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Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) issues statement on the sentencing of Sheldon Silver:

“I am glad to finally see Sheldon Silver meet the fate he deserves. I am extremely dismayed to hear that he will be receiving a near six figure taxpayer-funded pension behind bars. No one who purposely betrays the public for decades and denigrates his/her office like Silver should receive any form of taxpayer-funded pension. The Assembly Majority promised us comprehensive ethics reform months ago. Since then they have ignored the desires of New Yorkers in exchange for protecting one of their own. Corruption in Albany should not be business as usual and I will continue to beat the drum for a return to integrity here in the Capitol.”

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at the intersection of Hopkins Road and West Main Street Road (Route 5). A person is said to be pinned inside, but conscious and alert. East Pembroke Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics. A first responder on scene says two people in one vehicle will probably need transport, along with the driver of the other who requires extrication.

UPDATE 8:45 p.m.: Darien Ambulance is requested to the scene to provide mutual aid.

Mercy Flight Air Ambulance enjoyed another successful year of aiding people in Genesee County, according to a presentation Monday afternoon before the Human Service Committee.

Highlights of Mercy Flight for fiscal 2014-15 include:

• A total of 179 requests for Air Ambulance (helicopter) from Genesee County; 91 transports completed;
• Total Mercy Flight transports for 2015 were 1,100;

For Mercy EMS, in operation for six years now:

• 7,377 requests for services; 4,824 transports completed;
• In the City of Batavia, there were almost 3,000 calls for Mercy EMS in 2014; that number grew to 3,500 in 2015.

Call Types (55 percent were on scene; 45 percent were inter-facility transfers)

• Adult Trauma -- 38 percent
• Adult Medical -- 37 percent
• Adult Cardiac -- 13 percent
• Pediatric Medical -- 7 percent
• Pediatric Trauma -- 4 percent
• Neonatal -- 2 percent

Destination Hospitals:

• Erie County Medical Center -- 33 percent
• Buffalo General -- 23 percent
• Strong Memorial -- 15 percent
• Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo -- 12 percent
• Mercy Hospital -- 6 percent
• Other NY Hospitals -- 5 percent
• Hamot Medical Center -- 3 percent
• Other Pennsylvania and Ohio Hospitals -- 3 percent

Funding goes to:

• Operations/Programs -- 93 percent
• Development & Fundraising -- 7 percent
• Misc. -- .5 percent

O'Donnell reported that Mercy Flight continues to upgrade its aircraft. Its Bell 429, the company flagship based in Batavia, recently completed its fourth year of service. Four American Eurocopters have all been refurbished, updated and painted to match the Bell. A Lear 31 twin engine jet is also housed at the Batavia base, in partnership with Thunder Run Aviation. The jet provides advanced life support transports beyond what can be provided by the helicopters.

Due to the new partnership between UMMC and Rochester General Hospital, more transports are being logged to Rochester General.

A good deal of time is spent promoting the agency and working with fire/EMS crews and community organizations, O'Donnell said. For example, Mercy Flight offers first responder ground crew safety training that teaches when and how to request Mercy Flight along with the safety requirements for preparing for a safe landing. There were six trainings in Genesee County in the 2014-15 fiscal year, and 84 first responders attended, a total that is "significantly up" from the previous year.

Another community involvement opportunity that Mercy Flight engages in is prom safety/DWI drills and local high schools. These help students make good decisions, reducing DWI-related accidents. Two were held in 2014-15 -- at Elba and at Byron-Bergen. Funding from the Governor's Traffic Safety Grant makes these possible and they will be offered again this year.

Strong partnerships continue with fire/EMS, law enforcement and UMMC, as well as the Chamber of Commerce.

For Mercy Flight, base tours and participation in community events such as the Genesee County Fair, YWCA Penny Carnival, UMMC Teddy Bear Clinic, Pembroke Winterfest, Summer in the City, Brick House Corners Fair and the Oakfield Christmas tree decorating help educate the public and help with fundraising, according to the report. Fundraisers such as the annual Hackers for Helicopters Golf Outing and dinner events at Batavia Downs Gaming and Batavia Country Club are important for these reasons, too.

For Mercy EMS, the ambulance fleet continues to be upgraded, including "graphic schemes that match the helicopters." Three new ambulances will be replacing three old ones. Also, two bases of operations are in place to improve response times for more remote location calls -- one in South Byron, the other in East Pembroke.

Taking part in the UMMC Teddy Bear Clinic and Mash Camps allow preschoolers and pre-teens to learn about EMS. Parades and EMS standbys for community events also provide outreach opportunities, as does allowing local EMT students and UMMC residents-in-training the chance to shadow EMS providers for real-life experience.

Committee Vice Chair Marianne Clattenburg, who represents District 8, asked if recruitment of EMS personnel is difficult.

"Absolutely, this is a nationwide problem," Baumgardt responded.

After a person is already a certified EMT, there's an additional two-year training period required to become a paramedic. That's is a daunting commitment for some and the pay rate in a small market like Genesee County compared to bigger markets does not help any.

"You've served Genesee County for 35 years and we're extremely happy and thankful for that extra level of protection," Committee Chair Rochelle Stein (District 5) said about Mercy Flight.

The Batavia Society of Artists 2016 Spring Art Exhibit will be held at Richmond Memorial Library from May 9 to May 29.

The Opening Reception with artists will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 12. At 7 o'clock that night, the society will present the Virginia Carr Mumford Memorial Scholarship to a student from Genesee Community College.

Carr Mumford was a long-standing member of the society and over the years her family has graciously continued the yearly scholarship.

In addition, at the reception there will be award recognitions for the 2016 show and the drawing of a raffle winner of Brian Kemp's demo painting. It is a collaborative abstract painting titled "#17." Raffle tickets will be availble for sale until 7 p.m. They are $5 each or three for $10.

All proceeds will help the society to hold more art demos.

For additional information, contact Terry Weber at 993-0509 or ebgs55@yahoo.com.

Richmond Memorial Library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

There's every reason to think this summer's fair will be as good as last year's, which had the largest attendance in decades -- about 21,000 -- and plans are afoot to bring in thousands more to the fairgrounds for new events that include a statewide sheep show and Christian music concerts.

That was what the Human Service Committee was told at its Monday afternoon meeting by Norm Pimm, treasurer of the Genesee County Agricultural Society, which oversees the fairgrounds.

"We ran out of parking two nights," Pimm said, noting they found more space somehow, because "if they were going to pay $5 for parking, we were going to find a place for them."

Pimm credited the record-breaking number of fairgoers to lots of positive publicity by local media and the most coverage to date from news outlets in Buffalo, including TV channels 2, 7 and 4, The Buffalo News, and a morning radio show, which drew more people than ever from the neighboring Erie County.

"We had to get the kids up early so they could be out with the animals," Pimm said about working to get publicity.

Another plus in 2015 was the biggest midway yet, including 18 mechanical rides, and the bonanza that ensued from having a $5 three-hour limitless ride opportunity for children on a Saturday.

"Parents said you couldn't go to another amusement park for that price," Pimm said.

The plan is to expand the three-hour ride bonanza by adding one more day this year -- a Friday AND a Saturday.

"I like the price for the kids' rides," said Committee Member John Deleo, who represents District 7.

The fair officials also want "to try and pick up some pieces" of the shattered good times due to the necessity of fair cancellations by fire departments in Elba and Stafford. To that end, they plan to hire the Syracuse-based band Under the Gun, which regularly played the Stafford gig, to entertain fairgoers.

"They have a huge following," Pimm told the committee, and so does the country band Branded and the Buffalo-based blues trio the Jony James Band, both of which are also going to be on the 2016 roster.

Of Jony James, a Buffalo News writer noted "(Jony’s) slashing, quivering guitar cuts like lightening through the smoke and grit of rough and tumble roadhouses, while his voice carries a touching sort of quiet sadness.”

Also, a magician has just been signed to perform daily at the fair. The price for parking will remain unchanged at $5 per vehicle and admission will remain free to the fair, despite the fact that many others are starting to charge an entrance fee.

The Batavia Speedway will continue its operations.

Beyond the fair, the Empire Sheep Show is a statewide showcase that will bring people to Genesee County for four days. And the largest hitched horse show in New York is in the plans, too, one of two new horse shows planned for the venue.

To accommodate these and upgrade the fairgrounds, a loan was just signed to build a new 60 by 130 foot barn. The old barn will remain standing and can be used when additional show space is needed. Grants are being pursued for electrical improvements at the fairgrounds.

This fall, a brand-new Farm Museum will open at the fairgrounds, and a key goal is to attract youth to agricultural pursuits. Local farmers provided the seed money for a 40 by 130 foot building to house the museum, which will include a classroom, exhibit space and room to expand. Plans call for an animal clinic for youth focusing on both health and showmanship.

"At the end of the day, if we don't get youth involved, there won't be a fair in 10 or 20 years," Pimm said.

Lastly, Pimm said the Ag Society was approached by a couple of local churches wanting to hold Christian music concerts. The estimated number of potential attendees quickly ballooned he said, and is now hovering between 3,000 to 5,000 people.

Ed DeJaneiro Jr., committee member representing District 9, said Pimm's report of the Ag Society underscores its aim to provide educational and entertainment value at affordable prices.

By the by, here's a video of the Jony James Band from 2011's Artpark festival in Lewiston.

Press release:

The 2016 Women of Distinction Awards Committee is thrilled to announce this year’s slate of recipients. These community members not only embody YWCA’s mission and vision but they also represent a wide cross section of people working toward the good of others.

They are:

• Jennifer Nunnery for the military/veteran category;
• Genesee Valley Educational Partnership’s Culinary Arts Program for economic empowerment;
• Courtney Turcer for racial justice;
• Tompkins Bank of Castile for corporate social responsibility;
• Genesee County Mental Health Services for peace;
• and City of Batavia Police Officer James DeFreze for advocacy/civic engagement.

Although some people may think of these awards as only about honoring women, they are acknowledgments to all of those deserving people, organizations and businesses that contribute to the mission and vision of YWCA.

They embody our ultimate goal to empower women, eliminate racism and encourage economic independence, healthy relationships and a community free from violence, Executive Director Jeanne Walton said.

“Through their work, these people and organizations have truly created paths of a more hopeful future for area youth, speakers of other languages, people with mental health needs, domestic violence victims and community members at large," Walton said. "These recipients are all excellent choices for our very diverse award categories. We look forward to celebrating their accomplishments during the second annual Women of Distinction Awards Gala next month.”

The Gala is set for 5:30 p.m. Saturday, June 18, at Genesee Community College, 1 College Road, Batavia. An awards ceremony will be at Stuart Steiner Theatre, to be followed by dinner, social time and an art auction in the Forum at 6:30.

Tickets for the Gala are $40 each or $350 for a table of 10. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For tickets or more information, call (585) 343-5808.

Jennifer Nunnery, a Batavia native, was nominated for Military/Veteran for her dedication to fellow veterans and willingness to share her own Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a way to make her peers more comfortable. After graduating from Batavia High School she joined the Army Military Police Corps where she deployed to Iraq twice in 2003 and 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After returning home, she attended GCC, obtained a bachelor’s degree in Political Science at Brockport State College and pursued law at University at Buffalo Law School. While there, she interned at the Genesee County Public Defender's Office and the Monroe County Public Defender's Office gaining valuable experience and mentorship from some of the most experienced public defenders in Western New York.

Nunnery, who recently opened her own law office Downtown, believes in giving back to her community. For three years she volunteered as a Veteran Mentor with the Batavia Veterans Treatment Court in Batavia City Court and she also serves as an advisor on the GCC Paralegal Advisory Committee and the Alexander High School’s Mock Trial Team.

Genesee Valley Educational Partnership’s Culinary Arts Program not only gives students the experience and hands-on training needed to operate an efficient kitchen, but the program, led by Chef Nathan Koscielski, allows students to compete in culinary events, operate an on-site café and develop all of the necessary skills to enable them to pursue this or a related career field after graduation.

The Batavia-based group was nominated for Economic Empowerment because students learn every facet of the business, from meeting expenses and operating a profitable business to food presentation and farm-to-table concepts.

Courtney Turcer is a teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages at Batavia High School. She was nominated for Racial Justice as a passionate teacher who works tirelessly to provide equal opportunity to the Batavia community’s English language learner population. This year she decided to volunteer her time for a free adult ESOL class on Sunday nights for parents in the Batavia area.

Her commitment and drive have enabled parents and students alike to communicate and understand the English language and therefore be able to pursue their educational and career goals. Her efforts garnered Turcer recognition as a Member of the Month by the state’s TESOL organization.

Genesee County Mental Health Services was nominated for Peace as a result of the agency’s impact on the lives of Genesee County residents each and every day. Agency staff has demonstrated a willingness to become more accessible before, during and after hours, which has kept crisis situations from turning into tragedies. The compassion, patience and understanding shown by all staff members, along with their ability to come together with their skills and talents as a team, is what makes the quality of services provided “priceless.” The effects are far reaching and often touch the lives of family members and friends who have been a part of the clients’ healing journey, a nomination letter stated.

Batavia City Police Officer James DeFreze was nominated for Advocacy/Civic Engagement due to his role of being a lifesaver. Not that he hasn’t had other positive encounters with domestic violence victims, but one in particular says she owes him a debt of gratitude for how he so swiftly came to her side with compassion and patience as she began her journey away from horrific abuse.

“It was the most terrifying and demoralizing experience," she says. "I did not have the strength or courage to go forth with any criminal charges on my abuser because he stripped me of having that power. I cannot express my appreciation or gratitude enough to you.”

Tompkins Bank of Castile was nominated for Corporate Social Responsibility for its constant presence out in the community while also being a source of encouragement for company employees. They contribute thousands of hours to various organizations each year, from coaching little league and picking up litter to gardening, painting and helping to renovate a dilapidated house.

Tompkins has record turnouts during Genesee County United Way’s Day of Caring and countless employees have served in leadership roles at Rotary, YWCA and Business Improvement District boards plus many other nonprofits. Marketing Officer Krysia Mager believes that if it hadn’t been for Tompkins’ management supporting her efforts on the city’s Centennial Committee, she would not have been able to be part of that historic effort. That’s just one of many examples of how a business like Tompkins can have that personal connection with its staff and community members, Mager said.

Christopher Michael Smith, 21, of School Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass. He was arrested at 12:23 a.m. this morning for allegedly trespassing at a department store on Veterans Memorial Drive after being told not to return. He is to appear in Batavia Town Court on May 16.

Marlicia L. Johnson, 29, of Buffalo, was arrested May 3 for unlawful possession of marijuana after a traffic stop on Route 77 at Water Street for allegedly speeding. During the traffic stop, the officer detected a strong odor of burnt marijuana emanating from the vehicle. Johnson was allegedly found to be in possession of three marijuana cigarettes. Johnson was issued tickets and an appearance ticket returnable to the Village of Corfu on June 6. The case was handled by Corfu Police Officer Michael Petritz.

Richmond Memorial Library's budget vote and trustee election takes place from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3rd. Voting takes place in the library's Gallery Room. Any registered voter residing in the Batavia City School District is eligible to vote.

The library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

Kyle Robert Ratulowski (pictured right), 20, of Batavia, was arrested on April 27 and charged with second-degree burglary, a Class C felony. Troopers received a call of a burglary on Clinton Street in the Town of Batavia on that date. The investigation revealed that a fire safe was taken valued at $200 and that Ratulowski was a possible suspect. Ratulowski was located at a address in the City of Batavia. Ratulowski was arrested and transported to SP Batavia for processing. He was arraigned in the Town of Batavia Court and put in Genesee County Jail for $25,000 bail.

Kyle Robert Ratulowski, 20, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, was arrested at 9:45 p.m. on April 29 for allegedly being in possession of stolen electronics. He was charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 5th, and issued an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court on May 10. The goods were reported stolen at 2 p.m. on April 20 from a location of Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia. At the same time and date of this arrest, Ratulowski was also charged with petit larceny of tools and personal items and for fourth-degree criminal mischief for allegedly damaging a vehicle. These charges stem from an incident at 10 p.m. on April 12 on Park Road in Batavia wherein items were stolen from an unlocked vehicle and the interior of the vehicle was damaged. He is to appear in Town of Batavia Court, also on May 10, to answer these charges. Both cases were handled by Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer.

Nicholas Benjamin Wall, 25, of Dodgeson Road, Alexander, is charged with reckless endangerment of property. He was charged following a large explosion on April 15. He allegedly shot a large amount of tannerite at 3465 Dodgeson Road, Alexander, which cause an explosion and shook houses throughout the county.

Rochelle V. Tomlin, 40, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a minor and obligation of a parent or guardian. She was arrested at 2 p.m. on April 24 after allegedly allowing her 14-year-old son to violate the city's curfew. At the time the youth was in violation of the curfew, he was "out committing acts that would be considered crimes if performed by an adult," according to the police report. Tomlin is to be in City Court at 1 p.m. on May 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Officer Eric Foels.

Todd A. Reynolds, 45, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment and obstructing governmental administration. He was arrested at 10:23 p.m. on May 1 following a domestic incident on West Main Street. He allegedly was kicking the victim during an altercation. He did not cooperate with police upon their arrival and became combative with them. He was put in jail, with bail (unspecified), and was to appear in City Court this afternoon. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Christopher Camp.

Michael E. Weichman, 21, of Bank Street, Batavia, and Alysha E. Weichman and Tyler L. Warner were arrested at 4 p.m. on April 28 and charged with fourth-degree grand larceny and fifth-degree conspiracy for allegedly stealing $1,376.97 worth of groceries from Tops Market in Batavia. They were issued appearance tickets and are to be in City Court on May 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Jared Paul Schmidt, 20, of Silver Springs, is charged with disorderly conduct and open container of an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle. He was arrested at 1:35 p.m. on April 23 after he was allegedly observed hitting/striking his vehicle, which was parked roadside on Ellicott Street, and obstructing vehicular traffic. He was allegedly found to have an open bottle of beer in the center console of his vehicle. He was ordered to be in City Court on May 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Darryle Streeter.

Patricia A. Poole, 26, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with violation of conditional discharge. She was located on Liberty Street at 4:05 p.m. on April 30 and arrested on a bench warrant issued for a disorderly conduct charge from November 2009. She was released and ordered to appear in Batavia City Court this afternoon. During the handling of this case, responding officers discovered that Poole had an active warrant from 2012. She was subsequently arrested and jailed in lieu of $500 bail. She is also to appear in City Court this afternoon on the 2012 warrant case. The cases were handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot and Officer Peter Flanagan.

James N. DiFalco, 19, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property. He was arrested after allegedly being found in possession of stolen game system and selling it to a game store for cash on April 20. He is to return to Batavia City Court on May 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

James R. Sweet, 54, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with conducting an open burn. At 5:50 p.m. on April 28, Sweet was allegedly found to be burning debris in his yard on Walnut Street in violation of the city's municipal code. He is to appear in City Court on May 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Latiqua S. Jackson, 22, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested April 25 after allegedly stealing a Sony PlayStation 3 from a residence on Tracy Avenue on April 18. She is to be in City Court on May 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Marquita Shanee Davis, 28, of Old Meadow Lane, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested at 3:25 p.m. on May 1 as a result of a shoplifting complaint. It is alleged that she stole $73.57 worth of merchandise from a location on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia. She was released with an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court at a later date. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Chante Dominique Davis, 30, of Old Meadow Lane, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested at 3:25 p.m. on May 1 as a result of a shoplifting complaint. It is alleged that she stole $73.57 worth of merchandise from a location on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia. She was released with an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court at a later date. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

A 17-year-old from Pavilion is charged with petit larceny. The suspect was arrested April 30 in connection with a shoplifting incident wherein several articles of clothing were stolen from a local store. The youth was issued an appearance ticket for May 9 in Town of Batavia Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute, assisted by Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Pierre A. Triplett Jr., 20, no permanent address, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested following an investigation of shoplifting at Tops Market in Batavia at 10:46 a.m. on April 28. He is to be in City Court on May 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Brad L. Ohlson, 39, of Union Street, Batavia, was arrested on April 25 on a bench warrant issued out of Batavia City Court after his alleged failure to comply with the conditions of his release under supervision. He was held on bail and was to appear in City Court April 25. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Mariah R. Hagen, 20, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. She was arrested on the charge following a traffic stop at 9:24 p.m. on April 21 on State Street, Batavia. She is due in City Court on May 4. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Thad Mart, assisted by Officer Christopher Camp.

A small house, and the woods around it, are reportedly on fire in Alabama at 6985 Meadville Road. Alabama Fire Department is responding along with mutual aid from Pembroke and Indian Falls.

UPDATE 5:29 p.m.: Fire command requests law enforcement to the scene. Five gasoline containers and 40 paint cans are said to be on the property.

UPDATE 5:42 p.m.: "We've got it knocked down pretty good," reports command, noting smoke is visible "over the hill." Corfu is also responding, along with Akron.

UPDATE 5:53 p.m.: The fire is mostly knocked down but smoke is still pouring from a crawl space over the rear wall, which is proving hard to access.

UPDATE 7:12 p.m.: National Grid requested to the scene.

Law enforcement is responding to Route 19 and Junction Road in Pavilion for two goats reported to be in the roadway.

UPDATE 7:23 a.m.: "Out with two goats," says an officer to dispatch.

A working fire is reported at 8056 Oak Orchard Road at an apartment building. Unknown if the structure is occupied, "it's possibly occupied." Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding along with Alexander's Fast team.

UPDATE 5:35 a.m.: "This is an occupied structure." Fire police are called to assist with traffic control at Route 98 and the Thruway. "Flames are through the roof."

UPDATE 5:38 a.m.: A Mercy unit is responding. Stafford fire is asked to report to the Town of Batavia Station #2 and East Pembroke to Station #1.

UPDATE 5:42 a.m.: Elba Fire Police are called to control traffic at Route 98 and West Saile Drive.

UPDATE 5:54 a.m.: An Elba engine is called to the scene.

UPDATE 5:57 a.m.: Mercy medic #3 is the second ambulance into the scene.

UPDATE 5:59 a.m.: The natural gas line has been shut off to the residence. The rescue unit with a cascade system is called in from Elba instead of an engine.

UPDATE 6 a.m.: The city's fast team is also working to extinguish the fire. The city's third platoon is called to fire headquarters.

UPDATE 6:02 a.m.: National Grid is called to the scene.

UPDATE 6:07 a.m.: Byron is requested to have one engine stand by in Elba Fire Hall.

UPDATE 6:05 a.m.: Elba Fire Police are also to control traffic at Route 98 and Park Road, and Route 63 and Veterans Memorial Drive.

UPDATE 6:25 a.m.: The fire scene is north of the Thruway, just north of Call Parkway. Le Roy is asked to stand by in Stafford's fire hall.

UPDATE 6:39 a.m.: Town command reports fire is under control; overhauling structure now. Power to the structure has been turned off.

UPDATE 6:41 a.m.: Instead of Le Roy, Bethany is asked to fill in at Stafford's fire hall.

UPDATE 7:15 a.m.: The Salvation Army is called to the scene.

UPDATE 7:22 a.m.: A third Mercy rig is called to come in non-emergency mode. Salvation Army has an ETA of about 45 minutes. An ambulance just arrived at UMMC with a patient who sustained a head injury at the fire scene.

UPDATE 7:32 a.m.: One person died in this fire. Some family notifications have been made. A code enforcement officer from Town of Batavia is called to the scene. 

UPDATE 8:54 a.m.: Route 98 has been reopened.

UPDATE 10:10 a.m.: State Police have confirmed that Roger Saile, 90, the lone resident of the house, died as a result of the fire.

A dog that is part Labrador retriever and chow chow is missing from its East Pembroke home.

"Shadow" has not darkened the doorstep of his owner's home since Friday, April 22.

If you glimpse Shadow, please call 585-813-6491 with information.

UPDATED May 5: Robbie Reeb wrote us an e-mail to inform us Shadow is back home, wagging his tail. He wrote: "Our lost dog has been found! Thanks go out to Ivan in East Pembroke who found her while walking his dog. Thank you to everyone that responded that they may have seen her. Our mom is very happy to have her home again."

Press release:

Calling all eighth- though 11th-graders in Genesee County and any other individuals interested in Youth Court! On Tuesday, May 3, Genesee County Youth Court will be celebrating Law Day from 5:30-6:30 p.m. to show the community how our court operates.

Applications and brochures will be available along with program staff to answer questions for anyone who is interested in joining.

Youth Court is a voluntary alternative for young people who face disciplinary action through school or law enforcement. Youth who are referred admit to the charge and appear before a court of their peers. There are three youth judges who listen to both sides of the issue and determine an appropriate disposition. The goal of youth court is to improve youth citizenship skills and decrease problematic behavior.

Youth Court members learn about the judicial process and law enforcement, group decision making and they get to develop their public speaking skills, participate in a great leadership opportunity, and learn and participate in all roles of the courtroom: judge, prosecution, defense, and bailiff. 

Eighth- though 11th-graders who are interested can attend Law Day on May 3 or go online to download an application from the Genesee County Web site www.co.genesee.ny.us, where you will find a link on the Youth Bureau page. Applications are due by July 29. Interviews of potential candidates will take place in August with the training to begin in October. 

For more information on the Genesee County Youth Court, please contact Chelsea Dillon at the Genesee County Youth Bureau, 344-3960.

From our news partner WBTA:

A bomb threat was e-mailed this morning to Independent Living of Genesee Region, according to Rae Frank, director of the Batavia location at 113 Main St. downtown.

It is not clear, Frank said, whether the threat was intended for the Buffalo office or the Batavia office, or both, but as a precaution staff was told within the past hour to leave for the day and Batavia PD was alerted.

The person who made the threat allegedly has a history of complaints with the nonprofit agency.

Independent Living of Genesee Region (ILGR) is a multicultural, grassroots, peer-directed, civil rights organization that provides a full range of assistance, programs and services to enhance the quality of life for all individuals with disabilities. "ILGR assists persons with disabilities to realize their life choices through information and referral, independent living skills, community and systems advocacy and peer counseling."

It provides: adaptive aids/equipment, advocacy, benefits advisement, counseling/support groups, health insurance information, information & referral, library of disabilities, independent living skills instruction, community disability education.

UPDATE 11:29 a.m.: David Boyce, CEO of the building's owner Tompkins Insurance Co., said the agency's staff on the second floor was also evacuated as a precautionary measure. He said police indicated they do not believe there is an imminent threat.

UPDATE 11:41 a.m.: The "indirect threat" was made by an employee recently let go from the Buffalo office of Independent Living and the person has no known ties to Genesee County, said Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis. "We've checked the (Batavia) building and we've found nothing," Davis said. Adjacent businesses were notified of the situation and any decision to evacuate staff was their option. A bomb-sniffing dog from State Police Troop A is en route to go through the building and if nothing is found, officers will give the all clear.

UPDATE 11:59 p.m.: State Police and their bombing-sniffing dog just completed a sweep of the building and found nothing. The building is clear and police are clearing the scene.

Steven Robert Tanner, 43, of Batavia Bethany Townline Road, Bethany, is charged with DWI with a BAC greater than .08, and DWI. He was arrested at 4:47 p.m. on Thursday, April 28, after an investigation into a traffic offense complaint in the Town of Stafford. He was allegedly found to be under the influence of alcohol while on Clinton Street Road in Satfford. Ater being processed at the jail, he was released for appearance tickets for Town of Stafford Court at a later date. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Kelly Marie Kabel, 38, of Royal Sunset Drive, Webster, charged with failure to pay fine imposed by court. She was arrested on Thursday, April 28, on a bench warrant out of the Town of Stafford for allegedly failing to pay a Stafford Court fine from last June. She was released under supervision of Genesee Justice and is to be in Stafford Court on May 10. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.

From a Batavia PD press release:

A registered sex offender who allegedly failed to register his address as required by law was the subject of a manhunt in the city on Thursday in the area of Walnut Street.

Marlek E. Holmes, 42, no permanent address, was arrested after he fled from officers who were attempting to arrest him on a bench warrant out of City Court for the violation.

After being located on Walnut Street, he fled from officers and a foot pursuit ensued. A perimeter was set up in the vicinity and the Sheriff's K-9 unit with "Destro" assisted Batavia PD in finding the suspect, who was hiding on a porch at a residence in the area. Holmes was jailed without bail. Additional charges are pending.