Alexander

What may have started as a porch fire early Monday morning at 4225 Gilhooly Road, and was dispatched as a porch fire, turned out to be a fully involved house fire, said Alexander Fire Chief Marshall Merle.

The house was a total loss.

All occupants, at least four and maybe five people, Merle said, were out of the house and safe by the time fire crews arrived on scene.

There was no mention of any pets in the residence, Merle said.

No firefighters were injured during the incident. 

Merle said the fire started in the porch area. It's unclear if it started outside or inside the residence but investigators are leaning toward thinking it started inside, he said.  The cause is currently undetermined.

The American Red Cross is assisting the family. The Salvation Army responded to provide refreshments to the firefighters. Bethany's auxiliary also responded.

The biggest challenge in fighting the fire was water supply. Merle requested several tankers to the scene. Once on scene, firefighters were able to locate a pond on the property, which the fire department did not previously know about, and two engines were employed to pump water for fire suppression.

Responding to the fire were Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Darien, East Pembroke, Stafford, and Pavilion. The City's Fast Team also responded. A crew from the Wyoming Correctional Facility assisted with scene cleanup.

Photos Courtesy Todd Rapp.

Submitted photos and press release:

Four top 10 seniors from Alexander, Elba, Pembroke and Notre Dame high schools are the recipients of the 2021 Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarships administered by the Arc of Genesee Orleans.

The $1,000 scholarship award winners, Annie Kochmanski, Taylor Augello, Lauren Filter and Isabelle Cooper are planning to pursue careers related to healthcare or working with those with a disability.  

Annie Kochmanski (top inset photo right) -- Alexander Central, will begin her studies in the teacher education transfer program at Genesee Community College, transferring to Keuka College to study Special Education and American Sign Language.

The Darien resident plans to become a teacher for individuals who are deaf/hearing impaired. In 2020, before school closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Annie was involved in Alexander’s Big Buddy program, paired with a student in the elementary school, and was also an intern/teacher assistant for the second and third grades.

This experience solidified Annie’s decision to become and educator.

“I know that helping special needs students is where my heart lies,” Annie said in her scholarship application.

Taylor Augello (inset photo at left) -- Elba Central, will attend Genesee Community College for nursing and plans to one day become a Nurse Practitioner.

A scholar/athlete at Elba, Taylor said she has chosen nursing as her career path, because she has seen how individuals, especially those with disabilities can struggle.

“Knowing that I can help people with disabilities will fulfill my childhood dreams of helping others,” Taylor said.  

Lauren Filter (inset photo below right)-- Pembroke Central, has been accepted to Daemen College and plans to study Nursing, setting her sights on one day becoming a Certified Registered Nurse anesthetist (CRNA). “In a hospital, I will be working with people of all abilities,” Lauren said, adding, “There needs to be compassion, empathy and understanding that individuals (with disabilities) have complex communication needs.” As a certified lifeguard, Lauren has taught swimming lessons to children with a variety of swimming skills, special needs and learning disorders.  

Isabelle Cooper (below left inset photo) -- Notre Dame High School, is from the Town of Pavilion.

In the fall, she will be attending Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pa., in the Physician Assistant program.

In her scholarship application, Isabelle said, “I hope to one day work in a neurology practice with children with developmental delays.”

Isabelle has more than five years’ experience in the YMCA’s Challenger Sports program, volunteering with children with special needs.

In 2019, she took on the leadership role of running the Challenger Tennis program.

About the Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship

Now in its 16th year, the Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship is presented to area high school seniors planning to further their studies in human services, special education or related fields.

It is in honor of Mary Anne Graney, a special education teacher, who died in 2004.

The scholarship is funded by the Friends & Family 5K, scheduled this year for Sept. 18 in Elba.

The porch fire at 4225 Gilhooly Road, Alexander, has rekindled. Alexander Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 2:41 p.m.: The Alexander assignment is back in service.

A porch fire is reported at 4225 Gilhooly Road, Alexander.

All occupants are out of the house.

Initial response, Alexnder fire and Town of Batavia fire. An additional response requested from the City's Fast Team, Bethany, Darien and East Pembroke.

UPDATE 3:20 a.m.: National Grid requested to the scene.

UPDATE 3:22 a.m.: The City's Third Platoon is recalled to headquarters to stand by.

UPDATE  3:28 a.m.: Tankers from Stafford and Pavilion requested to the scene.

UPDATE(S) (By Billie) 3:44 a.m.: A crew from Attica Correctional Facility is asked to respond for cleanup.

UPDATE 3:59 a.m.: An EMS unit out of Attica will be requested. They are going to bring a second tanker to the back of the property to access a pond they're drawing water from. They are also filling tankers using water from Baskin Farms on Creek Road in Batavia. National Grid has an ETA of 25 minutes.

UPDATE 4:06 a.m.: Bethany's auxiliary will be supplying refreshments.

UPDATE 4:09 a.m.: Command reports fire is under control.

UPDATE 4:21 a.m.: Command calls for a fire investigation team to the scene. National Grid has isolated power to the residence at the road.

UPDATE 4:33 a.m.: Some tankers at the road are being sent back to their stations. There are two tankers at the residence's pond if needed. Bethany's auxiliary brought refreshments.

UPDATE 4:37 a.m.: Bennington is standing by in Alexander's fire hall.

UPDATE 4:40 a.m.: Pavilion is back in service.

UPDATE 4:52 a.m.: Stafford is back in service.

UPDATE 4:54 a.m.: Wyoming Correctional is responding with a five-minute ETA to assist with cleanup.

UPDATE 5:05 a.m.: The Salvation Army was contacted about providing refreshments; they are ready with them.

Tractor pulls are back with a competition going on all day today in Alexander at the WNY Steam Show grounds.

The event started at 9 a.m. with the deadweight pull. This afternoon and evening include the Class 5500, 6500, 7500, and 8500 stock and enhanced pulls, then the 9500, 10500, 12500, 14500 stock and enhanced pulls, followed by the 4x4 wheel drive truck diesel pulls and then the gas trucks.

Admission: $10 adult; children 5-12 $5; 4 and under free. Food and beverages are available for purchase.

Image: A first-place Graphic Arts creation, grades 10 to 12, by Michelle Jefferson from Dansville Central Schools called "Neon Lights."

Submitted image and press release:

The DIGIES is an annual digital media conference and festival run by the School Library Service, a program of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership.

The mission of The DIGIES is to strengthen the digital media continuum between Pre-K-12 schools, higher education and professional institutions. The DIGIES recognizes student potential in an annual festival format and draws student entries from throughout the region and the Upstate New York area.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this in-person awards’ ceremony was canceled. Emilee Williamson and Andrea Fetterly, library technologies’ specialists, coordinate this conference. Fetterly said despite the pandemic, this year’s festival drew a number of entries.

“We are excited to celebrate the amazing creativity and skill demonstrated by the participants in this year's DIGIES festival," Fetterly said. "Despite a much different school year with remote learning and other extraordinary circumstances, students continue to achieve great success."

Congratulations to these imaginative students!

Audio

Seventh-ninth Grades

• First Place: Gadge Savastano -- "Irregular Time" -- Mount Morris Central School
• Second Place: Harper Antonucci -- "Right Side Up" -- Geneseo Central School

10th-12th Grades

• First Place: Matt Sullivan -- "The Digies Beat" -- Wildwood Education Center GST BOCES
• Second Place: Desinee Woodworth -- "Fade Out" -- Dansville Central School
• Third Place: Benjamin Scoins, Devon Vaughn, Ainsley Czechowicz -- "Shooting for a Cure" -- Pembroke Central School

Graphic Arts

Pre-K-third Grades

• FIRST PLACE: Aiden Palmer -- "Aiden Catches the Rainbow" -- Pavilion Central School

Fourth-sixth Grades

• First Place: Mrs. Sylor’s 5th Grade Class -- "Class Portrait" -- Livonia Central School
• Second Place: Madelyn Burnett -- "Burning Bush" -- Southwestern Central School
• Second Place: Avery Boor -- "Stitch Digital Drawing" -- Avon Central School
• Third Place: Evie Walters -- "Comfortable Cat" -- Livonia Central School
• Third Place: Zuli Mayer -- "Shy Smile" -- Lancaster William Street Central School

Seventh-ninth Grades

• First Place: Aniya Ellsworth -- "Digital Mosaic" -- Eden Middle/High School
• Second Place: Gregory Martin -- "Virtual Gallery" -- Rush-Henrietta Central School
• Third Place: Parker Baldwin -- "Virtual Gallery" -- Rush-Henrietta Central School

10th-12th Grades

• First Place: Michelle Jefferson -- "Neon Lights" -- Dansville Central School
• Second Place: Anna Wojtas – "Bridge" -- Brockport Central School
• Third Place: DezaRay Burley -- "New World" -- Wildwood Education Center GST BOCES

Interactive

Pre-K-third Grades

• First Place: Mrs. Leanord’s first-grade class (Ace Friday, Brianna Gilmore, Kylie Greenway, Tyler Hanvey, Evelyn Holmes, Isabella Jackson, Aubrie Jordan, Michaela MacPherson, Kate Rehberg, Gavin Rubert, Atticus Salogar, Luna Santangelo and Frankie Tirabassi) – "Animal Adaptations" – Avon Central School
• Second Place: Caydence Chappius, Maggie Driscoll, Adelyn Duryea, Callaghan George, Reed Jaros, Charlie Chesnes, Ruby Kyle, Nora Lane, Kenna MacPherson, Conlan McLaughlin, Emma Moran, Donivan Welch, Isabella Tumminelli, Jeremiah Jordan) – "Animal Habitats" – Avon Central School
• Third Place: Morgan Arber, Briella Bailey, Brooke Clinton, Logan Gaczynski, Evan Hill, Madelyn Hindle, Malcolm Lincourt, Annalisa Murphy, Connor O'Dea, Emily Oyler, Patrick Powers, Layla Price, Kaiden Kellman – "Habitats" – Avon Central School

Fourth-sixth Grades

• First Place: Julianna Lawson, Annabelle Bajus, Adeline Timothy – "All About Dogs" – Keshequa Central School
• Second Place: Emerson Currin, Reese Koukides, Cora Weaver – "Snoop Pups" – Le Roy Central School
• Third Place: Mrs. Dorey’s Fourth Grade Class – "Museum of Invention" – Livonia Central School

10th-12th Grades

• First Place: Dylan Lewis – "Minecraft World" – Cassadaga Central School
• Second Place: Anna Burkhartzmeyer, Madeline Cherwonik, Samuel Coyle, Patrick Farrell, Abigail Foley, Dia Gauthier, Eliza Gonzalez, Claire Gratto, Nicholas Nealon, Samantha Place, Laine Ramsay, Colby Reixinger, Natalie Smith, Leia Thibaut – "The Pandemic Publication" – Brockport Central School
• Third Place – Sean Pies – "High Flyin Vinyl" – Batavia City School

Video

Pre-K-third Grades

• First Place: Cooper Clark – "Jellyfish" – Livonia Central School
• Second Place: James McMahon – "Commercial for an Electric Scooter" – Geneseo Central School
• Third Place: Ethan McMahon – "Commercial for Roller Blades" – Geneseo Central School

Fourth-sixth Grades

• First Place: Emilia McMahan – “Rainbow Bird” Claymation – Avon Central School
• Second Place: Sunny Quinn, Lilianna Pragle – "How NOT to Wear a Mask" – Livonia Central School
• Third Place: Halie Hassell – "Changing the World" – Le Roy Central School

Seventh-ninth Grades

• First Place: Adam Dolph – "Insane Trick Shots" – Alexander Central School
• Second Place: Anna Holt, Zoey Wallace, Chloe Hennings – "Roasty Toasty Toaster" – Alexander Central School
• Third Place: Andrew Lindboom – "Travel Video Paris" – Southwestern Central School

10th-12th Grades

• First Place: Jacob French – Cookie Jar – Geneseo Central School
• Second Place: Ashlyn Kreiss – Two’s a Pair – Pittsford Sutherland Central School
• Third Place: Charlotte Raith – Study Break – Pittsford Sutherland Central School

About the School Library Service

It is a program of the Genesee Valley BOCES. GV BOCES operates as a Board of Cooperative Educational Services offering shared programs and services to 22 component school districts located in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Steuben counties in New York State.

The county flag designed by Riley Wall, an Alexander student, could be in the running to become the official county flag, Planning Director Felipe Oltamari revealed after a ceremony yesterday recognizing Riley's winning design in the youth art competition.

The winner of the adult design competition, which hasn't been announced yet, was expected to become the new official county flag but "a lot of people have said they really like this one better, it's really grown on me," Oltamari said. "It's really grown on me. We'll see what the Legislature decides."

The flag designed by Riley flew outside the Genesee County Courthouse yesterday in an honor that culminated with a proclamation presented to Riley but Legislator Gary Maha.

Riley designed the flag, she said, to reflect the county's agricultural roots and the diversity of the county's residents. It depicts an ear of corn and two hands reaching to grasp it, one white and the other brown.  

As it turned out, planning department staff and Oltamari's mother ended up making the flag -- cutting the patterns, sewing the pieces together -- in short order after the flag company originally hired to create the flag wasn't able to complete the order in time to fly yesterday.  

Previously: Alexander Central eighth-grader's Genesee County flag judged as the best in children's contest

The extrication process to remove the injured driver of a tanker truck this afternoon in Alexander was extensive and difficult, according to Tim Yaeger, Genesee County Emergency Services coordinator. The trucker was hauling 60,000 pounds of milk when it rolled over into a wet ditch filled with cattails.

Shortly before noon, Alexander Fire Department was dispatched to 11181 Chaddock Road in Alexander, between Spring Road and the Wyoming County line. The male driver remained conscious, alert and talking throughout but pinned in by the steering wheel, dashboard and a foot or more of earth that the semi-truck rammed into.

"They were both fighting against the vehicle that was damaged and pinning him, as well as working against the dirt where the truck ended up landing," Yaeger said.

The biggest obstacle was coming up with a plan.

"We train a lot for peeling away, and cutting away and spreading away metal. This was a little more complicated because he was trapped by earth as well as metal. So it was a difficulty and just time-consuming."

Asked if groundwater seeping into the cab posed a danger to the trapped driver, Yaeger said no, the concern here, as in any vehicle accident, was the hazard of fire.

He said a lot of equipment was called to the scene. The Alexander fire chief wanted to make sure they had all the resources they needed. More manpower was warranted because of the heat and humidity.

Mercy medics responded along with Attica and their extrication equipment, Bethany, Town of Batavia, Elba's rescue truck, the Department of Environmental Conservation, and the county Hazmat Spill Response Team. Stafford fire filled in at Alexander's fire hall.

It took more than an hour to extricate the driver, who was ​transported by Mercy EMS to ECMC. Although Mercy Flight landed in an adjacent cornfield to transport the patient, it was unable to do so because of a mechanical issue involving the equipment to secure the gurney; so the aircraft returned to the hangar.

He said the spill was significant and included oil and hydraulic fluid in addition to the milk in the tanker; no fuel was seen.

It is “fairly contained.”

A heavy rescue team will offload unspilt product onto another truck to facilitate uprighting the damaged vehicle.

The process will take a couple of hours, possibly up to four hours.

The accident occurred by a curve, but Yaeger could not speculate about what caused the accident, which is under investigation.

"Members and firefighters, medics from several agencies, along with law enforcement worked to get the patient out safely," Yaeger said. “It’s all hands on deck, we’re going to give everything that we could. And they did a fantastic job working as a team.”

Photos and audio of Tim Yaeger courtesy of Alecia Kaus / Video News Service.

Previously: Driver pinned in after rollover on Chaddock Road, Alexander

UPDATE: Reader-submitted photos.

A one-vehicle rollover is reported at 11181 Chaddock Road in Alexander between Spring Road and the Wyoming County line. The male driver is conscious and alert but pinned in by the steering wheel.

Alexander Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding along with Attica and their extrication equipment. Mercy Flight's availability is checked and it is available.

"We're gonna need help with extrication -- he's pinned in there pretty good," says command at the scene.

UPDATE 12:08 p.m.: Mercy Flight is called to the scene and has a 12-minute ETA. Dan's Towing is en route with a heavy wrecker/"rotater." Milk is spilled in a ditch; the Department of Environmental Conservation is advised. 

UPDATE 12:12 p.m.: "A large amount of milk is down in the soil, uncontrolled at this point," says a first responder. A DEC rep is being requested to the scene. Mercy Flight will land in a cornfield east of the accident site. The driver of the tanker truck has a severe leg injury.

UPDATE 12:54 p.m.: Stafford fire is asked to fill in at Alexander's fire hall.

UPDATE 12:57 p.m.: Attica is being deployed as rehab for the first responders.

UPDATE 1:12 p.m.: Elba's rescue equipment is requested to the scene.

UPDATE 1:41 p.m.: One Alexander fire truck is back in service.

UPDATE 1:42 p.m.: Mercy Flight just lifted off to take the patient to a hospital to return to the Batavia hangar.

UPDATE 2:05 p.m.: Command releases Town of Batavia, Attica and Bethany. Alexander #6 will remain on scene.

UPDATE 2:41 p.m.: Alexander is clearing the scene, which is turned over to law enforcement.

MORE T/K

Photos by Alecia Kaus, Video News Service.

Lynn Scarpa, 25, of Le Roy, was arrested June 4 after a five-car collision on North Main Street in the Village of Castile. Scarpa was driving a white 2004 Chevrolet Silverado southbound on North Main Street when her vehicle left the roadway, sideswiping a parked vehicle in front of the post office. Scarpa's vehicle continued southbound, striking a Ford work van from behind, which was also parked in front of the post office. Scarpa's vehicle pushed the work van into a Ford Fusion, which was parked in front of Carney's Market, which then struck a Toyota RAV4 that was parked in front of it. The Fusion was occupied and the occupant was transported by Castile Ambulance to the Wyoming County Community Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. A tow company removed two vehicles from the scene that were not drivable. It is alleged that Scarpa had concentrated cannabis in her pants pocket and throughout her vehicle. She allegedly performed poorly on field sobriety tests and was taken into custody, transported to the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office and evaluated by a Drug Recognition Expert. The expert reportedly deemed her impaired by multiple categories of drugs. She is charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs; DWAI by the combined influence of drugs; and moving from lane unsafely. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Castile Court on June 14. Scarpa was released to a sober third party. The case was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's Sgt. Colin Reagan.

Michael Snyder, 49, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested June 3 at 9:59 a.m. for an incident that occurred at 10:10 p.m. May 30 on Highland Park in Batavia. Snyder allegedly threw an unopened can of beer at another person, striking the person in the head. Snyder was processed, issued an appearance ticket and released. He is due in Batavia City Court June 22.

Kevin McCoy, 54, was arrested by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post and charged with second-degree harassment after a disturbance at 4:11 p.m. June 2 on East Main Street. It is alleged that McCoy struck a female during an argument. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court, released on his own recognizance and is due back in court June 10.

Eric Swede, 32, was arrested at 10:05 a.m. May 26 and charged with criminal contempt in the second degree after a complainant alleged he violated a stay away order of protection by being in the presence of a protected party. His presence was confirmed by police. Swede was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court at a later date, then released from custody.

Brandon Crawford, 19, is charged with two counts of fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested at 10:50 a.m. May 24 on Ross Street in the City of Batavia after he allegedly broke a front door and a closet door that did not belong to him during a domestic incident on Vine Street. Crawford was arraigned in city court and released on his own recognizance. He is due back in court July 8.

Michael Fisher, 51, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle without a license; driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .08 percent or more; driving without head lamps; drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle; and aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree. At 10:33 p.m. on May 30, Fisher was arrested after a traffic stop on Ellicott Street in the city. He was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court and released from custody.

Kyle John Gugel, 35, of Genesee Street, Le Roy, is charged with refusal to take a breath test and driving while intoxicated. At 1:52 a.m. on May 18, deputies conducted a traffic stop for speeding over 55 mph in the 5700 block of Clinton Street Road in the Town of Stafford. Gugel was allegedly operating the vehicle while intoxicated and he was issued appearance tickets returnable to Stafford Town Court June 1. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Zachary Hoy, assisted by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun. 

Joanne Krutchen Harper, 56, of County Road 16, Dalton, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested at 4:32 p.m. on June 3 after a police investigation into a larceny on Vallance Road in the Town of Le Roy May 30. She was issued appearance tickets and released from custody. Harper is due in Le Roy Town Court on June 17. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jenna Ferrando, assisted by Deputy Jonathan Dimmig.

Lindsey Densmore, 26, was arrested May 31 and charged with petit larceny after an investigation into the theft of $166.38 worth of merchandise from a business in the City of Batavia at 4:20 p.m. that day. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court at a later date.

Tierance Davis, 34, was arrested May 26 on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court for failing to appear in court on March 22. He was processed at Batavia Police Headquarters and released. Davis is due back in court June 15.

Tierance Davis, 34, is charged with third-degree bail jumping. He was arrested at 1 p.m. April 24 on West Main Street in Batavia on a warrant out of Batavia City Court. He was processed at Batavia Police Headquarters and released. Davis is due back in court June 15.

Submitted photos and information from Mary Alice Loucks.

An Attica artist will be carving an abstract totem from a tree in Genesee County and the work starts tomorrow.

Jeffrey Loucks was given an Individual Artist Award by the Arts Council of Wyoming County to carve the totem into the shape of an obelisk on Maplewood Road in Alexander.

The project will take approximately one week. The public is welcome to come and see the sculptural carving and watch the tree transform and take its shape. Look for the safety cones and scaffolding surrounding the tree.

Loucks uses a chainsaw and burns the wood to preserve it using a Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique. His work is remarkable and beyond surprising to everyone who sees it, according to Mary Alice Loucks.

The artist award grant is made possible by the NYS Council of the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the NYS Legislature; administered in Wyoming County by the Arts Council for Wyoming County.

Top photo: Jeffrey Loucks with the tree on Maplewood Road in Alexander that he will carve with a chainsaw into an obelisk.

Below, a completed carved obelisk by Attica artist Jeffrey Loucks.

From the county Highway Department:

Sandpit Road between Spring Road and Dry Bridge Road in Alexander will be closed on Monday, June 7^th for bridge replacement work.

It will remain closed for approximately six to eight weeks and will not be open to local traffic. 

The public will be notified when the road reopens.

Press release:

Day of Tractor Pulling June 19th, Saturday of Fathers Day Weekend, will be held at WNY Gas & Steam Show Association grounds, 10294 Gillate Road, Alexander.

Pulling starts at 9 a.m. with deadweight classes 4500#, 5500# and 6500#.

Stock Pull starts at noon. Stock Classes 5500-8500# and 9500-14,500#. Continuing with Enhanced Classes of 5500-8500# and 9500-14,500#.

In addition there will be 4-wheel drive trucks.

Bring Dad and enjoy the day together.

Admission: $10 adult; children 5-12 $5; 4 and under free.

We welcome you to bring your tractor to pull. If you have questions call Frank (716) 474-4492. General questions call Bill (716) 380-7061.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase. All COVID-19 guidelines will be followed. Please join us!

Haley Christine Keyser, 35, of Strasbourg Drive, Cheektowaga, is charged with aggravated harassment -- physical contact due to race, and disorderly conduct. Following a complaint at Six Flags Darien Lake at 5:28 p.m. May 30, Keyser was arrested. She allegedly subjected a victim to physical harm, yelled obscenities and racial slurs in a public place. She was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Darien Town Court on June 17. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Hale.

Matthew Jacob Zon, 39, of East Main Street, Byron, is charged with criminal contempt in the first degree and criminal obstruction of breathing. He was arrested at 6:35 p.m. May 29 after a disturbance on East Main Street in the Town of Byron. Zon was arraigned in Town of Stafford Court and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $2,500 cash, $5,000 bond, or $15,000 partially secured bond. Zon is due in Genesee County Court on June 28. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig, assisted by Deputy Kyle Tower.

Tevin Bloom, 27, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing, second-degree harassment and criminal mischief. At 9 p.m. on May 20, Bloom was arrested after an investigation into a domestic incident where Bloom was allegedly involved in a physical altercation. He allegedly damaged property inside the victim's apartment. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and is due there June 23.

Dustin Wilcox, 36, was arrested on May 20 by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post and charged with disorderly conduct. It is alleged that he was involved in a fight on Washington Avenue. He was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court today (June 1).

Lawrence Boone, 30, was arrested outside a Batavia residence after being located by police May 20; he is charged with disorderly conduct. It is alleged that he physically fought another male in the street. Boone was due in Batavia City Court on May 25.

Rachel Baehr, 34, was arrested May 21 and charged with second-degree harassment and endangering the welfare of a child. At 2:57 p.m. May 14 on Oak Street, it is alleged Baehr was involved in a physical altercation during a domestic incident. She was issued an appearance ticket for a future date in Batavia City Court.

Kevin Thomas, 32, turned himself in on numerous active warrants May 18 and was arraigned in Batavia City Court. He is charged with burglary in the second degree, criminal contempt in the second degree, criminal mischief in the fourth degree, criminal mischief in the third degree; endangering the welfare of a child; and first-degree criminal contempt. The charges stem from a domestic incident that occurred May 4 on Walnut Street. Bail was set at $1 and Thomas is due back in court June 22.

Ray Spencer-Lindqui Saile, 19, of Judge Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with second-degree menacing. On May 28 at 3:45 a.m., the dispatch center received a report of a domestic incident involving a knife on Bloomingdale Road in Alabama. An investigation at the scene allegedly revealed the defendant possessed a knife, which caused the victim to fear being injured. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Sgt. Michael Lute.

Ernest Jerome Heineman, 40, of Old Creek Road, Alexander, is charged with aggravated harassment in the second-degree. At 3 a.m. on May 30, Heineman was arrested for an incident that occurred at 7:30 p.m. May 1 on Old Creek Road. It is alleged that he sent threatening text messages to a person, causing them to fear for their safety. He was arraigned in Alexander Town Court and he was served with an order of protection. He is due in Genesee County Court July 13. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Chamoun, assisted by Deputy Jordan Alejandro.

Stephanie Lynn Salcido, 31, of Walden Creek Drive, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; driving while ability impaired by the combined influence of drugs and alcohol; driving a motor vehicle on a sidewalk; failure to stop at a stop sign; and failure to keep right. At 11 p.m. on May 30, Salcido was arrested on the charges. She was issued appearance tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on June 16. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Chamoun, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Hale.

Zachari Morgan, 25, is charged with second-degree assault and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. He was arrested May 26 at DeWitt Recreation Area after he allegedly threw a rock at another person, striking them in the head during an altercation. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. Then on May 27, Morgan was arrested and charged with third-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child. It is alleged that at 5:11 p.m. on May 25, Morgan slapped and threw a person to the ground, causing injury, during a domestic incident at DeWitt Recreation Area. He was arraigned in city court and released on his own recognizance. Morgan is due back in court July 8.

Modesto Domingo-Cardenas, 27, is charged with unlawful imprisonment in the second degree and harassment in the second degree. He was arrested after a domestic incident at 1:15 p.m. May 25 on Pearl Street in Batavia. It is alleged that he slapped a person and then attempted to prevent them from leaving the residence. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released on his own recognizance. He is due back in court July 1.

Thomas Martin, 80, is charged with third-degree menacing following a dispute at 5:04 p.m. May 26 on McKinley Avenue. Martin allegedly threatened another male. He was issued an appearance ticket for June 1 in Batavia City Court.

Eric Gant Jemison, 48, of West Center Street, Medina, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more -- first offense; driving while intoxicated -- first offense; operating a motor vehicle without stop lights. At 9:05 p.m. on May 28, Jemison was arrested after deputies responded to Judge Road in Alabama for a complaint of a vehicle that struck a stop sign and drove away. Deputies located the vehicle a short time later. Jemison was released with appearance tickets for June 8 in Alabama Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Deputy Kyle Tower. 

Timothy James Passage, 37, of Squire Court, Amherst, is charged with possession of a forged instrument in the first degree. At 12:22 p.m. on May 28, Passage was arrested on a warrant out of Town of Pembroke Court. He allegedly passed a fake U.S. $20 bill while at Tim Hortons in Pembroke. He was transported to Genesee County Jail to be arraigned virtually. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Deputy Chad Cummings.

Joseph Freeman, 38, and Lynn Homer, 48, were arrested on warrants out of Batavia City Court at 3:38 p.m. April 28. It is alleged that they stole while together at a local business. They were arraigned in city court then released under supervision of Genesee Justice. Freeman is due back in court June 23; Homer is due back in court June 24. 

Kyle Shea, 26, was arrested May 20 on a warrant out of Batavia City Court for failure to appear after appearance tickets were served. It is alleged that Shea was driving a motor vehicle on Aug. 9 on Willow Street while his driver's license was suspended and so was the vehicle's registration. Shea turned himself in, was arraigned in city court, and the matter was resolved by plea. No further court proceedings are pending.

Paul Schwartzmeyer, 42, was arrested and charged with having a dog running at large. It is alleged that at 8:05 p.m. May 18 at an apartment complex parking lot, Schwartzmeyer allowed his dog to run at large and it attacked another dog. He was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on June 15.

Submitted photo and press release:

Emily Underhill-Carlson, a graduate of Alexander High School and lifelong Batavia resident, was honored by Consulting Magazine on Thursday, May 20 as an award winner for Women in Technology, Excellence in Innovation.

Underhill-Carlson serves as the VP of Technology for Divurgent, a healthcare consulting firm based in Virginia Beach, Va.

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, she led the creation of TOBIAS, Divurgent’s first AI chatbot.

It enables real-time chat, screen sharing, and video support, which helped clients respond to the coronavirus pandemic in an efficient, economical way, often leading to a 30- to 50-percent reduction in response costs.

As the world has responded to the COVID-19 crisis, the use of technology has been and will continue to be a lifeline for clinicians.

Telehealth has grown rapidly out of necessity and has changed the way healthcare is delivered. 

Terry Eugene Gamble Jr., 25, of Onslow Drive, Columbus, Ohio, is charged with: criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree -- a vehicle (except a motorcycle); criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the second degree; operation of a motor vehicle by an unlicensed driver; criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree -- an ammunition feeding device. On May 18, Gamble was arrested on the charges. It is alleged that on South Main Street in Elba at 3:18 p.m. on May 12 that he operated a vehicle stolen out of Columbus, Ohio, and possessed a .556 magazine capable of holding more than 10 rounds. He was arraigned virtually in Elba Town Court and jailed with $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond. Gamble is due in Genesee County Court on June 9. A passenger in the vehicle, Abralee D. Maynard (no age or address provided) was also arrested for criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree -- a vehicle (except a motorcycle). Maynard was released with appearance tickets and is due in Elba Town Court on June 2.

Patrick Lyn Waite, 53, of Alexander Road, Alexander, is charged with disorderly conduct. At 11:51 p.m. on May 19, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies responded to 9746 Alexander Road in Alexander for a complaint of loud music. Following an investigation, Waite was arrested. It is alleged that he intentionally caused public inconvenience and annoyance by playing loud music after several phone call complaints from nearby residents were made to the county dispatch center. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Alexander Town Court on June 8. Deputy Zachary Hoy handled by case, assisted by Deputy David Moore.

Kyle John Gugel, 35, of Genesee Street, Le Roy, is charged with driving while intoxicated and refusal to take a breath test. At 1:52 a.m. on May 18, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies conducted a traffic stop on Clinton Street Road in the Town of Stafford for a vehicle speeding over 55 mph. Gugel was subsequently arrested and issued appearance tickets to be in Town of Stafford Court June 1. Deputy Zachary Hoy handled by case, assisted by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun.

Oakfield-Alabama beat Alexander in girls softball yesterday 22-7. The winning pitcher was CJ Ryan, who tossed five innings and gave up five hits will striking out four.

At the plate, Ryan was 4-5 with two triples and a double, and six RBIs.

Kelsey Schlagenhauf, 4-5, three RBIs. Katie Raziano, Jenna Gilbert, and Lily Davis each had two hits.

"This is a huge win for our young team," said Manager Jeff Schlagenhauf. "To be able to beat a great team in Alexander and one of the best pitchers in the area, Sam Sawyer, gives our kids a ton of confidence.

"We just want to keep improving each and every day. The girls are playing with a ton of energy and believe in each other. It’s a great recipe for success."

Photos by Kristen Smith. For more photos, click here.

Press release:

East Bethany -- Silverline Comics* has launched "STEAM PATRIOTS," a comic book series that bills itself as "An American Steampunk Revolution," cocreated by East Bethany native and Coast Guard veteran Scott Wakefield.

The Alexander High School graduate and his co-author, fellow veteran and Cleveland, Ohio native Rory Boyle, imagined their story-world years ago and are now seeing it come to life. Their creative team is rounded out with editing, coloring and lettering by Batavia artist Dan Hosek.

The three join the Silverline team of accomplished artists, adding their title to a long list of exciting stories. 

"The storytelling's very strong and the dialogue shines," said world-renowned creator for Marvel and DC Comics, Chuck Dixon.

Fellow comics artist powerhouse Gary Kwapisz added “STEAM PATRIOTS" gives us a colorful and unique look at the original Revolutionary War!”

“This is the first title we’ve done with any sort of historical connection,” said Silverline Editor Roland Mann. “But it’s part of who Silverline is when we make our ‘genre-spanning’ claim. I’m excited to be able to add it to the lineup. I think people are really going to like it.”

In fact, prerelease reviews for "STEAM PATRIOTS" are fantastic.

Accomplished actor, voice-actor, and creator of "The World of Steam," Matt Yang King, says, "Intrigue! Rebellion! Ben Franklin as a steampunk engineer?! Sign me up!"

And Image Comics author of "Moriarty" and "Red City" writes “ 'STEAM PATRIOTS' is like a sci-fi 'Johnny Tremain' -- giving us a likeable hero who teams up with real figures from history to fight impossible odds. It's a very exciting narrative, and I look forward to seeing where it takes us!”

"STEAM PATRIOTS" is set in a steampunk world where steam technology is in its infancy, and America is at war for independence from Great Britain. The story's young hero, Felix Ward (top image), has a mind like no other, and he must help Ben Franklin, George Washington, and other heroes defeat the British juggernaut.

Keeping with the Silverline Comics crowdfunding model, "STEAM PATRIOTS" is finished and ready to print. The debut comic book contains 24 pages of story and art.

Here's the link to the website for "STEAM PATRIOTS."

Here's Silverline's Facebook page; subscribe to their email list to keep abreast of all news Silverline!

The Kickstarter campaign for "STEAM PATRIOTS" started yesterday, May 13, and runs through May 30. 

#steampunk #revwar #comics

"STEAM PATRIOTS" is trademarked and copyright ©Scott Wakefield & Rory Boyle. All rights reserved.

*Silverline Comics a genre-spanning independent comic book and graphic novel publisher.

Below, the completed Page 1 of the first "STEAM PATRIOTS" comic book.