A fire in a bedroom at 3561 Lockport Road, Oakfield, was knocked down quickly, shortly after tones went out for several fire departments to respond.

A chief on scene confirms the fire is knocked down.

Initially dispatched were all Oakfield units along with tankers and engines from Alabama, Elba and Batavia.

All Oakfield units can now proceed non-emergency and all other units are put back in service.

UPDATE 12:44 p.m.: All Oakfield units back in service.

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The coaches of the Batavia Bulldawgs hosted a youth football clinic at Kibbe Park over Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

One person is trapped in a car and a passenger is believed to be unconscious following a motor-vehicle accident on Pike Road, Alexander.

The location is in the area of 2900 Pike Road.

Alexander Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

First law enforcement officer on scene advises, "step it up."

UPDATE 12:34 a.m.: Mercy Flight being started to the scene. Alexander Engine 6 requested to scene for extrication tools. Engine 7 requested to start up a landing zone.

UPDATE 12:40 a.m.: East Pembroke Fire requested to the scene to assist with extrication.

UPDATE 12:48 a.m.: Mercy Flight has landed.

UPDATE 12:56 a.m.: Another ambulance requested to the scene.

UPDATE 1:04 a.m.: Eastbound traffic is being shut down on Pike Road.

UPDATE: According to a Sheriff's Office news release, the driver was Eric Wyatt J. Becker, 21, of Sumner Road, Darien. He was transported by ground ambulance with minor injuries to ECMC. The passenger was Luke M. Taracki, 20, of Rusher Road, Alden. He was extricated from the vehicle and taken by Mercy Flight to ECMC with serious injuries. It's not known what caused Becker's 1998 Pontiac Bonneville to leave the roadway and strike a tree. Speed and alcohol are considered factors. The accident is being investigated by Deputy John Weis, Deputy Kevin McCarthy, Deputy Chad Minuto, Sgt. Greg Walker, Sgt. Steve Mullen and Deputy Eric Seppala.

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It wasn't the Beatles, but an area band known as Monkey in a Bottle, put on a good grove atop the roof of Glass Roots on Friday evening.

The band started playing shortly after the end of the Jackson Square concert, with Glass Roots providing some refreshments to guests and a parking lot cleared of cars, giving plenty of room to enjoy the music.

I've driven down Route 262 in Byron dozens of times. I don't know why I noticed today for the first time a memorial set up to the victims of a May 2008 fire. The fire claimed the lives of four people, Sherri Reis, 51, along with her three children: Timothy Reis, 17; Emily Reis, 19; and Virginia Reis, 21.

An area resident told me, "the memorial just keeps growing year after year."

A car-into-pole accident with injuries is reported on Route 19 in Bergen, between Peachy Road and the county line. An infant is involved. The pole is sheared in two and the car is holding it up.

When classes begin at Genesee Community College in the fall, the name of one assistant professor will be new to many students, but the teacher won't be.

Candice Faulring, entering her fifth year of teaching at GCC, will be known as Ms. Vacin from now on.

On Monday, Candice, 37, and her partner Sara Vacin, 35, became among the first 1,600 same-sex couples in New York to enter into a legal marriage.

"It's really exciting," Faulring said.

Now in the third year and fourth month of their relationship, Candice and Sara have been talking about marriage since their first anniversary. Sara proposed on New Year's Eve 2008.

They expected the Marriage Equality Act to pass in 2009 and had planned a big ceremony for last summer.  

After they got over the disappointment of the legislation failing in the Senate, they went to Canada to get married.

But that still wasn't the same as having a legally recognized marriage in New York, said Candice, who is originally from Lewiston. 

"When we told people we were married, it always seemed like they were thinking we were like kids having a tea party, or kids doing something that only adults do for real," Candice said. "This is a legal marriage with all the rights and responsibilities that go with marriage, so it's much more significant."

The Vacins, who live in North Buffalo, took part in a group wedding at Niagara Falls where 45 same-sex couples were married on Monday.

When the Marriage Equality Act came before the Senate again this year, Candice said she was live blogging and tweeting developments for four days. When the vote finally came, she was with a group of friends.

"We got together to watch the vote," Candice said. "It was very emotional (that day), as was our arrival at Niagara Falls on Monday. I didn't think it would be as emotional as it was."

Legalized same-sex marriage has had a tremendous impact on her outlook on life, Candice said.

"After the vote, I walked around feeling different," Candice said. "I walked around feeling validated and that I didn’t have to hide anymore."

Photo: Submitted by Candice Vacin (left) and Sara Vacin (right).

A 23-year-old East Main Street resident has been charged with assault in the first degree for allegedly running down a pedestrian June 6 while on Central Avenue.

The pedestrian suffered serious injuries and was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital.

Jailed on $10,000 bail following arraignment in Genesee County Court today was Brandon K. Macioszek, of 519 E. Main St., Batavia.

Macioszek was indicted by the Genesee County Grand Jury on the assault charge, which was sought following an investigation into the incident.

On June 7, Macioszek was issued traffic citations by Darryl Streeter for alleged aggravated unlicensed operation and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Press release:

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Kathy Hochul offered the Democrats’ final argument against Speaker John Boehner’s plan that only aims to postpone a U.S. default by six months, while drastically cutting discretionary spending.

“Never in our history has there been an intentional disaster, perpetrated by the very people who were elected to be the caretakers of this country,” said Congresswoman Hochul.  “That is exactly what will happen if we refuse to take action to prevent default and pay our nation’s bills now."

Congresswoman Hochul introduced her own amendment that would prioritize where spending cuts come from: cutting subsidies to Big Oil and corporate jets owners, before cutting education funding.

“Tell me why at a time when we all agree that the deficit must be reduced, we don’t ask Big Oil and companies with corporate jets to help out the country that helped them.

“Seaman’s Hardware Store in Genesee County pays more in federal taxes than many companies that are enjoying off the chart profits, while some of my constituents can barely afford to fill a gas tank so they can get to their minimum wage jobs at the dollar discount store.

[PART OF PREPARED REMARKS]

“There is one value we all share and that is fairness. Two things that are fundamentally unfair about this plan: It is unfair to put this country through this disgraceful, political gamesmanship again in another 6 months. 

“It is also unfair to cut money from education.  Education is the one chance for economic equality among our young people, and the one shot for them to reach their full potential.

“By making tax loopholes and tax breaks for Big Oil and corporate jets a priority over education, we are harming the economic engines across the country, and particularly in my district: our colleges and universities.  University at Buffalo, Geneseo, SUNY Brockport, Erie and Genesee Community Colleges – each is critical to our local economy and to the future of our students.”

Twenty five years ago, Gene Baur and some friends began taking notice of the cruel and inhumane conditions inside industrialized animal farms and slaughterhouses and decided that something needed to be done -- and thus, with nothing but determination and the profits of a vegetarian hotdog stand, Farm Sanctuary was born.

Today, the peaceful organization attracts thousands of visitors a year to its two sprawling farm shelters for previously abused animals in Watkins Glen and California, and has inspired a bestselling book by Baur. 

At 4 p.m. on Aug. 8, Baur will visit Minty Wellness in Darien Center to discuss his book and Farm Sanctuary itself, which is currently the nation's leading farm animal rescue, education and advocacy organization. 

Local animal advocate Danielle Legg is hoping to raise $2,000 by that date, and has pledged to "Go Bald for Bob Harper" if her goal is met. (Despite his very human name, Bob Harper is a pig -- one of more than 400 animals living at the organizaton's Watkins Glen location.)

To help raise funds, Legg is holding a raffle for several vegan items, including: two gift baskets from Lush Cosmetics (valued at $140); a gift basket from Hugo Naturals, containing vegan bath and body products (valued at $95); a gift bag by Michelle Dermaceuticals, containing vegan beauty products; handmade gift tags and greeting cards; a necklace and earring set made by Julie Sheremeta; a massage donated by David Kimball LMT; and a Minty Wellness Getaway package, including an overnight stay and breakfast for two at the Minty Wellness hotel, restaurant and spa. 

For further information, contact Danielle Legg at veganleggs80@yahoo.com or the Minty Wellness hotel, restaurant and spa. It's located at 1961 Church Road in Darien Center. Phone is 591-3939. Email is www.mintywellness.com.

More than an inch of rain has already fallen on Genesee County this morning and more than an inch more is expected by 1 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

There is an increased chance of flooding on roadways.

Creeks and streams may see water levels rise with some cresting at the top of their banks.

A front of heavy rain showers and thunderstorms are expected to move through the area from now until 1 p.m.

Areas with poor drainage are expected to flood.

The weather service warns that most flood-related deaths are come people driving across flooded roads.

"Flood waters are usually deeper than they appear," warns the weather service. "Just one foot of flowing water is powerful enough to sweep vehicles off the road."

A Batavia resident wanted on a warrant out of city court was arrested Thursday and allegedly found in possession of a quantity of cocaine and drug paraphernalia.

Members of the Local Drug Enforcement Task force went to the home of Ryan M. Shrauger, 42, of Hull Park, Batavia, to arrest him on the warrant.

While inside Shrauger's home, investigators allegedly found drugs and drug-related items.

Shrauger was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd.

Following court arraignment, he was jailed on $2,500 bail.

A 59-year-old Ellicott Street resident has been arrested by members of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected cocaine dealing in Batavia.

A search warrant was served on Julious "Fatboy" Murphy on Thursday afternoon for his home and car.

Officials say they found a quantity of cocaine, a quantity of U.S. currency and five weapons.

Murphy is being charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and criminal possession of a weapon, 4th.

Following arraignment in Batavia City Court, Murphy was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C – Batavia) recently attended a press conference at Monroe Community College announcing the creation of the area’s first Regional Economic Development Council. Joining Governor Andrew Cuomo and Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy, Hawley expressed his optimism to see such hands-on efforts to improve the economy here in Western New York.

“Today signals the beginning of a new day for the Western New York economy,” Hawley said. “I am especially pleased to see that Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy will be the chair of all 10 regional councils. Hailing from our region, he has been a tremendous advocate on behalf of Western New York, and I have full confidence that he will be even more helpful in this new capacity.

"I have had a number of face-to-face and phone conversations with him to discuss the priorities facing the business owners and job creators in my district, and I know that the formation of this regional council will only continue to spur the growth and revitalization of Western New York’s economy.”

Ten regional economic development councils will be created across the state to compete for $1 billion in funding that will be geared toward jump-starting local economies. The panels are comprised of leaders from government, business and academia, and will partner with community leaders and state legislators to craft projects that will benefit their geographic and demographic needs.

Press release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Kathy Hochul was appointed to the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) for the duration of the 112th Congress. 

“I am honored to join the House Armed Services Committee and work to help the brave men and women of our Armed Forces,” Congresswoman Hochul said. “The thousands of valiant Americans who serve our country every day deserve Representatives that will fight to give them the proper resources needed to do their jobs accurately, but more importantly, safely.  I also look forward to reaching out and helping all of our veterans, who have done so much to help our great nation.”

“As a Member of Congress from a region with thousands and thousands of Armed Service men and women, Congresswoman Hochul will bring a perspective that fits well with the House Armed Services Committee,” said Ranking Member Adam Smith. “I know Kathy will be a strong advocate for all of our men and women in uniform and will ensure that each of them have the tools and resources needed to ensure America’s safety and security. I look forward to working with her.”

Western New York and the Finger Lakes Region have seen over $1 billion of direct investments into our country from defense contracts; creating thousands of jobs and spurring the Upstate economy. 

Hochul added, “At just the Niagara Falls Airforce Reserve and National Guard, we have 2,800 men and women stationed, not only looking out for our security and well being, but investing in local businesses. Those jobs help spur our economy and help our businesses create even more spill-over jobs.”

Congresswoman Hochul already serves as a Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, where in the last two months she has met with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, offered an amendment in Committee, which passed with near unanimous consent, and sponsored legislation that would ensure the safety of Americans at our borders and airports.

The case of a burglary at Le Roy Central School over the weekend has been solved, according to Le Roy Police.

A 24-year-old village resident and a juvenile have been charged with burglary, 3rd, and grand larceny, 4th.

The duo, along with an alleged accomplice, are accused of stealing a computer system, several cameras and camcorders. Some of the property has been recovered.

Charged were Kyle Nash, of 7 Myrtle St., Le Roy, and a 15-year-old suspect whose name was not released.

Bishop Williams, 18, of 106 Lake St., Le Roy, was charged with criminal trespass, 3rd. Williams is accused of being on school property, but he reportedly left before the alleged burglary took place.

Assisting in the investigation was the Le Roy School District and the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

UPDATE 7:40 p.m.: Based on a scanner conversation: A mother learned of "the situation" shortly after this post went up and spoke with a son about it and he surrendered some cameras to her (the mother-son relationship is a bit of an assumption). A police officer said, "the cameras appear to have come from the burglary at the school the other night."

Deborah Maniace would have turned 48 today, but she wasn't give that chance.

Nearly a year ago, early in the morning on Aug. 8, Maniace somehow plummeted more than 30 feet to her death from a bridge on Clinton Street Road, Stafford, where it crosses the CSX railroad line.

Today, her family gathered on the bridge to grieve, remember and ask the community for help -- somebody saw something or knows something that could help close this case.

"I don't feel it was accidental, and I don't feel it was intentional," said Justina Maniace, Deborah's oldest daughter. "I feel that somebody did something. And we don't know who...or what."

Deborah's son, daughters, grandchild, sister and other family members gathered for about an hour on the bridge, placed flowers at the scene, and wrote messages to her on balloons before releasing them to float skyward.

Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster said officially, investigators don't know if Maniace jumped, fell or was pushed. They only know the cause of death was blunt force trauma from the fall.

Other than that, there isn't much evidence to explain what happened. 

Officials believe that Maniace had been to the Onion Festival in Elba earlier that day and then went to her boyfriend's house in Stafford. She left the house around 2 a.m. after some sort of dispute and began walking home.

She was carrying her shoes in her hand as she walked over the bridge, Brewster said.  It's a detail he hopes might jar a memory of somebody who drove by and maybe saw something, anything.

And investigators know there was vehicle traffic on Clinton Street Road in those early morning hours because surveillance cameras of nearby businesses recorded passing traffic.

Anybody who has any information that may assist the case, no matter how insignificant the information might seem, should call the Sheriff's Office at 343-5000. Tips can be made anonymously.

A 5-year-old boy has a fishing hook stuck in his head on the Tonawanda Creek bank behind the courthouse in Batavia. Mercy BLS is responding. The location is 1 W. Main St.

UPDATE 6:36 p.m.: Medics have requested a police officer to the scene. They need to transport the youngster to the hospital but have been unable to contact the parents, whom they believe are at home. So they want an officer to assist them.

UPDATE 6:46 p.m.: They are transporting the child to UMMC. The fishing hook is stuck in his forehead.