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Tree, wires down on Pratt Road

By Billie Owens

A tree has fallen in the roadway along with some wires on Pratt Road, Town of Batavia. Town of Batavia East Pemproke Fire responding.

UPDATE 3:47 p.m.: The tree is hanging over the roadway about 10 feet off the ground. National Grid is on scene. The location is at the far west end of Pratt Road, between Slusser and Killian roads.

Jack Davis says 'buy American'

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Statement from Jack Davis, Independent Candidate for Congress (NY-26), on Report from the Bureau of Economic Analysis showing 1st quarter economic growth of 1.8 percent as the trade deficit widened:

Today’s report confirms what people outside Washington and Wall Street already knew: The economy is not getting better. 

Today’s report shows the trade deficit widened as businesses bought imported goods to restock their inventories. 

We need to put Americans back to work, and the surest way to do that is to make more of what we buy. If each American spent just 18 cents a day on American made products, it would put 200,000 people to work.

Every dollar spent on imports represents a job an American doesn’t have.  

Both parties in Washington continue to push failed economic policies that send our jobs overseas and make us dependent on imports from unstable foreign sources.

Excitement grows for O-A Alumni Softball Tournament

By Brittany Baker

As a softball team alumna of Oakfield-Alabama High School, I can say with certainty that I'm quite excited to get a chance to play on the same fields I ran around on "back in the day."

But, I'm not the only one who's ready to relive my time as a high school athlete. Registration forms for the tournament are starting to come in, according to James Patric, currently a physical education teacher and baseball coach at O-A.

"More and more people are calling about the game and details so I hope we have a good turnout," he said.

Patric hopes more enthusiastic alumni turn in their registration forms so the tournament can be a "real hit" in its first year.The deadline to turn in the forms and money has been extended to Wednesday, May 4, just in case some more people decide to join in the fun.

In an attempt to gauge interest in an activity like this, a Facebook event page was put together asking Oakfield graduates to pass the link around. About 50 positive responses poured in so planning began and a date was set for the first Oakfield-Alabama Alumni Softball/Baseball Tournament.

It will take place at the softball/baseball fields at the school from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 14. Registration costs $40 and will include a chicken barbeque dinner, a T-shirt to commemorate the day, Gatorade during the game and a chance to "hit the one you missed" or just to enjoy the sport with some old comrades.

"It should be a really fun day for everyone involved," Patric said.

Since it's likely the reunited teammates might want to mingle after the games, an adult reception is scheduled at the Caryville Inn on Main Street in the Village of Oakfield.

For more information or for last minute registration, contact James Patric at 716-560-3438 or e-mail him at jpatric@oahornet.org.

Le Roy Police investigating report of shotgun being fired in village

By Howard B. Owens

On Tuesday morning, somebody apparently fired a shotgun in the Village of Le Roy.

No injuries were reported in the 11 a.m. incident, but a bullet was lodged in the wall of a residence.

Police do not know who fired the12-gauge shotgun slug, which imbedded in the outer wall of 57 W. Main St.

It's also unclear where the person was standing when he fired the gun. It appears to be somewhere east of Craigie Street.

Police are asking any possible witnesses to call the department at 768-2527.

Multiple charges filed against motorcycle rider who allegedly fled from deputies

By Howard B. Owens

An Oakfield motorcycle rider who led local law enforcement on a high speed chase early this morning faces multiple charges, including DWI and reckless driving along with four counts of speeding.

The Sheriff's Office says Gregory P. Smith, 20, of Main Street, Oakfield, reached speeds this morning of 120 to 136 mph on what a witness described as a "crotch rocket" style motorcycle, according to dispatchers.

Initially, at 6:22 a.m., deputies were dispatched to the Village of Oakfield for a report of a motorcyclist driving fast and erratically, possibly intoxicated.

The driver reportedly dumped the bike near Wilson Farms, got it back up and headed south on Route 63, which is where he was intercepted by deputies.

When deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop, Smith allegedly sped up, heading south on Route 63 into Batavia.

The suspect then continued west on West Main Street Road, through the Town of Batavia. When the driver reached Kelsey Road, he reportedly turned north and then headed west on Galloway Road. At Downey Road, he turned north and continued to Maple, where he turned back toward the village.

Smith reportedly lost control of the bike on Route 63 at Hutton Road.

He then allegedly fled on foot.

Law enforcement officers caught up with Smith in a cornfield north of the accident location and deployed a Taser to subdue him.

Smith faces the following charges: DWI; driving with a BAC of .08 or higher; reckless driving; unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle; four counts of speeding (120 in a 40 mph, 130 in a 45 mph, 120 in a 55 mph and 136 in a 30 mph); five counts of failure to stop for a stop sign; driving left of pavement markings; passing on the right; running a red light; unlicensed operation; and leaving the scene of a property damage accident.

The incident was investigated by Deputy Howard Carlson. Assisting in the incident were Deputy Lonnie Nati, Warrant Officer Eric Olson, Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello and the State Police.

High winds continue, trees down, power outages

By Howard B. Owens

In the past hour, calls for trees and utility poles down have subsided, and the wind seems to have died down a bit, but a strong wind warning remains in effect until 4 p.m.

There are about a dozen locations where power outages have been reported, most significantly in Elba, where 871 National Grid customers are without power. The power outage was reported at 8:48 a.m. and no ETA for when power will be restored.

Above, what's left of a tree that blew down on Lewiston Road in Oakfield. Below, a contractor saws off a large broken limb from a tree on Wortendyke Road, Town of Batavia, that was hanging precariously over the roadway.

Tree down on Porter Avenue in the city

By Billie Owens

A tree has fallen onto the road at 22 Porter Ave. in the City of Batavia.

UPDATE (by Howard): A tree branch struck two houses and a minivan.  The lines down appeared to be phone and cable.

Minor power outages reported throughout the county

By Howard B. Owens

There are at least six power outages in the county, most of them effecting fewer than five National Grid customers each.

One outage, in Alabama, has cut power to 189 customers.

Tree knocks down power line, which then caught fire on Park Avenue

By Billie Owens

A tree has fallen onto a power line, which is now on fire, at 7058 Park Ave. The pole that is attached to the power line may be broken. Oakfield Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 11:34 a.m.: The pole is sheared off in the middle. A transformer is on the ground and it's live.

UPDATE 11:35 a.m.: National Grid is notified but says it will be awhile in responding. The chief says "This should be at the top of their list."

Car strikes tree that fell onto Lewiston Road

By Billie Owens

A tree was blown onto the roadway at 6804 Lewiston Road and it was struck by a car. The driver is said to be "shaken up." The tree is completely blocking the road.

The location is between Bliss and Macomber roads. Mercy medics and Oakfield fire are en route. Fire police for traffic control are called.

UPDATE 11:23 a.m.: The tree is about five to six feet in diameter -- it's a big oak -- and the chief has called for chainsaws and loaders to cut up and haul away the wood.

UPDATE 11:38 a.m.: The driver is out of the car now.

UPDATE 12:20 p.m.: The roadway is clear and is open to traffic. Crews are back in service.

Tractor-trailer rollover accident on Route 77, Alabama

By Billie Owens

A tractor-trailer rollover accident is reported at the junction of Alleghany and Ham roads. Alabama Fire Department is en route. Sheriff's deputies are heading there for traffic control.

UPDATE 11:25 a.m.: The tractor-trailer is a "box unit" that is empty but contained about 150 gallons of fuel, which is leaking. Mercy medics were called but cancelled.

UPDATE 11:48 a.m.: Route 77 is being shut down from Ham to Ledge roads.

Tree strikes house, power pole down on Vine Street

By Billie Owens

A tree and a utility pole have blown over and onto a house at 3 Vine St. in the City of Batavia. The pole has a transformer on it and it's leaning across the roadway. National Grid is on scene. City fire dispatched.

UPDATE 11:05: City fire back in service. National Grid is handling the situation.

UPDATE 11:08 a.m.: A city code enforcement officer is called to the scene regarding the tree fallen onto the house, presumably to address safety concerns.

UPDATE (by Howard): Duane Pruston, a local landlord, said he bought 3 Vine St. just a few weeks ago. He was inside finishing up work for new tenants (he just rented it) when he walked outside, heard a crack and looked over and saw the tree falling into the house. He said wires were flying everywhere and paint crews working in a bucket next door were lucky, Pruston said, that they weren't struck by wires.

UPDATE: Frank Capuano submitted the two photos below:

Section of roof blows off barn, snaps telephone pole

By Howard B. Owens

A section of roof has blown off a barn and into a telephone pole at 1083 Transit Road.

The section of roof is tangled up in the wires. The pole snapped.

Pavilion Fire Department is dispatched.

UPDATE 10:51 a.m.: Traffic is being shut down at Sheppard and Transit. The pole is broken and leaning toward the roadway, but is not completely sheared off.

UPDATE 11:10 a.m.: The roadway is being reopened. Pavilion Fire Department is leaving the scene. The farm workers are working to clear away the portion of the barn roof. Apparently, the wires are not a safety hazard.


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Police Beat: Two people arrested following alleged domestic incident in Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

Joshua Edward Krzemien, 24, of Portageville Road, Castile, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing. Krzemien is accused putting another person in a head lock, obstructing the person's breathing, during a domestic incident on Ellicott Street Road, Pavilion, at 9:40 p.m., Tuesday.

Sarah Jean Nugent, 25, of Ellicott Street Road, Pavilion, is charged with criminal mischief. Nugent is accused of breaking the mobile phone of another person during a domestic incident on Ellicott Street Road, Pavilion, at 9:40 p.m., Tuesday.

A 16-year-old from Three Rod Road, Marilla, is charged with trespass. The youth, along with three others, are accused of being on property at 400 Seven Day Road, Darien, without permission. Also charged with trespass were three youths from Alden: a 17-year-old, of Emerson Street; a 17-year-old, of West Drive; and Steven Anthony Jasinowski, 18, of Kellogg Street.

Roof reportedly coming off apartment building on Starr Road, Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

A roof is apparently blowing off an apartment building at 10980 Starr Road, Pavilion.

Pavilion Fire Department being dispatched.

UPDATE 10:22 a.m.: The building is being evacuated.

UPDATE 10:23 a.m.: A code inspector on scene advises it's just shingles blowing off. The decking is intact and no electrical wires are involved.

UPDATE 10:26 a.m.: An assistant chief on scene reports just sheeting coming off the roof. All Pavilion equipment held in the hall.

UPDATE 10:30 a.m.: Pavilion back in service.


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High wind warning issued through 4 p.m.

By Howard B. Owens

Winds between 30 and 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph are possible today through 4 p.m.

The National Weather Service warns that strong winds could bring down trees and power lines.

Drivers of high profile vehicles should exercise caution.

A flash flood watch for the region has been cancelled.

There's a 50-percent chance of precipitation today, and it will be partly cloudy.

Pursuit of motorcycle rider in progress

By Howard B. Owens

A pursuit of a motorcycle rider is in progress. It began in Oakfield, came into the city briefly and now appears headed back toward Oakfield.

The original call was for a motorcycle rider on a "crotch rocket" apparently racing through the Village of Oakfield. The original caller suspected the rider was intoxicated.

Law enforcement units responded to Oakfield but didn't get there before he refueled at Wilson Farms.

The rider was spotted southbound on Route 63. When he reached West Main Street, he turned right and headed west. He took Kelsey to Galloway, then Downey, then Maple and is now heading back into the village and then 63.

The rider has allegedly ran multiple stop signs and "almost lost it on Maple."

He just "dumped it" on southbound Route 63.

The rider took off on foot, northbound.

UPDATE 6:34 a.m.: Suspect in custody.

UPDATE 6:37 a.m.: Medics requested to the scene to evaluate the suspect from being Tased and his tumble.

UPDATE 6:42 a.m.: Suspect is denying any injuries. Taser probes need to be removed from his legs.

Photo: High water on the Tonawanda

By Howard B. Owens

A scene along South Main Road, at about 6:45 p.m., shortly after our cloudburst.  Recent rains have the Tonawanda Creek running high, from bank-to-bank.

While radar shows the storm seems to have passed, a tornado watch remains in effect until 10 p.m.

There is a flash flood watch in effect from 10 p.m. until tomorrow morning.

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