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Dog falls through ice at Indian Falls, East Pembroke water rescue unit deployed

By Billie Owens

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A dog fell through the ice and is in the freezing water of the creek at Indian Falls. East Pembroke Fire Departmen's water rescue unit is called to the scene and all of its available manpower is called to the fire hall. The address is 1663 Indian Falls Road.

UPDATE 1:59 p.m.: The dog was successfully rescued.

UPDATE: Reader-submitted photos added. A bystander praised the caring and professionalism and efficiency of the volunteers in their response and actions.

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East Pembroke Fire takes delivery of new search and rescue vehicle

By Howard B. Owens

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A new all-terrain vehicle for the East Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department will help improve the search and rescue capabilities of fire departments throughout Genesee County, EPFD Chief Don Newton said yesterday.

"This a new tool, another tool, we have available," Newton said. "I think it's a great addition for the fire services."

The only other similar vehicle available for search and rescue operations is with the Alexander Volunteer Fire Department.

Jan Schafer, owner of Buck's Motorsports in Akron helped arrange for the vehicle for EPFD as part of a manufacture's program that allows the department to get free use of the four-wheeler for a year with an option to buy it at 20-percent below dealer costs at the end of the year.

All members of the EPFD will be trained in the operations of the new vehicle, which can be used not only to rescue hunters or snowmobilers, but to help fight small brush fires.

"We need the volunteer firefighters who support our snowmobilers, our ATVers, our hunters, and at events and parades to be well equipped," said Schafer, who is an East Pembroke resident. "I think it’s extremely important that they have some vehicles like this."

There's been an increasing need in the county, Newton said, for increased search and rescue capabilities.

"In our area, Genesee County, we've been getting over the years more and more calls for lost hunters, hurt hunters in the woods, more snowmobile accidents, four-wheeler accidents and ATV accidents," Newton said.

The new vehicle will make it easier and safer for firefighters and EMS personnel to get to a person in need of rescue and more safely get the patients to ambulances or Mercy Flight helicopters, which often must land far from a rescue scene because they're in wooded areas.

Newton said the vehicle not only serves the practical purposes of search and rescue but will also be a good fundraising and recruitment tool. The department can put it on display and show people what their financial support helps bring to the community and greater search and rescue capabilities will help bring in new volunteers interested in that kind of work.

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Crash with injuries reported at Town Line and Macomber roads

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at Town Line Road and Macomber Road. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 11:59 a.m.: The accident is blocking the intersection.

UPDATE 12:30 p.m.: The assignment is back in service.

Mark Your Calendar: 'Benefit for Bob' for longtime East Pembroke fire chief is Nov. 6.

By Billie Owens

The "Benefit for Bob" chicken BBQ to benefit Bob Yungfleisch, former chief of the all-volunteer East Pembroke Fire District, will be held on Sunday, Nov. 6.

This is a take-out-only dinner and Chinese auction at the East Pembroke Fire Hall. Cost is $10 per person. Pick up is from noon till sold out.

Advance ticket sales are strongly desired.

It is important to contact the fire hall or organizer Don Newton IN ADVANCE about buying tickets and/or making a donation so people know how many chicken dinners to buy. They don't want to buy too many unnecessarily or not have enough for those who show up.

The East Pembroke Fire Hall is located at 2623 Main Road in East Pembroke. Phone is (585) 762-9044. Email:    epfd@rochester.rr.com

Call Don Newton at (585) 813-4033.
 
 

Photos: Trunk and Treat in East Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

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Trick-or-treaters in East Pembroke last night could go house-to-house, but there were also adults in costumes who parked their cars, opened their trunks full of candy, and the kids could "trunk-and-treat" along the row of cars as well. About a block of away, the East Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department provided candy and served cider and donuts.

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National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Oct. 22, three collection sites in Genesee County

By Billie Owens

Press release:

New York Sea Grant is reminding Great Lakes residents that Saturday, Oct. 22, is a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day for dropping off unused medicines at collection sites statewide. The goal is to keep the pharmaceuticals out of the freshwater Great Lakes system that provides drinking water to 42 million people in the United States and Canada.

"The simple act of dropping off your unused prescription drugs at a nearby collection point helps reduce the impact of such substances as antibiotics, hormones, contraceptives, antidepressants, cosmetics, and vitamins on the aquatic environment and on human health," says New York Sea Grant Coastal Education Specialist Helen Domske.

More than 350 tons of prescription drugs were dropped off at more than 8,000 sites across the United States on the Fall 2015 collection day.

For the complete list of authorized collection sites for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, visit the U.S. DEA National Take Back Day Initiative website here.

Collection hours at all sites are 10 a.m to 2 p.m.

In Genesee County, you can drop off unwanted drugs, no questions asked, at these locations:

  • Batavia Police Department, 10 W. Main St., Batavia
  • Genesee County Sheriff's Office is conducting a drop-off at the Pembroke Town Highway Barn at routes 5 and 77, East Pembroke
  • Village of Le Roy Police Department, 3 W. Main St., Le Roy

MORE INFORMATION:
Domske is a 2016 Western New York Distinguished Scientist and author of the Undo the Environmental Chemical Brew: Keep Unwanted Medications and Chemicals Out of the Great Lakes guide with tips on how citizens can keep unwanted pharmaceuticals and personal care products out of Great Lakes waters. Find more information online at www.nyseagrant.org/unwantedmeds.

Research by New York Sea Grant and other science organizations has tracked the feminization of fish populations downstream from wastewater treatment plants to estrogen and its components found in prescription drugs.

A New York Sea Grant-funded, two-year research project that began in February 2016 is examining the effectiveness of advanced water treatment options, environmental levels and potential effects of pharmaceuticals in New York waters. Stony Brook University research Anne McElroy noted earlier this year, "The number of pharmaceutically-active ingredients (API) and their known or suspected active metabolites in coastal waters is in the hundreds and continues to increase. Data collected from our project will help to fill important data gaps and enhance knowledge about sewage-derived APIs and their effects on fish behavior and how well advanced wastewater treatment technologies reduce API discharges and mitigate these effects."

The biannual National Prescription Drug Take Back Days are an initiative of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency in cooperation with law enforcement agencies nationwide.

New York Sea Grant, a cooperative program of Cornell University and the State University of New York, is one of 33 university-based programs under the National Sea Grant College Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Through its statewide network of integrated services, NYSG has been promoting coastal vitality, environmental sustainability, and citizen awareness about the State’s marine and Great Lakes resources since 1971. For updates on New York Sea Grant activities, www.nyseagrant.org has RSS, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube links.

Three-car collision with injuries reported on westbound Thruway

By Billie Owens

A three-car accident with injuries is reported on the westbound Thruway at mile marker 397.7. One engine from East Pembroke Fire Department is called to the scene along with Mercy medics. Mercy Flight is on ground standby.

UPDATE 9:49 a.m.: The East Pembroke assignment is back in service.

Law and Order: East Pembroke man accused of stealing money from his employer's cash register

By Billie Owens

Jason Eric Jones, 42, of Main Road, East Pembroke, is charged with petit larceny. Jones was arrested following the investigation into an employee theft at 9:34 p.m. on Sept. 23 on Main Road in East Pembroke. Jones allegedly stole money from the cash register at a business. He was arraigned in Pembroke Town Court and in to appear there again on Oct. 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl, assisted by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Nivek Quadir Tisdale, 19, of Albemarle Street, Rochester, is charged with trespass. Tisdale was arrested at 4:34 this morning (Oct. 1) on a bench warrant out of Town of Batavia Court for failure to appear. He was jailed on $250 cash bail or $2,000 bond. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor and Deputy Chad Cummings.

Robert Lawrence Drozdowski Sr., 34, Main St., Alexander, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. At 10:45 a.m. on Sept. 28, Sheriff's deputies responded to Drozdowski's residence for a report of a disturbance. After a brief investigation into the complaint, Drozdowski was allegedly found to be in possession of a glass smoking pipe containing burnt marijuana residue. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Alexander Court on Oct. 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster, assisted by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Motorcyclist who died in Thruway accident last week identified

By Billie Owens

The identity of the victim in a Sept. 22 motorcycle accident on the westbound Thruway during rush hour was just released by State Police.

Judith A. Drook, 76, of Marion, Ind., succumbed to injuries sustained in the accident after she was transported by Mercy Flight to Erie County Medical Center.

The driver of the motorcycle is identified as Lance C. Warner, 74, of Sandusky, Ohio. He was transported to ECMC by Mercy Medics in an ambulance.

The investigator said this morning the accident is still under investigation. He said Warner applied the brakes, then lost control of the motorcycle for unknown reasons.

The accident occurred around 5 p.m. Thursday in the area of mile marker 394.9 and traffic on the Thruway was shut down to land the helicopter. East Pembroke Fire Department responded along with Mercy EMS. Town of Batavia Fire Department set up the landing zone.

'Love for Lucas Garage Sale' planned to help Clemm family, donations wanted

By Billie Owens

(Submitted photo of Lucas Clemm.)

The premiere of the "Love for Lucas Garage Sale" will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 19-20, at St. Maximillian Kolbe RC Church.

It is located at 8656 Church St. in East Pembroke.

This is a fundraiser to help offset the financial burden that has beset the family of Lucas Clemm, due to all his medical conditions and surgeries.

Lucas turned 1 on June 27 and had undergone his third major brain surgery by Aug. 5. The family is consulting with a doctor in NYC soon for a second opinion.

The past eight months have been very difficult for his family. Their child's health is all their friends and family want them to have to worry about. 

You are asked to donate garage-sale-type items for the sale later this month.

The people who are holding the sale will add your items to the things they have already received.

Each year, they intend to help a family with a child who suffers from Chiari Malformation and Syringomyelia, just as they are striving to help Lucas Clemm and his family this year.

NOTHING WILL BE PRICED. Whatever you give is considered a donation, so you make the price based on what you feel is acceptable for the item(s) and this worthy cause.

Any questions or to donate items for the garage sale, contact Melanie at 409-1802, or Lindsay at 297-7140, or Sherry at 297-7139.

Photos: DWI accident drill staged for Pembroke seniors

By Howard B. Owens

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The Pembroke, Indian Falls, Corfu and East Pembroke volunteer fire departments came together yesterday to stage a DWI accident drill for the seniors of Pembroke High School in advance of their annual prom.

The drill simulates a fatal accident caused by a drunken driver.

Also participating were the Sheriff's Office, Coroner Karen Long, Mercy EMS, Mercy Flight and C.B. Beach Funeral Home.

To find out more about volunteering with your local fire department, visit ReadyGenesee.com.

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To purchase prints, click here.

Multi-vehicle accident with serious injuries reported on eastbound Thruway

By Billie Owens

A multi-vehicle accident with possible serious injuries is reported on the eastbound Thruway at mile marker 396.7. Mercy Flight #5 out of Batavia is going in the air. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. Town of Batavia Fire Department is asked to assemble a crew in their hall in case they are called to the scene.

UPDATE 11:03 a.m.: The accident is east of the Slusser Road bridge.

UPDATE 11:15 a.m.: Mercy Flight has landed.

UPDATE 11:24 a.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne, going to Strong Memorial Hospital.

UPDATE 11:55 a.m.: A state trooper at the scene said there was one victim, a male driver in his 20s who sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Indications are he fell asleep at the wheel, the trooper said.

Accident with injuries reported at Hopkins Road and Route 5

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at the intersection of Hopkins Road and West Main Street Road (Route 5). A person is said to be pinned inside, but conscious and alert. East Pembroke Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics. A first responder on scene says two people in one vehicle will probably need transport, along with the driver of the other who requires extrication.

UPDATE 8:45 p.m.: Darien Ambulance is requested to the scene to provide mutual aid.

UPDATED: 'Shadow' is missing from East Pembroke home

By Billie Owens

A dog that is part Labrador retriever and chow chow is missing from its East Pembroke home.

"Shadow" has not darkened the doorstep of his owner's home since Friday, April 22.

If you glimpse Shadow, please call 585-813-6491 with information.

UPDATED May 5: Robbie Reeb wrote us an e-mail to inform us Shadow is back home, wagging his tail. He wrote: "Our lost dog has been found! Thanks go out to Ivan in East Pembroke who found her while walking his dog. Thank you to everyone that responded that they may have seen her. Our mom is very happy to have her home again."

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is Saturday

By Billie Owens

Press release:

This Saturday, April 30, the Batavia Police Department, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and the Le Roy Police Department will be participating in the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.

The annual event is aimed at providing a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.

It will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. in the parking lots of the Batavia Police Headquarters, the Le Roy Police Headquarters, and the Pembroke Town Highway barns located at routes 5 and 77 in East Pembroke.

This event is sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Agency.

Person reportedly lost in woods, maybe suffering from hypothermia, in Town of Batavia

By Billie Owens

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A person is reportedly lost in the woods and may be suffering from hypothermia in the area of 3094 W. Main Street Road (Route 5), Town of Batavia. East Pembroke Fire Department (it's in their fire district) is on scene, along with Sheriff's deputies, and Alexander fire's Gator is called to respond along with Mercy medics. The person is on the south side of a creek. Mercy Flight is on standby.

UPDATE 938 p.m.: Two men were in a raft on the creek when one fell in the water and became submerged. The other man tried to help him out of the water using an oar/paddle, but this proved difficult and he called for help. The guy who fell in the water was transported to the hospital for evaluation. The other was a sign off.

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One-vehicle rollover accident at Wilkinson Road and railroad tracks

By Howard B. Owens

A one-vehicle rollover accident is reported on Wilkinson Road near the railroad tracks.

Unknown injuries.

The caller reports she was unable to get close enough to check on occupants. She said headlights were on and then shut off.

East Pembroke fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 10:16 p.m.: Minor if any injuries. "She's out. She's out walking around," reports a chief on scene.

Injury reported after car hits deer in East Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

A minor injury accident is reported in the area of 2975 W. Main Street Road, East Pembroke.

A car reportedly hit a deer.

East Pembroke fire and Mercy EMS are responding.

East Pembroke fire hands out 2015 awards

By Howard B. Owens

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East Pembroke Fire Chief Don Newton is pictured with William Torres, who was honored as Firefighter of the Year by the East Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department at the department's annual awards dinner Saturday night.

Besides his tireless devotion to fire services and his many contributions to the department, Torres was honored as one of the top responders of 2015. He responded to 243 calls.

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Ken Marble received the Fire Service Person of the Year award. The award can go to either a firefighter or member of the community. Co-winner this year, as voted by the members, was Ed Arnold Scrap Processors.

Marble also received certificates for going on 109 calls during the year and completing 54 hours of training.

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Assemblyman Steve Hawley presented three long-serving members with certificates. From left are Dan Vania, 30 years of service, Robert Lang, 60 years of service, Hawley, and Don Newton Sr., 45 years of service.

Newton thanks the following local businesses for their support: Fenton's Produce , Ron & Newts , Holiday Ice , Kohorst Custom ome's , Ed Arnold Scrap Processors , Kohorst Trucking and Del-Mar Farms.

The department was called out 343 times in 2015. Members who made at least 25 percent of the calls and Monday night training combined for each quarter received a gift card, shirt and jacket.

The top responders, all making at least 100 calls, were: Kenny Marble, Andy Martin, Steve Smelski, Julie Waldron, James Gayton, Paul Kirch, Chris Bennett, Don Newton Sr, Don Newton Jr, Willie Torres, Matt Florian and Ryan Worthington.

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