Stafford

Two people were seriously hurt early this morning in an accident on Route 5 in Stafford.

Steven N. Cook, 33, was taken by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital with extensive injuries, according the Sheriff's Office. 

Shannon M. McGill, 28, was taken to Strong by Mercy EMS with upper body injuries.

The accident was reported at 2:07 a.m.

The cause or circumstances of the accident were not released. Only one vehicle was reportedly involved.

Assisting at the scene were volunteers from the Stafford and Town of Batavia fire departments.

Charges are pending. 

The investigation is being conducted by Deputy Eric Meyer.

This is Booker Edgerson, a star cornerback with the Buffalo Bills in the 1960s.

When I told Edgerson that I'm a little rusty on my Bills' history because I'm a lifelong San Diego Chargers fan, he smiled and said, "then you must know Lance Alworth."

Of course, I know Lance Alworth. I used to watch Alworth play, though I was very young at the time.

"I'm the only man to catch Lance Alworth."

"You ran down Lance Alworth?"

"Yup, I ran him down."

In fact, Edgerson's Wikipedia page notes that he's the only man in NFL history to catch Alworth from behind.

"I played against him my whole career," Edgerson said. "We came into the league together. Man, he was tough to cover."

Edgerson was playing in a golf tournament Monday at Stafford Country Club to benefit the scholarship fund at Genesee Community College. He was one of five former Bills players, and former Lions player, who participated in the tournament. This is the first year for the tournament, but the planning committee is already talking about next year.

The only man to catch Lance Alworth ... that's quite a line on a professional football resume.

Two people were arrested by deputies from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and put in jail during the Disturbed concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Sunday, July 24. They are:

Ryan J. Budnik, 28, of Berkshire Drive, Rochester, was arrested for trespassing after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being advised not to return. He was arraigned in Darien Town Court and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $200 bail.

Richard J. Lewis, 37, of Pintail View, Walworth, was arrested for second-degree harassment after allegedly entering the backstage area of the concert venue and punching an employee. Lewis was arraigned in Darien Town Court and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $500 bail.

The following people were arrested and issued appearance tickets to be in Darien Town Court at 4 p.m. on Aug. 2:

Michael S. Prinz, 20, of Route 237, Stafford, was arrested for driving while ability impaired by drugs and unlawful possession of marijuana after driving into the Darien Lake concert venue while allegedly impaired by drugs and while in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

A 16-year-old from Le Roy was arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly possessing a quantity of marijuana.

A 17-year-old from Orchard Park was arrested for criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly possessing Adderall (not prescribed) and a quantity of marijuana.

Jeremy T. Maliszewski, 18, of Fisher Road, West Seneca, was arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly possessing a quantity of marijuana.

Damien R. Koch Jr., 18, of Vanderbelt Street, Lovejoy, was arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly possessing a quantity of marijuana.

Sean H. Pfeiffer, 18, of Indian Church Road, West Seneca, was arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly possessing a quantity of marijuana.

Brendan T. Fitzpatrick, 20, of Whittier Road, Spencerport, was arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly possessing a quantity of marijuana.

Dustin J. Houghton, 25, of Ridge Road, Webster, was arrested for trespass after allegedly reentering the concert after being told not to return.

John F. Jacobsen, 42, of Hamburg Street, Buffalo, was arrested for trespass after allegedly reentering the concert after being told not to return.

Grace A. Lotz, 35, of Clinton Street, Attica, was arrested for criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument after allegedly possessing suboxone and a hypodermic syringe and needle.

A letter from Pastor Jim Morasco, in submitted photo above, of the Morganville United Church of Christ:

I would like to thank all who contributed to my bike ride from Pittsburg to Washington, D.C., raising money for Crossroads House. Your prayers and thoughts of encouragement were warmly felt and supported me as I peddled in the heat and humidity. Together, so far, we raised over $600, and donations are still coming in.

Blessings to you all.

Thursday evening was the 12th Annual Taste of Stafford. It brought out members of the community for a good time, and they got to enjoy some of Stafford's tastiest food in honor of local veterans.

The Stafford Historical Society, which hosts the fund-raising event, opted to move it from Ilette park to Stafford Fire Hall because of the heat.

"The committee felt that due to the anticipated high temperatures, it was best to move to our rain location which has air conditioning," organizers said in a statement.

"I think it's very important to get the community out here and to meet each other," said Jon Dayton, master of ceremonies.

This is Dayton's first year being in charge of ceremonies; previously, he was "the sound guy" for many years.

"This is a great community event, even though we're inside on a day like today, everyones' spirits are high," said Stafford Historical Society Member Jim Owen.

Press release:

The 40th Annual Genesee ARC Golf, Tennis & Bocce Tournament at Stafford Country Club held this past Monday was dedicated in memory of Ralph Houseknecht, a longtime tournament supporter, disability advocate and friend of ARC who passed away earlier this year.

Prior to the start of golf, ARC Executive Director Donna Saskowski said “Ralph spent much of his life helping Genesee ARC and the people we serve, most notably as the first local businessman to offer community employment opportunities to individuals with intellectual disabilities, when he ran Pepsi of Batavia.”

She encouraged the 120 golfers including five Houseknecht children and three grandsons to play in Ralph’s honor and enjoy the game as he did.

In golf play, coming out on top was Zach Fuller who shot a 72, followed by Mark State with 77, and a tie for third with Paul Barton and Tom Burgess, both shooting 79. Low gross honors for women went to Francesca Fuller with an 88.

In the low net category, Jim Gibson came in with a 65 followed by Chuck Graney, 66, and Bill Wassink, 67. Katie Houseknecht Berger had a low net score of 67 for women.

In the blind bogey competition, Alan Saskowski and John Ottaviano matched the blind bogey number drawn of 72.

There were several contests on the course including the longest drive on 7, Jesse Luxon and closest-to-the-line on 15, Al Leaton. In the closest-to-the-pin contests, Mike Davison won a golf bag, courtesy of C.H. Wright on 8 (3’9”); Bruce Partridge, Donnie Miller and Mark Houseknecht won cash prizes on 12 and Katie Houseknecht Berger won a Schwinn bicycle, donated by Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle in the top prize on 14.

The hole-in-one contest on 8 was sponsored by Castilone Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Unfortunately, no one shot an ace to drive away with a 2016 Jeep Wrangler Sport.

In bocce, the first-place team was Yvonne Branton, Jane Scott, Kathy Zeliff and Chris Fix.

Top score in tennis went to Steve Clemm. First-place team honors went to Phil McNulty and Marjorie Fulmer and second-place team went to Hollis Upson and Jim Fulmer.

Gold sponsors of the event were Turnbull Heating & Air-Conditioning, The Bonadio Group, Graham Corporation, MTE Turf Equipment Solutions/Tom & Lynn Houseknecht, Crickler Vending and Relph Benefit Advisors. Silver sponsors were: The Daily News, Oakfield Family Medical Care, Alpina Foods, Erie and Niagara Insurance Association, In Memory of Ralph Houseknecht, Tompkins Bank of Castile, Castilone Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Tops Friendly Markets, Bessey Tools, Parkview Health Services, Genesee Valley PennySaver, Rochester Regional Health/United Memorial Medical Center, One Group and The Insurance Center.

Also supporting the event were 16 golf sponsors, four tennis sponsors, eight bocce sponsors and six Friend of ARC Tournament sponsors. Door Prizes, silent and Chinese auction items were donated by dozens of area businesses. The 2016 cart sponsors were Manning Napier, Orcon Industries and Philadelphia Insurance.

A total of 120 golfers, 12 tennis players and 32 bocce players participated in the annual event that raises money to benefit programs and service for people with disabilities served by Genesee ARC. The winner of the $1,000 cash drawing was Ron Brueckner with ticket number 11966. The ticket seller was Deb Hinze of Batavia. The ARC/Lullo Memorial tournament is named in memory of Danny Lullo. Mr. Lullo was a local businessman who came up with the idea to hold a tournament to benefit Genesee ARC programs and services for people with disabilities in our community.

The Genesee ARC/Lullo Memorial Tournament is the longest-running charity event held at the local private club.

Three young men were arrested late last night after Sheriff's deputies investigated a traffic offense complaint in which a person allegedly fired a 20-gauge shotgun in the direction of a vehicle that was following the vehicle that the alleged shooter was riding in. The incident occurred at 11:35 p.m. July 11 at an unspecified location in the Town of Stafford.

Michael T. Leubner, 18, of Linwood Avenue, Pavilion, is accused of firing the shotgun and he is charged with first degree reckless endangerment. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and jailed in lieu of $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond. Leubner is due in Town of Stafford Court at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 14.

Austin J. Yockel, 19, of Byron Holley Road, Byron, is charged with reckless driving, a misdemeanor. Yockel was issued a traffic summons for allegedly driving a motor vehicle which unreasonably endangered users of the public highway while following the vehicle occupied by Leubner and others. Yockel is due in Town of Stafford Court at a later date to answer the charge.

Jason A. Armstrong Jr., 19, of Sweetland Road, Stafford, who was also a passenger in the vehicle Leubner was riding in, was allegedly found in possession of marijuana (a violation). He was issued an appearance ticket for City of Batavia Court at a later date. 

The case was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Young, assisted by: Investigator Joseph Graff, Sgt. John Baiocco, Deputy Eric Meyer, Batavia PD and NYS Police.

Photo By Jim Burns.

A barn fire is reported in Stafford at 8225 Prole Road Extension. Stafford Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 5:18 p.m.: This was a garage fire next to a barn. Le Roy is requested to send one engine to stand by in Stafford's fire hall.

UPDATE 7:44 p.m.: The address is actually  8219 Prole Road Extension. Stafford firefighters are called to respond to a rekindle of this fire.

A car has reportedly hit a tree in the area of 7292 Byron Road, between School Road and Fotch Road, Stafford.

Unknown injuries.

Stafford fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 10:37 p.m.: Occupant is out of the vehicle and being evaluated by EMS. Damage to front end of the vehicle.

Photos and info provided by Rob Radley.

To help offset the cancellation of the Stafford Carnival, an annual fundraiser for the Stafford Fire Department, local musician Bill Pitcher, organized a jamboree Sunday at the Stafford Fire Hall. Several bands played, the firefighters prepared a chicken BBQ, while the exempts prepared hamburgers and hot dogs.

Pictured are members of The Sky Cats. 

Press release:

Assemblyman State Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) applauds passage of a bill to update gaming and charity requirements, and help the Stafford Volunteer Fire Deptsrtment reinstate car its raffle. He says it's a "huge vistory for Stafford Fire Department, churches and service clubs."

A local pastor is embarking on a 300-mile bike ride to benefit Crossroads House. Rev. Jim Morasco, (inset photo, right) is pastor at the Morganville United Church of Christ in Stafford. He is taking on the Great Alleghany Passage from Pittsburgh, Pa., to Washington, D.C., in honor of his mother, Margaret Morasco, who passed away at Crossroads House in October.

Since his mother’s passing, Rev. Morasco and his family have been finding creative ways to give back to the organization that cared for Margaret in her last days.

The family funded a new medication/nurses room that was moved from a cramped closet into a spacious room complete with counter space, cabinets, enhanced security for medication storage and administration. The room is now known as the Margaret Morasco Nurses Station, fittingly so since Margaret was herself a nurse.

Recently Rev. Morasco and his granddaughter Ella teamed up to write and illustrate a book of poems called “Changing Season and the Circle of Life.” The book contains poems and short stories that reflect the legacy of Margaret and her family. Copies are available at Crossroads House for a $5 donation.

On July 9^th, Rev. Morasco will depart for Pittsburgh to begin the Great Alleghany Passage. He chose this particular journey since his mother was from Pennsylvania. The ride will take him southward with notable crossings of the Mason Dixon Line and the Eastern Continental Divide.

You can sponsor Rev. Morasco’s journey by making a one-time pledge toward the ride in honor of Margaret. He has raised money for charities in the past through cycling and donors have pledged from $5 to $400 in support of the organizations. Crossroads House is a 501(c)3 Non-profit and donations can be tax deductible.

To partner with Rev. Morasco and make a pledge, contact him at jmorasco@rochester.rr.com

Returning from Le Roy last night, I stopped for a few scenic shots.

Above, a tractor in a field off Randall Road, Stafford.

A barn off Randall Road.

One of my favorite trees (we had a picture just last week) off Route 33 in Stafford.

A car has reportedly hit a tree in the area of 9294 Fargo Road.

Unknown injuries.

Stafford fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 2:45 a.m.: Mercy Flight requested to the scene. Landing zone is about 20 yards south of Sweetland Road. 

UPDATE 3:20 a.m.: More manpower requested to the scene for search and rescue for a possible third victim.

UPDATE 3:59 a.m.: it's unclear if a third person was involved. The possible third person may have been the driver.  On person transported by Mercy Flight in pain but conscious  Le Roy also on scene  

UPDATE(S) (By Billie) 3:31 a.m.: A Town of Batavia engine and thermal imaging camera are requested to the scene to provide mutual aid, along with a rescue unit and thermal imaging camera from Le Roy, non-emergency mode. An emergency coordinator is also called to the scene. The location is between Sweetland and Clapsaddle roads.

UPDATE 4:39 a.m.: A male was transported via Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital. A female was taken there by ambulance. The female indicated a third person may have been in the vehicle, but rescuers searched both sides of Fargo Road and after combing the area, found no one. They are wrapping up the search and preparing to leave the scene.

UPDATE (By Howard): The female involved in the accident has admitted she was the driver and there was no third person in the vehicle, according to the Sheriff's Office. The female is identified as Nicole K. Sullivan, 30. She was transported to Strong by Mercy EMS with head and leg injuries. She reportedly told deputies at 5:45 a.m. that she was the driver, after allegedly telling them at the scene, that there was another driver, but couldn't identify him and she didn't know where he went. Additional volunteer firefighters from Stafford, Batavia and Le Roy were called to the scene for a foot search of the area, with the use of FLIR technology. The search failed to locate anybody. The passenger in the vehicle is identified as Zachery W. Schwarts, 20, who was transported to Strong by Mercy Flight #5. He was initially unresponsive when emergency personnel arrived on scene, but was conscious when he was extricated from the vehicle. The investigation is ongoing and charges are pending. The investigation is being conducted by Deputy Eric Meyer, Sgt. John Baicocco and Investigator Joseph Graff.

Along Route 33 in Stafford this evening.

This pup was lost in Stafford and found by Marrianne Newmark. She called the Sheriff's Office and the dog is being taken to the Genesee County Animal Shelter on West Main Street Road. If you lost your friendly and playful dog, that's where it is.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced Thursday that he has signed on as a cosponsor of new legislation, coined the Charitable Gaming Act of 2016, which would allow charitable organizations and raffle holders to accept credit and legal tender for raffles as well as advertise and sell tickets online.

Hawley has also introduced his own legislation, A.10516, to remedy New York’s archaic and detrimental gaming laws.

“I am eager to see this bill come to the floor for a vote,” Hawley said. “It is scheduled to pass through committee today, and being authored by a Majority member gives it that much more potential to move through the legislative process.

"As I’ve said before, this is an issue that affects communities and benevolent organizations all across the state. Our statutes need to catch up with technology before more damage is done, and that is exactly what this legislation aims to do.”

A car has reportedly hit a utility pole in the area of 8856 Fargo Road, Stafford.

The driver is reportedly unconscious.

Stafford fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 5:27 p.m.: Patient extricated. Mercy Flight has landed. 

UPDATE: The driver told deputies that he believes he fell asleep. The accident is under investigation, but traffic tickets are possible. The driver was conscious and alert at the time of his transport by Mercy Flight to ECMC. His injuries are considered serious, but not life threatening.