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Alabama

Grand Jury Report: Man accused of having drugs for sale at College Village

By Howard B. Owens

We only recently received the October indictments from the Genesee County Grand Jury:

Charles J. Porreca is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 5th, criminal possession of marijuana, 4th, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. On May 6, Porreca is accused of possessing marijuana while in a vehicle at 8123 Prole Road Extension. On the same date, he is accused of possessing psilocin and psilocybin contained in mushrooms with the intent to sell in a room at College Village. At the same address, he is accused of possessing more than two ounces of marijuana along with hydrocodone.

Robert Thigpen III, is charged with burglary, 1st, menacing, 2nd, and criminal mischief, 4th. Thigpen is accused of entering and remaining unlawfully in a dwelling at 111 State St., Apt. 3, Batavia, on Aug. 30, with intent to commit a crime. Allegedly, Thigpen used a knife to threaten another person. He is also accused of damaging a lock.

Amy L. Brown is charged with grand larceny, 3rd, and eight counts of offering a false instrument for filing, 1st. Brown is accused of stealing from the Department of Labor from Sept. 21 through Nov. 16, 2008. She is accused of filing false records with the Department of Labor.

Robert J. Van Pelt is charged with vehicular assault, 1st, DWI and aggravated DWI. Van Pelt is accused of driving a motor vehicle on May 2, Sandhill Road, Town of Alabama, and causing another person to be injured. His BAC was allegedly above .18.

Christopher J. Matusak is charged with DWI as a felony, aggravated DWI, three counts of criminal mischief, 3rd, and three counts of reckless endangerment, 2nd. Matusak is accused of driving drunk on May 31 with a BAC of .18 or greater, and in Town of Le Roy damaging the property of another person. The property is described as a 2007 Hyundai, a 1998 Lincoln and a 1996 Cadillac. He is accused of intentionally striking the Cadillac, which allegedly had three passengers at the time.

Shannon V. Albano is charged with a felony count of DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Albano is accused of driving drunk on April 19 in the Town of Darien.

Autumn M. Connolly is charged with grand larceny third. Connolly is accused of stealing about $4,200 from a family member between March 27 and April 13.

'Car into tree' accident reported on Council House Road

By Howard B. Owens

A caller has reported finding a car that hit a tree and is now on its side in the area of 470 Council House Road.

The caller reports finding blood, but can't see any person around, at least not in the dark.

Alabama Fire and Mercy EMS being dispatched.

UPDATE 12:13 a.m.: Alabama chief reports no victim at the scene. He confirms, the car is on its side.


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Tree down on Knowlsville Road, Alabama

By Howard B. Owens

A tree and wires are down on Knowlsville Road just south of Lewiston Road in the Town of Alabama.

The tree is completely blocking the road.

Alabama Fire is being dispatched.

UPDATE 8:22 a.m.: Town highway workers are on scene. The line down is cable, not electrical. The road should be cleared shortly.


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Police Beat: Alabama man arrested on drugs and weapon charges

By Howard B. Owens

Terrance D. Bauer, 48, of Church Street, Alabama, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, and criminal possession of marijuana, 5th. Bauer was taken into custody by the Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force following the execution of a search warrant at his residence on Oct.15. Bauer was allegedly found in possession of marijuana and a billy club, which he cannot legally possess. Bauer was released on his own recognizance following his arraignment in Town of Alabama Court.

Craig A. Tiberio, 21, of Lathrop Avenue, Le Roy, is charged with assault, 3rd. Tiberio is accused of getting into an argument at a residence on St. Mary's Street, Pavilion, and punching another person in the face causing physical injury.

Robert Adam Barnhart, 25, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny, 3rd. Barnhart was arrested on a warrant out of Wyoming County.

Aaron John Gugel, 18, of Donahue Road, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. A K-9 handled by Deputy Brian Thompson reportedly alerted on Gugel's car, parked at 260 State Street.

Sharmice Shantell Gibson, 18, Wood Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. A K-9 handled by Deputy Brian Thompson reportedly alerted on Gibson's car, parked at 260 State Street.

Police Beat: City officer makes DWI arrest

By Howard B. Owens

Michelle Richmond, 41, of 207 Washington Ave., Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and speeding. Richmond was stopped at 2:52 a.m. on West Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Darryle Streeter.

William L. Verney, 29, of Alexander, is charged with conspiracy, 6th. Verney was arrested by State Police on Monday for an alleged incident reported on Oct. 10 on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation. No further details were released.

Jeffery A. Fitzsimmons, 18, of Medina, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Fitzsimmons was arrested by State Police at 1:05 a.m., Saturday, on Route 63 in the Town of Alabama.

Harold Miles, 52, of Batavia, is charged with introduction of prison contraband, 2nd, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Miles was arrested by State Police on Saturday for an alleged incident reported on Oct. 19. No further details were released.

Man accused of entering woman's home and hitting her

By Howard B. Owens

A woman claims that a man from Alabama entered her home without permission Tuesday and assaulted her and a friend.

Arrested and charged with burglary, 1st, was Glenn David Reuben, 47, of 7536 Sandhill Road, Alabama.

Reuben was jailed on $10,000 bail.

The woman, a Lockport Road resident, suffered a cut on her face that required stitches.

The alleged assault occurred at 10:30 a.m.

Car accident in Alabama

By Billie Owens

A car accident is reported in the Town of Alabama at the intersection of Bloomingdale Avenue and Shanks Road. A passerby reportedly pushed the OnStar communications button in the vehicle, which alerted dispatch of the incident.

Alabama Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding. Alabama responders say it involves one car and is not blocking the roadway.

Fire personnel calls for Mercy EMS to continue to scene in non-emergency mode.

Alabama Fire Hall hosts fire prevention event tonight

By Billie Owens

Important safety tips on how to prevent fires will be presented at the Alabama Fire Hall tonight at 7. The public is invited to attend. It's free. Learn how to keep your family safe during the cold weather months.

The fire hall is located at 2230 Judge Road in Basom. Phone is 948-5760.

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Police Beat: Two men arrested for allegedly fighting on Pringle Avenue

By Howard B. Owens

Tyrone N. Thigpen, 33, of 9 South Lyon St., Batavia, and Robert L. Williams Jr., 20, of 25 Harvester Ave., Batavia, are charged with disorderly conduct. Thigpen and Williams are accused of fighting on Pringle Avenue at 3:10 a.m., Saturday.

Paul D. Barth Jr., 19, of Cohocton Road, Pembroke, is charged with petit larceny. Barth is accused of stealing merchandise while employed at Kmart. The alleged thefts occurred between July through September.

Lynn Ann Hertweck, 42, of Reed Road, Churchville, is charged with a felony count of DWI, aggravated DWI (driving with a BAC of .18 or greater) and improper left turn. Hertweck was stopped in the area of 30 Hunter St., Bergen, at 1:54 a.m., Sunday, by Deputy Howard Carlson.

Richard J. Kubus, 30, of 25 Vine St., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Kubus is accused of attempting to steal a grocery cart full of merchandise from Tops Market in Le Roy. The total value is reportedly $401.69.

Trevor D. Cliff, 19, of Avon, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, operating a motor vehicle without an inspection certificate and speeding. Cliff was stopped by State Police at 8:28 p.m., Saturday, on Townline Road in Alabama.

Donald I. Wagner, 61, of Pavilion, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to use designated lane. Wagner was stopped by State Police at 10:55 p.m. on Court Road, Covington.

A 17-year-old from Attica is accused of petit larceny from a location in Alexander. The youth was arrested by State Police at 1:39 p.m., Thursday. No further details released.

Follow up to an accident we reported Friday: Injured, Nikkolas M. Bruner, 52, of Basom.

Follow up to "wanted" post for Deborah Compton: Compton was taken into custody Saturday at her residence and released on $1,500 bail.

Motorcycle accident with injuries reported on Council House Road

By Howard B. Owens

A motorcycle accident with injuries is reported at the intersection of Council House Road and Meadville Road.

Alabama Fire and Mercy EMS being dispatched.

UPDATE 4:38 p.m.: Apparently there's been only one call about the accident. It doesn't appear any other vehicles are involved. The rider is reportedly still on the ground.

UPDATE 4:40 p.m.: Victim is conscious and breathing, but some heavy bleeding. Mercy Flight requested to the scene.

UPDATE 4:54 p.m.: Mercy Flight on its way, about a seven minute ETA.

UPDATE 5:04 p.m.: Mercy Flight is at the scene.

UPDATE: Several minutes ago, Mercy Flight left the scene and all Alabama units are back in service.

Oakfield-Alabama inducting four grads into alumni hall of fame

By Howard B. Owens

Four outstanding grads of Oakfield-Alabama High School are being honored this week through induction into the Alumni Hall of Fame.

The honorees include a military hero, a wildlife biologist, a fingerprint expert and an infant cardiology specialist.

The Alumni Association will host a reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Caryville Inn in Oakfield. The honorees will also be recognized Friday night during O-A's Homecoming football game against Pembroke.

More information about the honorees after the jump:

Oakfield-Alabama Alumni Hall of Fame 2010

Colonel Ernest B. Shepard, 1934
Ernest B. Shepard was born in Presque Isle, Maine, but moved to the Town of Alabama at an early age. He graduated from Oakfield High School in 1934. After graduating from college and a short teaching career, Ernest decided to serve his country and enlisted in the Air Force where he served in active duty from Nov. 3, 1941 until his retirement on Aug. 1, 1968.

Shortly after his enlistment, the United States entered World War II where Ernest served with distinction as a fighter pilot with the 316th Fighter Squadron. As WWII progressed, Ernest was attached to the 384th Fighter Squadron. Here he served as a fighter pilot and fighter squadron leader on 35 combat missions. Because of his leadership skills, Captain Shepard was selected to serve as squadron operations officer and was promoted to the rank of Major by February 1945.

Col. Shepard went on to become a P-51 Mustang pilot and squadron operation officer, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross "for extraordinary achievement while on bomber escort missions over Germany and German-occupied countries from September 9, 1944 to January 3, 1945." He was recognized for demonstrating an unfailing initiative and exemplary devotion to duty. Ernest B. Shepard served with distinction as lead pilot of a fighter group and fighter squadron on 14 missions. His outstanding leadership and outstanding airmanship resulted in the successful completion of these operations without loss of personel.

During his career, Ernest also received the: Air Medal with 11 Oak Leaf Clusters; Distinguished Unit Citation; European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with seven Bronze Stars: Air Force Longevity Service Award with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster; National Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Star; Viet Nam Service Medal; and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.

David Odell, 1965
David Odell is a retired NYS Department of Environmental Conservation wildlife biologist. Early in his life, David decided he would devote his career and energy to protecting our natural resources. His love of the outdoors began with his earliest childhood experiences exploring the fields and forests around the Town of Alabama, studying and collecting everything from fossils to live animals.

David received his B.A. in Zoology from Houghton College in 1969 and then went on to SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, where his major was Zoology. He received his Master of Science, with an emphasis in Wildlife Management, in 1974.

After high school and college, some interesting employment opportunities came his way, but David was convinced that he could make the greatest difference in the field of natural resource conservation. When offered a job with the DEC, David gladly accepted and became a career employee.

As project coordinator of the Montezuma Wetlands, David played a significant role in the expansion of land protection, restoration, enhancement and management of the Montezuma Wetland Complex. In his role as program director of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex, David has worked with a variety of partners, including Ducks Unlimited, DEC, The Audubon Society, the Nature Conservancy, the Friends of Montezuma, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and others. His lifelong commitment to and passion for waterfowl conservation has made a difference for all New Yorkers who enjoy wildlife.

In addition to his work with the DEC, David has also served as an assistant professor (adjunct) with the Houghton College Department of Biology. In this role, he taught courses including Wildlife Biology, Field Ornithology, Ecology of Alaska (two trips) and Animal Ecology Lab. David has also authored numerous conservation-related materials. Outside the workplace, Dave is active in his church, and (together with his wife) has taken part in two short-term missions trips to Honduras. Dave is a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International, having served as local club president and literacy chairman.

Valerie Palone McDonald, 1974
After graduating from OA with the Class of '74 Valerie Palone went to work for GTE Sylvania where she remained until August 1978. During that time, she attended night classes at Genesee Community College where she studied Business Administration and Accounting. A move to Washington, D.C., later that year would prove to be a major turning point in her life; she has several decades of experience with the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice, and Federal Bureau of Prisons since that time.

Val began her career in Washington as a fingerprint examiner with the FBI. By February 1981, she was an FBI Space Management Specialist managing over 300 FBI offices located west of the Mississippi, including Hawaii and Alaska. In May 1986, she was assigned as a facilities planning specialist for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). In 1987 Valerie was selected as the first female construction project administrator for the Department of Justice (DOJ), Justice Management Division, Facilities and Administrative Services Staff.

Beginning in July 1992, Val served as a facilities management officer at the Federal Bureau of Prisons. One of her responsibilities in that capacity was to direct the development and implementation of a nationwide Long Range Master Plan to address federal prison facilities' physical plants and infrastructure of older institutions.

In 1999, Val was promoted to the chief of Facilities Programs, becoming the first female ever to hold this high position. One national program that she managed was the energy and water conservation program. In May 2006, Val was selected as the chief of Facilities Management for the Drug Enforcement Administration. In this position she was responsible for acquisition, design, construction and operation of 379 DEA domestic offices nationwide. On Dec. 6, 2009, Val was again promoted and selected as the first female ever to serve in her current capacity as DEA Chief Facilities Operations Section, for DEA Real Property worldwide, including DEA presence in 86 countries. Over the course of her federal career, Valerie has written many policies, manuals, reports, budgets and project papers. From February 2005 to October 2005, Val authored the FBOP Real Property Assessment Plan to comply with a Presidential Executive order. This Asset Management Plan became the model for the Department of Justice and was ultimately submitted to and approved by the Office of Management and Budget, Congress and the President.

Dr. Gul Dadlani, 1990
After graduating from OACS, Gul went on to the State University of New York at Buffalo where he earned his bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1994. Four years later, Dr. Dadlani received his medical degree from the University of Buffalo. From 1998 to 2001, he completed a residency in pediatrics at Children's Hospital, Buffalo, where he received the Resident Teaching Award for three consecutive years as well as the University of Buffalo Medical School Siegal Teaching Award in Pediatrics.

Between 2001 and 2004, Dr. Dadlani completed a fellowship in pediatric cardiology at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester and twice received a Fellow Teaching Award from Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong.

Dr. Dadlani is board certified in pediatric cardiology. His special interests include heart failure, cardiomyopathies, pulmonary hypertension, fetal echocardiography and Kawasaki disease.

Dr. Dadlani is the medical director of Pediatric Cardiology and Pediatric Cardiology Echocardiography laboratory director at All Children's Hospital located in St. Petersburg, Fla. The Safebeat Initiative, a current research project directed by Dr. Dadlani, involves All Children's Hospital community outreach program partnering with the Cardiac Arrhythmias Syndromes Foundation. The initiative provides cardiovascular education and free screening EKG's to high school students along the west coast of Florida with the goal of preventing sudden cardiac death.

Since February 2005, Dr. Dadlani has been the clinical assistant professor of Pediatrics at the University of South Florida. He has also presented numerous lectures relating to infant cardiology, authored a chapter in a medical textbook, and is credited as author of several medical publications.

Alabama man supsected of illegally modifying weapons for sale

By Howard B. Owens

An Alabama man whose home was raided early Tuesday morning and had 12 guns seized is suspected of modifying weapons for sale, according to Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster.

"I think he was trying to expand his business a little bit," Brewster said. "He's been rather active in turning legal weapons into allegedly illegal weapons, which is why we sent the guns to the crime lab for further evaluation."

One clearly modified gun was found, according to a Sheriff's Office press release, along with a silencer and a large capacity magazine. The other weapons will be examined and additional charges may be filed.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) participated in the raid and it's possible that Christopher Jon Bombard, 31, of 7133 Maple St. Road, will also face federal charges, which carry substantially stiffer penalties than state felonies.

Bombard was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, 2nd, and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd.

Brewster said the weapons seized included .22 long rifles and assault-style rifles.

"We do not get the impression that he had been doing this for a very long period of time," Brewster said.

The $300 seized in the raid is believed to be the fruit of an alleged illegal gun sale, Brewster said.

The weapons were being sold locally, Brewster said, and it was that local activity that led to a tip being funneled to the Sheriff's Office through the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force. The task force conducted the investigation and raid, along with the ATF and other local agencies.

The Local Drug Enforcement Task Force handles much more than drug investigations, Brewster noted. It is also charged with vice and organized crime investigation, for example, so "this was right up their alley which is why I authorized them to handle the case."

Cache of weapons reportedly found in home of Alabama man

By Howard B. Owens

A dozen weapons, including one that was altered in an allegedly illegal manner, were recovered from an Alabama residence in an early morning raid by local law enforcement.

A silencer and large capacity magazine designed to fit the altered gun were also allegedly found at the residence of Christopher Jon Bombard, 31, of 7133 Maple St. Road.

Bombard was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, 2nd, and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd.

The other weapons are being sent to the Monroe County Public Safety Lab for further examination.

Additional charges may be filed.

The 7:15 a.m. raid was carried out the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force, which also recovered $300 cash.

Bombard was jailed on $100,000 bail.

Also participating in the investigation and raid were the District Attorney's Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Genesee County Office of Emergency Management and Mercy EMS.

Police Beat: Batavia resident accused of giving cigarettes to minors

By Howard B. Owens

Richard J. Kubis, 30, of 25 Vine St., Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Kubis is accused of supplying cigarettes to two youths, ages 12 and 13.

Darlene McComb, 51, of 110 Bank St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. McComb was arrested on a warrant for an alleged Aug. 27 incident. McComb is accused of kicking UMMC emergency room staff.

Lawrence D. Williams, 50, of 15 Walnut St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Williams is accused of shoving a woman. Bail was set at $200.

Clinton J. Reese, 46, of 106 Ellsworth Ave., Batavia, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd. Reese is accused of threatening to kill another person.

Chelsie R. Dibble, 25, of Corfu, is charged with DWI and aggravated DWI. Dibble was stopped by State Police at 2:26 a.m., Sunday, on Akron Road in Corfu.

Carl F. Jenkins, 18, of Clarence Center, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Jenkins was stopped by State Police at 1:47 a.m., Saturday, on Route 238 near Route 20 in Darien.

Edmund Rogalski, 51, of Rochester, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle. Rogalski was stopped by State Police at 1:38 a.m., Thursday, on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation.

Pratt helps carry Notre Dame to win over Oakfield-Alabama

By Howard B. Owens

Mike Pratt and the Fighting Irish dominated the Oakfield-Alabama Hornets from Notre Dame's opening drive, when Pratt carried the ball on each snap resulting in a touchdown.

In all, Pratt had 234 yards on 18 carries and scored three times.

Notre Dame won 36-0 in the Saturday afternoon match-up.

It was also a big game for Nick Taylor, who had 16 carries for 118 yards and two touchdowns.

In all, Notre Dame rushed for 433 yards on 50 attempts.

On defense, Taylor also had six tackles.

The Hornets drop to 0-3 and Notre Dame moves to 2-1.

In other Genesee County football action Friday and Saturday:

Alexander (0-3) fell to Barker (1-2), 20-17. Jared Quinn threw two touchdown passes to John Winiecki for Alexander.

Pembroke (3-0) defeated Elba/Byron-Bergen (2-1) 6-3. For Pembroke, Caine Cole had 155 yards on 32 attempts, while Dylan Bordonaro had 85 yards on 13 rushes for Elba/Byron-Bergen.

After two shutout wins to open the season, Holley (2-1) lost to Attica (2-1), 26-23. For Attica, Brad Clark rushed for 247 yards on 32 carries. He scored twice, including the winning touchdown. 

Le Roy (2-1) dominated Perry (1-2), 56-20. Tommy McQuillen rushed for 186 yards on 10 touches and scored four touchdowns. Defensively, Brad Morgan forced a fumble and had nine tackles. Austin Steinbrenner added six tackles to go with two interceptions.

In a Saturday night game at Van Detta Stadium, the Batavia Blue Devils were 0-3 after losing to St. Mary's (2-1), 21-14.

More pictures from OA at ND after the jump:

Two-car accident at Alleghany and Judge roads

By Billie Owens

A two-car motor-vehicle accident, with two injuries and blocking the roadway, is reported at Alleghany and Judge roads.

Alabama Fire Department is responding. Two ambulances are requested.

UPDATE (5:07 p.m.): Mercy Flight is called to the scene.

UPDATE (5:21 p.m.): Mercy Flight has landed.

UPDATE (5:38 p.m.): Mercy Flight is headed to Strong Memorial Hospital. The ambulance is going to United Memorial. The medic aboard Mercy Flight referred to the crash as a "T-bone" type of accident.

Police Beat: Bergen man accused of possessing stolen dirt bike

By Howard B. Owens

James C. Oehler, 18, of Route 19, Bergen, is accused of possession of stolen property, 5th. At 9:16 p.m., Sunday, Oehler was allegedly found in possession of a dirt bike that was reported stolen from a residence in the Village of Bergen on July 25.

James Anthony Marchegiano, 22, of Westside Drive, Chili, is charged with a DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle. Marchegiano was stopped at 11:36 p.m., Friday, on Sumner Road by Deputy Chad Minuto. Marchegiano was allegedly observed driving his car in an erratic manner in the parking lot following the Rascal Flatts concert at Darien Lake.

Grant Arnold Sundown, 46, of Skye Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with criminal mischief. Sundown allegedly punched another person in the head. When that person attempted to call 9-1-1, Sundown allegedly ripped the phone line from the wall while the caller was on the phone with Genesee County Emergency Dispatch.

Steven James Scott, 19, of Ford Road, Elba, is charged with trespass and unlawful possession of alcohol by a person under 21. Scott was allegedly on the property of College Village at 12:52 a.m., Friday, without permission.

Narciso Gullen, 36, of Route 98, Elba, is charged with possession of a forged instrument, 2nd. Gullen allegedly tried to use a forged federally issued residency card. He was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Richard Anthony Orlando, 31, of Cable Street, Buffalo, is charged with criminal mischief and unlawful possession of marijuana. At 12:30 a.m., Sunday, deputies responded to a report of a verbal domestic incident at a campsite in Alexander. Orlando allegedly smashed a television set and a fan and turned over a refrigerator. Orlando was jailed on $150 bail.

Joseph Aaron Monkelbaan, 38, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with trespass. Monkelbaan is accused of going onto a neighbor's property at 7:21 p.m., Friday, without permission and causing a disturbance.

Kevin A. Hutzler, 21, of Darien, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to keep right. Hutzler was stopped by State Police at 8:41 p.m., Thursday, on Colby Road.

Anthony R. Cogdill, 40, of Darien, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Cogdill was stopped by State Police at 9:23 p.m., Thursday, Harper Road, Alexander.

Richard J. Rookey, 77, of Batavia, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI and moving from lane unsafely. Rookey was stopped by State Police 8:14 p.m., Wednesday, on Clinton Street and East Avenue.

James V. Wells, 25, of Batavia, is charged with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct/obscene gestures. Wells was arrested by State Police at 12:24 a.m., Wednesday at College Village. No further details were released.

Genesee County's first Leandra's Law sentencing delayed

By Howard B. Owens

A former Orleans County resident who was accused of driving drunk with children in her car on Dec. 29, shortly after Leandra's Law was passed, had her sentence delayed this morning, giving the probation department time to confirm her new residency in Oakfield.

Michelle M. Kasper, 20, formerly of Albion, could have become the first Genesee County resident sentenced under Leandra's Law.

Assistant District Attorney Melissa Cianfrini also raised a concern that Kasper admitted on Aug. 12 to driving while intoxicated, then during a pre-sentencing interview, Kasper said she hadn't been drinking prior to accident that led to her arrest. She told probation that she drink three energy drinks containing alcohol after the accident.

Ask to explain the contradiction, attorney Nathan Pace had a hard time explaining his client's comments, saying he didn't hear what questions she was asked by probation that led to her answer.

Kasper told Judge Robert C. Noonan that she had drinks earlier, but not immediately prior to the accident.

Noonan went ahead and agreed with a defense request to delay sentencing so that her new residency in Genesee County could be confirmed so that her sentence could include supervision.

Kasper was arrested on Dec. 29. She was the second WNY resident charged with a DWI felony under Leandra's Law, which increases the penalties for DWI with children under age 15 in the car. She was also charged with three counts of endangering the welfare of a child and one count of unlawful possession of marijuana.

DWI charge follows accident in Alabama that injures three Batavia men

By Howard B. Owens

Three Batavia men were injured in a weekend accident in Alabama, according to State Police.

None of the injuries were life threatening, but the driver, 23-year-old Adam L. Durfree, of Bank Street, Batavia, was charged with DWI.

Sgt. Kurt Schmidt said investigators concluded the accident was the result of alleged speeding and drinking.

Durfree's car struck a tree at 6324 Knowlesville Road, Alabama, after he apparently lost control of it and it slid off the roadway.

Also injured were William Morgan, 18, of North Lyons, Batavia, and Anthony Ogden, 18, of Holland Avenue, Batavia.

The accident occurred at 5:47 a.m., Saturday.

Durfree was treated and released at UMMC. Ogden was taken to UMMC and Morgan was taken to ECMC by ground ambulance. Schmidt said Morgan suffered multiple cuts.

Second Annual Alabama Jam set for 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday

By Billie Owens

The Second Annual Alabama Jam will take place at the Alabama tee-off Saturday afternoon.

There will be live music by local bands from 2 until 10 p.m., including "Savage Cabbage," "The Trolls," "Duck and Cover," "Above the Fog", and the "Nichols Brothers."

The public is welcome and it's sure to be a great, fun event!

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