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Carmen Vega, the 40-year-old Le Roy resident who was seriously injured Dec. 8 when her car was hit head-on on Route 33 in Stafford remains in Strong Memorial Hospital, but is listed in satisfactory condition.

The accident claimed the life of Collin Crane, 17, a senior at Batavia High School.

The accident remains under investigation by the State Police and no cause has been released.

Another member of an alleged meth distribution ring in Genesee County that was broken up in 2009 has been sentenced in federal court, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced today.

Andrew Chapman, 42, of Batavia, will serve two years on probation for his part in the distribution of methamphetamine.

In June, Chapman admitted in federal court to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, methamphetamine.

Chapman received the meth he sold from Donald G. Vanelli II, 49, of Le Roy, who is serving more than 17 years for his role in the sale and distribution of meth locally.

Three other people were arrested in the raids in 2009.

All of the cases have been resolved, except that of Donna L. Boon (aka Donna McAuley), who lives at 3658 Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road. Her original charges were dropped but she remains under federal indictment for other alleged offenses.

Roxanne G. Rowe, 25, of Maple Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with animal cruelty and unlawful possession of marijuana. Rowe is accused of trying to harm a neighbor's dog by placing pieces of metal in a meat product and making it available for the dog to eat. At the time of her arrest -- 10:15 a.m., Saturday, by Deputy Brian Thompson -- Rowe also allegedly possessed marijuana.

Lakiesha A. Gibson, 26, of 13 Williams St., Lockport, is charged with disorderly conduct and endangering the welfare of a child. Gibson is accused of shouting obscenities while outside on Thorpe Street at 10:20 p.m., Saturday. Gibson also allegedly refused to remove two children out of the roadway and away from a dispute.

Timothy J. Wenzel, 19, of 13 Harvester Ave., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Wenzel was allegedly seen with a person who is protected by a "stay away" order of protection.

Makeen K. Ithna-Asheri, 52, of 111 State St., Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass, 2nd. Ithna-Asheri allegedly entered a residence he had previously been advised not to enter.

Danielle M. Stevens, 36, of Ford Road, Elba, is charged with three counts of petit larceny. Stevens is accused of stealing $140 and a gold pendant from a relative's house within a six-week period. Stevens was jailed on $500 bail.

Brenden Kirstipher Steck, 23, of Broadway Road, Darien, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Steck was allegedly found to be the operator of a disabled motor vehicle on Route 20 in Darien at 1:15 a.m., Saturday, by Deputy James Diehl.

Joseph E. Marr, 34, of Attica, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Marr was reportedly involved in a motor vehicle accident at 10:13 p.m. Friday on Keeney Road, Le Roy. He was arrested by State Police.

For the second time in eight days, a motor vehicle accident has claimed the life of a Genesee County teen.

Kelsey Milks, 19, of Corfu, died Sunday night in a three-car accident on Alleghany Road, Town of Shelby, just north of the county line.

The cause of the accident has not been determined.

Milks was a passenger in a vehicle driven by 20-year-old Dana R. Cipra. Cipra is hospitalized at Erie County Medical Center.

Two Mercy Flight helicopters were called to the scene Sunday and Town of Alabama volunteer firefighters provided traffic control and set up a landing zone at a location in Genesee County.

According to WIVB, "a red minivan was traveling north on Route 63, near the Iroquois Wildlife Refuge Swamp, when it collided head-on with a southbound car. A third vehicle then collided with the car."

Walter C. Hawkins, 73, of Medina, was driving the minivan. He was treated and released at Medina Memorial Hospital.

The driver and passenger in the third vehicle were uninjured.

Milks was a senior at Pembroke High School when she participated in a GO ART! art show.

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There was an outpouring of remembrance, love and prayer in Batavia on Sunday evening as more than 70 people gathered to honor the life of Collin Crane.

The 17-year-old Batavia High School senior and avid hockey player died Dec. 8 in a head-on collision on Route 33 in Stafford.

"Help everyone here," Daniel King prayed when the gathering reached the Falleti Ice Arena. "Help everyone here get through life. Help them know they're not alone. Let them know they will see Collin again some day. Let them know that he is a beautiful angel, guiding them and watching over them."

King organized the prayer walk with Collin's friends and family members.

Collin was remembered as a loving and funny young man who was always good to the people in his life.

Jamie McClurg, Collin's sister, said she will always remember what a good brother and what a good friend he was to her.

"Anybody who goes on my Facebook will see I posted a picture of him every day or every other day," McClurg said. "We even worked together. He was always funny. I look around everywhere I go and there are so many memories. Even here, when we were 6 or 7, we would walk across that little barrier there (at Falleti) and he would hold my hand."

Even though Collin was younger, Jamie said, he would do a lot of hand-holding for his sister, offering to "take care" of anybody at school who gave her a hard time, and she ran to his room during late night thunderstorms.

"He was always the one who was there for me," she said.

King's friend Nicholas Argento told Collin's friends and family as they gathered around the city's Christmas tree on East Main Street that they will keep Collin's spirit alive in their hearts.

The support from the community has meant a lot to Collin's family, Jamie said. It's helped them through a very tough time.

Collin was a special friend, Daniel said. He was kind, funny and very loving.

He put together the walk, he said, for Collin and for his family.

"I care a lot about the family and just about Collin," Daniel said. "I wanted to show my respect for him and his family. I wanted to show that someone is there for them in this time of need."

In her prayer, Jamie asked God to remind people that Collin wasn't the kind of guy who would want people to be sad now that he's gone.

"Know that every time you're sad or upset, just know that Collin wouldn't want you to be sad over him," Jamie said. "He always brought smiles to everyone's face and he doesn't want anybody to be upset."

Daniel King

Jamie McClurg

Nicholas Argento

Orleans County is working a motor vehicle accident on Route 77 and Alabama fire police have been dispatched to shut down northbound traffic at Roberts Road.

We have no further information on the actual accident.

UPDATE 7:16 p.m.: Alabama Fire Department asked to set up a landing zone for Mercy Flight.

UPDATE 7:42 p.m.: Two Mercy Flight helicopters have landed at the Alabama landing zone, but one needs to move to a location north of the accident because the roadway is impassible for the transport ambulance.

UPDATE 7:49 p.m.: Route 77 will be shut down for quite some time, according to an Alabama chief. Mercy EMS being dispatched to scene. One patient taken to Medina's hospital, the second bird sent to a Shelby landing location. It was a two-car head-on collision.

Correction: Though Route 77 is Alleghany Road through most of Genesee County, it stays Alleghany Road heading north at the intersection with Lewiston Road. At the intersection Route 77 jogs to the west. It's Route 63 (as a commenter points out) after the intersection of Alleghany and Lewiston. In this post, I transposed the dispatchers saying Alleghany Road to "Route 77" without realizing that section of Alleghany Road is actually Route 63.

A prayer walk in remembrance of Collin Crane will start at 6 p.m. Sunday at St. Joseph's Parish in Batavia. It's located at 303 E. Main St.

Crane, a 17-year-old senior at Batavia High School, died a week ago in a two-car accident on Route 33, Stafford.

Participants will walk down Main Street with a stop at each street for a prayer.  Organizers ask that people bring a picture of him or share something about him. They should also bring a candle or flashlight.

Santa had a busy day in Genesee County today and I did my best to keep up with him. 

I first found him at the Holland Land Office Museum, where his appearance coincided with the annual Children's Gala. Children made cookies, watched Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, ate pizza and let Santa in on what presents they'll be dreaming about on Christmas Eve.

Next, I found Santa at Alli's Cones and Dogs in Oakfield. At Alli's, both children and adults whispered in Santa's ear.

Finally, Santa promised the Genesee Sno Packers at their annual open house that their Christmas wish for snow will be granted. He also added all the good children who came to visit him to his long list of boys and girls who will find their desired gifts on Christmas morning.

More photos in the slide show. Parents who wish to purchase prints should click on the "visit gallery" link in the slide show.

It was a very crafty day at the Polish Falcons hall on Swan Street with more than a dozen vendors on hand to sell Christmas gifts.

A portion of the proceeds benefits the HORSE Rescue in Pavilion.

A motor vehicle accident, believed to be with injuries, is reported in the area of 3622 Galloway Road, Batavia.

That's just off Route 63 near Oakfield.

A pole and wires are reportedly down.

Town of Batavia along with Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 5:49 p.m.: Galloway being closed at Kelsey.

UPDATE 5:56 p.m.: No entrapment. Two patients out of the vehicle and sitting in a sergeant's car. Traffic control requested at Galloway in Lewiston. National Grid notified. No ETA.

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If somebody calls your house claiming to be a DEA agent or from some other agency and threatens to raid your house unless you pay up a sum of money -- it's a scam.

Apparently, this is an ongoing scam and the Batavia PD is warning residents not to fall for it.

"The Batavia Police Department would like remind citizens to not provide personal information or send money to individuals over the phone," states the press release.

Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello, a 20-year veteran of the Sheriff's Office, was named Officer of the Year today in a ceremony at the Park Road headquarters. Sanfratello, center above, with Undersheriff William Sheron and Sheriff Gary Maha, was honored for his work reorganizing and streamlining many of the operations associated with the records and civil office, road patrol and Darien Lake concert details.

Principal Financial Clerk Mary L. Hecht was honored with the Distinguished Service Award, the highest award in the department for non-sworn members. Hecht received the award for her many years of diligent attention to the financial needs of the jail bureau. According to the award statement, Hecht frequently assists jail staff and the administration with tasks that go well beyond her listed duties to ensure the smooth running of the facility.

 

Deputy Matthew Butler and Le Roy Police Officer Emily Clark were honored for their handling of a situation in the spring when an attempt by Butler to arrest a member of a family living on Maple Street led to other relatives allegedly intervening. Allegedly, a knife was held to the chest of Butler by one member of the family and Clark sustain a cut on her hand during the altercation. All suspects were subsequently taken into custody without any further injury to suspects or officers. Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble presents the award to Butler and Clark.

Below is a slide show of more pictures from the awards ceremony. To purchase prints of the pictures, click the "view gallery" link in the slide show. After the jump (click on the headline), is the press release from the Sheriff's Office followed by a copy of the text from each award presented today.

Le Roy Police Officer Emily J. Clark
Genesee Justice Staff
Darien Lake Safety, Security and Loss Prevention Manager Greg Kellogg    

Commendation

Deputy Kevin R. McCarthy
Deputy Timothy G. Wescott
Correction Officer Daniel J. Renz
Deputy Matthew R. Butler
Emergency Services Dispatcher Nathan L. Fix
Deputy Patrick J. Reeves
Emergency Services Dispatcher Barbara J. Eddy
Sr. Emergency Services Dispatcher Daniel L. Rieks
Emergency Services Dispatcher John W. Spencer
Sr. Correction Officer Richard C. Calkins
Correction Officer Robert W. Matice
Correction Officer Walter M. Kolmetz
Deputy Brian A. Thompson
Sr. Correction Officer William A. Zipfel

Meritorious

Deputy Howard J. Carlson     
Emergency Services Dispatcher Robert H. Tripp
Deputy Edward E. Vlack  
Sergeant Gregory H. Walker       

Text from award certificates:

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend appreciation to all Genesee Justice personnel for their devotion in maintaining the efficient and effective operations of Genesee Justice and the Children’s Advocacy Center during a difficult transitional period during 2012. Their unwavering dedication is sincerely appreciated by all criminal justice organizations and victims served by their services. The men and women of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office would like to commend Genesee Justice staff and extend our thanks and appreciation.

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend appreciation to Safety Security and Loss Prevention Manager Greg Kellogg of Darien Lake Theme Park for exemplary assistance and service rendered during the 2012 Darien Lake concert season. Mr. Kellogg worked and planned extensively with members of the Sheriff’s Office to ensure patrons experienced a safe and enjoyable concert. His dedication and professionalism went beyond what would normally be expected. The men and women of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to Greg Kellogg and his security staff.

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend appreciation to Village of Le Roy Police Officer Emily J. Clark for exemplary assistance during an incident that took place in the spring of 2012. Deputy Butler was attempting to take a resisting suspect into custody when one of the suspect’s family members threatened Deputy Butler with a knife as he struggled with the suspect. Officer Clark was able to disarm the assailant, suffering a laceration to her hand in the process. Officer Clark’s quick actions possibly prevented injury to Deputy Butler and the possible escape of the suspect. Her part in the follow-up investigation resulted in charges against the interfering parties. The men and women of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to Officer Emily J. Clark.

Deputy Matthew R. Butler is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions while on duty during the spring of 2012. Deputy Butler went to a residence in the Village of Le Roy to effect an arrest. The suspect resisted arrest and during the ensuing altercation, the suspect’s family and other occupants of the house physically interfered with the arrest. At one point in the altercation a family member placed a knife against Deputy Butler’s side. None the less, Deputy Butler was able to take the suspect into custody with the assistance of a Le Roy Police Officer. Deputy Matthew R. Butler has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Timothy G. Wescott is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions on August 12, 2012. At approximately 1600 hours, a 9-1-1 call was received reporting a three-year-old boy missing. The caller was the boy’s 10-year-old brother who had very little information and the parents only spoke Spanish. Additionally, the missing boy had developmental disabilities limiting his ability to call out for help. Deputy Wescott participated in an extensive search of the area. Due to Deputy Wescott’s determination and aggressive search efforts, the 3-year-old was found and safely returned to his family. Deputy Timothy G. Wescott has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Patrick J. Reeves is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions on August 12, 2012. At approximately 1600 hours, a 9-1-1 call was received reporting a 3-year-old boy missing. The caller was the boy’s 10-year-old brother who had very little information and the parents only spoke Spanish. Additionally, the missing boy had developmental disabilities and might not be able to call out for help. Patrols arrived at the scene and Deputy Reeves participated in an extensive search of the area. Deputy Reeves used his keen experience and knowledge of the outdoors and located the boy in a hedgerow. Deputy Patrick Reeves has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Kevin R. McCarthy is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions on December 7, 2011. A farm employee was working alone in an operating grain hopper when her right leg and arm became caught in the auger. Deputy McCarthy climbed into the hopper to comfort the girl, as emergency responders worked to free her over the next hour and a half. His extensive knowledge of farm equipment was instrumental in successfully freeing the victim. Deputy Kevin R. McCarthy has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Brian A. Thompson is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions on September 29, 2012. Deputy Thompson worked on a case that involved a 16-year-old girl who was reportedly taken in the middle of the night by a 28-year-old male. Deputy Thompson kept the involved families informed while he worked intensely on the investigation with several law enforcement agencies, including the F.B.I. After several hours, the suspect’s vehicle was located in the State of Kentucky, the man was taken into custody and the victim was reunited with her family. Deputy Thompson’s caring and compassionate treatment of the families and his diligent investigation brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Emergency Services Dispatcher Barbara J. Eddy is being recognized for a Commendation Award for her actions on September 9, 2012. Emergency Services Dispatcher Eddy assisted with handling of a 9-1-1 call regarding a 16-year-old girl that was taken in the middle of the night by a known suspect. Dispatcher Eddy contacted several law enforcement agencies, as well as Verizon Wireless, to track the missing girl’s phone throughout New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Kentucky. In addition to assisting with this call, Dispatcher Eddy continued to answer incoming 9-1-1 calls and radio transmissions in an efficient and professional manner. After several hours, the suspect’s vehicle was located in the State of Kentucky. The suspect was taken into custody and the victim was reunited with her family. Emergency Services Dispatcher Eddy is to be commended for her service.

Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Daniel L. Rieks is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions on September 9, 2012. Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Rieks assisted with the handling of a 9-1-1 call regarding a 16-year-old girl that was taken in the middle of the night by a known suspect. Senior Dispatcher Rieks contacted several law enforcement agencies, as well as Verizon Wireless, to track the missing girl’s phone throughout New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Kentucky. After several hours, the suspect’s vehicle was located in the State of Kentucky. The suspect was taken into custody and the victim was reunited with her family. Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Rieks is to be commended for his service.

Emergency Services Dispatcher Nathan L. Fix is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions on May 13, 2012. At approximately 1400 hours, Emergency Services Dispatcher Fix was one of two dispatchers who handled a 9-1-1 call regarding a man down at a residence in Pembroke. While emergency medical instructions were being given over the phone to the man’s wife, Dispatcher Fix was simultaneously dispatching first responders. The quick actions of Emergency Services Dispatcher Fix were instrumental in enabling responders time to resuscitate the victim and transport him to United Memorial Medical Center, which allowed the victim’s family additional time with their loved one before he passed. Emergency Services Dispatcher Fix is to be commended for his service.

Emergency Services Dispatcher John W. Spencer is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions on May 13, 2012. At approximately 1400 hours, Emergency Services Dispatcher Spencer was one of two dispatchers who handled a 9-1-1 call regarding a man down at a residence in Pembroke. Dispatcher Spencer did an excellent job reassuring the caller, using the breathing diagnostic, and giving pre-arrival instructions while first responder crews were en route. Emergency Services Dispatcher Spencer was a major contributor to responders being able to resuscitate the victim and transport him to United Memorial Medical Center, which allowed the victim’s family additional time with their loved one before he passed. Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Spencer is to be commended for his service.

Correction Officer Walter M. Kolmetz is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions while on duty on November 17, 2012. A Genesee County Jail inmate was found hanging in his cell with a sheet tied around his neck. The inmate had tied the sheet to the jail cell door in a way that if the door were opened, the noose would tighten around his neck. Correction Officer Kolmetz was able to reach into the cell with one arm and lift the inmate’s body enough to loosen the noose around the inmate’s neck. Once the tension was released from the sheet, the door to the cell sprung back striking Kolmetz’s shoulder, causing injury. Correction Officer Kolmetz’s perseverance resulted in saving the life of the inmate. Correction Officer Walter M. Kolmetz continues to reflect great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Correction Officer Robert W. Mattice is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions while on duty on August 7, 2012. Correction Officer Mattice was assigned to the first floor area of the Jail. Upon receiving a note from an inmate requesting to see mental health, Correction Officer Mattice immediately alerted mental health and the jail administration that he would be closely observing this inmate until he could be seen by a clinician. Later that shift, Correction Officer Mattice observed the inmate hanging in his cell with a sheet tied around his neck. Correction Officer Mattice quickly entered the cell, lifted the inmate and then cut the sheet with the assistance of a fellow correction officer responding to his request for assistance. As a result of Correction Officer Mattice’s diligence, the life of an inmate was saved. Correction Officer Robert W. Mattice continues to reflect great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Senior Correction Officer William A. Zipfel is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions while on duty on July 24, 2012. At approximately 2300 hours, an inmate attempted to escape from the Genesee County Jail. The inmate was able to make his way into the basement of the Jail, and during a thorough search of the facility, Senior Correction Officer Zipfel noticed a closed door in the basement that was open earlier in the search. The K-9 was brought into that room and the inmate was apprehended. Senior Correction Officer Zipfel’s alertness was a major contribution to the capture of the inmate. Senior Correction Officer William A. Zipfel continues to reflect great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

Senior Correction Officer Richard C. Calkins is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions while on duty on July 24, 2012. At approximately 2300 hours, an inmate attempted to escape from the Genesee County Jail.Immediately upon noticing the inmates absence from his cell, Senior Correction Officer Calkins called for assistance and had a multi-agency perimeter established around the Jail. The inmate was able to make his way into the basement of the Jail but was unable to exit the building due to the perimeter of officers around the building. Senior Correction Officer Calkins’ quick response resulted in containing the inmate to the inside of the Jail and a short time later, apprehension. Senior Correction Officer Calkins continues to reflect great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Correction Officer Daniel J. Renz is being recognized for a Commendation Award for his actions on January 27, 2012. Correction Officer Renz, while assigned to the first floor area of the Genesee County Jail, heard an inmate yell out in an angry manner. Correction Officer Renz immediately turned from punching the time clock and went to the area in question. He observed one inmate straddling another inmate with his hands around his neck, obstructing his ability to breathe. Correction Officer Renz ordered the aggressor to stop and lock in his cell immediately. The inmate disengaged his hold from the other inmate and faced him in a hostile manner, eventually resulting in his return to his cell after several more orders to lock in. Correction Officer Renz then entered the max day area and attended to the prone inmate while summoning assistance from the nurse Bryan and other jail staff. Correction Officer Renz, without hesitation, was able to intervene in an inmate’s strangulation of another inmate which avoided the potential for serious injury or death. Correction Officer Renz continues to reflect great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Howard J. Carlson has distinguished himself by Meritorious Service as a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Twice this year, Deputy Carlson spotted a suspect vehicle fleeing the scene of a crime, which resulted in the arrest and recovery of stolen property. In January of this year, Deputy Carlson was faced with a suicide that occurred in front of a family member. Upon his arrival, he immediately was faced with a hysterical female and an unknown set of circumstances, which he sorted out and handled efficiently while taking care to treat the victim and family member with respect, compassion and dignity. Deputy Howard J. Carlson consistently brings great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Sergeant Gregory H. Walker has distinguished himself by Meritorious Service as a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Sergeant Walker has consistently lead his road patrols for the last 15 years “from the front,” setting an example of excellence with energy each and every day. He serves as the leader of our DRE Program and is a key instructor for the State. Sgt. Walker’s volunteerism and availability to serve are second to none. His broad base of knowledge and leadership is inspirational and have brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Emergency Services Dispatcher Robert H. Tripp has distinguished himself by Meritorious Service as a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Dispatcher Tripp has worked very closely with Director of Emergency Communications Steven Sharpe in maintaining and updating Fire/EMS run cards in the CAD system since its inception. In addition, Dispatcher Tripp has consistently been the “go to” guy on C-line for research or questions regarding the CAD system. Dispatcher Tripp continually seeks out education opportunities related to emergency services in order to enhance his knowledge as an emergency services dispatcher. Emergency Services Dispatcher Robert H. Tripp brings great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Senior Financial Clerk/Typist Margaret Sheelar has distinguished herself by Meritorious Service as a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Margaret’s dedication in the performance of her duties as Senior Financial Clerk/Typist has been a critical component to the operations of this Office. Margaret Sheelar consistently brings great credit upon herself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Edward E. Vlack has distinguished himself by Meritorious Service as a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. During 2012, Deputy Vlack has voluntarily taken on several additional responsibilities to maintain the efficient operation of the Records and Civil Office. Additionally, Deputy Vlack avails himself as an instructor and a Civil Accreditation Assessor for the New York State Sheriffs’ Association and Sheriff’s Offices across New York State. Deputy Edward E. Vlack brings great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

If you've been to Tops in the past couple of weeks you've seen members of your community there ringing little red bells as part of the Salvation Army's annual Red Kettle Campaign.

Today, members of the Kiwanis Club of Batavia volunteered in shifts to ring bells and maybe even sing Christmas carols, as Allison Chua and Ross Chua are doing above.

The Salvation Army always needs volunteers to help support the campaign. To volunteer, contact Patricia Kurtz, at 343-6284 or e-mail at patricia.kurtz@use.salvationarmy.org.

Empire Tractor hosted a Christmastime customer appreciation day at its location on East Main Street Road today, serving chips, sodas and beef on weck.

The Batavia-based farm equipment company was recently named one of the top dealers in the nation by Dixie Chopper for its exceptional sales and service of the riding mower line.

New York's VINE service has sent out a notification that Jacquetta Simmons, inmate ID 12G0988, was released from prison today.

Simmons was released under a court order signed by Associate Justice Rose Sconiers, Appellent Division, 4th Department. Sconiers ordered the release, on $50,000 bond, pending an appeal by Simmons that the five-year prison sentenced handed down by Judge Robert C. Noonan is overly harsh.

Representatives of Simmons posted the bond for Simmons yesterday and Noonan signed the release order.

Under the terms of Sconiers' order, attorneys for Simmons have until May 31 to "perfect" the appeal -- meaning produce a brief on all the points of law relative to the items under appeal, which includes both the term of her sentence and whether Simmons received a fair trial.

A three-judge panel of the NYS Supreme Court will conduct a hearing on the points of appeal and render a decision at a later date. What happens next for Simmons will depend on the outcome of the appeal.

Simmons was convicted by a jury following a weeklong trial Aug. 24 of second-degree assault under a section of the law that covers an assault by a much younger person hitting and injuring a person 65 or older.

At the time of the Christmas Eve confrontation last year between Simmons and Grace Suozzi, a Walmart cashier, Simmons was 27 and Suozzi was 70.

A possible house fire is reported at 8757 S. Lake Road, Corfu.

Pembroke and Indian Falls dispatched. One tanker from East Pembroke requested to the scene. Mercy EMS also dispatched.

There is light smoke showing, according to the first chief on scene.

UPDATE 6:02 p.m.: The fire started in the bathroom and has spread into the ceiling. A second alarm is sounded. (And just as we write this, a chief says the fire is out, second alarm can respond non-emergency. City Fast Team canceled.)

UPDATE 6:06 p.m.: Alabama to fill in at Indian Falls. Darien and Corfu requested to the scene non-emergency. South Lake at Route 5 being shut down.

UPDATE 6:43 p.m.: Responders can go back in service.

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