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Grand Jury Report: Man accused of using stolen credit cards on retail stores

By Howard B. Owens

Raymond Gandolfo is indicted on three counts of forgery, 2nd, three counts of identify theft, 1st, three counts of criminal possession of stolen property and one count of grand larceny, 4th. Gandolfo is accused of using and attempting to use the credit cards of another person on Sept. 25 at Walmart, The Home Depot and Lowe's. Gandolfo allegedly ran up charges in excess of $1,000.

Patrick J. Ettleman is indicted on a count of robbery, 2nd. Ettleman is accused of forcibly stealing the wallet of another person while on Main Street in Batavia on May 6.

Eric P. Williams is indicted on four counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, and two counts of criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd. Williams is accused of being at 29 Central Ave., Batavia on March 12 and possessing cocaine with the intent to sell it along with packaging material to facilitate the sale of cocaine.

Elba fourth-graders create historical guidebooks

By Gretel Kauffman

This morning, Miss Daviau's and Mrs. McAllister's fourth-grade classes presented a donation to the Elba Historical Society: several copies of a guidebook they created for a walking tour of Elba, as well as mp3 players loaded with an audio version of the guidebook. 

They handed over the gifts to the historical society's grateful president, Ronald Komar, as students Mark Anauo, Elizabeth Kowalski, Madeline Augello and Collin Knapp read exerpts from the book. The project was inspired by a recent walking tour around Elba, which has been a fourth-grade tradition for more than 35 years.

The guidebook includes many of Elba's historic buildings and houses, and can be found at the Elba Historical Society Museum.

Girl riding bike on West Main sidewalk struck by car pulling from driveway

By Howard B. Owens

UPDATED 5 p.m.:

A 13-year-old girl was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy Flight this afternoon after she was struck by a car while riding her bike on a sidewalk on West Main Street, Batavia.

The girl, Emily Sherman, is at strong in stable condition. 

Her injuries are not believed to be life threatening, according to Lt. Eugene Jankowski, Batavia PD.

"(Mercy Flight) was more of a precaution, because we don't know," Jankowski said. "In things like this you can always have more serious internal injuries."

Jankowski described the Emily's apparent injuries as cuts and abrasions.

"She was conscious and alert," Jankowski said. "She was complaining, which I think is a good thing."

Emily and a friend -- believed to be students at St. Joe's -- were riding on the sidewalk eastbound when a car attempted to pull from the Denny's parking lot, making a right-hand turn onto Main.

The driver, Erin George, 23, apparently saw the first child go by and thought the coast was clear, but the second child was just coming by and obscured by a door pillar of the sedan.

Jankowski said George stopped as quickly as she could, but did drag the girl under her car into the street.

City of Batavia Fire arrived on scene and used air bags to lift the car and safely extricate Emily.

She was then taken by a Mercy EMS ambulance to a field off River Street on the opposite side of the Tonawanda Creek.

George was obviously distraught following the accident. Jankowski said she would be taken to the police station for a witness statement then helped home.

"I don't think she's in any condition to drive," Jankowski said.

The mother of both girls showed up at the scene as did the principal of St. Joe's and Batavia City Council President Marianne Clattenburg, who teaches at St. Joe's.

Jankowski said parents need to remind their children of bicycle safety during the summer months. Bicycles should not ride on sidewalks, but on the roadway and with the flow of traffic, Jankowski said.

While it's not known whether the girl was wearing a helmet -- none was visible at the scene -- and there's no indication she suffered a head injury, Jankowski emphasized the importance of bicycle helmets.

"It could be an important factor in saving a life," Jankowski said. "I'm a big promoter of helmets. I wear one myself when I ride."

(initial post)

 

Kid on bike struck by vehicle in front of Denny's

By Billie Owens

A child on a bicycle has been struck by a vehicle in front of Denny's restaurant at 364 W. Main St. in Batavia. The child is still under the vehicle.

Batavia Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding. Mercy Flight is being sent in, with a five minute ETA.

UPDATE 12:58 p.m.: Ladder truck 15 out of the city is going to set up a landing zone for the helicopter on River Street, south of Main street by the creek.

UPDATE 1:03 p.m.: Mercy Flight is on the ground.

UPDATE 1:06 p.m.: The victim has been extricated.

Oakfield resident suffers head injury in ATV accident in Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

An ATV rider driving on a trail next to a railroad track in Alexander hit a ditch and was thrown from his vehicle on Saturday afternoon.

Injured in the accident was Matthew S. Streiff, 38, of 39 Drake St., Oakfield.

Streiff was riding on the former Erie Lackawana Railroad bed, which runs parallel of Genesee Street, off Stroh Road, Alexander.

When his ATV hit the ditch, he was ejected, according to Deputy Frank Bordonaro, who investigated the accident, which happened at about 4 o'clock.

A friend transported Streiff to UMMC and Streiff was then transferred to Strong Memorial Hospital.

Streiff, who suffered a head injury, is listed in satisfactory condition at Strong.

Police Beat: Alleged mailbox caper leads to charges in Bergen

By Howard B. Owens

Michele Ann Case, 46, of North Bergen Road, Bergen, is charged with petit larceny and criminal mischief, 4th. Case is accused of spray painting a mailbox that did not belong to her. Case allegedly took a mailbox and painted over the house numbers on it and then painted her own house numbers on it.

Jesse Jack Carney, 19, Highland Drive, Marcelius, is charged with petit larceny and possession/consumption of alcohol by a person under 21. Carney is accused of stealing Dippin Dots ice cream while at Darien Lake Theme Park. During the investigation by Deputy Patrick Reeves, Carney was allegedly found in possession of alcohol.

Elizabeth Rose Kaylie Searle, 18, of Apulia Road, La Fayette, is charged with petit larceny and possession/consumption of alcohol by a person under 21. Searle is accused of stealing Dippin Dots ice cream while at Darien Lake Theme Park. During the investigation by Deputy Patrick Reeves, Searle was allegedly found in possession of alcohol.

Andrea Murphy Harrington, 19, of Otisco Valley Road, Preble, is charged with possession/consumption of alcohol by a person under 21. Harrington was reportedly at Darien Lake Theme Park and allegedly consuming alcohol.

Candice Ashley Clemens, 19, of Route 80, La Fayette, is charged with possession/consumption of alcohol by a person under 21. Clemens was reportedly at Darien Lake Theme Park and allegedly consuming alcohol.

Tyler Pasquale Schroeder, 19, of Lewiston Road, Batavia, was turned over to the Sheriff's Office by Attica Police on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court. Schroeder was jailed on $50,000 bail.

Lewis Martin Fuller, 51, of Clinton Street Road, Bergen, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Fuller reportedly voluntarily turned over suspected smoking paraphernalia during an investigation into a domestic incident on June 14. The paraphernalia allegedly contained a quantity of marijuana.

Today's Deals: T.F. Brown's, Settler's, Alli's, Bohn's, Mane Attraction, Spirits & More

By Lisa Ace

T.F. Brown's, at 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." We have a $10 gift card for $5.

Settler's Restaurant, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts, lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Spirits, 78 Lake St., Le Roy, NY. Le Roy's favorite sports bar, where fun and good food are always on tap. We have $20 gift certificates for $10.

Bohn's Restaurant, 5256 Clinton St., Batavia, NY. Fine dining in an atmosphere of casual elegance. Lunch and dinner, steak, prime rib and seafood. Ask about Bohn's catering services and banquet facility. We have $25 gift certificates for $12.50.

Clor's Meat Market, 4169 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: For the best, most flavorful, juiciest chicken or hamburger in town, hands down, stop by Clor's. Oh, and the steaks are great, too. And the sausage. Clor's also serves lunch and dinners from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. We have a $10 gift card for $5.

Alli's Cones & Dogs, 7063 Lewiston Road, Oakfield, NY: Full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu; all-you-can-eat salad bar; ice cream served year-round; eat-in or take-out. We have $20 gift certificates for $10.

Delavan's, 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY: To me, Delavan's is one of those restaurants where you want to eat frequently until you try everything on the menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

The Mane Attraction, 99 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: The Mane Attraction is a spa and salon offering pedicures, manicures, hair styling and massage. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Jagged Edges Salon, 4140 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, NY. Jagged Edges Salon is a walk-in and appointment salon for men, women and children. It is a fun, welcoming salon that offers all hair care services including cuts, color, highlights, lowlights, perms, styling/updos, treatments, and facial waxing. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

South Main Country Gifts, 3356 Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Handcrafted items, gifts with a regional flair, candles, teas and spices -- South Main has a wide selection to please most any interest. Decorate your home or office for spring or summer. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

SOLD OUT

Note: if you've never bought a Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

Boat burning in back yard of Stafford residence

By Howard B. Owens

A resident in the area of Randall and Buckley roads, Stafford, is apparently burning a fiberglass boat.

A caller reported seeing a column of black smoke. A first responder found the fire and said that it appeared somebody was burning the boat.

Stafford Fire Department is being dispatched to 6590 Randall Road.

UPDATE 6:41 p.m.: Photo submitted by Donna Hall.

 


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Batavia High School Class of '76 to hold 35th Reunion

By Billie Owens

Batavia High School's Class of 1976 is having a casual gathering to reunite with friends and socialize on Friday, July 1 at the Smoke House restaurant on Center Street.

The 35th Reunion will be from 6 to 11 p.m. on the second floor. Attire is casual, so is attitude. There will be a cash bar and food available.

The organizers ask that you inform any and all contacts from the Class of '76 and advise them to reply as to whether or not they will be attending at <Bataviahs1976@gmail.com>

"Thanks and we look forward to seeing all of you there!"

'Taylor Tots' prepare for Taylor Swift concert by making a video

By Howard B. Owens

Caitlin Zipfel alerted us to this video of her young cousin and her friends, all from Elba, whom she said are excited to be going to the Taylor Swift concert in Buffalo tomorrow. Caitlin said they call themselves the "Taylor Tots."

Stray ferret found on Ganson Avenue

By Howard B. Owens

Submitted by Pamela Fry:

For the past six days, a ferret has been living in our backyard. It is a very friendly critter which leads me to believe that it's a pet of somebody's. My neighbor next door has been kind enough to keep the ferret safe in her garage with food and water for the time being.

If you have lost your ferret, or, if you are interested in keeping this ferret as your own pet, please let me know so we can get this ferret a safe home.

UPDATE: A home has been found for the ferret.

Unemployment rate for Genesee County drops, more jobs reported

By Howard B. Owens

Unemployment in Genesee County fell to 7.1 percent for May 2011, down from April's figure of 8.0, and lower than a year ago when unemployment was 7.6.

Total non-farm jobs increased from April to May by 1,300 positions, going from 22,500 jobs in Genesee County to 23,800.

The May figure is the same as it was in May 2010.

Private-sector jobs increased month-over-month from 16,300 to 17,600, which also represents a year-over-year increase for May of 100 jobs.

Government jobs remained unchanged month-to-month, and down by 100 jobs year-over-year, going from 16,300 to 16,200. 

Leisure and hospitality jobs, such as those jobs counted at Darien Lake Theme Park, were up 45 percent from April to May, going from 2,400 to 3,500. In May 2010, the category had 3,400 jobs.

Nationally, the unemployment rate for May was 8.7 percent and for New York was 7.7 percent.

Area 51 motocross racing

By Destin Danser

I was out at Area 51 yesterday to watch the races and take some photos. I had a great time and figured I would share a few. If you have never been there, you are really missing out on one of the great attractions in Genesee County! 

A young rider waves to the camera, making it look easy! He's in the 7-11 age group!

 

Four more photos after the jump:

 

Two riders battle for the lead during the final lap!

 

 

Photos by Destin Danser

Police Beat: Man accused of hitting boy on Father's Day

By Howard B. Owens

Anthony Devon Alexander, 37, Wast Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Alexander is accused of slapping a 13-year-old boy on the face leaving welts and bruising. The alleged incident occurred at noon, Sunday (Father's Day).

Stephanie Rae LaVoice, 26, of Brown Road, Corfu, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving left of the pavement markings in a no-passing zone and driving left at railroad crossing. LaVoice was stopped at 1:17 a.m., Saturday, on Brown Road, Batavia, by Deputy Jason Saile.

Ryan M. Palmer, 29, of 10 Birchwood Drive, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Palmer is accused of shoving a female acquaintance.

Paul B. Heale, 58, of 29 Linwood Ave., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, endangering the welfare of a child and resisting arrest. Heale was arrested following an alleged domestic incident at 6 p.m., Saturday.

Shawn William Shanahan, 40, of Bonnie Brae Drive, Darien, is charged with DWI, aggravated driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, failure to keep right, possession/consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Shanahan was stopped at 2:16 a.m., Sunday, on Route 20, Darien, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Rene Corez-Marrero, 28, of East Utica Street, Buffalo, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and dark window tint. Corez-Marrero was stopped at 7:54 p.m., Saturday, on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Corez-Marrero is also charged with coercion, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. Corez-Marrero was reportedly involved at an incident at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, at Darien Lake Theme Park where Corez-Marrero allegedly did not allow a woman to contact police and took her personal property.

Dean Wilkins, 47, of Telephone Road, Pavilion, is charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd. Wilkins is accused of depositing a forged check into an account at the Le Roy Federal Credit Union. Wilkins was jailed without bail.

Heidi L. Thomas, 27, and Denise R. Queen, no age given, both of 20 1/2 Dellinger Ave., Batavia, are charged with attempted petit larceny. Thomas and Queen allegedly tried to steal merchandise from Dollar General on June 17.

Hannah E. Dibble, 18, and a 16-year-old, both of Akron Road, Corfu, and a 17-year-old of Longs Lane, Corfu, are all charged with petit larceny. The trio is accused of shoplifting at 10:08 p.m., June 14, from Walmart.

Vehicle on its roof on Gabbey Road, Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident, with unknown injuries, is reported at 871 Gabbey Road in Pembroke. The vehicle is on its roof.

The location is "by the bend" at Wyman and Marble roads.

Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE 1:20 a.m.: The driver and a passenger said to be his girlfriend are not in the vehicle. State Troopers went to a house not far away on Route 5, where it was thought they might be, but they weren't there. Now troopers are going to a house on South Lake Road. At least one of the vehicle's occupants is believed to be injured. Firefighters are proceeding to stage in the area of South Lake and Gabbey roads, not far from the accident scene. Mercy medics are continuing non-emergency mode. A hook tow truck is en route to the vehicle, a red Corvette.

UPDATE 1:40 a.m.: Law enforcement tells dispatch that the two parties involved purportedly suffered only cuts and bruises and that they they were taken by a third party to their respective residences. Next, the pair was thought to be indeed at the South Lake Road residence -- based on what a responder reportedly saw -- despite what the homeowner contended. This sparked comments on the scanner about "honesty issues." Now, the Corvette's occupants are thought to be, or are returning to, the home on Route 5. Pembroke and Indian Falls are put back in service, along with Mercy medics. A fire hyrdrant was sheared off as a result of the accident, but is not spouting water. The water authority has been notified.

Rollover accident in Pavilion claims life of Black Street Road resident

By Howard B. Owens

A driver involved in a single-vehicle rollover accident late Saturday afternoon died as a result of his injuries, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Lavern L. Williams, 57, of Black Street Road, Pavilion, was transported to UMMC by ground ambulance following the 6:23 p.m. accident where he was pronounced dead.

Williams was driving a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee southbound on Linwood Road when his vehicle went off the west side of the road, striking a utility pole then a pile of brush, which caused the Jeep to overturn. The Cherokee came to rest on its wheels. 

Pavilion and Le Roy fire departments were called to the scene and Williams was extricated from the vehicle. 

Mercy Flight was called to the scene, but Mercy EMS transported Williams to UMMC.

The accident is being investigated by Deputy Chad Mower, Sgt. Greg Walker and Deputy Eric Seppala of the Crash Management Team.

(initial report)

Oakfield man accused of choking his girlfriend

By Howard B. Owens

A 23-year-old Oakfield man is accused of choking his girlfriend early Saturday morning to the point where she blacked out.

Arrested on one count of strangulation in the second degree is Keven Michael Waleski, of 63 S. Pearl St., Oakfield.

The incident allegedly occurred at 3:56 a.m., Saturday.

As a result of the alleged strangulation, the woman reportedly became dizzy and lost consciousness. 

Waleski was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Serious one-car accident in Pavilion

By Alecia Kaus

In Pavilion, a serious car accident at 9673 Linwood Road with entrapment has been reported. The car has hit a pole and there are wires down. One person in the back seat is unconscious and has serious injury. 

Mercy Flight 6 out of Buffalo is on the way to the scene along with Mercy Medic 2, and Pavilion Fire Department. Extrication is needed. Mercy Flight has a 14-minute ETA. Le Roy fire assisting with landing zone.

Update: Person has been extricated and Mercy Flight has a 7-minute ETA. National Grid called to the scene. No ETA given.

Update: National Grid to the scene in 25 minutes.

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