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Law and Order: Buffalo man allegedly found with 4,600 untaxed cigarettes

By Howard B. Owens

Zaid Amhad Alhariri, 47, of Dodge Street, Buffalo, is charged with possession of more than 4,600 untaxed cigarettes. Alhariri was stopped for alleged traffic violations at 12:23 p.m. Sunday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. He was allegedly found in possession of 4,600 untaxed cigarettes with a value of $1,055.

Cindy Lou Bush, 63, of Oak Orchard Road, Elba, is charged with five counts of criminal contempt, 2nd. Bush was allegedly involved in an incident at 7:30 p.m. Monday at a residence on Oak Orchard Road, Elba, with five other people, all who are the subject of a complete stay away order issued to Bush.

Annette Monique McMillian, 30, of Elmdorf Street, Rochester, is charged with scheme to defraud, 1st, petit larceny and issuing a bad check. McMillian was arrested on a warrant after turning herself in to Monroe County Probation. She was arraigned in Le Roy Town Court and jailed on $1,000 bail.

Second annual Elba Central School Alumni Reunion set for June 6th - Get the word out

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Last June we held the first Elba Alumni Reunion with more than 160 people attending. It was a wonderful success and we are not planning a second reunion. This is open to ALL Elba alumni or to anyone who ECS for several years and would like to see former classmates and friends again.

This year’s reunion will again be held at the Elba Firemen's Recreation Hall on Saturday, June 6th. It is located at 7143 Oak Orchard Road.

There will be a social hour at 5 p.m. with a buffet dinner at 6 preceded by appetizer and brunch. A cash bar will also be available. (A tour of the school at 3:30 p.m. will take place for those who are interested.)

As we are not able to contact all Elba alumni we would ask you to pass this information on.

Additional information and forms for the reunion can be obtained on Facebook under the group “Elba Central School Alumni” or you can contact Susan Berg Michalak at 585.343.7086 and a form will be sent to you.

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to catch up with former classmates. Last year’s reunion was a fun evening of sharing so many wonderful ECS memories!

Photos: ECS Drama Club performs CATS

By Howard B. Owens

The Elba Central School's Drama Club held a dress rehearsal Thrusday night for their performance of the hit Broadway musical "CATS."

A performance originally scheduled for tonight has been moved to 2 p.m. tomorrow. The cast will perform a second show at 7 p.m., tomorrow.

Car on its side, blocking traffic on Route 98 north of Batavia Elba TL Road

By Billie Owens

A car accident is reported on Route 98 north of Batavia Elba Townline Road. The vehicle is on its side in the roadway, blocking traffic. Mercy medics are responding along with Elba fire.

UPDATE 5:30 a.m.: The location is in the area of 7499 Oak Orchard Road. Town of Batavia also responded. Minor injuries reported. One person has been extricated.

UPDATE 5:31 a.m.: Town of Batavia is back in service.

SUNY Cobleskill

By Amy Vlack

Rebecca Vlack, daughter of Ed and Amy Vlack of Elba, has been named to the President's List for the Fall 2014 semester at SUNY Cobleskill.  Matriculated students achieving a semester average of 4.0 are named to the President's List.

Rebecca is a Freshman at Cobleskill studying Plant Science and Horticulture. 

The State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill has a rich academic tradition that spans nearly 100 years. Today, over 2,500 students are enrolled in the 52 associate and baccalaureate degree programs offered through The School of Agriculture and Natural Resources and The School of Business and Liberal Arts & Sciences.

Comptroller tells Elba Fire Department to audit books, account for expenses

By Howard B. Owens

The Elba Volunteer Fire Department got two dings in a recent comptroller's audit: The board of directors needs to be sure the treasurer's work is audited, and expenditures need to be properly approved and recorded.

There is no evidence of missing or misappropriated funds, though there are a few expenditures that aren't properly documented.

Although there's no evidence of missing money, the department's lax oversight, auditors said, could cause problems.

"The Board’s inadequate oversight and weak controls increase the risk that Department disbursements may not be for appropriate purposes and that all money due the Department may not be received and deposited," the audit report states.

There is a lack of supporting documents for expenditures, auditors said, for $40,566 in spending. There are no documents to show that the board approved these expenditures.

Receipts from the department's largest fundraiser, the Onion Festival, were not properly recorded in 2013, the report states, affecting the department's ability to properly track revenue.

The festival generated $87,210 in revenue, with $78,886 in expenses, for a profit of $8,324.

While raffle tickets printed and sold are properly tracked, the same can't be said, according to the report, of food and beverage tickets.

The treasurer wrote a check to cash for $7,500 before the last festival, so there would be cash on hand for miscellaneous expenses. While she had receipts for $3,250 of the money spent from that fund, the rest of the expenditures had no supporting documentation.

Some of the cash is recorded in the fund-raising report, but there is no documentation for the balance of $1,365.

"The Board’s failure to properly oversee fund-raising activities substantially increases the risk that fund-raising money could be lost or stolen without detection," the report states.

Robert Ziphel, acting president of the Elba Volunteer Fire Department Board of Directors, responded to the audit and stated, "In response to our audit, we agree with your findings. We have implemented changes in 2014 and will continue to do so in the future as needed."

Two-car crash with injuries at Edgerton Road and Route 98, Elba

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at Route 98 and Edgerton Road, Elba. One vehicle is blocking the roadway. Elba fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 10:17 a.m.: Two patients refused treatment. The Elba assignment is back in service.

Law and Order: Brother and sister charged in alleged choking incident

By Howard B. Owens

Julian Munoz, 63, of Transit Road, Elba, and Carmelina Chavez, 47, of Drake Street, Oakfield, are charged with criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation and harassment, 2nd. Munoz and Chavez, brother and sister, allegedly choked and pushed a victim down a flight of stairs. 

Heather Jaye Interlicchia, 55, of Ramona Street, Rochester, is charged with possession of more than 400 untaxed cigarettes. Interlicchia was stopped for an alleged traffic violation at 12:08 p.m. Sunday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Windfield L. Marshall, 44, of Lake Street, Le Roy, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to pay fine on a parking violation. Marshall turned himself in and posted $25 bail.

Khadijah Azizza Davis, 23, of Arnett Boulevard, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, unlicensed driver and speeding in zone. Davis was stopped at 11:49 p.m. Wednesday on Clinton Street, Batavia, by Officer Jason Davis, for allegedly driving 47 in a 30 mph zone. Davis was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Kasean L. Shannon, 22, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Shannon was allegedly found in possession of marijuana during police contact with Officer Marc Lawrence while on Washington Avenue at 1:37 p.m. Wednesday.

Chana J. Mitchell, 22, of Prospect Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, charge. Mitchell turned himself in and jailed on $200 bail.

Joseph Michael Marceill, 47, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a driving while registration suspended or revoked charge. Marceill turned himself in, was arraigned and released on his own recognizance. 

Cynthia C. Richardson, 35, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with a curfew violation. Richardson was arrested after police responded to a report of a fight at 1:29 a.m. Saturday on Court Street. Richardson's 14-year-old son was allegedly located on Evans Street near Ellicott Street at 1:34 a.m.

Donna A. Cocoran, 41, of St. Mary's Street, Pavilion, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and suspended registration. Cocoran was stopped at 12:49 p.m. on Elm Street, Batavia, by Officer Eric Foels.

Samuel J. Barber, 20, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of alcohol under age 21. Barber was arrested following a complaint of a party at 12:32 a.m. Sunday on Bank Street, Batavia. Barber was allegedly hosting the party along with two other individuals. Also charged were Abdullah B. Diallo, 19, of Bank Street, Batavia, and Seanmichael G. Kidder, 19, of Bank Street, Batavia.

Robert Jean Jackson, 38, of Albert Street, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding in zone and failure to change address on license. Jackson was stopped at 1:17 a.m., Saturday, on Main Street, Oakfield, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Justin L. Sanders, 23, of Byron, is charged with grand larceny, 3rd. Sanders was arrested by State Police and jailed on an unspecified bail. No further information released.

Allison A. Sobczak, 23, of Batavia, is charged with DWI and aggravated DWI. Sobczak was stopped at 11:02 a.m. Friday in the Town of Batavia by State Police.

UPDATE: Later today, State Police put out a press release on Sobczak's arrest.  Here's a portion of it:

Sobczak arrived to the Batavia barracks to file a complaint when Troopers smelled an odor of alcoholic beverage coming from her. After her verbal admission that she drove to the barracks, she was detained for a DWI investigation. After Sobczak failed the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, she was placed under arrest for DWI. 

Sobczak was arrested and escorted back to the patrol room where she registered a BAC of .24%. She was issued citations returnable to the Town of Batavia Court on January 29, 2015.

Katrina M. Jones, 46, of Buffalo, is charged with conspiracy, 5th, and grand larceny, 4th. Jones was arrested by State Police and held on an unspecified bail. No further information released.

Christopher F. Bragg, 29, of Corfu, is charged with grand larceny, 3rd, and scheme to defraud, 2nd. Bragg was arrested by State Police. No further information released.

Single mother thrilled with new Habitat home in Elba

By Howard B. Owens

As a 22-year-old single mother, Megan Curry never thought homeownership was a realistic goal, but then a coworker told her about Habitat for Humanity and how the organization helped her move into her own house.

Soon, Curry and her son Kayden will be living in their own home on Old Oak Orchard Road, Elba.

The property was donated by MY-T Acres Farm and the Call family. Habitat volunteers, along with Curry, built the three bedroom house from the basement up.

"I never thought something like this would be possible, so the fact that I can be a homeowner and the fact that I helped build my own house is a big deal," Curry said. "It's really empowering."

Pictured are Stephen Curry, Megan's father, Kayden and Megan, her grandmother Phyllis Darling, sister Kayla Curry and her mother, Laura Curry.

Two-vehicle accident reported on Route 98, Elba

By Howard B. Owens

A two-vehicle, injury accident is reported on Oak Orchard Road near Edgerton Road, Elba.

Elba fire and Mercy EMS responding.

A second ambulance is requested to the scene, non-emergency.

First responders report a slick roadway.

Route 98 is closed from Ford Road to Edgerton.

Elba Central School Drama Club presents "CATS"

By Michelle Case

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber

Based on "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats" by T.S. Eliot

February 20th & 21st, 2015

7:00pm

Elba Central School Auditorium

57 South Main St., Elba

Tickets:

$6 students/seniors

$8 adults

Available in the District Office during school hours or at the door on show nights

Information: (585) 757-9967

Event Date and Time
-

Post Dairy Farm named Genesee County Conservation Farm of the Year

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Directors have announced the selection of Post Dairy Farm, LLC, as the 2014 Genesee County Conservation Farm of the Year. The Post family will be the honored guests of the District at the Celebrate Agriculture Dinner on March 21st at the Alexander Firemen’s Recreation Hall. They will be formally presented with their award at that time.

Post Dairy Farms LLC/ Dan and John Post – Town of Elba
The Posts have been working with the district since 1965. Their dairy consists of about 400 cows and they work about 500 acres. They just recently built a new barn with four robotic milkers; the district was involved with installing drip trenches around the perimeter. Some other conservation practices they have implemented include drain tile, diversion ditches, grassed waterways, covered heavy use area protection, and a wastewater lagoon. (Ken Post – father of Dan and John -- was named Conservation Farmer of the Year in 1973).

Previously: For five generations, farming has been all in the family for the Posts of Elba

File photo: Front row, Dan, John and Ken; and, Laurie and Jeff.

Barn fire reported on Watson Road, Elba

By Howard B. Owens

A barn fire at 5327 Watson Road, Elba, is under control.

The fire was reported about 30 minutes ago.

Elba fire was dispatched along with Barre, Stafford, Bergen, Byron, South Byron and Oakfield.

The location is CY Heifer Farms.

UPDATE 7:49 a.m.: The particular barn with the fire is leased to Provitello Farms. All 58 calves were safely moved from the barn to another one. The fire was electrical and contained to a small room behind the calves' stalls. The preliminary cause is believed to be mice chewing on wires. An employee saw the smoke upon arriving for work and called 9-1-1. The fire was quickly knocked down. All units are packing up and returning to service.  

Driver charged in single-vehicle accident in Elba on Saturday night

By Howard B. Owens

A driver involved in a single-vehicle accident at 11:28 p.m. Saturday on Route 262, Elba, has been charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs.

Joseph Paul Pratt, 20, of Church Street, Le Roy, was also charged with failure to keep right. 

Pratt was driving a 2010 Chevy pickup owned by another person eastbound on Route 262. The truck reportedly crossed into the westbound lane and went off the north shoulder of the road. It struck a guy wire for a utility pole and continued through a patch of trees and hedges, coming to rest in a field.  

Deputy Chris Parker reports that Pratt said he hit a patch of black ice.

The investigation showed, Parker wrote in the report, that Pratt's vehicle traveled in a straight line through a curve in the roadway.

Contrary to news reports, no attempt made to harm Elba teacher

By Howard B. Owens

At least two young Elba students made threats against a teacher three weeks ago, resulting in a complaint to local law enforcement, but school officials are handling the matter internally.

Contrary to media reports elsewhere, there was no attempt to either kill or sicken the teacher. It was all talk.

Following a public records request, Sheriff Gary Maha released a police report on the closed investigation, which stemmed from a person who had heard about the incident calling police.

The report indicates that school officials have been attempting to deal with a bullying problem in a fourth-grade class, and in the course of the turmoil at least two students, possibly more, discussed spreading hand sanitizer on personal items of the class's teacher.

The teacher had made it known to her students that hand sanitizer could make her seriously ill. It's not clear that exposure could be fatal.

The students seemed to believe that the hand sanitizer could be used to kill their teacher.

The students never actually spread any hand sanitizer.

Deputy Kevin McCarthy responded to the school Dec. 18 after a complaint was made about children threatening to kill their teacher.

McCarthy interviewed officials and students at the school.

The report states that students were contradictory in their statements about the threats and who made them.  

A parent was also interviewed and was concerned about the alleged threats.

School officials believed two students implicated themselves in statements and those students were reportedly disciplined.

UPDATE: Here's a statement from Jerry Piwko, superintendent of Elba Central School District:

It has been widely reported that certain fourth-grade students had been discussing a way to harm a teacher in the Elba Central School District. This event has been a shock to our community and school. The District cannot comment on the specifics of this event, including discipline, as the information is protected from disclosure under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. The reports in the media and on social media do not accurately reflect the entire event.

As soon as the District was made aware of the students' discussion it called in students that were thought to have knowledge of the discussions. After the students were interviewed, the District contacted the Sheriff's Department and cooperated with the Sheriff's deputies in their investigation of the matter. The Sheriff's Department concluded that no crime had been committed and the matter was turned back over to the District. The District in turn has worked with the parents and students involved to address this issue. It is important to note that no one was injured or actually placed in harm's way.

The District does not condone any of the behaviors that have been reported and is in the process of working alongside the Sheriff's Department to use this incident as a vehicle for educating the District's students regarding appropriate behaviors.

Chimney fire report on Ridge Road, Elba

By Howard B. Owens

A working chimney fire is reported 4136 Ridge Road.

Elba fire and Oakfield fire were dispatched initially.

A second tone out includes Bergen and Byron with Town of Batavia to fill in at Elba.

A chief on scene reports heavy smoke.

The residence has been evacuated.

UPDATE 9:37 p.m.: A firefighter requests a chainsaw and a thermal camera.

UPDATE 10:07 p.m.: Fire contained to chimney. Firefighters starting overhaul.

Grand Jury indicts three men on first-degree rape charge

By Billie Owens

Darwin Zuniga-Rocha, Eliseo Mateo-Perez and Uriel Ramirez-Perez are accused of first-degree rape, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on Nov. 16, 2014, in the Town of Elba, they engaged in sexual intercourse with another person by forcible compulsion.

Nathan L. Royse is accused of first-degree burglary, a Class B violent felony. It is alleged that on July 9, 2014, he knowlingly entered or unlawfully remained in a dwelling on Wood Street in the City of Batavia with intent to committ a crime. In the course of the alleged crime, he or another participant is accused of causing physical injury to a person who was not a participant. In count two, Royse is accused of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony, for allegedly causing physical injury to a person not participating in the commission of a felony or attempted felony.

The four men named in these Grand Jury indictments are to be arraigned in Genesee County Court on Thursday.

Car strikes tow truck at scene of accident

By Howard B. Owens

A car has struck a tow truck that was on scene with law enforcement at a previous accident at Oak Orchard Road and Edgerton Road, Elba.

A head injury is reported.

Elba fire and Mercy EMS are dispatched.

UPDATE 9:54 a.m.: Traffic is being shut down at Route 98 and the Elba Fire Rec Hall. It's also being shut down at Daws Corners.

Photo: Wind-damaged silo in Elba

By Howard B. Owens

A reader sent in this picture of a wind-toppled silo on his property on Transit Road, Elba. He said it came down overnight.

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