corfu

Thomas Michael Pillo, 40, of Alexander Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing and harassment, 2nd. Pillo is accused of choking and shoving a victim multiple times during a domestic dispute. The incident, at an address on Alexander Road, Batavia, was reported at 9 p.m., Wednesday.

Joseph Michael D'Amato, 19, of Sumner Road, Corfu, is charged with unlawful dealing with fireworks. D'Amato was arrested following a complaint at 12:05 a.m., Thursday, about fireworks in the Town of Pembroke. D'Amato allegedly set off fireworks "causing annoyance and alarm to several homeowners in the area."

Kateyln Christen Kubala, 22, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Kubala is accused of shoplifting at Walmart.

In an exclusive auction, Bontrager Real Estate & Auction Service is offering this stunning A-frame-style house on a half acre wooded lot in Corfu.

The 2,784 sq. ft. home is located at 8858 Lover's Lane. 

It features four bedrooms, two baths and a 24x36 two-car garage, along with a fireplace, wood stove and hot tub.

The open house is from 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday.

The auction is at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 2.

Jody Blaine Gillett, 50, of Pine Hollow Drive, Batavia, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI and moving from lane unsafely. Following a lengthy investigation into an accident on Clinton Street Road, Batavia, on Feb. 23, Gillett was accused of driving while intoxicated.

Douglas Paul Cornelius, 32, of Pratt Road, Pembroke, is charged with petit larceny. Cornelius is accused of stealing woodworking equipment from a location on Pratt Road, Pembroke. 

Tyler P. Schroeder, 19, of Lewiston Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Schroeder is accused of stealing $700 from a residence in Elba on June 3. Schroeder was arraigned in Oakfield because no Elba town justice was available and remanded to Genesee Jail on $3,000 bail.

Earl Shateek Anthony Lockhart, 18, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Lockhart is accused of trying to hand off marijuana he had in his pocket to a girlfriend while in Town of Batavia Court on an unrelated criminal charge.

William Andrew Johnson, 23, of Alexander Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Johnson was allegedly found in possession of marijuana during a traffic stop at 8:43 p.m., Tuesday, on Route 77, Corfu, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

John Jeffery McCombs, 23, of Oxford Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. McCombs was a passenger in a vehicle stopped for alleged traffic violations at 8:43 p.m., Tuesday, on Route 77, Corfu, when he was allegedly found in possession of marijuana by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Nathaniel Michael Dickens, 18, of Broadway Street, Oakfield, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Dickens is accused of striking another person during an incident on July 7.

Deborah A. Schramm, 30, of East Main Street, Batavia, and Michael R. Schramm, 35, of East Main Street, Batavia, are charged with petit larceny. Deborah and Michael are accused of shoplifting at Walmart.

The following projects have been approved for tax abatements for job-creation and retention projects, according to the Genesee County Economic Development Center:

• An $18,000 sales tax exemption has been approved by the GCEDC board for Ken Barrett Chevrolet, 229 W. Main St., Batavia, for expansion of its collision shop. The shop will expand from 7,833 square feet to 15,536 square feet and will cost $635,000. Three new jobs will be created and 10 jobs retained.
• Graham Manufacturing, 20 Florence Ave., is planning an expansion of its finishing (sandblasting and painting) operation. GCEDC has granted a sales tax exemption of $36,818 and a PILOT tax abatement of $89,088. The project will create an estimated 30 new jobs and help retain 278 existing jobs. The $1.8 million expansion will add 10,000 square feet of manufacturing space to the facility.
• Angelica Textile Services, Inc., 1-3 Apollo Drive, will receive a $15,125 mortgage tax exemption to help refinance its current $1.2 million mortgage. The project will help retain 78 jobs in Batavia.
• J&L Feed is planning on converting current greenhouses at 47 West Main St., Corfu, into a project called "The Market," which will create a floral shop, fresh meat and deli market and a general store. An approximately 3,400-square-foot building will be constructed and existing greenhouses will be demolished. J&L will receive a $22,000 property tax exemption, $4,800 sales tax exemption and a $1,250 mortgage tax exemption. An estimated three jobs will be created.

A motor-vehicle accident has been reported in the area of 22 Alleghany Road, Village of Corfu.

Unknown injuries.

Corfu Fire Department and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 2:36 a.m.: One lane of traffic shut down. No word on injuries, but it isn't sounding serious.

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A homicide in Buffalo early Friday may have a Genesee County connection.

The Buffalo News reports that Joseph Hale, 35, was shot in the back while in the area of  St. Paul Mall and Ellicott Street. He later died at ECMC.

A reader informs us that Hale was a former Batavia High School student. A public record check shows that a Joseph Hale, 35, has lived in Buffalo, Batavia and Corfu.

From the Buffalo News:

"Homicide detectives are attempting to trace the victim's whereabouts before the shooting incident occurred," said Dennis J. Richards, chief of detectives. "Mr. Hale was seen in the Allentown area earlier in the morning and prior to the shooting."

This is the city's 21st homicide of 2011.

Investigators are still trying to identify one youth believed to have been involved in vandalism at Corfu Intermediate School overnight Thursday.

The damage was discovered by school officials Friday morning, which included damaged ceiling tiles and a broken bulletin board.

It's possible at least three youths were involved, with two juveniles already identified as possible suspects.

Besides the damage, the suspects allegedly stole a bicycle and candy.

The bicycle has been recovered.

Youth Officer John Dehm and Investigator Tim Weis are handling the case.

Anybody with information can call the Sheriff's Office at 585-343-5000.

The owner of a red Corvette involved in a single-car rollover accident at 1 a.m., June 20, has been cited for allegedly leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, according to State Police.

The driver is allegedly Robert R. Davis, 50, of 1355 Main Road, Corfu. Davis is the son of Jack Davis, four-time candidate for Congress in the 26th District and president of I Squared R Element Co., in Akron.

After the accident in the area of 871 Gabbey Road, Pembroke, local law enforcement conducted a search for Robert Davis in the area and on South Lake Road, Pembroke, speaking with residents about his possible location. At one point, an investigator noted that at least one homeowner he spoke with had "honesty issues."

Davis was reportedly with his girlfriend. 

According to Sgt. Kurt Schmitt, the female passenger was eventually treated at Suburban Hospital in Erie County, supposedly taken there by a friend.

The Corvette was impounded at Jim and Bob's Service in Pembroke until Robert Davis surfaced. The car was released to Davis yesterday morning and Davis was issued citations for leaving the scene of a personal injury accident among other alleged infractions.

Jack Davis said he had heard his son was involved in an accident and tried finding out more about it last week, being concerned about his welfare, but hadn't gotten much information.

"He's not gotten back to me," Davis said. "I'm sure he's disappointed in what he's done. It's embarrassing, but all families deal with situations like this."

This isn't the younger Davis' first run-in with the law. In 2009, he was charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th for allegedly possessing a switchblade knife. Information is not immediately available on the disposition of that case.

Photos submitted anonymously by a reader.

A Chestnut Street resident is facing a petit larceny charge all because he reportedly didn't want to see some woodchucks that had been living in his yard taken away.

To Dale Edward Banfield, 50, of Batavia, the woodchucks were like pets.

To his landlord, they were pests who were destroying his property.

So the landlord hired a nuisance wildlife company to set traps and capture the little critters.

After they were captured and removed Saturday, Banfield drove out to the company's location in Corfu and asked for the woodchucks back.

The owner declined to return the woodchucks, so before leaving, Banfield allegedly grabbed the traps containing the woodchucks and left.

The traps were recovered, according to the Sheriff's Office, but the woodchucks are presumably off some where chucking wood.

No word on where the woodchucks might be, nor how many were trapped.

Banfield was charged with petit larceny and must appear in Town of Pembroke Court on July 12.

Deputy Ron Meides investigated the case of the woodchuck caper.

Brandon Alan Eisenberg, 27, of Village Gate, Williamsville, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, criminal possession of marijuana, three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and inhalation of toxic gas (Nitrous Oxide). On June 8, Eisenberg was initially charged with criminal possession of marijuana, 4th, and now these new charges have been added. Eisenberg was arrested in Darien.

Alysasa Marie Lori, 19, of Roe Drive, Cheektowaga, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd. Lori is accused of continuing to make harassing phone calls and sending text messages to a person after being warned by that person, a Corfu resident, and police to cease the communications.

A 16-year-old from East Main Street, Le Roy, is charged with false personation. The youth is accused of providing a false identity to police during an investigation of an alleged underage drinking party at 1:04 a.m., June 5, at 98 North St., Le Roy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A bar fight, perhaps involving several people, has been reported at Dadio's on Main Street in Corfu.

An ambulance is being dispatched to 44 Allegany Road, Corfu, for the victim of an assault. It may be related. A man is down, conscious and alert with facial and head injuries.

Multiple law enforcement units are responding.

Mercy EMS dispatched to Allegany Road.

A little less than a year ago, there was only one independent bakery in Genesee County. As of yesterday, there are six.

The latest to open is Sweet Ecstasy, next to the Stafford Trading Post, in Stafford. Above are Tonisha Price, Carla Price, Ginny Robins and Debra Ingham. In the store, Sweet Ecstasy offers cookies and pastries and takes special orders for cakes and other baked dessert items.

Sweet Ecstasy took over the former location of Heavenly Sweets • Deli, which has moved to the corner of routes 63 and 19 in Pavilion. Heavenly Sweets offers pastries, bread and cakes, as well as a fully stocked deli counter. Pictured are owner Bonnie Totten, lower center, Peggy Ellis, left, Caitlyn Meeder and Sherif Woodworth.

The first of Genesee County's current six bakeries is Greg'ry's in Bergen. Greg'ry's was opened 17 years ago by Diane Cunningham. It was started nearly 20 years ago by Gregory Stefl, who sold it to Diane Cunningham. She sold it two years ago and then reacquired the bakery just two weeks ago.

Her new partner, Maura Schaffer (unfortunately, not in today when I dropped by unannounced) has created a line of all-natural pet treats. The bakery still carries a full line of breads, pies, cakes and pastries.

The trend of new bakeries started with Mary Margret Ripley opening up Scratch Bakery in Le Roy (on Main Street, sharing space with Java's). Scratch does most of its business special order, though there's usually cookies and scones (one Ripley's specialities) available in the store. Ripley also has a number of wholesale customers and sells items at local festivals. Customers can order a full line of cakes, cup cakes, pastries, cookies and bread. Ripley also offers home delivery.

Michelle's Bakery and Cafe opened in February on West Saile Drive, Batavia. Michelle said the bakery specializes in old-fashioned pastries, "like grandma used to make." It's a full-service bakery and owner Michelle Farina, left, said the shop can make a decorated sheet cake for any special occasion. The cafe is open for breakfast and lunch and offers sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups. Farina also offers catering. Pictured with Michelle are Samantha McDonald, Cassandra Hirsch and Liz Fenton.

The second newest bakery is Buttercrumbs Bakery in Corfu. Owner Darlene Miller, right, said she researched more than 100 bakeries, including some as far away as Florida, before coming up with a business plan. The shop, right in the Village of Corfu, has a seating area and offers pastries, pies and bread as well as cakes on special order. Miller said the closing of the village grocery store created a real opportunity for her and local residents have responded enthusiastically to the new business. "Corfu has never had anything like this before," said Miller, a longtime resident. Pictured with Miller is Julie Patterson.

It's perhaps just coincidence that I finally got around to putting this post together (I started planning on it back when there were only four bakeries) on the same day my dad is arriving from California for a weekend visit. I grew up in the bakery business and have always loved what a good, independent bakery can produce.

The baked goods at the chains can never match what a good independent bakery makes. Genesee County is now blessed with six quality local bakeries. As consumers, we need to be sure to support them. Entrepreneurs like these owners are what make a community strong and prosperous.

Justin Zane Barker, 22, of North Lyon, Batavia, is charged with burglary, 3rd. Barker is accused of burglarizing the Beaver Brothers Restaurant at Darien Lake Theme Park sometime during the morning hours of Sept. 6, 2009. (Barker was also recently part of a trio that allegedly refused to leave a local hotel, leading to a multi-agency manhunt for Derick Barker.)

Lena M. Evans, 23, of 4037 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, is charged with three counts of petit larceny. Evans is accused of shoplifting from Target on April 11, from Kmart on April 19, and from Bed, Bath & Beyond on an unspecified date. The petit larcenies were investigated by deputies Parker, Richardson and VanValkenburg.

Danny D. Williams, 22, of 21 Wood St., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, coercion, 2nd, criminal mischief, 4th, criminal trespass, 2nd, and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Williams is accused of being at a residence on Thorpe Street at 10:58 p.m., Monday, and being loud and disruptive. When his female acquaintance asked him to leave, according to police, Williams allegedly refused. During the incident, Williams allegedly damaged a glass vase and a mobile phone. Williams allegedly grabbed the phone from the woman's hand and threw it against a wall when she threatened to call police. Three young children were in the residence at the time. According to police, a "no offensive conduct" order was in place at the time of the alleged incident. Williams was taken into custody Tuesday and jailed on $750 bail.