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Darien

Darien Center student receives scholarship at Clarkson University

By Billie Owens

Casey L. LaFleur, of Darien Center, received the Richard and Gina Weniger Memorial Endowed Scholarship during the 2011-2012 academic year.

He is a senior majoring in Mechanical Engineering at Clarkson University.

Clarkson University is grateful to its many donors of endowed, sponsored, and Share Clarkson scholarships. Scholarship support is essential to providing students with the financial resources necessary to achieve their goal of a Clarkson education.

Clarkson University launches leaders into the global economy. One in five alumni already leads as a CEO, VP or equivalent senior executive of a company. Located just outside the Adirondack Park in Potsdam, Clarkson is a nationally recognized research university for undergraduates with select graduate programs in signature areas of academic excellence directed toward the world's pressing issues.

Through 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, sciences and health sciences, the entire learning-living community spans boundaries across disciplines, nations and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo, and connect discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise.

Grass fire behind Weber Hydraulics, Alleghany Road, Darien

By Billie Owens

A grass fire is reported behind Weber Hydraulics in Darien, located at 10751 Alleghany Road between Erie Road and Broadway. It is moving away from the building and along the nearby railroad tracks. Darien Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 12:47 p.m.: The fire is out. Darien is back in service.

Possible chimney fire on Erie Street, Darien

By Billie Owens

A house is filling with smoke and a possible chimney fire is reported at 1500 Erie St. in Darien. Darien Fire Department is responding along with mutual aid from Alexander. The occupants of the home have evacuated. Attica has also been dispatched.

UPDATE 1:09 p.m.: Darien command has put the two units responding from Attica back in service.

UPDATE 1:18 p.m.: The fire is out.


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Law and Order: Probation allegedly finds felon with shotguns

By Howard B. Owens

Eric Charles Zglinicki, 49, of Alleghany Road, Darien Center, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th. Zglinicki was allegedly found in possession of three shotguns following an investigation and search of his residence by the Genesee County Probation Department and the Sheriff's Office. Zglinicki has a prior felony conviction.

Samantha Mary Williams, 31, of Warsaw Road, Le Roy, was arrested on a bench warrant out of the Hamburg Town Court to appear on charges of resisting arrest and obstruction of governmental administration. Williams was turned over to the Hamburg Police Department.

Allen Skye Dockstader, 29, of Council House Road, Alabama, was arrested on a bench warrant out of Genesee County Court on a charge of violating probation following an investigation into a criminal mischief complaint.

Cody L. Osborn, 24, of 3265 State St., Caledonia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, inadequate head lights, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, possession of an open container of alcohol in a vehicle and unlawful possession of marijuana. Osborn was stopped in the early hours Saturday by Le Roy Police. He was jailed on $1,500 bail.

Shawn Richard McGiveron, 23, East Main Street, Corfu, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. McGiveron is accused of violating an order of protection by calling and sending text messages to a protected person.

Tractor-trailer rollover shuts down traffic on Route 20, Darien

By Howard B. Owens

A tractor-trailer has reportedly rolled over on Route 20 in Darien, but the driver has spoken to dispatch and claims to be uninjured, though he is trapped in the cab of the vehicle.

His load is considered non-hazardous.

The location is 2041 Broadway Road.

Darien Fire Department and Mercy EMS dispatched. Alexander requested for traffic control on Route 20. Westbound traffic will be shut down.

A chief reports the roadway is heavily snow covered.

UPDATE 11:26 p.m.: Mercy EMS can take its time driving to the scene, according to a chief. Darien's ambulance is also in route.

UPDATE 11:30 p.m.: Traffic not being shut down. Alexander being asked to slow traffic at Smithley Road.

UPDATE 11:44 p.m.: Driver is out of the truck.


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Driver reportedly says GPS distracted her prior to hitting car on Route 5, Corfu

By Howard B. Owens

A woman told a deputy she was fiddling with her GPS (global positioning system) prior to rear-ending a car which was stopped on Route 5 at Lovers Lane Road, Corfu.

The accident occurred at 10:50 a.m., Monday, and caused injuries to both drivers but neither was seriously hurt.

Jessica M. Reynolds, 24, of McVean Road, Corfu, was cited for allegedly following too closely. Also injured was Joan Marie Dugan, 75, of Erie Street, Darien Center.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Chris Parker.

(Initial report)

Four local students make Deans' List at SUNY Oswego

By Billie Owens

Four area residents were named to the Deans' List for the Fall semester at SUNY Oswego.

Showing academic achievement, with their major in parentheses, are:

Lindsey C. Glazier, of Caswell Road in Byron, a senior (elementary education).

Shannon E. Christiansen, of Phelps Road in Corfu, a junior (communication).

Nikki M. Parlato, of Seven Day Road in Darien Center, a senior (public justice).

Courtney M. Brooks, of Washington Avenue in Le Roy, a sophomore (public justice).

The President's and Deans' lists represent the academic top 24.4 percent of the Oswego student body. To be included on the Deans' List, students must have a semester grade average of 3.30 to 3.79.

Admission to SUNY Oswego is competitive. U.S. News & World Report named it among the "Top Public Regional Universities in the North" for 2012, the Princeton Review and USA Today named SUNY Oswego to their 2012 list of 150 "best value" colleges and universities in the nation.

A 151-year-old comprehensive college in the State University of New York system, Oswego enrolls more than 8,000 students in its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; School of Business; School of Communication, Media and the Arts; and School of Education.

Two-car collision with injuries at South Lake and Cohocton roads

By Billie Owens

A two-car collision with injuries is reported at South Lake Road and Cohocton Road. There is possible entrapment in one vehicle. Mercy Flight #5 is put on standby. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments along with Mercy EMS are dispatched. Akron fire is responding to the scene since their extrication tools may be needed.

UPDATE 1:31 p.m.: A responder at the scene says everyone is out of the vehicles. Akron's response and Mercy Flight are cancelled.

UPDATE 1:34 p.m.: Pembroke command requests a second ambulance (which will be provided by Darien). One car rolled over into a ditch. There are two people injured.

UPDATE 1:59 p.m.: One patient is being transported to UMMC and another is being taken to Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Williamsville.

UPDATE 2:20 p.m.: The Pembroke and Indian Falls assignment is back in service.

New youth football and cheerleading program planned in Alexander area

By Billie Owens

Tri-Town Youth Athletics is planning to start a youth football program and has scheduled a meeting for Thursday, Feb. 16 to provide more information to interested parents. It begins at 7 p.m. in the Alexander Elementary School Gym, located at 3314 Buffalo St. between routes 20 and 98.

Tri-Town Youth Athletics primarily serves the Alexander Central School District -- covering Alexander, Darien and Bethany -- but kids from all over the area are welcome to take part. It also offers baseball, softball, basketball and soccer programs.

The new football and cheerleading programs, which the organization last sponsored more than 20 years ago, are open to boys and girls ages 6 to 13.

Tri-Town Youth Football will be led by several experienced football coaches and youth sports administrators. Additional football and cheerleading coaches, as well as a cheerleading commissioner, are wanted.

Anyone interested should call 356-7571 or email Tritownyouth@hotmail.com. Other opportunities for parents to take part in planning, fundraising and game-day operations are also available.

Law and Order: Duo accused of conspiracy in scrap metal sale

By Howard B. Owens

Angelo A. Cassidy, 35, of Lewis Place, Batavia, and 59-year-old Charles R. Gay, of Hemlock Ridge Road, Medina, are charged with petit larceny and conspiracy, 6th. Cassidy was reportedly employed by a business on Angling Road, Corfu, and allegedly falsified a weight ticket, allowing Gay to collect  money for scrap that was not actually part of his load. Cassidy and Gay are accused of making an arrangement regarding the money. The case was investigated by Deputy Chris Parker.

Carolyn M. Hooten, 29, of 12 Myrtle St., Le Roy, is charged with DWI and several traffic violations. Hooton was stopped late Friday evening on Myrtle Street by Le Roy Police.

Mathew Duncan Brew, 33, of Freeman Road, Byron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to yield right of way. Brew was arrested by Deputy Brad Mazur following a traffic accident at 9:24 p.m. Saturday at Route 262 and Bank Street Road.

Donovan Michael Zandi, 22, of Campbell Boulevard, Getzville, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Zandi's vehicle was reportedly found by Deputy Kevin McCarthy at 2:59 a.m., Jan. 26, on Countyline Road, Darien, with four-way flashers on.

Kara Ellen Wojkowski, 28, Hall Road, Holley, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Wojkowski is accused of stealing a motor vehicle on Oct. 25. She turned herself in at the Sheriff's Office on a warrant for her arrest. Following arraignment in Byron, she was jailed on $2,000 bail.

Kathryn L. Johnson, 24, of 20 Hutchins St., lower, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Johnson was arrested following a visit by County Probation to her home and jailed on $1,000 bail.

Law and Order: Walmart cashier accused of petit larceny, resisting arrest

By Howard B. Owens

Melissa C. Verton, 32, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of petit larceny and resisting arrest. Verton is accused of stealing $35 in cash and merchandise while employed at Walmart as a cashier. Verton is accused of verbally and physically resisting arrest.

Brandon Marshall Weig, 33, of Shady Lane, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Weig was arrested on a warrant for an alleged violation of an order of protection Nov. 13. Weig is accused of having contact with a protected person. Weig is accused of doing the same thing on Dec. 18.

Kahlil Nathaniel Johnson,19, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass. Johnson is accused of being at College Village after being banned from the property.

Dustin Stephen Williams, 24, of Simonds Road, Corfu, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to signal and speeding. Williams was stopped at 2:12 a.m. on Route 238, Darien, by Deputy Jason Saile.

Genesee County firefighters head to blaze in Wyoming County

By Billie Owens

A structure fire at 2460 Orangeville Center Road in Wyoming County is prompting a mutual aid response from Genesee County volunteer firefighters. Darien is sending a tanker and an engine to fill in at Attica's fire hall, which is going to the scene. Alexander is sending a unit to fill in at Darien's fire hall.

UPDATE 12:30 p.m.: Alexander is back in quarters.

UPDATE 12:52 p.m.: Darien is in quarters, in service.

Three local students make Deans' List at Clarkson University

By Billie Owens

Three Genesee County students were named to the Deans' List for the fall 2011 semester at Clarkson University.

  • Jacob D. Muench, of Darien, who is a freshman majoring in Aeronautical Engineering

 

  • Cameron P. Sitarek, of Darien Center, who is a senior majoring in Civil Engineering

 

  • Kaley M. Johnson, of Bergen, who is a senior majoring in Engineering and Management

To earn this recognition, these students needed to achieve a minimum 3.25 grade-point average and also carry at least 14 credit hours.

Clarkson University is located just outside the Adirondack Park in Potsdam. It's a nationally recognized research university for undergraduates.

It offers 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, sciences and health sciences. The entire learning-living community spans boundaries across disciplines, nations and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo, and connect discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise.

Law and Order: Two accidents lead to two DWI arrests

By Howard B. Owens

Gary A. Goodwin, 51, of Hamlin, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08. Goodwin was reportedly involved in a motor vehicle accident at 11:12 p.m., Jan. 21, on Cockram Road, Town of Byron. The accident was investigated by Deputy Brad Mazur.

Rene Peres Roblero, 46, of McGregor Road, Corfu, is charged with DWI, moving from lane unsafely, operation by an unlicensed driver, operating without insurance. Roblero was arrested following the report of a one-vehicle accident at 11:24 p.m., Jan. 17, on Richley Road, Darien. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Debra G. Fields, 43, of 18 South St., Le Roy, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child, 1st. Field is accused of hosting an underage drinking party at her residence.

Uriah Ian-Charles Smoke, 27, of Bloomingdale Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with reckless endangerment, 2nd, and criminal mischief, 4th. Smoke was arrested on a warrant and jailed on $2,000 bail or $4,000 bond.

Alfred State College announces Deans' List for the fall 2011 semester

By Billie Owens

Stephen J. Havlovic, vice president for academic affairs at Alfred State College, has announced the Deans' List of students for the fall 2011 semester.

Students from both the Alfred campus and the School of Applied Technology campus in Wellsville are selected for the Deans' List if they maintain a 3.50 grade-point average (GPA) out of a possible 4.0. The 4.0 GPA or straight "A" students are indicated with an asterisk (*).

The following Genesee County students were among those recognized:

Brandon Richardson, of Basom

*Nicole Binns, of Corfu

Ethan Willard, of Darien Center

*Kailynn Stacy,  of Elba

Nicholas Weibel, of Elba

*John Langdon, of Bergen

Quentin Humphrey, of Le Roy

Morgan Presher, of Le Roy

Edward Cigno, of Le Roy

*Christopher Locke, of Le Roy

*Christian Dermody, of Linwood

Thomas Parmenter, of Pavilion

Alfred State College offers associate degrees in 52 programs in the fields of agriculture, health, business, vocational, and engineering technology, as well as liberal arts and sciences. There are also 19 baccalaureate degree offerings.

Darien Lake shakes up park's management

By Howard B. Owens

After a summer filled with bad publicity, Darien Lake Theme Park's owners, Herschend Family Entertainment, has announced changes in its top management at the park.

A veteran of the company, Bob Montgomery, has been named vice present and general manager of the park.

Chris Thorpe, who led the park staff through the accidental death of a patron and the closure for unrelated mechanical reasons of the park's signature ride, is now the assistant general manager and will report to Montgomery.

Rochester resident Steve Hallowell, a former director of marketing for Kodak, has been named director of marketing for Darien Lake.

For previous coverage of events at Darien Lake, click here.

Press release:

Darien Lake Theme & Water Park Resort (Darien Lake) has named Bob Montgomery as the park's new vice president and general manager. Montgomery has been employed by Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE), the management company of Darien Lake, for over a decade. Prior to HFE, Montgomery worked as vice president of operations and development at LEGOLAND, director of operations at Toronto's C.N. Tower and director of attractions at Canada's Wonderland, the top two attractions in Canada.

Darien Lake also appoints marketing veteran and Rochester, New York, native Steve Hallowell as director of marketing. He has 25 years of marketing experience and a long tenure at Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester, most recently serving as director of consumer experience marketing.

"The combination of entertainment and accommodations offered at Darien Lake are unique in the industry, and I am excited about this opportunity," said Montgomery. Prior to moving to Darien Lake, Montgomery worked at Wild Adventures, also an HFE property, as vice president and general manager. "The community has a lot of enthusiasm for Darien Lake, and I look forward to leading this great vacation destination, especially as we introduce three new family rides this year."

In his new role, Montgomery oversees all aspects of the park. Chris Thorpe now serves as assistant general manager at the park, reporting directly to Montgomery. Thorpe is responsible for employee development and relations.

Steve Hallowell leads the marketing department with a unique local perspective. "I look forward to working with the marketing team and the Buffalo and Rochester communities to attract even more guests to our park and accommodations," said Hallowell. "As a father of two teenage boys who love to visit the park with their friends, this job definitely promotes me to cool dad."

Law and Order: DWI arrest in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

Thomas J. Smith, 23, of 8048 E. Main Road, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Smith was stopped at 2:12 a.m. Saturday on Lake Street, Le Roy, by Le Roy Police.

A 17-year-old of South Lake Road, Pembroke, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and possession/consumption of alcohol under age 21. The youth was allegedly found by Deputy Patrick Reeves to have concealed a quanity of marijuana and alcohol in a duffle bag during a traffic stop on Main Road, Pembroke.

Brandi Elizabeth Schmiedicker, 18, of Genesee Street, Darien, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child. Schmiedicker is accused of hosting an underage drinking party, which was reported through Tipline.

Paul M. Flis, 19, of Salisbury Lane, Blasdell, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Flis was allegedly found behind the wheel in a stopped vehicle on Genesee Street, Darien, at 4:19 a.m. Sunday, by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Photos: More of Friday's snow in Genesee County

By Howard B. Owens

Here's five photos from my drive around the county Friday afternoon. It turns out four of them were taken along Simmonds Road in the Town of Darien. The fifth, bottom, on Ellinwood Road.

Man involved in Darien accident Friday released from ECMC today

By Howard B. Owens

A Williamsville man who survived what was initially reported as a "bad" crash in Darien on Friday was released from the hospital today.

Matthew D. Holt, 34, of Ellicott Street, Williamsville, managed to crawl from the wreckage of his mangled car after going off the road in the area of 1987 Chick Road at 6:44 p.m., Friday. Responders at the scene described his condition as not entirely coherent when they arrived, though he was walking.

Holt was taken to the Erie County Medical Center by Mercy Flight.

According to the Sheriff's Office report, Holt was westbound on Chick Road when his car drifted into the eastbound lane and then swerved back into the westbound lane. The 2001 Volvo sedan left the roadway on the north shoulder and sideswiped three trees, a rock pile, a shed and a fourth tree.

No cause of the accident is discussed in the report. The report lists no citations issued.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Cory Mower.

(Initial report)

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