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Weather related reports, Dec. 26

By Howard B. Owens

A tractor trailer is in a ditch and on its side in the area 6086 Broadway Road, just west of Transit Road. The driver initially could not get out, but then managed to get out of the cab. He is uninjured. Bethany Fire is responding.

UPDATE 7:23 p.m.: Bethany incident, trucker was hauling canned goods.  There appears to be no fuel spill at this time.

UPDATE 7:35 p.m.: Parise's is so backed up with calls that they can't respond to the truck call until tomorrow.

UPDATE 7:42 p.m.: The trucker's company is sending another truck to assess the situation. Bethany FD will put out cones, even though the truck is a little off the roadway and clearing the scene.  The trucker will notify dispatch if and when the truck is moved tonight.

UPDATE 7:52 p.m.: Vehicle off the road on Alleghany Road.

UPDATE 8:03 p.m.: The vehicle off Alleghany Road, Darien, needs a wench out and is extremely low on gas, but a dispatcher said there's no guarantee of a quick response from a towing company. They're all "extremely backed up," he said. Meanwhile, a deputy is following a vehicle back to a trailer park on Clinton Street Road. The vehicle has a locked up tire.  And, a vehicle is off the road on Fisher Road and another motorist is trying to pull it out, but neither has hazard lights on, according to a caller.

UPDATE 8:08 p.m.: A deputy was going to give a courtesy ride to the Alleghany Road driver back to his residence, but an AJ's truck in the area, "as luck would have it," according to a dispatcher, just became available in Darien.

UPDATE 8:13 p.m.: Caller on Fisher Road reports a driver doing donuts on the caller's lawn. And, there is a disabled vehicle on Richmond Avenue, Batavia.

UPDATE 8:17 p.m. Back in Bethany, the trucker's company is dispatching a tow, which should be there in about 20 minutes.

UPDATE 8:22 p.m.: Another car off the road on Fisher Road. A deputy happened by. The driver has her own tow in route.

UPDATE 8:26 p.m.: Deputy who responded to "donut" call on Fisher: "It looks like he just went off the road. Talked with the complainant. He's all set."

UPDATE 8:30 p.m.: A tractor trailer is reportedly off the road and in a ditch on Route 63, south of Little Canada Road.

UPDATE 9:01 p.m.: Another report of another driver doing donuts near an intersection, but I didn't catch the location.

UPDATE 9:31 p.m.: Photo of the truck on its side on Route 63 on Route 20, between Suicide Corners and Texaco Town, from Doug Yeomans.

UPDATE 12:27 p.m.: Disabled car in westbound traffic lane of West Main Street Road, awaiting AAA.

UPDATE 1:32 a.m.: Tractor trailer stuck on Route 77, Darien, near the fire hall.

UPDATE 10:05 p.m.: A truck is stuck on Cedar Street.

UPDATE 10:17 p.m.: A deputy on Route 63 near Clapsaddle has come across a vehicle that needs a winch out.

UPDATE 10:29 p.m.: Batavia PD is out with a disabled vehicle on West Main Street near Porter Avenue.

UPDATE 10:30 p.m.: A Trooper is dispatched to Ellicott Street Road near Shepard Road for a vehicle stopped in the middle of the road.

UPDATE 10:35 p.m.: Disabled vehicle at Bank and Main.

UPDATE 11 p.m.: Deputy coming on duty, "In service, snow patrol." A woman on Roanoke Road got stuck and for some reason got out of her vehicle to call her husband. She locked her keys in the car and is now awaiting a deputy. There's a vehicle off the road on Cole Road, but it's well off the road and the owner is going to leave it there until the morning.

UPDATE 11:05 p.m.: Bethany fire police requested to Route 63 and Shepard. The tow operator requested traffic stopped for that incident. 

UPDATE 11:16 p.m.: Vehicle stuck in the snow in Alabama, off Wright Road.

UPDATE 11:17 p.m.: For the woman on Roanoke, her husband showed up, pulled her out and had an extra set of keys.

UPDATE 11:25 p.m.: Several vehicles are stuck at Route 20 and Route 77.

UPDATE 11:29 p.m.: Car fire, in roadway at 2989 Galloway Road. Town of Batavia Fire dispatched.

UPDATE 11:31 p.m.: Vehicle disabled on Bank Street in front of the nursing home, backing up traffic.

UPDATE 11:36 p.m.: A patrol car is stuck on Galloway Road.  A state DOT worker is stuck on Slusser Road.  Now, the deputy got himself unstuck, but he doesn't think he can make it to the fire location. The road is covered with high drifting snow.  The patrol will attempt to follow the fire trucks to the location.

UPDATE 11:42 p.m. Fire truck drivers advise the deputy not to try and follow them. A driver says "Galloway has disappeared, but we'll get there."

UPDATE 11:48 p.m.: A little unclear here.  Something about a fire truck arriving on scene, but nothing showing.  Then something about this isn't it, "and we'll continue west," then something about a vehicle off the road in a ditch.

UPDATE 11:51 p.m.: Vehicle is located. "It's still going," according to a responding firefighter.

UPDATE 11:54 p.m.: It's suggested that town plows hit the roads again.  A dispatcher said they just went home for some sleep after being on the road since 3 p.m.. The dispatcher asks if it's necessary for them to come out?  "I think they're going to have to," is the answer.

UPDATE 12:05 a.m.: Vehicle off the road, Route 237, Bergen.

UPDATE 12:07 a.m.: A deputy is still trying to figure out how to get to the vehicle fire on Galloway Road, but a supervisor suggests that if the fire isn't suspecious, there's no need to go.  A Batavia chief confirms the fire is not suspicious. There's a car stuck on Park Road. 

UPDATE 12:11: a.m.: Truck still suck on Cedar Street.  Tow company on scene with that truck and they're discussing whether to do the tow tonight or tomorrow. Also, another truck is now off the road on Cedar Street and a tow is attempting to pull it out. Mercy EMS is requested to a medical call in the city, but road conditions make it a 15 minute ETA.  That car blocking on State Street?  It's still there.

UPDATE 12:18 a.m.: The latest forecast: Snow at a rate of up to two inches an hour until 2 a.m., and then tapering off to light snow for the rest of the night.

UPDATE 12:20 a.m.: Batavia PD has come upon a car stuck and blocking Denio at Bank and Denio.

UPDATE 12:47 a.m.: A car is stuck on Cohocton and the "nice gentleman" who is driving it called to let dispatchers know that he could use a cup of coffee while awaiting a tow.  A deputy is dispatched to check on his well being.  The deputy dispatched was at that moment at Brickhouse Corners where he just came upon a Buffalo News delivery truck that is stuck.

UPDATE 12:53 a.m.: A car stuck on Parmalee and another one on Route 19, trying to go uphill, at Parmalee.

UPDATE 12:56 a.m.: A pickup truck with a snow plow is attempting to pull out the "nice gentleman" on Cohocton Road.

UPDATE 12:59 a.m.: Two vehicles stuck on Ross Street.

UPDATE 1:05 a.m.: Chimney fire reported at 10838 Molasses Hill Road, Alexander. Alexander Fire with mutual aid from Town of Batavia responding.

UPDATE 1:15 a.m.: There is some fire at the chimney fire. Town of Batavia asked to standby in quarters.

UPDATE 1:20 a.m.: Bethany Fire request to Molasses Hill.  Somewhere there is another tractor trailer off the road (didn't catch where) and there are cars off the road in the area of Circular Hill Road.

UPDATE 1:42 a.m. Related to the 1:20 a.m. update, it was South Street Road, and his patrol vehicle is now stuck.


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UPDATE 1:07 a.m.: An Alexander chief suggests the trucks will need to come in on Dry Bridge Road because they'll never make it up Mollasses Hill Road. Another chief suggests that the chief arriving on scene and make an assessment on whether Town of Batavia's response will be necessary.  "We don't want them to come any further than they have to."

UPDATE 1:11 a.m.: A second call in Alexander's district, a general alarm of fire at 10176 Gillette Road. Alexander is asking Darien to respond to the second call.

UPDATE 1:23 a.m.: Gillette Road call was accidental activation.

UPDATE 1:39 a.m.: Sheriff supervisor tells dispatch to get the towns out now and start plowing.  "I'm going down (forget the road) now and if I don't keep moving, I'm done. If we have to respond anywhere in an emergency we'll have a real problem."

UPDATE 1:44 a.m.: Attica Fire requested to Mollasas Hill. All avaialble manpower for Alexander requested to Mollassas Hill. Town plows (not sure which town) are scheduled to hit the roads again at 3 a.m. A tow driver is headed to South Street Road to assist the stuck Sheriff's patrol.

UPDATE 1:49 a.m.: Town of Batavia's Ladder 25 now requested to Mollassas Hill.

UPDATE 1:51 a.m.: Multiple cars are stuck on Route 262, Elba, and have been there for some time.  State Police received a call and contacted Genesee dispatchers. As far as dispatchers know, either tow trucks or state DOT are going to the area, but "it's going to be a while."  Also, in Basom, a doctor needs to go to the hospital in Medina and is stuck in the snow.

UPDATE 2:42 a.m.: Route 262 east of Route 98, Elba, is barely passable.

UPDATE 3:12 a.m.: Calling it a night. Alexandar and mutual aid companies still on scene at Mollassas Hill.  The calls for stuck cars has dropped off to nothing.

Weather: Winter storm just over the horizon

By Howard B. Owens

Genesee County is surrounded by one big winter storm.

The National Weather Service predicts the storm will start to hit WNY hard during the afternoon/evening commute. A winter storm warning -- and upgrade from the previous watch -- has been issued for the area.

From six to 12 inches of snow are expected to fall tonight and another one to three inches tomorrow.

Heavy snowfall could start as early as 5 p.m.

Winds will be from the northeast at 20 to 30 mph with visibility less than a quarter mile and whiteout conditions at times.

During the night, snow could fall at a rate of two inches an hour. The heaviest snowfall from this storm may be in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes region with Batavia seeing only about a foot of snow.

Travel conditions will be difficult, according to the weather service.

In our region, snowfall should taper off by midmorning. Some freezing rain is possible in the afternoon. Weather systems should keep the region colder than average though next week with possible lake effect snowstorms during the period.

Suicide Prevention Coalition seeks awareness of local resources

By Howard B. Owens

Press release from Suicide Prevention Coalition of Genesee County:

Often at the holidays we give thanks for those around us and think warmly of those who are no longer here but were special in some way to our lives. This can be extremely difficult when an individual has exited life through a suicide. The recent death of the nurse in England brought so many issues to light in addition to the actual suicide such as confidentiality, pranks and bullying. It may have happened in England but we have also seen too many suicides each year, every year, right here and most of those do not get the attention they deserve. Awareness is important -- not to blame or find fault -- but to learn ways to recover for the survivors and to prevent future events.

The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Genesee County has the mission of providing suicide awareness, training, prevention, and aftermath strategies for individuals, families, schools, and organizations in the county. It is focused on the goal of reducing suicides to zero. The coalition brings schools, law enforcement, counseling agencies, advocacy groups, and many others to the table to work together to accomplish the goal.

Some individuals may not be aware of many of the resources available to them such as: Genesee County Mental Health Services (344-1421) that provides counseling and psychiatric services, the Mental Health Association in Genesee County (344-2611) offering advocacy, education, and a support group for survivors of suicide, and Regional Action Phone – RAP (344-1212) our crisis hotline and information center available 24/7.

Media attention might have been too much for that nurse. The “prank” went very wrong and we often do not realize the consequences of our “kidding” or “joking.” We focus on children and adolescents bullying but what about adults? Maybe some have gone too far and been desensitized to the pain of others.

Words and actions are more significant than you think and they can lead to amazing results. If you are interested in helping to eliminate suicide, there is a seat for you at our table. Call any of the above agencies for more information.

Two-car accident with injuries reported in Byron

By Howard B. Owens

A two-car accident with injuries is reported in the area of 6719 N. Bergen Road, Byron.

The location is near Merrill Road.

Byron and South Byron fire departments responding.

UPDATE 9:04 a.m.: Byron chief on scene says responding units can come in non-emergency.


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Law and Order: 74-year-old Rochester man accused of driving with 31 suspensions on his record

By Howard B. Owens

Alberto Laboy-Bertran, 74, of North Plymouth Avenue, Rochester, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation and unlicensed operator. Laboy-Bertran is accused of driving at 11:40 a.m., Sunday, with 31 active driver's license suspensions and revocations dating back to 2000. Laboy-Bertran was jailed on $25,000 bail.

Aaron David Prusak, 25, of Park Street, Warsaw, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument and aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. Prusak was located in a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado at 10:31 p.m., Friday, parked in the roadway of Route 19 in Bergen. Upon investigation by Sgt. Greg Walker and Deputy Joseph Graff, Prusak was allegedly found in possession of a needle and a controlled substance.

Ryan Nicholas DeSantis, 19, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. DeSantis is accused of shoplifting while working at Kmart.

Kyle David Ferguson, 20, of Maltby Road, Oakfield, is charged with petit larceny. Ferguson is accused of shoplifting while working at Kmart.

Photos: A tribute to our firefighters

By Howard B. Owens

Yesterday, I spent some time and went through my photo archives for the past two years looking for pictures of our local firefighters -- paid and volunteer -- doing what they do, which means fighting fires, responding to accidents, training, public education, community service, fund raising and having fun.

These men and women put in a lot of time and sacrifice a lot of time away from their families to help keep all of us safe. What they deal with -- as you may see from a couple of the shots -- is often stressful, unpleasant and can leave even the strongest person feeling drained. But yet they carry on. They are dedicated to serving others, some times even at their own peril.

What happened in Webster yesterday is unthinkable, and I know it's affected many of our local firefighters.

There is no sappy music with this slide show, no solemn voice reading a sentimental poem, just some pictures. It's meant as a tribute, a thank you and a reminder of all that these men and women do for our community.

To find out about volunteer opportunities with your local fire department, visit readygenesee.com.

Large fight reported outside Oakfield Hotel

By Howard B. Owens

A large fight is reported outside of the Oakfield Hotel, South Pearl Street, Oakfield.

Multiple law enforcement units are responding.

UPDATE 12:17 a.m.: Two males fighting, crowd gathering.

Winter storm watch in effect for Wednesday afternoon through Thursday

By Howard B. Owens

Up to a foot of snow in the region is possible for Wednesday afternoon, starting about 4 p.m., through Thursday afternoon.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch.

The weather service warns of hazardous driving conditions.

As for tonight, up to an inch of snow could fall by 4:30 a.m.

Volunteers respond to Christmas Eve house fire in Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

Multiple fire companies responded to a house fire at 10122 South Street, Pavilion, following a reported structure fire at 9:06 p.m.

Callers reported seeing flames coming out of the garage and spreading toward the house, according to Emergency Dispatch.

There was nobody home at the time the fire was reported.

The fire is now contained and mutual aid companies are going back in service.

Responding were Pavilion, Le Roy, South Byron, Stafford, Caledonia, York, Bethany and Alexander. Bergen was called to fill in at Le Roy's hall and Wyoming filled in for Pavilion. City of Batavia's Fast Team also responded.

Mercy EMS and Le Roy's ambulance also provided scene support, along with Emergency Management Services.

State Police also responded to the scene.

PHOTOS: By Jay Lynch.  More photos available on Jay's web site.


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Stove fire reported on Vine Street, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A stove fire is reported at 239 Vine St., Batavia.

The residents were told to evacuate.

City fire responding.

UPDATE 9:43 a.m.: Fire is out. House will be ventilated.

UPDATE 9:55 a.m.: City assignment is back in service.


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Law and Order: Batavia man jailed on criminal charges, alleged drug court violation

By Howard B. Owens

Timothy L. Taylor, 38, of 219 N. Spruce St., #124, Batavia, is charged with assault, 3rd, criminal obstruction of breathing and reckless endangerment, 2nd. Taylor was picked up by the State Police at a location on West Main Street Road on an unrelated matter Saturday and turned over to the Batavia PD on a warrant for the listed charges. Taylor is also accused of violating the terms of Drug Treatment Court. Taylor was jailed on $5,000 bail for the alleged criminal offenses and $100,000 for the alleged violation of drug court terms. He is schedule to reappear in city court on Dec. 26.

Scott N. Cameron, 30, of 25 Vine St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd and endangering the welfare of a child. Cameron is accused of hitting a family member who is under age 17.

Benjamin L. Brade, 30, of 12 Denio St., Batavia, is  charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Brade is accused of violating an order of protection by being under the influence of alcohol while with the protected party.

Carl I. Sherman, 33, of 68 Dix St., Rochester, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd. Sherman was picked up by Rochester PD and turned over to Batavia PD on a warrant related to the listed charges. Sherman posted $500 bail.

Emily V. Salvatore, 30, of Bergen, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Salvatore was stopped by State Police at 11:27 p.m., Friday, on Route 31, Albion.

John Lee Smith, 38, of Rose Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, avoiding intersection, failure to keep right, moving from lane unsafely. Smith was stopped at 9:49 p.m., Saturday, on West Main Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Frank Bordonaro. Smith was allegedly observed avoiding the intersection at River Street and Main Street and not maintaining his lane.

Jeffrey J. Cervone, 44, of Skye Road, Basom, is charged with petit larceny. Cervone was taken into custody by the State Police out of Clarence and turned over to the Sheriff's Office on a bench warrant.

Gary Howard Waters, 35, of East Avenue, Gasport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18, speed not reasonable and prudent, leaving the scene of a property damage accident and failure to keep right. Waters was arrested following an investigation by Deputy Jason Saile and Deputy Eric Seppala into a motor vehicle accident at 3:03 a.m., Saturday, on Lewiston Road, Oakfield.

Robert A. Barnhart Jr., of Le Roy, was arrested on a warrant by the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office. Barnhart is accused of owing several thousands of dollars in restitution from a prior case.

Photos: Christmas lights in Bergen and Elba

By Howard B. Owens

This evening I drove through Bergen and Elba taking pictures of houses with Christmas lights.

Above 12 Munger St., Bergen

5927 Byron Elba Road, Byron

7474 Oak Orchard Road, Elba

There's a link in the slide show to purchase prints of these photos.

PHOTOS: DJ Macy Paradise, Ya Boy and Buffalo Bills players at City Slickers

By Timothy Walton

City Slickers was the place to be Friday night as DJ Macy Paradise, national recording artist Ya Boy (YB the Rockstar) and Bills players Stevie Johnson, Kelvin Sheppard and Aaron Williams made an appearance and put on a show.

The event was organized by local entrepreneur and promoter Tim Walton and was sponsored by DirecTV/ IR Systems, PantSaggin.com,TheBatavian, and Next Level Fitness. 

Above: Dj Macy Paradise with Buffalo hip-hop artist GiG5.

Above: National recording artist Ya Boy performs "Stevie Johnson (Bills Anthem)."

Above: Stevie Johnson poses for a photo with Bills fan James Stading.

Photos by Micheline V. 

Hit-and-run accident reported on Lewiston Road, vehicle northbound

By Howard B. Owens

A hit-and-run accident is reported in the area of Galloway and Lewiston roads.

Law enforcement is looking for a gold Chevy Silverado 1500. The truck is heading north into Oakfield.

The victim vehicle sustained only minor damage.

Photos: Christmas lights in Le Roy and Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

Every year I promise myself (and there's always a couple of requests) that this year I'm going outside of Batavia to shoot Christmas light pictures.  Tonight, I made it to Le Roy and then swung down to Pavilion.

If your house is in the gallery and you would like to purchase a print, click the "visit gallery" link in the slide show (I hear the metallic prints look really great).

Top Items on Batavia's List

City of Batavia, New York (Pop. 15,600) seeks an experienced professional to join the management team in the capacity of Assistant City Manager/ Director of Administrative Services. Salary: $98,642-$119,642 DOQ. Reporting to the City Manager, the Assistant City Manager/ (ACM) will oversee the functions of Assessment, City Clerk/Treasurer, and IT. This position assists in the implementation of the City’s strategic plan; annual operating budget and capital improvement program; will participate in labor negotiations; and present information to the public, advisory committees and commission, City Council, and outside agencies. In addition, as the ACM, this individual shall assist multiple committees as well as serve as a liaison to various major projects and neighborhood groups. Must have the ability to exercise considerable independent judgment in planning, implementing, overseeing, and reviewing major projects; and the ability to develop and recommend policies and projects. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or possession of an appropriate equivalency diploma recognized by the New York State Department of Education, AND EITHER: A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS Registered College with a Master's Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field and two (2) years of full-time paid experience in a responsible governmental administrative position; OR: B. Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS Registered College with a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field and four (4) years of full-time paid experience in a responsible governmental administrative position; OR: C. Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS Registered College with an Associate's Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field and four (6) years of full-time paid experience in a responsible governmental administrative position; OR: D. Eight (8) years full-time paid experience in the private sector, non-profit, and/or government management sector with progressively more responsibility. OR: E. Satisfactory equivalent combination of the foregoing training and experience. To be considered, submit your cover letter, resume, and contact information, including email addresses for five work-related references to Gabrielle Kolo, Human Resources Director, One Batavia City Centre, Batavia, New York 14020 or gkolo@batavianewyork.com. First review of candidates to begin 7/3/25. Background check, personality assessment, and drug testing required. City residency is required within one year of appointment. EEO A full description and list of duties can be found at www.batavianewyork.com under the Human Resources tab.
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