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Band teacher accused of sexual abuse plans to take case to trial

By Howard B. Owens

Kerry Hoffmann, the 27-year-old former band teacher from Oakfield-Alabama accused of sexually abusing a student, will take his case to trial, according to his attorney.

Hoffman appeared in Oakfield Town Court this evening to set a trial date.

"People will be surprised," said his attorney, Thomas D. Calandra. "We will be bringing up issues that will surprise people."

Hoffman turned down a plea offer this evening, according to Assistant District Attorney Kevin Finnell.

"We talked about a plea, but it didn't come to fruition," Finnell said. "I don't know how close it was, but it was being considered up until tonight and then it was rejected."

Hoffman has until 24 hours before the scheduled trial date, 9:30 a.m. March 23, to accept any plea offer.

All six charges against Hoffman, five counts of sexual abuse and one count of endangering the welfare of a child, are misdemeanors.

UPDATE: 13WHAM reporter Sean Carroll says that Finnell told him Hoffman faces a 7th charge -- this one, official misconduct.

Photo: Kerry Hoffman outside of court this evening. Photo courtesy 13WHAM.

Bus driver from Kid Rock tour pleads not guilty to DWI charges

By Howard B. Owens

The man accused of driving Kid Rock's tour bus while drunk entered a not guilty plea to three DWI charges during an arraignment this morning in Genesee County Court.

Joseph S. Devlin, 37, St. Augustine, Fla., was arrested July 15 after Sheriff's deputies spotted the bus on Route 77 in Pembroke, they say, operating erratically.

Devlin was employed at the time by a company contracted to provide transportation for Kid Rock and his entourage.

He faces two felony counts of DWI.

Devlin posted the $10,000 bail set in the case immediately.

Previously:


Today's Deals: Delavan's, Adam Miller, Margarita's, T.F. Brown's, Kravings

By Howard B. Owens

Delavan's Restaurant and Tavern, 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY: To me, Delavan's is one of those restaurants where you want to eat frequently until you try everything on the menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles, 8 Center St., Batavia, NY: Feel like a kid in a toy store again, or treat your kids to the greatest toy store they will ever see. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Margarita's Mexican Restaurant, 15 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: When you're looking for an authentic Mexican meal, Margarita's is the place to go. The food and atmosphere are perfect and the service is always outstanding. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

T.F. Brown's, at 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Kravings Kafe, Valu Plaza, W. Main Street, Batavia, NY: Recently opened, it offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

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Employee accused of stealing items from a Le Roy restaurant

By Howard B. Owens

An employee of a restaurant in the Village of Le Roy is accused of stealing food and possibly other items over a period of time from his employer.

Arrested was Shawn D. "Bucky" McCumiskey, 38, of 24 North Genesee St., Fillmore.

He is charged with one count of petit larceny.

McCumiskey was allegedly caught by another employee at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 23 removing product from the restaurant.

Det. John Condidorio investigated the alleged crime.

Batavia City Council meeting on money issues tonight

By Howard B. Owens

The Batavia City Council meets at 7 tonight.

There will be a regular business meeting followed by a budget workshop.

City Manager Jason Molino's proposed budget calls for a 3-percent tax increase.

Tonight's budget session will focus on sewer and water, and address some of the challenges associated with aging infrastructure.

On the business meeting agenda, there is a resolution to increase spending on legal fees by $35,000, to help pay for ongoing litigation.

Police Beat: Two alleged DWI-related accidents

By Howard B. Owens

Stuart P. Newbould, 43, of 15959 Bridge Road, Kent, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to stop for a stop sign. Newbould was arrested by Deputy John Weis after he was allegedly involved in a property damage accident on Friday at the intersection of South Holley and North Bergen roads. Newbould was also accused of driving at an unreasonable speed.

David W. Pape Jr., 22, of 32 Alpine Lane, Caledonia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and aggravated unlicensed operation. Pape was arrested after his car reportedly went off the edge of the road on Route 19 in Bergen at 2:42 a.m. Saturday. Deputy John Weis also issued Pape a ticket for alleged unlawful possession of marijuana.

Corey Jamed Hemmer, 23, of 91 S. Main St., Apt. B, Elba, is charged with failure to pay a fine. Hemmer was arrested following a NYS parole check, when parole officers realized there was an outstanding Genesee County warrant for his arrest.

Wanted by Sheriff's Office: Corey A. Johnson

By Howard B. Owens

The Sheriff's Office is looking for Corey A. Johnson, who is wanted for an alleged violation of probation.

Johnson is 22 with a last known address in Silver Lake. Johnson was convicted of larceny and was on supervised probation.

Anybody who might have information on her whereabouts is asked to call (585) 343-3000.

UDPATE Jan. 13, 9:10 a.m.: The Sheriff's Office reports Corey Johnson is in custody.

Sidewalk plow rolls over

By Howard B. Owens

A City of Batavia sidewalk plow has rolled over on Walnut Street near Law.

Weather Watch: Slightly warmer, a little snow

By Howard B. Owens

We really don't need cold like we had yesterday.  Burr.

A projected high today of 27 almost sounds like relief, but Thursday projected high of 38 is something to look forward to.

There is a chance of snow by noon, and a better chance of snow in the afternoon, but don't expect more than an inch of accumulation.

Car reported on its side on Clinton Street Road

By Howard B. Owens

A car is reportedly on its side in the area of 5860 Clinton St. Road, Batavia.

There are reportedly injuries.

UPDATE 10:40 p.m.: Stafford Fire is responding.  One older woman is trapped in the car. It's unknown if she's injured.

UPDATE 11:05 p.m.: "Victim extricated." Previously, Mercy Flight was dispatched and then cancelled.

UPDATE 11:21 p.m.: The driver is being transported to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy EMS. 

 


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Report of smoke in basement at Pizza Pantry

By Howard B. Owens

Corfu Fire has been dispatched to the Pizza Pantry for a report of smoke in the basement.

UPDATE 8:09 p.m.: A first responder reports a smell of wood burning in the basement. The restaurant is being evacuated.

UPDATE 8:45 p.m.: Darien and Corfu crews are still on scene and have not identified the source of the smoke smell, but report there is still some odor. Apparently, some melted wires were found above the office, but it's unclear if that could be a source of the smell.  The smell is still described as a wood smell.

UPDATE 9:07 p.m.: This is a possible electrical fire in a wall.  Alexander, Attica and Bennington are being dispatched to a staging area in Corfu, as well as Town of Batavia's Fast Team. Also, Alden's ladder truck is responding.

UPDATE 9:15 p.m.: Bennington is standing by at Darien Fire Hall, Attica is continuing to the staging area. Also, Emergency Management Coordinator Tim Yaeger is responding.  All units are responding none emergency. Wyoming dispatch was just informed, "It's all precautionary."

UPDATE 9:18 p.m.: A hot spot has been found in the basement. "The temperature is rising."

UPDATE 9:46 p.m.: A little while ago, a fire crew on the first floor reported it was about to spray water down the wall into the basement. Just now, a fire crew member in the basement reported his crew was exiting the basement. The thermal camera is now reporting temperatures in the 50s. National Grid is now on scene. Also, Route 77 in front of Pizza Pantry has iced over and town road crews are being requested.

UPDATE 9:55 p.m.: Standby units released. Darien Fire Chief reports fire source was located and extinguished and Darien units are picking up.


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Teenagers injured in accident on Sandpit Road

By Howard B. Owens

Two teenagers were injured yesterday when one of them apparently lost control of the car he was driving on Sandpit Road.

The 2000 Chevy Pickup flew into a barn at 10298 Sandpit, Alexander, and landed on its roof in the basement of the barn.

Joseph Edel, 16, of 11 North St., Attica, was taken by Mercy EMS to UMMC with neck pain. His passenger, Michael A., Bigouette, 15, was transported by ambulance to UMMC complaining of chest pain.

The 4:35 p.m. accident remains under investigation by Deputy Cory Mower and no tickets have been issued.

Previously: Report of vehicle into a barn on Sandpit Road, Alexander

Rollover accident reported on the Thruway

By Howard B. Owens

A car has rolled over on the Thruway in the Pembroke area, but a second called to dispatch reports the driver is getting out of the car.

Pembroke Fire and Mercy EMS are being dispatched.

UPDATE 4:16 p.m.: First responder reports that the westbound lane is heavily covered in snow. The dispatcher responded that several calls have come in to report that situation and the Thruway Authority has been notified.

UPDATE 4:27 p.m.: If I'm hearing this right, an ambulance is stuck in the snow and a tow has been requested to pull it out. It's unclear if it's at this location or another.

Chimney fire reported in Bergen

By Howard B. Owens

Bergen Fire has responded to a report of a chimney fire at 5999 W. Sweden Road.

A responder reports that there were flames visible between the stove pipe and wall.

UPDATE: No visible flames from the roof. Interior firefighters are taking the pipe apart. Brockport's ladder truck has been released.


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Report of vehicle into a barn on Sandpit Road, Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

Alexander Fire is being dispatched to a report of a vehicle crashing into a barn, with a possible roll over, on Sandpit Road.

The exact address is unknown at this time.

UPDATE 4:42 p.m.: No address yet, but the vehicle is upside down in the basement in the barn.

Reports of a shooting in Brockport

By Howard B. Owens

We've received a few e-mails about "shots fired in Brockport." 

The D&C reports the campus is in lockdown. WGRZ reports:

WHAM Radio in Rochester reports the gunman shot two people inside a home and then shot a Monroe County Sheriff's deputy in the ankle. They are now reporting that the gunman is in custody.

I realize there are a number of young people from Genesee County who attend college in Brockport, but because Brockport is outside of our coverage area, we have no sources for additional information.

Today's Deals: New today, Oliver's Candies

By Howard B. Owens

New Today: Oliver's Candies, 211 W. Main St., Batavia, NY. Oliver's, a Batavia landmark, offers the finest chocolate and confections in the area. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

Main St. Pizza Company, 206 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Pizza, wings, subs and even hamburgers and hot dogs, Main St. Pizza makes everything deliciously. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles, 8 Center St., Batavia, NY: Feel like a kid in a toy store again, or treat your kids to the greatest toy store they will ever see. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Margarita's Mexican Restaurant, 15 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: When you're looking for an authentic Mexican meal, Margarita's is the place to go. The food and atmosphere are perfect and the service is always outstanding. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

T.F. Brown's, at 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, NY: People come from all over the region for a fine dining experience at Alex's. It's best known for its ribs, of course, but Alex's seafood is also a favorite of the restaurant's diners. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Belladessa's Pizzeria/Jackson St. Grill, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Here's a deal -- half off on a Family Meal Deal from Belladessa's, which is a large 1 topping pizza, 24 wings and 2-liter bottle of soda. It's a $25 value for $12.50.

Matty's Pizzeria, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Matty's is another Batavia favorite for pizza and wings. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Delavan's Restaurant and Tavern, 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY: To me, Delavan's is one of those restaurants where you want to eat frequently until you try everything on the menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

South Main Country Gifts, 3356 Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Handcrafted items, gifts with a regional flair, candles, teas and spices -- South Main has a wide selection to please most any interest. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

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