A driver who said she fell asleep, leading to an accident Thursday afternoon on Assemblyman R. Steven Hawley Drive, Batavia, was cited for crossing the center line in a no-passing zone by Deputy Joseph Graff, who investigated the collision.

A. R. Jeering, 55, address redacted from report, was among three people injured in the three-car crash. She was transported to UMMC by Mercy EMS with a complaint of pain.

She was driving a 2011 Chevrolet sedan.

Also injured were Kaeleigh S. Disalvo, 21, no address provided, driving a 2008 Buick sedan, and Eric J. Merritt, 26, address redacted, driving a 2008 Ford sedan. Both were transported to UMMC by Mercy EMS with complaints of pain.

Merritt's passenger, 29-year-old Gregory A. Merritt, was not transported to a hospital.

Jeering was driving up the hill on Hawley Drive, westbound, when her vehicle crossed the center line and struck the vehicle driven by Disalvo and then the one driven by Merritt.

(Initial Report)

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A two-car accident with injuries and possible entrapment is reported at R. Stephen Hawley Drive and 99 MedTech Drive in Batavia. Town of Batavia fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 4:56 p.m.: Stafford Fire Police requested to the scene for traffic control. They are going to shut down R. Stephen Hawley Drive at Batavia Stafford Townline Road.

UPDATE 5:05 p.m.: A responder on scene reports a patient who is trapped will probably not need to be extricated. Their efforts to free the victim seem to be working.

UPDATE 5:18 p.m.: This was a three-car collision. There are four patients and all are being transported to UMMC via ground ambulances. A female driver of a sedan told responders she fell asleep at the wheel while she was traveling uphill, then she swerved and hit two oncoming cars.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today criticized the Legislature for focusing its efforts on aid to New York City and disregarding the needs of Upstate New York.

Throughout his time in the Assembly, Hawley has been an outspoken proponent of “Two New Yorks” legislation, which would allow for a ballot referendum on the question, “Do you support the division of New York into two separate states?”

“The longer I serve the people of Western New York, the more apparent the growing divide between Upstate and Downstate becomes,” Hawley said. “Things like unfunded mandates and property taxes do not matter to many New York City residents, and they reflect those views through their votes and the bills they introduce and sponsor.

"I have introduced legislation, A.4167, with Sen. Joseph Robach (R,C,I-Rochester) to give New Yorkers a choice. It is well past time for the Legislature to put this measure up for a vote.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today invited his constituents to attend his annual Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C. Hawley, a veteran and son of a veteran, is hosting this trip for the eighth year as an opportunity to honor veterans and their family members and give them an opportunity to share stories and experience our country’s most famous war memorials. After this year’s trip, which will take place Sept. 17 - 20, more than 1,000 veterans and their family members will have participated in Hawley’s events.

“This is one of my favorite events each year,” Hawley said. “As a veteran and son of a veteran, I continually push for recognition and honoring of our country’s heroes and their family members. This is an opportunity for veterans of all backgrounds to reminisce and share experiences while visiting some of our country’s greatest monuments. I have also invited Congressman Chris Gibson to join us, as he earned the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army. His presence will make the experience even more special.”

Space is limited and sign up is first come, first served with priority given to the oldest veterans and first-time attendees. Immediate family members may accompany veterans. The approximate cost of the trip is $350, which includes a three-night stay, meals and admittance to memorials and historical sites.

For more information about this year's Patriot Trip VIII, please call 585-589-5780, 585-813-1608 or email carneyj@assembly.state.ny.us. View photos from previous years at http://vetsdctrip2008.shutterfly.com/

Press release:

National Alliance on Mental Illness, Rochester chapter, is conducting a free Family-to-Family course in Batavia every Tuesday evening from Sept. 15th to Dec. 8th. (There is no class on Tuesday, Oct. 20th.)

The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a 12-week course for families and caregivers of adults living with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder.

Each class will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Genesee ARC Community Center, 38 Woodrow Road, Batavia.

It is taught by family members who have lived similar experiences. NAMI Family-to-Family provides insight, information, resources, and empowerment for families who have a loved one living with mental illness.

You do not need to be a Member of NAMI to take Family-to-Family, however we encourage you to become a NAMI Member and receive full membership benefits, including quarterly newsletters, mailings, and important updates from NAMI Rochester, NAMI NYS and NAMI National. The Annual Membership is $35, made payable to NAMI Rochester. For those with limited income a $3 credit card payment option is available online: http://namiroc.org/get-involved/membership/.
 
Beth Winslow-D'Amico
Program Assistant
NAMI Rochester
320 N. Goodman St.
Rochester, NY 14607
Telephone: 585-423-1593
Fax: 585-423-0572
beth.winslow-damico@namirochester.org
http://namiroc.org/

The 14th annual Batavia Blue Devil Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner will be held on Saturday, Sept. 26, at Terry Hills Restaurant and Banquet Facility.

Cost is $30 per person. Social hour begins at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6.

Tickets are available at the Athletic Director's Office at Batavia High School. For more information, call 343-2480, ext. 2003.

This event is sponsored by the Batavia Coaches Association.

The following individuals will be inducted into the Hall of Fame:

• Bobbie Gavel -- 1969-99
• Ed Anderson -- 1978-98
• Shirley Bacon Malek -- 1982
• Ted Lesh -- 1989
• Jennifer Bromsted Masse -- 1991
• Rob Hale -- 1992
• Chris Reigle -- 1992

The Batavia Blue Devils varsity football team hosted the Batavia Bulldawgs youth football program at Van Detta Stadium on Wednesday night.

(Photos submitted by John Reigle.)

The second annual Taste of Independence to benefit Independent Living of the Genesee Region will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at St. Joseph's School. The address is 2 Summit St. Cost is $25 per ticket or $40 per couple.

There will be a 50/50 auction and raffle items. Only a limited number of tickets are available so get yours now.

To RSVP and/or sponsor, call Donna Becker at 815-8501, ext. 411, or e-mail her at dbecker@wnyil.org

Funds raised will be used to help people with disabilities in emergency situations with employment or moving forward with life goals when there is no other financial resource available.

This kitten was found by staff on school grounds at Alexander Elementary School. It appears to have had recent surgery because of the purple dye on its fur. If it's your cat, contact the school.

UPDATE 2:42 p.m.: The owner has been located.

Members of Genesee County's rope rescue team trained at Indian Falls -- the site of many such real-life rescues over the years -- with a new rope system, called a Vortex.

The $25,000 system (including LED lighting) features a more sophisticated, and more effective and efficient, pulley system, making it easier to keep the ropes clear of obstructions and requiring less exertion of force to raise a patient lifter, making it easier for a medic to accompany the patient up the side of the cliff. 

Top photo: Christina Marinaccio and Jamie Call, the first team to descend and ascend with the new system. Marinaccio and Call are both city firefighters and volunteers (with Le Roy and Stafford, respectively).

To find out how you can do interesting things like this, help save lives and serve your community, visit ReadyGenesee.com.

Amanda Rose Hagedorn, 25, of West Hazeltine Avenue, Kenmore, is charged with criminal contempt, obstructing governmental administration and attempted assault, 3rd. Hagedorn allegedly bit a deputy during her arraignment on a previous arrest and then again while being removed from the courtroom and placed in a patrol car.

Roseann Cooper, 46, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny, harassment, 2nd, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2n,d and failure to stop at stop sign. Cooper is accused of shoplifting from Dollar General. She allegedly shoved a store employee when confronted about the suspected shoplifting. Cooper left the location and a customer called 9-1-1. Cooper was located allegedly driving on Walnut Street.

Melinda T. Andrews, 42, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Andrews was allegedly involved in a domestic incident on Holland Avenue at 1:05 a.m., Sunday.

Scott Edward Yocina, 58, of Phelps Road, Corfu, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana, 4th, and unlawful growing of marijuana. Yocina was charged related to the alleged discovery of a marijuana growing operation at 4:15 p.m., May 4.

Joseph Carl Jeffords, 24, of Ross Street, Batavia, is accused of a violation of probation. Jeffords was turned over to Batavia PD by authorities in Wayne County, where he was in custody on charges in their jurisdiction. He was jailed locally on $5,000 bail.

Lonnie J. Ford III, 44, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with open container. Ford is accused of possessing an open container of alcohol while in the pavilion at Austin Park.

Jeffery James Cervone, 47, no known address, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Cervone allegedly damaged and threw items around in a room at UMMC.

Stephen J. Konieczny, 37, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief. Konieczny allegedly threw a bottle of water at a vehicle causing damage.

Thomas Swineford, 61, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. Swinford is accused of urinating on a tree in Austin Park. He was reported by a passerby.

Alex J. Ianita, 21, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child, unlawful imprisonment, third-degree assault, petit larceny and second-degree robbery. Ianita was allegedly involved in a domestic incident at 11:25 a.m., Aug. 16.

Timothy A. Banks, 24, of Columbia Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. Banks allegedly failed to appear on an open container charge. He was jailed on $100 bail or $200 bond.

Ellicott M. Hickman Jr., 24, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass in a city park (between dusk and sunrise). Hickman was allegedly in Williams Park at 5:08 a.m., Aug. 20.

A house fire is reported at 31 East Ave. in the Village of Attica. Alexander Fire Department is called to provide mutual aid to Attica in fighting the blaze, along with Bethany for rehab. The location is between Prospect Street and Putnam Place.

UPDATE 5:08 a.m.: Fire out. Checking for extensions. Bethany can go back in service.

A car vs. pole accident with injuries is reported at 2172 Ledge Road, Basom, just west of Maple Road. Alabama Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

It's easy to be optimistic in the preseason, Alexander's Head Coach Tim Sawyer notes during a recent practice at The Field of Dreams while the Trojans sprint and leap and twist and turn and bang into each other during a series of warm-up drills.

Sawyer likes what he sees of his squad, which is inheriting back-to-back successful seasons that gave Alexander shots at sectional titles.

His boys are tough, working hard, have some talent and, most importantly, coalescing as a team.

"We had a tremendous summer," Sawyer said. "We have a really tight team. They like football. They like each other. They care about each other and they want to be the best they can be, so it's exciting."

The squad of 27 includes 11 seniors and 15 juniors. Jared Browne returns as the starting QB, Derrick Busch is at tight end, Connor Roberts at wide receiver, Zach Jasen at fullback and Jake Wozniak at halfback. Sawyer also can stack his lines with Josh Hylkema, Riley Kusmierski, Rick Amico, Sean Bennett, Matt Grover and Brett Nichols, none of whom start the season under 190 pounds.

Hylkema, a junior at 235 pounds, is an interesting case. He only started playing football last season, and has, Sawyer said, fallen in love with the game. 

"He's really changed," Sawyer said. "He's gotten bigger. He understands the game better."

But as Sawyer surveys the Genesee Region, he sees potential trouble every week. It will be a tough season.

• Notre Dame: "They were very young last year and they got a ton of players back. They're going to be really tough."
• Attica: "Always tough. Marchetti (Damian) will be his third year starting at quarterback for them. McCulloch (Hunter) is coming back to the running back spot for them. So Attica is going to be really good."
• Elba: "Always challenges everybody. They play tough defense."
• Holley: "Holley is much improved. I know they are. We were in the combine in March and Holley had 13 players there. Nobody better take Holley for granted."
• Pembroke: "Coach Diminuco (in his second year), the longer you're there and have more continuity, the expectations become more clear. I think Pembroke is going to have a really good line. They were very young last year, but they've got boys who can play."

"That's the neat thing," Sawyer said. "I think overall, the strength of the league this year means on any given week, you're going to get a challenge."

That said, Sawyer added, "We've got high expectations."

"We were in sectional finals two years ago and semi-finals last year and we want to get back and win a sectional title," Sawyer said. "You can do that without winning the GR, but we'd like to do both. That's our ultimate goal, be GR champs again and win a sectional title.

"The kids have been working hard for it," Sawyer added. "It's in our sights. I've had groups in the past that will, you know, that will rattle off these goals, but they haven't acted up to it by their work ethic, but this group has been working hard. If that's what they want to do, I think we've got a shot at it, but you better be prepared to play every week in the GR."

A former local small business owner appeared in county court to answer for a series of thefts in Genesee County that he said was spurred by his addiction to heroin.

Jason D. Lang, 33, of Liberty Street, entered guilty pleas in June to two counts of grand larceny, 4th, related to thefts from Walmart and Target. The guilty plea satisfied a whole raft of similar charges. 

Already in state custody on convictions in neighboring counties, Lang was told today his sentence on the local charges would be one-and-a-half to four years.

The sentences are concurrent to his previous sentence. Lang's attorney told Noonan that a parole board had already told Lang he would be released Sept. 5.

The new sentence throws that release date into doubt. The board will need to take into consideration Noonan's new sentence. At this point, it's unclear when Lang might be released.

"Mr. Lang is eager to return to his community and be productive again," said attorney Jon Wilson.

Lang has been in drug and alcohol treatment and Wilson said he's doing very well. 

"He's committed himself to turning around his world," Wilson said.

Once the successful owner of Batavia Cab, Lang opened a smoke shop and tattoo parlor known as The Laughing Buddha. It may have been the first local shop, just prior to the 420 Emporium opening, to sell bath salts and synthetic marijuana.  

In the Summer of 2012, when local law enforcement and emergency personnel were dealing with a series of peculiar incidents that seemed to stem from bath salt use, Lang was often in the news. He was arrested after imagining and reporting gunfire at a local hotel. He was also accused of impersonating a police officer.

In the midst of his legal troubles, and after his store was shut down and the cab company sold, his family organized a protest outside the 420 Emporium over that store's continued sale of bath salts. (Owner Charles Fitzgerald who owned other locations as well, is currently serving a federal prison term related to his trade in synthetic drugs.)

Lang reportedly kicked the bath salt habit, but then turned to heroin. He was accused of shoplifting from Hamburg to Victor, including in Batavia, during this period.

Wilson said his client has been in treatment at Lakeview since March and has completed both the drug and alcohol portions of the program.

When asked to speak, Lang was contrite.

"I'm sorry for the crimes I committed," Lang said. "I never would have did them if not for my heroin addiction. The past three years have been hard. I put the community through hell, my parents through hell, my children through hell. I'm really regretful for what I did."

Noonan reminded Lang that he wasn't the victim in this case and was in no mood to fashion a sentence that would guarantee Lang could keep his Sept. 5 parole date.

"Let that be the last time you blame heroin for your crimes," Noonan said. "Heroin didn't commit your crimes. You committed your crimes."

A structure fire is reported in the basement of the Cargill facility in Alexander, located at 3540 Railroad Ave. There is heavy black smoke spewing from the building and it is being evacuated.

Alexander fire is responding along with Town of Batavia, Bethany, Darien, the city's Fast Team and East Pembroke.

UPDATE 12:17 p.m.: City fire's first platoon is requested to the headquarters on Evans Street. A crew from Darien is also asked to stand by in quarters.

UPDATE 12:35 p.m.: Fire is out. Ventilating.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced that applications are now available for municipalities and not-for-profits seeking grant money for historical and art preservation projects through the Technical Assistance Grant Program.

Grants will not exceed $3,000 per project and are only available for short-term, stand-alone ventures that seek to preserve cultural and historical heritage.

“I am excited to announce that applications have been released for this grant program,” Hawley said. “New York is one of the most historically rich states in the nation with structures and stories dating back to our existence as one of the original thirteen colonies.

"As a supporter of history and arts in our schools, I am proud to promote this endeavor and thank the New York State Council on the Arts and Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor for their support. I encourage local historical groups and municipalities to take advantage of this opportunity and continue their tradition of preserving New York’s amazing history.”

The deadline for fall 2015 grant applications is Sept. 8th and interested applicants are required to call the Preservation League of New York State at 518-462-5658, ext. 10, to discuss potential projects. More information on the grant application process can be found at http://www.preservenys.org/tag-2015.html