I announced weeks ago, I am working to bring to the Senate floor this spring a competitiveness package that includes my bipartisan Endless Frontier Act to invest in American innovation and manufacturing.

"As part of this legislative effort, I am working with members of both parties and the administration to include emergency spending to fully fund the federal semiconductor manufacturing and R&D programs authorized in the defense bill.”

Schumer pitches Intel CEO on making Upstate NY the global hub of semiconductor industry

By Press Release

Press release:

After announcing that a strategic partnership between Intel and IBM will bring hundreds of new semiconductor R&D jobs to New York’s Capital Region, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer followed up on his efforts to cement Upstate New York as the global hub of the semiconductor industry and pitched Intel’s recently appointed CEO Pat Gelsinger on how Intel should build on its new partnership with IBM and locate their next semiconductor fabrication (“fab”) plant in Upstate New York.

Last week, Intel shared its plans to select a second site for its next U.S. manufacturing facility within a year, following the announcement of the IBM R&D partnership.

Schumer said New York boasts several sites across Upstate ready to be home to Intel’s next Chip fab, or the supply chain Intel would require, from Alabama's STAMP campus in Western New York and the White Pines campus in Central New York, to Marcy Nanocenter in the Mohawk Valley and Luther Forest in the Capitol Region.

Plus, Upstate New York boasts a thriving semiconductor ecosystem as evidenced by the just announced IBM partnership, the state’s top notch universities and world-class workforce, and a diversity of companies across the supply chain. Typically, semiconductor fabs bring thousands of new jobs into a region, a number which Schumer said would be a win-win-win for the local economy, Upstate New York workforce, U.S. competitiveness, and Intel itself.

“Intel’s plans to invest in a second U.S. semiconductor fab offers a game-changing opportunity for Upstate New York and I made it clear to Intel all that New York has to offer to make their U.S. expansion a huge success for the company and the country,” Senator Schumer said.

“With an existing semiconductor ecosystem, including leading R&D companies, premier universities to train the next-generation workforce, a thriving supply chain, and robust utilities that can host advanced manufacturing, Upstate New York is tailor made to be the home of Intel’s new manufacturing facility.”

Schumer added, “An Intel fab in Upstate New York would not only help shore up our domestic production of chips, but it also positions the company to take even more advantage of its partnership with IBM to develop and lead in next generation semiconductor technology, a point I made to Intel’s CEO as they consider further building out their U.S. manufacturing operations in the year ahead.

"I stand ready to give my all out support in helping Intel harness all that the federal government has to offer to continue to lead the tech industry and position New York as a global hub of semiconductor manufacturing, including pushing to fully fund the federal incentives I created in last year’s defense bill so companies like Intel receive support to invest in U.S. competitiveness and create thousands of new jobs.”

Schumer has long emphasized the importance of active federal support for the semiconductor industry. This includes his push to include provisions in the FY2021 NDAA to create new federal semiconductor manufacturing, R&D, and training programs.

He notes that even though the United States revolutionized the semiconductor and broad microelectronics industries and invented nearly all of the key technology used to this day, by 2030, non-U.S. competitors are projected to control 83 percent of the global semiconductor manufacturing supply. And domestic production could be less than 10 percent, threatening U.S. reliance on foreign-made microelectronics, including from China, and posing huge risks to U.S. national and economic security.

In a meeting with then-nominee for Commerce Secretary, Gina Raimondo, Schumer raised the urgent need to fully fund and implement the new Commerce semiconductor manufacturing grant and R&D programs he passed into law as part of last year’s defense authorization. He pointed to this Intel investment as an example for why these federal incentives are such a high priority.

In February, Schumer announced that the Senate would work on a bill in the spring of this year that includes his bipartisan Endless Frontier Act, which would provide a major infusion of federal funds for federal R&D, including for semiconductors.

As part of this competitiveness package Schumer plans to bring to the Senate floor this spring, he will be pushing for emergency funding to implement the federal semiconductor programs created in last year’s defense bill so these critical programs can be implemented to help the U.S. successfully compete with other countries, including China, for new semiconductor manufacturing investment.

Schumer has led the effort to create these historic new federal investments in domestic semiconductor manufacturing and R&D. Last year, Schumer unveiled his bipartisan American Foundries Act to bolster U.S. leadership in semiconductor and broader microelectronics industries. He successfully added this bill as an amendment in July 20202 to the Senate’s Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

The new programs included in NDAA will increase federal support for semiconductor manufacturing by providing new federal incentives to conduct advanced research and development of semiconductor technology, including the creation of the NSTC, secure the supply chain, and ensure national and economic security by reducing reliance on foreign semiconductor manufacturing.

Law and Order: Alabama woman accused of stealing $9.5K in goods from smoke shop

By Billie Owens

Nia Hanevin Spring, of Meadville Road, Alabama, is charged with third-degree grand larceny. At 7 p.m. on March 23, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies responded to 986 Bloomingdale Road in the Town of Alabama for complaints of trespassing and larceny at the Rez Smoke Shop and Gas Station. Spring allegedly stole $9,501 in merchandise from the business. She was arraigned in Alabama Town Court and released on her own recognizance. She is due in Genesee County Court on May 18. The case was handled by Deputy Zachary Hoy, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

Emery Green, 32, no address or place of residence provided, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds, 4th, a Class A misdemeanor. He was arrested and processed at Batavia Police Headquarters after an investigation into an allegation that he possessed a firearm on Batavia City School District property. He was arraigned virtually in Batavia City Court and is due to return there on April 13.

Joshua Williams Sr., 29, no address or place of residence provided, is charged with: criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree; second-degree menacing; endangering the welfare of a child; and second-degree harassment. He was arrested at 4:26 p.m. March 17 after a domestic incident in which he allegedly attempted to hit a person with a brick. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in jail on $5,000 cash bail, $10,000 bond, or $15,000 partially secured bond. He is due back in city court on April 22.

Clarence Wesley Odell, 52, of Corfu (no address provided) is charged with: felony driving while impaired by drugs with a previous conviction within 10 years; felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree; refusal to take a breath test; operating an unregistered ATV; and unlawful operation of an ATV on a public highway. At 11;38 p.m. on July 30, Odell was arrested after a traffic stop on South Pearl Street in the Village of Oakfield. He was arraigned on March 5 in Oakfield Town Court and is due back there on April 5. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Austin Heberlein, assisted by Jacob Gauthier.

James F. Perry, 36, (no address provided), was arrested and charged with first-degree criminal contempt after a disturbance at 1:30 p.m. March 16 on State Street in Batavia. He was allegedly observed in the presence of a person with an order of protection from him. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in jail in lieu of bail (unspecified). He is due back in court April 15.

Peter Joseph Mancuso, 32, of Northwood Drive, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree criminal contempt. On March 26 Mancuso was arrested for allegedly causing damage to a door and doorknob at a residence on Roberts Road in Alabama at 11 a.m. March 10 in violation of an active order of protection. He was arraigned in Alabama Town Court and released on his own recognizance. Judge Charles Zambito issued a full stay away order of protection to the Roberts Road resident. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Chad Minuto, assisted by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Cynthia McKnight, 22, of Avenue D, Rochester, is charged with: aggravated driving while intoxicated per se -- with a BAC of .18 or more and no prior convictions; DWI -- first offense; and failure to stop at a stop sign. On March 27 at 6:41 p.m., Genesee County Sheriff's deputies responded to Route 33 in the Town of Bergen for a single-vehicle accident. After an investigation, McKnight was arrested on the charges. It is alleged she was driving while intoxicated and failed to stop at a stop sign, causing her vehicle to go off the roadway and into a field. She was released with appearance tickets and is due in Town of Bergen Court on April 7. The case was handled by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Deputy Kyle Tower.

Accident with four minor injuries reported at Judge and Alleghany, Alabama

By Howard B. Owens

A two-vehicle accident with four minor injuries is reported at Judge and Alleghany roads in Alabama.

The only ambulance available to respond is out of Medina.

Along with Alabama fire, mutual aid requested from Shelby and Oakfield, which has a rescue engine available.

UPDATE 11:25 a.m.: A chief informs dispatch that they are set for medics at the scene and is requesting that Shelby shut down southbound traffic. "We're all set for medics. Right now I just need traffic control," the chief informs dispatch. Oakfield is standing down.

UPDATE 11:31 a.m.: Mercy Flight is requested to the scene.

GCEDC: completion this summer of water lines at STAMP will add 1M+ gallons of capacity

By Press Release

Photo: Work on a new high-capacity water line along Route 77 is part of a $2 million infrastructure construction project at STAMP.

Submitted photo and press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) today announced that with the anticipated completion of a $2 million infrastructure project this summer, water capacity will increase to more than 1 million gallons per day at the 1,250-acre Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) mega site in Genesee County.

“Every infrastructure milestone adds to the tremendous momentum behind STAMP. Our ability to deliver low-cost, 100-percent renewable power, and utility infrastructure aligned with project timelines and capacities, is driving even greater interest from site selectors and companies looking to locate in Genesee County,” said GCEDC President and CEO Steve Hyde.

Hyde noted that STAMP’s development is advancing with significant infrastructure design, engineering, and construction milestones. The mega-site is already designed and permitted for the construction of over 6 million square feet of advanced manufacturing facility space.

The water infrastructure project includes the installation of new high-capacity water lines that will connect with previously extended infrastructure on New York State Route 77 that runs along the STAMP site.

The water line project is supported by New York State, and is aligned with investments by Genesee County and the towns of Alabama and Pembroke to expand infrastructure for economic and community growth. Morsch Pipeline in Avon serves as the lead contractor on the project.

In February, Plug Power Inc. announced it plans to begin construction of North America’s largest green hydrogen production facility at STAMP. Plug Power’s $290 million proposed facility and electric substation investment further expands access to high-capacity, flexible infrastructure on parcels ranging from 30 acres to over 650 acres, Hyde said.

“Partnering with an industry leader like Plug Power is another significant asset available at STAMP to grow the renewable and advanced manufacturing sectors, which will transform our regional economy for generations,” Hyde said.

Law and Order: Pair of DWI arrests

By Billie Owens

Michael Anthony Flatley, 33, of Sage Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- with a previous conviction within 10 years; aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree; operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more; and failure to keep right on a two-lane road. At 1:12 a.m. March 3, Flatley was arrested on the charges after a traffic stop on Alleghany Road in Alabama. He was arraigned in Alabama Town Court and released on his own recognizance. He is due in Genesee County Court on May 5. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Deputy David Moore.

Jeffrey Richard Doherty, 45, of Timberpoint Road, East Islip, is charged with: aggravated driving while intoxicated; DWI; driving left of pavement markings; and improper signal. At 6:65 p.m. on March 3, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle on Buffalo Street in Alexander and Doherty was subsequently arrested. He was issued an appearance ticket to be in Alexander Town Court on April 27. The case was handled by Deputy Erik Andre, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Hale.

GCEDC board to consider assistance for $233 million green energy facility at WNY STAMP

By Press Release

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors will consider accepting an initial application for incentives for Plug Power’s proposed $232.7 million green energy technology facility at Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) at its March 4 board meeting.

The facility would produce green hydrogen through an electrolysis process of water utilizing clean hydropower. The production facility would produce approximately 45 metric tons of liquid hydrogen on a daily basis and sold to customers to replace fossil fuels in the transportation sector.

Construction is anticipated to begin this summer.

Plug Power would initially create approximately 68 new jobs at an average starting salary of approximately $70,000 plus benefits, totaling over $102 million over 20 years.

The company is requesting $118.2 million in sales and property tax exemptions from the GCEDC. For every $1 of public benefit requested, more than $4.3 of investment is proposed by the company or $520 million over 20 years.

Additionally, under the terms of a proposed 20-year PILOT agreement, Plug Power would pay approximately $2.3 million annually to support local municipalities and infrastructure, including Genesee County, the Town of Alabama, and the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District.

Plug Power will also invest $55 million for the construction of a  345/115KV electric substation in partnership with the New York Power Authority and National Grid to support future expansion and growth opportunities at STAMP.

Plug Power and New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the proposed project on Feb. 25, which is also being supported by the New York Power Authority and Empire State Development.

A public hearing on proposed incentives will be scheduled if the Board accepts the project application.

Schumer pushes bipartisan Endless Frontiers Act to boost U.S. semiconductor industry

By Press Release

Press release:

Yesterday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer discussed his push to direct Senate committees to craft legislation to protect American jobs and outcompete China. Below are Senator Schumer’s remarks, which can also be viewed here:

"Today on our caucus call, I directed the chairs and members of our relevant committees to start drafting a legislative package to outcompete China and create new American jobs.

"The legislation will have as its centerpiece a bicameral, bipartisan bill, the Endless Frontiers Act, which I introduced last year with (Sen.) Todd Young (R-IN), and Representatives Ro Khanna (D-CA), and Mike Gallagher (R-WI) in the House. And it will take the key cutting industries and make American investments so we will outcompete China in all of them.

"In addition, we will make serious investments in strengthening the U.S. semiconductor industry to outcompete China and stop depending on foreign sources.

"Right now, semiconductor manufacturing is a dangerous weak spot in our economy and in our national security. That has to change.

"You've all seen that auto plants throughout America are closed because they can't get the chips. We cannot rely on foreign processors for the chips. We cannot let China get ahead of us in chip production. This will be part of the proposal that we will introduce. 

"We will also talk about the build out of 5G and how America can remain number one there. And all of these have bipartisan support. The bill we will intend to introduce, and I talked to Senator Young about it, and he's eager to get it done, will be bipartisan.

"Our intention is to put this legislation on the Senate floor for a vote this spring.

"To get a little more specific, the new legislation must achieve three goals: enhance American competitiveness with China by investing in American innovation, American workers and American manufacturing; invest in strategic partners and alliances: NATO, Southeast Asia and India; and expose, curb, and end once and for all China's predatory practices which have hurt so many American jobs.

"We're looking at emergency funding to implement the bipartisan Semiconductor Program as part of this package. You all know about the chip shortage. I want this bill to address America's short term and long term plan to protect the semiconductor supply chain and to keep us number one in things like AI, 5G, quantum computing, biomedical research, storage. All of these things are part of the bill and the Endless Frontiers Act.

"So we need to get a bill like this to the president's desk quickly to protect America's long term economic and national security."

***************************************************************************

In Genesee County, the Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park -- STAMP -- in Alabama is a semiconductor fabrication (“fab”) plant.

Previously: Schumer pitches top brass at Samsung on shovel-ready STAMP site for new semiconductor plant

Car hits tree on Knowsville Road, Alabama

By Howard B. Owens

A car has reportedly hit a tree in the area of 6209 Knowlsville Road, Alabama.

Injuries are reported.

Alabama fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 2:58 p.m.: There is one occupant, with an arm injury.

UPDATE 2:59 p.m.: Oakfield fire also responding.

UPDATE 3:02 p.m.: Traffic is not blocked. The patient also has complaints of pain in his neck and back.

Schumer pitches top brass at Samsung on shovel-ready STAMP site for new semiconductor plant

By Press Release

Press release:

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer yesterday (Jan. 27) followed up on his efforts to secure a provision in the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act to boost American-based semiconductor manufacturing by reaching out directly to Samsung, which is interested in possibly locating their new plant in Genesee County.

He called Senior Vice President of Samsung Device Solutions Joe Herr and other top brass about the Genesee Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park -- STAMP -- in Alabama and expressed his strong support for the project coming to Western New York.

Samsung is currently considering the STAMP campus, as well as several other locations in other states, for its semiconductor fabrication (“fab”) plant – with 1,900 jobs – that the company plans to open late next year. Samsung’s Device Solutions division includes Samsung’s Global Semiconductor Foundry business. 

“This Samsung project is an exciting and a potential game changer for the region," Schumer said. "I made it clear to Samsung that I strongly support locating their planned 1,900 worker state-of-the-art semiconductor chip fab at the shovel-ready STAMP site in Genesee County. I know firsthand that STAMP is shovel-ready – and that, combined with Upstate New York’s robust semiconductor industry, make Genesee the perfect location for Samsung’s new chip fab.

World-class WNY Workforce

"Our world-class Western New York workforce combined with New York’s considerable experience in semiconductor manufacturing and R&D means STAMP is tailor-made to be the home for Samsung’s new facility. I stand ready to help Samsung harness all that the federal government has to offer to continue to lead the tech industry and position New York as a global hub of semiconductor manufacturing.

“When I stood at STAMP in August to announce my proposal to create the first-ever new federal semiconductor manufacturing and R&D incentives program, I said it could put sites like Western New York’s STAMP in contention for landing a new semiconductor manufacturing plant and the thousands of new jobs that come with it.

"This game-changer proposal passed into law last month and already companies like Samsung are considering STAMP for a 1,900 job chip fab plant, partly because of this new federal initiative. Now, I will work to secure this federal investment and offer my all-out support and advocacy in helping STAMP compete for this multi-billion-dollar plant.” 

Schumer has long championed the Genesee site and toured STAMP in August, and knows firsthand how ideal the campus would be as home for Samsung’s new chip fab. Schumer explained to Samsung that he, alongside the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCECC), New York State, and Western New York officials, worked for a decade to help ensure that it was shovel-ready for a semiconductor facility.

WNY Offers: Low Utility Costs, Transportation Networks, Supplies Access, Brain Power

“The STAMP campus, sitting on 1,250 acres of land between Buffalo and Rochester, New York’s second and third largest metros, respectively, with a 1.2 million person world-class workforce, is specifically designed for large-scale fabs and provides maximum flexibility in layout and infrastructure connections,” Schumer said.

"Additionally, the senator pointed out many cost and infrastructure advantages to the STAMP campus location, including low utility costs, access to existing transportation networks, access to New York state’s existing chip fab supply chain ecosystem, and 62 colleges, universities, and community colleges within a two-hour drive of the site including Cornell University, University at Buffalo, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Rochester, Genesee Community College.

Schumer said Samsung is relying on his legislation to building new fabs like this one in the United States. In fact, Schumer pointed out, the United States has gone from producing 24 percent of the world’s semiconductors in 2000, to just 12 percent while China, by comparison, has gone from producing zero chips to 16 percent of the world’s supply because the United States is not matching the investments that other competing nations are making in order to land new job-creating semiconductor chip fabs.

The senator's first-ever legislation will reverse this imbalance and level the playing field for companies like Samsung to build new chip fabs in the United States. For the first-time Schumer’s legislation will provide federal incentives to semiconductor chip fabs to build in the United States.

U.S. Reliance on Foreign-made Microelectronics Could Pose 'Huge Risks'

Upon passage of his legislation last month in the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act Schumer said his legislation is vital. He noted that even though the United States revolutionized the microelectronic industry and invented nearly all of the key technology used to this day, by 2030, non-U.S. competitors are projected to control 83 percent of the global semiconductor manufacturing supply while domestic production could be less than 10 percent, threatening U.S. reliance on foreign-made microelectronics, which could pose huge risks to U.S. national and economic security.

In a recent meeting with the Commerce Secretary nominee, Governor Gina Raimondo, Schumer raised the urgent need to fully fund and implement the new Commerce semiconductor manufacturing grant program he passed into law as part of last year’s defense authorization, pointing to this Samsung investment as an example for why these federal incentives are such a high priority. Federal incentives are critical to the United States successfully competing with other countries, including China, for new semiconductor manufacturing investment like the proposed Samsung facility.

Schumer, in addition to paving the way for future federal incentives for investment into domestic semiconductor manufacturing previously brought STAMP to the attention of the Department of Defense, urging the agency to work with the semiconductor industry to expand the domestic supply of chips and other microelectronics.

STAMP is Made Specifically for What Samsung Needs

STAMP is specifically designed for development of large-scale semiconductor manufacturing. The 1,250 acre mega site can accommodate large advanced manufacturing operations with its expansive space for several plants.

Schumer has also previously lobbied the Board of Directors of the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) to put STAMP on their map and pitched SIA’s 18 semiconductor industry CEOs to look to expand their operations in Upstate New York at sites like STAMP in Genesee County.

In 2017 Schumer helped secure Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approval of Empire Pipeline Inc.’s revised and extended PILOT agreement with Genesee County, the proceeds of which were needed to finance new water infrastructure at STAMP.

In 2016 Schumer began assisting STAMP secure necessary U.S. Fish and Wildlife right-of-way permits to construct new infrastructure hook-ups to STAMP. In 2012, 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 proceed with developing the site.

Law and Order: Avon man accused of stealing $10K from Batavia employer

By Billie Owens

Stephen Hegel, 60, of High Street, Avon, (inset photo left) is charged with third-degree grand larceny and fourth-degree grand larceny. He was arrested and arraigned in Batavia City Court Jan. 19. It is alleged that he stole more than $10,000 in cash in three different incidents from his employer at the time, Turnbull Heating & Air Conditioning. He was put in Genesee County Jail (bail, if any, unspecified) and is due back in Batavia City Court on Feb. 23. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.

Maurice G. Leach, 44, of West Main Street, Batavia, (inset photo right) is charged with: burglary -- of a dwelling, causing injury; criminal mischief -- intentionally damaging property; third-degree criminal mischief -- damage to another person's property with a value greater than $250; second-degree harassment -- with physical contact; third-degree assault -- intentionally causing physical injury. Batavia police responded to a dwelling on West Main Street in the city at 3:25 a.m. Jan. 16 where it was reported that Leach punched and broke a window screen, entered the dwelling without permission, and allegedly assaulted a victim. After an investigation, he was arrested and it is alleged that he resisted the arrest. He was arraigned virutally in Batavia City Court and put in jail without bail. He is due back in court Feb. 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Samuel Freeman, assisted by Officer Austin Hedges.

Kristen E. Sekuterski, 34, of Orleans Avenue, Batavia, (inset photo left) is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance (unspecified) with intent to sell. She was arrested by Batavia police after an investigation with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security, NYS Police, and the Genesee County Sheriff's Office. Sekuterski was arraigned virtually in Batavia City Court and released on her own recognizance. She is due to return to city court on March 9. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Thomas James Leonard, 37, of Harvester Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a narcotic drug with intent to sell and criminal sale of a narcotic drug (unspecified). On Jan. 20, Leonard was arrested on a warrant. Due to bail reform, he was released under supervision of Genesee Justice and is due in Batavia City Court on March 23. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush.

Alphonso R. Daniels III, 27, of Oneida Street, Rochester, is charged with: owning / harboring an unlicensed dog; having dangerous dogs -- bite causing serious physical injury; and dog running at large. Daniels was arrested on Jan. 17 after a traffic stop was conducted for an alleged traffic violation on Oak Street. He was found to have an arrest warrant out of Batavia Police Department stemming from at incident in the 500 block of East Main Street in Batavia at 9:39 p.m. Feb. 13. He was released with an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court and is due there Feb. 23. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer John Gombos.

Michael John Tobias, 30, of Maple Road, Alabama, is charged with driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .08 percent, DWI, and moving from lane unsafely. He was arrested after an investigation of a motor-vehicle accident that occurred at 11:42 p.m. Jan. 23 on Judge Road in Alabama. He was released on appearance tickets and is due in Alabama Town Court Feb. 23. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Stack, assisted by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun.

Daniel John Wolfe, 47, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree burglary and and two counts of second-degree criminal contempt. At 11:37 p.m. on Jan. 19, Wolfe was arrested on the charges. They stem from an incident Nov. 13 on Bank Street in Batavia. He is accused of violating an order of protection by entering the dwelling of a protected person at 4:25 p.m. that day. Wolfe was processed then taken to jail and arraigned in Batavia City Court and ordered held without bail. He is due back in city court on March 4. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Michael A. Sweet, 34, of Bumbacker Road, Gainsville, is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. It is alleged that he took a vehicle and drove it without the owner's consent at 3 p.m. Jan. 5 on Walnut Street in Batavia and then failed to return it. He was taken to Batavia Police Department for processing and then released on an appearance ticket returnable to Batavia City Court on April 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan.

Tevin A. Lise, 30, of North Park Street, Clyde, and Maurice D. Bishop, no age or address provided, are charged with unlawful possession or marijuana in the second degree. Additionally, Lise is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree. They were arrested at 7:44 p.m. Jan. 12 on Ross Street in Batavia after a traffic stop. They were issued appearance tickets and are due in Batavia City Court on March 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Sean Wilson.

Janell M. Sauer, 45, of Gorski Street, Buffalo, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested following an incident at 1:32 p.m. Jan. 16 on West Main Street in Batavia. It is alleged she shoplifted from a business. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on April 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Joshua Girvin.

Jason A. Mcfollins, 43, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant issued for failure to appear in court on June 25 (reason unspecified) after turning himself in at Batavia Police Headquarters. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Miah Stevens.

Accident reported at Ledge and Maple in Alabama

By Billie Owens

A two-vehicle accident with injury is reported at Ledge and Maple roads, Alabama. It is partially blocking traffic. Occupants are out. A child has a face laceration. Alabama Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

Urban family thanks firefighters, friends, family, coworkers, neighbors and community for their help after garage fire

By Press Release

From Brittany Urban:

Our family wants to express our sincere gratitude and thanks to our friends, family, coworkers, neighbors and community. A couple of weeks (Dec. 15) ago we lost so many of our personal belongings that were stored in our garage to a fire.

We never would have imagined in a million years this would happen to us and were completely shocked, heartbroken and devastated.

After the incident, so many people reached out to us to provide comfort, support, kind words, prayers, donations, their time, and to check in on us.

We found so much comfort in knowing we weren't going through this experience alone and we cannot express in words how much we appreciate each and every one of you.

We also would like to specifically thank the following: Pembroke & Indian Falls fire departments, Alabama, Town & City of Batavia fire departments, Corfu, Darien & East Pembroke fire departments, along with Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Young, who was the law enforcement officer on scene.

The hard work of all these firefighters prevented us from losing our house in the fire as well. We are so thankful that didn't happen and that our family was not hurt.

Also, a special thanks to Officer Young who stayed by our side the entire time and helped us stay as calm as possible and went above and beyond for us.

Thank you to each and every one of you who risk your lives every day to help others and do everything you can to keep them safe.

In such a dark, uncertain, negative world these days it's nice to know that there are still good, kind people out there who are willing to come together and support one another in times of tragedy.

We wish each and every one of you a very happy and healthy new year.

Warmest regards,

-- The Urban Family

Law and Order: Man accused of causing serious injuries after hitting victim in the face multiple times

By Billie Owens

Woodrow C. Horseman, 44, no permanent address, is charged with second-degree assault. Batavia Police Officer Peter Post arrested Horseman at 9:03 a.m. Dec. 9 on North Street, Batavia. It is alleged that Horseman struck another male in the face multiple times with his fists, causing serious physical injury to the victim. Horseman was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed without bail. He was due back in city court Dec. 17. Post was assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot in this case.

Alex Scott Dumbleton, 27, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with: endangering the welfare of a child; second-degree burglary -- illegal entry into a dwelling; first-degree criminal contempt -- violating an order of protection with physical contact; second-degree criminal contempt -- disobeying a court order; and criminal misdemeanor -- acting with intent to damage property. Dumbleton was arrested on the charges at 1:05 p.m. on Dec. 11 at an apartment on Pearl Street in Batavia. He was arraigned virtually in Batavia City Court and held in jail on unspecified bail. He was due back in city court Dec. 15. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Austin Hedges, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Blake R. Terry, 20, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with third-degree assault. He turned himself in at Batavia PD headquarters during the afternoon of Dec. 14 on an arrest warrant out of Batavia City Court that stemmed from a reported physical altercation Oct. 8 on Bank Street, Batavia. He was arraigned virtually in city court and released on his own recognizance. Terry is due in city court on Feb. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Alicia M. Lyons, 41, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with second-degree menacing. Lyons was arrested at 2:05 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Kwik Fill at Jackson and Ellicott streets in the city after it was reported that she displayed a knife after an altercation with an employee. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Feb. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice. 

Christopher A. Sewar, 34, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested after an investigation of an incident that occurred Dec. 4 wherein Sewar allegedly violated an order of protection. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on March 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Samuel Freeman, assisted by Officer John Gombos.

Dennis Paul Kiener, 49, of Hagen Avenue, North Tonawanda, is charged with: driving while intoxicated, with a BAC of .08 percent or greater; DWI; moving from lane unsafely; and speed not reasonable and prudent. Kiener was arrested at 3:48 a.m. on Dec. 19 on Sand Hill Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, following a single-vehicle accident. He was released on appearance tickets and is due in Alabama Town Court on Jan. 13. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Stack, assisted by Deputy Austin Heberlein.

Terry Michael Roth, 45, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs; moving from lane unsafely; and expired vehicle inspection. He was arrested at 12:52 p.m. on Dec. 19 following an investigation into an accident that occurred at 5:06 p.m. on Oct. 30 on East Main Street in Batavia. Roth was issued uniform traffic tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on Feb. 24. After his arrest, he was released on his own recognizance. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig, assisted by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush.

Craig James Alexander, 48, of Lewiston Road, Alabama, is charged with: driving while intoxicated, with a BAC of .08 percent or more; DWI; and moving from lane unsafely. Alexander was arrested at about 11 p.m. on Dec. 17 on Albion Road in Oakfield after a single-vehicle accident. He is due in Oakfield Town Court on Jan. 18. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Gauthier.

Matthew Metahan Osmancikli, 28, of South Lake Road, Pavilion, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested at 2:45 a.m. on South Lake Road after an alleged physical altercation with another person. He was released with an appearance ticket to be in Pavilion Town Court on Jan. 5. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore.

Judge Road reopened after completion of Whitney Creek bridge replacement

By Press Release

From Laura A. Wadhams, P.E., assistant county engineer:

Work has been completed on the bridge replacement over Whitney Creek on Judge Road in the Town of Alabama and the road is now reopened.

A portion of Judge Road had been closed since Oct. 12 to replace the bridge, which is immediately west of Crosby Road.

Law and Order: Lockport Road man accused of driving while drug impaired, seriously injuring a person in a crash

By Billie Owens

Jason Allan Klinkbeil, 32, of Lockport Road, Alabama, is charged with: first-degree vehicular assault; felony driving while intoxicated -- drugs; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; reckless driving; failure to keep right; speed not reasonable and prudent; moving from lane unsafely; driving left of pavement markings; improper passing; failure to notify DMV of address change; and failure to change address on vehicle registration. Following an investigation into a motor-vehicle collision with injury at 8:48 p.m. Sept. 12 on Bliss Road in Oakfield, Klinkbeil was arrested. He allegedly drove a vehicle while he was impaired by drugs and caused serious physical injury to a passenger in another vehicle. Klinkbeil was released with appearance tickets and is due in Oakfield Town Court on Feb. 1. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

Aaron Joseph Romani, 29, of Milestrip Road, Blasdell, is charged with driving while intoxicated -- drugs; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree; and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Romani was arrested Dec. 3 for an incident at 2:48 a.m. on Aug. 2 when he was found pulled to the side of the road on Byron Elba Road in Byron. He was allegedly driving while intoxicated by drug and in possession of methadone which was not prescribed to him. His driver's license was expired. He was issued appearance tickets returnable to Byron Town Court on Jan. 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Gauthier, assisted by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun.

Renee Irene Brown, 40, of Harris Road, Waterport, is charged with petit larceny and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree. At 3:09 p.m. on Dec. 3, the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center received a call of a woman stealing items from the Crosby's convenience store in the Village of Elba, then fleeing in a vehicle southbound on Route 98. Deputies located the car in the Town of Batavia a short time later and conducted a traffic stop. Following an investigation, Brown was arrested. It is alleged that she possessed 72 packages of Starburst candy chews, 19 packages of Slim Jim meat snack sticks, and 14 packages of Jack Links Wild Snack Sticks XXL Original. Brown was also allegedly found driving while her license to do so was suspended. She was released with appearance tickets and is due in Elba Town Court on Dec. 23. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush.

Accident with possible entrapment reported in Alabama

By Billie Owens

A two-vehicle accident is reported in Alabama at Ledge and Maple roads. There's possible entrapment in one of the vehicles. Alabama Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 1:29 p.m.: The accident is blocking traffic in the southbound lane of Maple Road, according to a first responder.

UPDATE 1:31 p.m.: There is no entrapment. A second ambulance is called and both can proceed in non-emergency mode. An occupant in each vehicle complains of pain in their lower extremities.

Accident with injuries reported on Route 77 in Alabama

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with injuries is reported in Alabama on Route 77 north of Judge Road. It is partially blocking traffic. A female has an ankle injury and another person has abdominal pain.

Mercy medics and Alabama Fire Department are responding. A second ambulance from Medina is called for mutual aid. 

Fire police are asked to divert southbound traffic to the west at Judge Road and northbound traffic to the east at Ham Road for now.

(Responders are advised that a second accident is in the area -- at 7006 Alleghany Road, just south of Judge Road. There is one patient with a minor injury in that accident.)

UPDATE 7:21 a.m.: One of the patients is a sign-off. Two flatbed tows are called.

UPDATE 7:59 a.m. (by Howard): All units back in service. The road is reopened.

Fire reported on Knowlesville Road, Alabama

By Howard B. Owens

A fire is reported at 6442 Knowlesville Road, Alabama.

A second alarm was requested then canceled.  

Knowlesville Road is closed to through traffic.

Alabama Fire is on scene.

UPDATE 11:06 a.m.: Fire under control; overhaul in progress.

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