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Genesee ARC 5K draws a crowd of participants

By Howard B. Owens

Michael Richenberg, 20, from Elba, won the Genesee ARC 5K in Elba on Saturday. His 18:44 time beat Batavia High basketball player Collin Mulcahy, 16, by 12 seconds.

The other top 10 finishers were:

Kimberly Mills, 19, Basom, 19:08
Kevin Lavare, 30, New York, 19:14
Judy Arlington, 44, Lockport, 20:38
Chad Minuto, 34, Batavia, 21:04
Justin Carlson, 13, Le Roy, 21:07
Tom Moran, 57, Batavia, 21:17
Michael Skowronski, 13, Lewiston, 21:21
Patrick Miller, 45, Spencerport, 21:32

The top two women walkers were Kayla Russo, 16, of Williamsville, at 27:06 and Laura Felice, 74, of Jamestown at 40:37.

The top two men walkers were Paul Spiotta, 52, at 42:17 and Clarice Parrag-Graney, 68, at 44:07.

For complete results, click here.

Lancers let a chance at victory slip through their fingers

By Howard B. Owens

Fumbles proved costly for the Lancers on Saturday, as more than one drive was snuffed by a lost ball.

The final score: Elba/Byron-Bergen 12 - Holley 24.

The Lancers held Holley's powerful offense scoreless in the first half, but blew a chance to take a lead in the second quarter on a fumble deep in Holley territory.

And that's pretty much how it would go the next couple of times Elba/BB took possession of the ball.

Holley finally broke the deadlock in the third quarter on a Chad Barhydt four-yard run. On the next drive, Holley made it 16-0 (with two-point conversions) on a two-yard run by Cadizsh Norford.

A 25-yard run by Spencer Greean would seal the deal for Holley, despite two touchdown passes from Eric Kowalik in the fourth quarter.

Kowalik hit Matt Ramsey on a 22-yard strike, and Ramsey also took a pass from Kowalik 65 yards for a score.

On both scores, Elba/BB failed on two-point conversion attempts.

For Elba/BB, Kowalik completed 10 of 12 passes for 178 yards and he rushed for 43 yards. Ramsey had five catches for 141 yards.

The Lancers are now 2-2 and Holley is 3-1.

In other Genesee County football action on Friday, Oakfield-Alabama (0-4) fell to Barker (2-2), 28-7; Attica (3-1) dropped Pembroke (3-1), 38-12; Notre Dame (3-1) beat Alexander (0-4), 33-12; and Batavia (1-3) won over Penfield (0-4), 20-14.

In the Genesee Region division, four teams now have 3-1 records: Holley, Attica, Pembroke and Notre Dame.

Also, interesting story from the D&C about how players in Section V are getting bigger.

More pictures from the Elba/BB game after the jump:

Elba Democrats Select a Candidate for Highway Superintendent

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

Monday night, Democrats in Elba held a caucus and selected a Mark Yungfleisch to run for the office being vacated by current Highway Superintendent Allan Totten. Yungfleisch is a long time Elba resident who has worked for the Highway Department in Elba previously. He is a former Elba Fire Department Assistant Chief and is currently employed at Reisdorf Oil.

Yungfleisch cited experience as his primary motivation for seeking the office. ‘I have a Class A license, I’m very familiar with the equipment and I understand the maintenance, scheduling and budgetary needs of the department,’ he said after the caucus.

Lancers dominate Alexander in 35-0 victory

By Howard B. Owens

Dylan Bordinaro was all over the field Saturday, making tackles, picking off passes and rushing for 85 yards.

The senior linebacker/running back scored two touchdowns and was a big part of Elba/Byron-Bergen's 35-0 victory over Alexander.

“This off-season, right at the end of the school year, he asked, 'What do I need to do to get better?'" said Head Coach Michael Cintorino. "We said, 'You’ve got the ability, you’ve just got to go hard every single play.'"

That's exactly what Bordinaro has done so far this season.

"He never wants to come out of the game," Cintorino said. "And it doesn’t matter if it’s practice, doesn’t matter if it's warm ups, doesn’t matter if it's agilities, doesn’t matter if it’s game day – he’s got one speed and that’s all he goes."

On the Trojan's side of the ball, injuries are making it a tough early fall in Alexander. After seeing at least two more players go down Saturday, Head Coach Dave Radley said it may be time to drop the JV program and bring those players into varsity to fill roster spots.

"It's back to the drawing board," Radley said.

For the Lancers (2-0), Eric Kowalik passed for 109 yards and completed five of 12 passes. Brandon Shucknecthad seven tackles and one sack.

Lucas Phillips ran for 57 yards  on 19 carries for Alexander (0-2).

Scores:

E-Dylan Bordinaro 42-yard interception
E-Bordinaro 29-yard run
E-Bordinaro 45-yard interception
E-Matt Ramsey 86-yard pass from Eric Kowalik
E-Bordinaro 9-yard run

Photos: Top, Elba/BB QB Eric Kowalik is leg tackled by Quinn Jared. Below, Matt Ramsey making the reception for his 86-yard TD catch.

More pictures after the jump:

Elba in the 1940s is topic of presentation

By Billie Owens

The 1940s is the topic of a presentation Sept. 16 by Helen Batchellor, of Stafford, including stories related to Elba.

She is a native of Elba and will bring items from that era to view. According to the host, the Elba Historical Society, her programs are always entertaining.

It will be at the Historical Society of Elba's Museum on Maple Avenue.

Refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m. and the presentation is at 7. Everyone is welcome to attend.

A meeting of the historical society will follow the program. It is important that all members
try to attend as nominations for all offices will be taken and a board member will be
selected.

If you wish to nominate a member for an office this will be the meeting to do it. Voting will take place at the Oct. 14th meeting.

Police Beat: Bergen man accused of possessing stolen dirt bike

By Howard B. Owens

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Police Beat: Resident on State Street allegedly menaced by Rochester man

By Howard B. Owens

Robert Thigpen, III, 35, of 287 Flower City Park, Rochester, is charged with burglary, 2nd, menacing, 2nd, criminal mischief, 4th, and harassment, 2nd. Thigpen is accused of entering the apartment of an acquaintance on State Street at 10:37 p.m, Monday. He allegedly shoved the victim and threatened the person with a knife. Thigpen was located a short time later by officers Eric Hill and Kevin DeFelice and taken into custody without incident. Thigpen was jailed without bail.

Ricardo Velasquez, 21, of Elba, is charged with Aggravated DWI and speeding. Velasquez was stopped by State Police at 3:45 p.m., Sunday, for allegedly driving 96 mph in a 55-mph zone on Route 262 in Elba. Velasquez was taken to the police barracks and tested for alcohol and allegedly found to have a BAC of .28. Upon further investigation, it was determined that Velasquez is allegedly in the country illegally. Velasquez was jailed on $2,500 bail or $5,000 bond. A detainer was filed by the Border Patrol.

Police Beat: Robbery and drug charge follow alleged domestic incident

By Howard B. Owens

Christopher Patrick Ball, 28, of Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, is charged with robbery, 3rd, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Ball was arrested following an investigation into an alleged domestic incident at 9:55 a.m., Sunday. Ball is accused of stealing the victim's purse. Upon further investigation, Ball was allegedly found in possession of hydrocodone.

Misael O. Rodriguez, 27, of North Clinton Avenue, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Rodriguez was reportedly found at 3:33 p.m., Sunday, by security officers at Darien Lake in a parking lot rolling a joint.

Daniel Lee Ward, 23, of West State Street, Albion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Ward was stopped  for an alleged traffic violation at 9:54 p.m., Thursday, on Route 98 in Batavia by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Lloyd Peter Parsons, 49, of Broadway Road, Darien, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Parsons was arrested on a warrant out of Orleans County. At the time of his arrest by Deputy Patrick Reeves, he was allegedly found in possession of marijuana.

Michael Joseph Valtin, 25, of Church Road, Bennington, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Valtin is accused of having unwanted physical contact with a child while visiting a campground.

Richard B. Smith, 21, of 4753 East Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to keep right. Smith was stopped at 2:28 a.m., Sunday, by Sgt. Michael Hare of the Le Roy Police Department on West Main Street, Le Roy.

Elizabeth Anne Geddes, 53, of Stepping Stone Lane, Orchard Park, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving while impaired by drugs, driving while ability impaired (alcohol and drugs) and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Geddes was stopped by Deputy Chad Minuto at 7:04 p.m., Saturday, in the parking of Darien Lake during the Tom Petty concert.

Chad Michael Wolter, 39, of Mountain Road, Gasport, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Wolter is accused of throwing his girlfriend to the ground, spitting on her and throwing a beer can at her. The alleged incident occurred at 11:10 p.m., Saturday, at 1575 Sumner Road.

Glenn K. King-McDade, 24, of Somers, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speeding. King-McDade was stopped at 11:17 p.m., Saturday, by Sgt. Michael Hare of the Le Roy Police Department on Clay Street. King-McDade is accused of driving 53 mph in a 35-mph zone.

Joseph Arthur Julyan, 46, of West Bain Street, Albion, is charged with assault, 3rd, and criminal mischief, 4th. Julyan was allegedly involved in a domestic incident where he pushed, grabbed and twisted another person's shoulders. He also allegedly grabbed the other person's mobile phone when the person attempted to call police. Julyan also allegedly violated the terms of his parole by being out of his county of supervision and drinking. He was jailed on $10,000 bail. New York State Parole was notified.

Jayme Roland Lang, 37, of Lewiston Road, Alabama, is charged with computer tampering, 4th. Lang is accused of changing the password on a woman's computer, denying her access to the computer.

Jose L. Rodriguez, 36, of 28 Voss Street, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and failure to maintain the driving lane. Rodriguez was stopped at 2:02 a.m., Saturday, by Officer Kevin DeFelice on Oak Street, Batavia.

Eli R. Graves, 20, and Zachary J. Bourque, 20, both of East Aurora, are charged with burglary, 3rd. They were arrested by State Police for an alleged incident in Darien reported at 10:09 p.m., Friday. No further details were released.

James F. Hemmer, 49, of Elba, is charged with criminal mischief. Hemmer was arrested by State Police at 91 South Main St., Elba, for an alleged incident reported at 11:10 a.m., Thursday. No further details were released.

John T. Reagan, 28, of Cheektawoga, is charged with DWI with a conviction in the previous 10 years. Reagan was stopped by State Police on Sumner Road, Darien, at 11:53 p.m., Thursday.

Timothy D. Moore, of Geneseo, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to stop at a stop sign. Moore was stopped by State Police at 10:14 p.m., Wednesday, on Route 63 and Perry Road, Pavilion.

Fiddle players wanted for fiddle competition and barn dance in Elba

By Billie Owens

The Historic Society of Elba is holding a Barn Dance and Fiddle Competition on Oct. 16 and needs to line up fiddle (violin) players so they can be practicing for the event.

Music will be from "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" by Charlie Daniels, but with a slight modification and will become "The Devil Went Down to Elba."

There has been a good response to this planned event. The Kelly Oldtimers are scheduled to perform and call the dancing. Also planned is a performance of The Ebla High School Jazz Ensemble.

Anyone wanting to be involved in the fiddle competition (young and old ) should contact Ron Komar at 585-757-2590 or ron.komar@gmail.com.

Elba Presbyterian Church to hold 5K race on Saturday

By Gretel Kauffman

This Saturday, the First Presbyterian Church of Elba will be hosting its first 5K run/walk.

Race-day registration will be from 8-8:45 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Park (located on Main Street in Elba) and is $18 a person ($15 for participants under the age of 18).

The 3.1-mile race will begin at 9 a.m. on Maple Avenue and will go down West Avenue -- with drinking water at the turn-around point at Weatherwax Road -- and end at the park. 

Post-race festivities in the Veterans Memorial Park will include the awarding of prizes and giveaways for the participants, refreshments, a bake sale, 50-50 raffle and live music from The Thunderbirds. All proceeds will be used toward the mission and ministry of the First Presbyterian Church of Elba.

"This is an exciting first effort for our congregation," says Reverend Barbara Tipton. "The pre-registration response has far exceeded our expectations. The cooperation of the community officials in helping us organize our run/walk has been extraordinary.

"Our goal is to raise funding not only for important projects in our church, but to enable us to support those community agencies that address needs on all of our behalf."

For more information go to http://www.elba5k.com or contact Dave Bateman by e-mailing him at racedirector@elba5k.com or calling him at (716) 374-4741.

Jessica Pcionek crowned Elba's Onion Queen

By Gretel Kauffman

(From left: First runner-up Ryleigh Rowcliffe, Onion Queen Jessica Pcionek, and Second runner-up Molly Geissler.)

When Jessica Pcionek was crowned Onion Queen on Saturday night, she couldn't believe it was actually happening.

"I was thinking about how I used to always go watch the Onion Queen contest when I was little, but I never really thought I would be up there doing it myself," Pcionek says. "I was shocked, but really excited at the same time because one of the dreams from my childhood came true."

Jessica is the daughter of James and Joyce Pcionek and has one sister, Jamie. She is employed at Post Farms and is a member of the Center Stage Dance Company.

She volunteers with SADD and at the Batavia Youth Bureau and is involved in many school activities including National Honor Society, Future Teachers Association, Friends of Rachel, Library Club, Drama Club, Senior High Chorus, Spirit Club, and Varsity football cheerleading. 

She plans to attend a four-year college to major in education.

The dream did not come true without hard work on Jessica's part, although she insists the whole process was "really fun."

"I had to write two essays and do four hours of community service, and then we had to go to a dinner interview and answer some questions. Then basically after that we just did the parade, rode on the float, and threw candy, which was really, really fun."

The other contestants were her classmates Ryleigh Rowcliffe, Racheal Cook, Molly Geissler and Jessica Hickey. The contest was open to incoming senior girls at Elba Central School.

"They're all my friends and I was hoping for the best for all of them," Pcionek says. "We had a lot of fun together and it's not like anyone holds a grudge or anything because we're all really good friends. I know no matter who would have won, we would have been happy for each other no matter what."

The newly crowned Queen says she loves Elba because of its size and the close-knit feeling. 

"It's a nice small community and everyone's really friendly and they're able to help you out if you get lost or something -- well, it's not like you'd really get lost in Elba in the first place. But you don't feel like you're just a number like you do in a bigger city. You get that community feel."

First runner-up Ryleigh Rowcliffe is the daughter of Garth and Mary Rowcliffe. She has two sisters, Alexandra and Meghan, and works for Oak Orchard Dairy.

She volunteers at Bezon Farms and Genesee Valley BOCES. She is involved in many activities including 4-H, FFA, and GAA. She plays varsity softball, soccer and basketball.

Ryleigh plans to attend school out of state to become a large-animal veterinarian specializing in dairy and beef cattle.

Second runner-up Molly Geissler is the daughter of David and Jane Geissler. She has one brother, Matt, and volunteers for the Elba Sports Boosters and the Oakfield Turkey Trot.

Molly is involved in many school activities including Varsity soccer, softball, and basketball. She is a member of the Future Teachers Association, National Honor Society and the Girls Athletic Association.

She will be attending the Health Careers Academy during her senior year. Molly plans to attend college to become a registered nurse.

Photos: Elba Onion Festival

By Howard B. Owens

The sun was out and the humidity down, making for perfect weather conditions at the Elba Onion Festival. Hundreds of people were there by mid-afternoon. Several people mentioned to me how much they especially enjoy the Onion Festival. I saw people there from all over Genesee County and met one family from Erie County who said they come to the festival every year.

More pictures after the jump:

Float in Elba Onion Festival parade gives a 'FIRST' look at LEGO League

By Daniel Crofts

Elba resident Chantal Zambito and her family will be parading through Elba this weekend at the Elba Onion Festival. Their vehicle: a LEGO float promoting the town's FIRST LEGO League team.

FIRST ("For Inspiration and Recognition in Science & Technology") LEGO League is an international organization that partners with experts in the fields of science and technology to get kids ages 9 to 14 involved in working with robotics and engineering.

The float will showcase robots made by the kids in Elba's FIRST team, which Zambito coaches along with Evelyn Hunt. These 'bots are connected with very simple tools and can be made to move by being hooked up to laptop computers.

Zambito says her goal is not only to promote Elba's team, but also to encourage other kids to join the leagues and form their own teams -- which can be associated with towns, local organizations, etc.

Zambito has been working closely with Genesee County communities and school districts for this purpose.

"Right now I think there are only three teams in Genesee County," she said. "I'd like to see at least six to eight teams -- that way we'll have enough teams that we can build a Genesee County Region section for the leagues."

At this time, Genesee County teams need to go to Monroe County -- which has 72 teams -- in order to compete.

"I hope to change that," Zambito said.

Zambito has been in talks with technology personnel at GCC, and they are very interested in doing this in conjunction with their Tech Wars program for high schoolers.

Each year, a different challenge is issued to the teams in terms of building their robots. This year's challenge is called "Body Forward" and will have the kids exploring the world of biomedical engineering.

Zambito and her family will be handing out informational brochures as the float passes along the parade. These brochures will include contact information.

The LEGO float will be featured in Friday night's parade -- which starts around 7 p.m. at Oak Orchard Road and lasts until about 8:30. It will also be in Saturday's "Kiddie Parade," which starts at noon on Maple Avenue and lasts about a half-hour.

Photos submitted by Chantal Zambito

Elba Historical Society dedicates maple tree to longtime resident

By Daniel Crofts

The Elba Historical Society invites the community to attend the dedication of a maple tree planted in memory of Sophie Smith. She was a longtime Elba resident, teacher and a charter member of the historical society.

The dedication will run from 2 until 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 29 at the Elba Historical Society Museum, at the Maple Avenue exit in Elba. Refreshments will be served.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 344-2707.

Event Date and Time
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Accident reported in the Village of Elba

By Howard B. Owens

A two-vehicle accident has been reported in the area of 8 North Main St., Elba.

It is believed to be a minor-injury accident. There is air bag deployment.

Elba Fire and EMS are being dispatched.


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Police Beat: Two men charged in alleged sex crimes

By Howard B. Owens

David D. Homer (photo), 40, of 7 North St., Le Roy, is charged with disseminating indecent material to minors, 2nd, a Class E felony. Homer is accused of sending indecent photographs of himself using a mobile phone to a 17-year-old person. He was arraigned and released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.

Erik P. Roth, 40, of 7595 Bank St. Road, Elba, has been indicted by the Genesee Grand Jury on three felonies and two misdemeanors. Roth is charged with two counts of sexual abuse 1st, course sexual conduct against a child, 2nd, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Roth is accused of having sexual contact with a child under 11 years old. The alleged crimes occurred in Elba between November 2004 and March 2006.

Michael Patrick Tanner, 18, of Hopkins Road, Getzville, is charged with unlawful dealing with fireworks. Tanner is accused of possessing illegal fireworks and shooting them from a car traveling on West Main Street Road, Batavia, at 11:48 p.m., Thursday. Tanner was reportedly later located in East Pembroke.

A 16-year-old resident of Maple Street, Batavia, has been charged with criminal mischief. The youth is accused of punching a hole in the wall of the Department of Social Services at about 8:30 a.m., Thursday. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and jailed on $2,500 bail.

Police Beat: Harassment charge filed

By Howard B. Owens

Max Louis Orr, 55, of Barrville Road, Elba, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Barr allegedly punched another person the chest during an argument.

Injury accident on Ford Road, Elba

By Howard B. Owens

At least one person was injured in this single-car rollover accident on Ford Road (Route 262) in Elba.

The accident occurred around 7:30 a.m.

The driver, from Buffalo, reportedly told investigators that he was checking his GPS at the time of the accident.

No further details available at this time. This post will be updated when we receive the accident report from the Sheriff's Office.

UPDATE: The driver has been identified as Steven J. Scott, 19, of Ford Road, Elba. He was taken by ground ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital. He was cited for alleged unsafe moving from lane of travel.

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