A former Batavia resident who admitted to filing a false social services claim was sentenced in Genesee County Court today to one-and-a-half to three years in state prison.

Michael Schramm, 36, entered a guilty plea July 13 to offering a false instrument for filing.

He was arrested in May along with his wife, Deborah Schramm, and accused of submitting claim forms with DSS for temporary assistance and food stamps.

As part of his sentence, Schramm must repay the county $17,026.39.

Schramm failed to report full-time employment at a farm in Niagara County.

He will be disqualified from receiving temporary assistance and food stamps in the future.

Deborah Schramm is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 10.

Four people were injured in a three-vehicle accident Tuesday morning on Route 19 at Seldon Road, Le Roy.

Karen S. Samis, 46, of South Street Road, Le Roy, said she was distracted by something while driving north on Route 19 and didn't see a vehicle slowing to stop for a left-hand turn onto Seldon Road.

Samis's 2008 Chevy van struck a 2000 Chevy van driven by Tonya L. Jackson, 35, of Main Street, Le Roy, causing it to hit a truck in the southbound lane of Route 19.

That 2009 Chevy pickup was driven by Christopher P. Ward, 47, of Hardwood, Lane, Rochester. He was not injured.

Samis and Jackson were both transported to UMMC by ambulance as were Adam R. Jackson, 10, and Justin A. Jackson, 7. None of the injuries were serious.

Samis was cited for allegedly following too closely.

The accident was investigated by Deputy John Duyssen.

A small brush fire is reported near the median of the Bovee Road Bridge and Route 490. Bergen and Le Roy fire departments are responding.

UPDATE 2:28 p.m.: Fire is out. Assignment is back in service.

A three-car accident is reported north of Peachy Road on Route 19 in Bergen. Bergen Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. There is air-bag deployment and fluids are leaking. It is blocking traffic.

Fire police are requested to Route 19 and Creamery Road.

UPDATE 12:30 p.m.: Two flatbed tow trucks are called.

UPDATE 1:01 p.m.: Correction: No one was transported, patients were sign-offs.

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department wishes to provide an update in regards to the investigation into the death of Alyce M. Huntoon. An acquaintance reported finding Ms. Huntoon in an unresponsive condition, in her vehicle, in the parking lot of The Manor House Apartments, 427 E. Main St., Batavia, NY, on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012 at or about 10:30 p.m.

The findings by the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office indicate an undetermined cause and manner of death.

The Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office indicates finding no physical injuries that would have caused the death of Ms. Huntoon.

The Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office has completed an initial and additional toxicology tests. All toxicology tests indicate no findings that would have attributed to the death of Ms. Huntoon.

The investigation to date indicates nothing to suggest the death of Ms. Huntoon was the result of an intentional or accidental overdose. Nothing in the investigation to date indicates the death of Ms. Huntoon was the result of suicide.

Anyone having any information in regards to this investigation may contact the Batavia Police Department’s Dispatch at (585) 345-6350 or Batavia Police Department directly at (585) 345-6444.

Information can also be left on the Batavia Police Department’s Confidential Tip Line at (585) 345-6370 or via the Suspicious Activity Reporting link found on the Web site of the Batavia Police Department.

UPDATE: We asked Batavia PD about toxicology in this case. There are hundreds of possible chemical compounds used in synthetic drugs and we requested further information on how wide ranging the toxicology screening went, whether it would detect any chemical or just specific chemicals included in a screening panel. Here's the response from Det. Pat Corona: "I have the answer in regards to synthetic cannabinoids and analogs to stimulants and hallucinogens. The Medical Examiner’s Office is very confident in regards to their toxicology findings that rule out those substances as contributing to the death of Alyce Huntoon. They were not found to be present in her system. "

Daniel Roger Sumeriski, 26, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny, criminal tampering, 3rd, and harassment. Sumeriski was arrested in the Family Court lobby on a bench warrant out of Town of Batavia Court for alleged failure to pay a fine.

Sarah Lee Marcello, 20, of South Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Marcello is accused of shoplifting $76.65 in merchandise from Kmart.

Accident with a minor injury reported on Route 98 at Pike Road, Batavia.

One patient complaining of back pain.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS responding.

A bit of Batavia's history will be up for auction next Wednesday at Bontrager's Auction house on Wortendyke Road, Batavia: A cross that once adorned the old St. Joe's Church.

A fire on Aug. 18, 1970, destroyed the church and the Gilhooly family in Attica acquired the cross. The family has decided it's time to let somebody else care for the historic relic.

Pictured with the cross are Todd Jantzi, right, owner of Bontrager's, and one of his employees, Dave Harms, who was a young volunteer firefighter with East Pembroke in 1970.

Harms said he remembers the fire well. He and Gail Seamans were among the first on scene and manning a hose line.

Flames, he said, were jumping out of the bell tower and church windows. It's one of the most involved structure fires he's ever seen.

Along with East Pembroke, assisting Batavia City Fire Department, were Stafford, Oakfield, Elba and Bethany fire departments.

At the time of the fire, the church, built in 1864, was scheduled for demolition. The cause of the fire was never determined.

The severe thunderstorm forecast this afternoon for southern Genesee County apparently wreaked some havoc at the steam show grounds in Alexander. All available manpower was called to help with clean-up. No word on what kind of clean up is needed or what the damages, if any, are.

The Western New York Gas & Steam Engine Association's 46th Annual Fall Rally started today and runs through Sunday. The steam show grounds are at 10400 Gillate Road in Alexander.

The event features more than 1,000 pieces of equipment, and demonstrations of threshing, log sawing, bailing and plowing. Plus, lots of fresh steamed sweet corn and other goodies. People from throughout the region flock to it every year.

A large tree limb is down in the roadway at River and South Main streets in the city. City crews are notified.

UPDATE 3:17 p.m.: Howard drove by and said the limb is about seven feet long, less than a foot in diameter, and it's at the side of the roadway.

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the southern half of Genesee County and it's in effect until 3:30 this afternoon.

A teenager who drove a black golf cart without lights on a darkened public highway before it was rear-ended by a car, killing her boyfriend, will serve six months in jail and be placed on probation for five years.

Judge Robert C. Noonan called the case a tragedy -- the actions of Cortney L. Greene, 19, of Bryon, "stupid," -- but also noted the support Greene has received from friends, family, teachers, and the parents of her victim, Zachary J. Rusin, 18, of Holley, figured into his sentencing decision.

Greene was also granted youthful offender status by Noonan, meaning if she stays out of trouble over the next five years, she won't have a felony conviction on her record.

Rusin's mother, Tracy, told Noonan she wanted to see Greene have a chance to teach other teenagers about the dangers of drinking and driving.

"He loved and cherished Cortney," Tracy Rusin said. "He always got a big smile on his face when he heard her name.

"I lost my son," she added, "and I love Cortney and I respect her. She knows what happened was wrong and I would like to help her educate people. I'm going to stand beside her every step of the way. It's hard for a parent to go through this, and I know she's going through the same thing."

While Rusin spoke, a couple of times, Cortney, standing beside her attorney Thomas Burns, wiped tears from her cheeks with the sleeves of her gray sweater.

Greene's sentence could have been just probation, or maybe intermittent jail time, instead of a straight six months, Noonan indicated, but he said it wasn't clear Greene has really learned her lesson. Twice, Noonan said, Greene violated the terms of her release under supervision contract with Genesee Justice since pleading guilty June 11 to negligent homicide and driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

District Attorney Kevin Finnell said he's never seen such an outpouring of support for a defendant. He said people he knows and respects would stop him on the street and express support of Greene.

"It would be very easy for me to request incarceration based on the nature of the offense," Finnell said. "Out of respect for Mrs. Rusin and James Rusin, the father of Zach Rusin, I won't do that. Neither of them are asking for state prison."

Finnell made no sentencing recommendation, though he questioned whether Greene has reached the point in her life where she's making correct decisions.

Noonan received 24 letters of support for Greene from people in the community and more than two dozens supporters sat in the courtroom today.

Many sobbed after Noonan informed Greene she was going to jail for six months, starting today.

When Noonan told Greene the sentence was imposed because of her "misconduct" while awaiting sentencing, and that the sentence might give her time "to think long and hard about her conduct," Greene said softly, "I understand."

Burns requested Greene be granted probation and youthful offender status -- she was 18 at the time of the accident, making her eligible for YO -- because, he said, Greene has dreamed of, and has been working toward, becoming an elementary school teacher. A felony conviction would keep her from obtaining teaching credentials.

Greene loves working with children and looks forward to "teaching her own children and the children of other mothers some day."

He described a client who has tried not to show how upset she is by the events of Nov. 26, but said Greene is an emotional wreck who still hasn't truly come to terms with the enormity of the tragedy.

"It isn't just the use of substance that night," Burns said. "Even without the use of those substances, what she did when she drove that vehicle on that dark road created criminal recklessness."

Later, he added, "There was no malice in her, but there was certainly negligence in her action, and criminal negligance."

When Noonan asked Greene if she had anything to say, she responded with a terse, "Nothing, sir."

Noonan said he has thought long and hard about this case and read every letter and every document associated with it.

He said the Probation Department report recommended treating her as an adult and sending her to state prison.

"If we were to do that on either of these counts, I feel quite confident it would not be disturbed by any other court," Noonan said.

However, Noonan said, he did not intend to hinder Greene's ambition to become a teacher.

"I would agree that the levels of drugs and alcohol in your system were not as great as some of the cases I see every day," Noonan said. "Your levels were very nominal. You were not somebody out there blasted beyond the ability to know what's going on around you.

"But," Noonan added, "Your decision to go out in a black golf cart on a darkened public highway and put yourself and your boyfriend in harm's way had to have something to do with the drugs and alcohol in your system to make you make such a stupid decision."

He said by all indications, Greene's behavior that night was out of character for her.

"Lord knows your decision on that night was stupid and resulted in a terrible, terrible tragedy," Noonan said. "It is just heartbreaking to everybody in this courtroom."

St. Joseph Catholic School will hold its 53^rd Annual Popcorn Ball on October 13^th of this year at 6 p.m. at the school, which is located at 2 Summit St. in Batavia. The theme of this year's ball will be “A Taste of Genesee” and will feature food from several area restaurants.

Those that have already agreed to participate include TF Brown's, Center Street Smoke House and Alex’s Place. Organizers are still hoping to add a few more restaurants in the next few weeks and are also looking for donations in the form of prizes and gift baskets. 

The school will also honor outstanding alumni and present the first “Spirit of St. Joseph” award at this year’s Popcorn Ball. Nominations are still being accepted on the school’s Web site, www.sjsbatavia.org.

Anyone interested in participating should contact the school at 343-6154 or email Chad Zambito at chadzambito@gmail.com

A server and bartender at Center Street Smoke House has been arrested and accused of stealing more than $3,000 from his employer.

Charged with grand larceny, 3rd, is Adam J.Hoag, 36, of 162 Ross St., Batavia.

Hoag, who was employed at the restaurant from May 2010 until May of this year, allegedly voided transactions and falsely documented receipt of discount coupons and gift certificates.

Following arraignment in city court, Hoag was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Third-degree grand larceny is a Class D felony.

Buffalo News: Pressure growing over Silver's role in sexual harassment settlement

A gargantuan dog, believed to be a Great Dane, has no collar and has been running loose for most of the day. Earlier, an animal control officer tried approaching it, but the canine would not allow the officer near. Now, a woman tells dispatch she has a Great Dane in her custody at her car, parked at Hutton Road and Maple Avenue in Oakfield. After an officer finishes investigating the allegation of constantly barking huskies in Alabama, she will meet up with the Dane's temporary handler.

UPDATE 6:43 p.m.: The woman who's keeping tabs on the enormous pooch is munching on pretzels while awaiting the animal control officer. No word on whether she's sharing, but we're betting she is as there is little alternative in this situation with said quarry.

UPDATE 6:49 p.m.: "Genesee, I'm in the vicinity of the stray Great Dane."

UPDATE 7:41 p.m.: The officer has the dog and is pound bound. Is anyone missing a Great Dane? (The breed is not exactly inconspicuous. (It's irrefutable, scientific fact that its size is dwarfed by factors not yet quantifiable, for example, a big heart.))

An officer is responding to 1371 Lewiston Road, Alabama, for a complaint of dogs barking ceaselessly. The nearest crossroads are Alleghany Road and Church Street. There are reportedly three Siberian huskies on the property.

UPDATE 6:38 p.m.: "The owner has been advised. All FOUR dogs are licensed," the officer reports to dispatch, adding that now she's headed to Oakfield for the stray Great Dane.

Burnt food in Room 102 in Spruce Hall at College Village resulted in a fire alarm to which the Town of Batavia Volunteer Fire Department's Engine 24 responded. Upon investigation, burnt food was confirmed to be the cause for alarm and Engine 24 is back in service.

A political fight among Conservative Party members in Erie and Niagara counties is going to cost Genesee County taxpayers $28,000.

How's that?

According to Art Munger, Conservative Party chairman and Genesee County resident, Erie County Conservatives won't support State Sen. Mark Grisanti (inset photo) because of his vote in support of gay marriage. A group of conservatives in Niagara County continue to support Grisanti.

Rather than back the slate of committee candidates chosen by the other seven counties in the 27th Congressional District, Niagara is running its own slate of candidates who side with Grisanti, Munger said.

Grisanti's state senate district encompasses parts of both Erie and Niagara counties, but none of Genesee County.

"Niagara forced (the primary) on the eight counties involved in the congressional district," Munger said. "That's their right. They have a right to the ballot, but it's not us local people that are causing this cost. We had a slate. They choose not to cooperate and work with us and instead filed their own slate."

Munger isn't 100-percent certain, but he said as far as he can tell, all 12 members of the Niagara slate are Niagara County residents.

Richard Siebert, the Republican election commissioner for Genesee County, informed the Ways and Means Committee today about the anticipated expense.

While there are only 845 registered conservatives in Genesee County, the election commission must set up 29 polling places throughout the county for the primary.

Each of the 29 polling places must be staffed by four elections inspectors, two Democrats and two Republicans, plus there is the cost of moving and setting up the machines. 

The only other primary Sept. 13 is for Batavia Town Board, which requires three polling places.

Siebert told legislators that a 100-voter turnout for the conservative primary would be a good turn out.

"You can do the math," Seibert said. "That would be $280 per voter."

Outside, Siebert said the last time there was a conservative primary in Genesee County, for treasurer, turnout was very low.

"Personally, I think we'll be lucky to have 100 come out," Siebert said.

Even so, Siebert said, the Conservatives have every right to go to the polling place and decide who should represent them.

"This is the American way," Siebert said. "They represent people in their districts as committeemen and they have a right to be on the ballot. We could have the same thing in our own parties (Republican and Democrat). If somebody wanted to challenge a committeeman, we could have a primary."

Munger said he regrets the expense for county taxpayers.

"I wish we didn’t have the primary," Munger said. "We in Genesee County don't want one, but it appears we're going to have one. We have our slate and we're expecting to go out and win."