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An accident on Prole Road, Stafford, early Sunday morning led to a vehicle fire and an arrest for the 21-year-old driver on a charge of alleged DWI.

Adam B. Thomas, of 191 S. Main St., Batavia, was headed North on Prole at 5:33 a.m. when his 1999 Dodge sedan reportedly left the road, hit a rock pile and then a group of trees before catching on fire.

Thomas allegedly fled the scene and was located later.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Tim Weis, who charged Adams with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, leaving the scene of an accident, unlicensed operation, no seat belt, driving on a suspended license and speeding.

A 23-year-old woman from Alden was charged with DWI and a felony under "Leandra's Law" after reportedly being involved in a two-car accident in Darien on Thursday evening.

Haley A. Heidebreicht, of Seabrook Drive, Alden, allegedly had a BAC of .08 or greater. And she allegedly had a 5-month-old girl in the 2000 Dodge SUV she was driving.

Heidebreicht was driving westbound on Sumner Road when another driver reportedly failed to yield at the intersection with Colby Road.

Three people were hurt in the accident, including the 5-month-old, who was transported to Children's Hospital by ground ambulance. The driver and passenger in the other vehicle also suffered minor injuries and were taken to UMMC.

The other driver, Margaret M. Bliemeister, 46, of Townline Road, Alden, was issued a citation.

Her passenger was 16-year-old Edwin T. Bliemeister, also of Alden.

(Updated version at 1:25 p.m.)

A man suspected of killing two people in Brockway, Pa., has been identified by Sheriff Gary Maha as a "person of interest" in the Nov. 10, 2005 slaying of Oakfield resident Bill Fickel.

The Fickel murder has gone unsolved for five years.

Steven Patrick Rebert, 45, 422 N. Broad St., Emporium, Pa. knew Fickel, according to Maha. At one time, Rebert was a resident of East Shelby Road, Oakfield.

The Sheriff's Office arrested Rebert June 3 in the Town of Alabama on a criminal possession of a weapon charge. He was allegedly carrying a switchblade knife.

Rebert was reportedly in Genesee County visiting relatives at the time.

A Pennsylvania radio station reported that Rebert was in New York when arrested for the alleged double homicide in Brockway. It's unclear if that would have been the June 3 arrest or a subsequent arrest.

The murder of Wayne and Vicky Shugar of Brockway occurred April 12. Vicky Shugar was a flower shop owner and Rebert reportedly came to know the couple while involved with an employee of the store. Pennsylvannia police say they have not identified a motive for the killings. For more on the Shugar murders, click here.

Media reports are also tying Rebert to the unsolved murder of Kevin Smith in Orleans County.

Bill Fickel, who was 46 at the time of his death, was shot and killed outside his home on Burns Road, Oakfield. No suspect has ever been previously identified.

A possible one-time residence of Rebert, on East Shelby Road, is not far from the murder scene. The two roads intersect (see map below).

There may have been evidence found in Rebert's home that has led law enforcement to consider him a suspect in the unsolved murders in Genesee and Orleans counties.

DNA evidence has reportedly tied Rebert to the Shugar murders. DNA from Wayne Shugar was reportedly found on one of Rebert's work boots. The Shugars were found shot to death in the basement of their home. There are also reports that Rebert had previously been seen in the area of the Shugar's home as much as a month before the murder.

There is also DNA evidence in the Fickel murder. Three days ago, Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster told The Batavian that the Sheriff's Office is continually looking for a DNA match.

Asked about a possible suspect being identified, Brewster would say only that  recent leads "take us in a direction we want to go."

Lisa Fickel, who is not available for comment this morning, also said she was "hopeful" about recent developments in the case.

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A truck attempting to turn around on Route 5 in Corfu has become stuck and is now blocking both lanes of traffic.

The cab of the truck apparently became stuck in the yard of 540 Main Road.  The trailer is in the roadway.

Law enforcement is responding.

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Officials have yet to determine what caused an ammonia leak this afternoon at the Allens, Inc., food processing plant on Stevens Street in Oakfield.

The leak prompted a call for residents to evacuate the south side of the village, including the baseball fields and park off Drake, which was filled with families and children on a warm, reasonably sunny Saturday.

Oakfield's big garage sale day was interrupted by the emergency, but some sellers tried to carry on even as fire police were keeping anyone from entering the cordoned area.

“Oakfield fire company responded very quickly," said Allen's plant manager Jeff Clark. "Genesee County (hazmat) came in. We were able to work together with their people and my people being able to go in, discover the (origin) and shut off the values to stop the leak."

The initial call came in at about 12:30 p.m. The leak was contained at about 2:30 p.m. (The Batavian's initial report is available here.)

Visibility in the room with the leak and the heat of the day made it especially challenging to get to the proper valve and shut off the ammonia, officials said.

One firefighter suffered heat exhaustion and was transported by ground ambulance to an area hospital. He was doing fine an hour or so later, according to Oakfield Chief Sean Downing.

Clark said no Allens personnel were in the machine room when the leak occurred and no Allens personnel were hurt.

"We have hazmat drills several times per year," Clark said, explaining that employees know exactly the process for evacuating the plant when an alarm sounds.

The heat, one official said, causes the ammonia to stay close to the ground, making it more of a health hazard, and also making it more likely to settle in the basin where the community ball fields are located.

The wind, which was blowing at 15 to 20 mph, Downing said, spread the plume further than it might otherwise move, but also helped dissipate the gas more quickly.

Residents within a half-mile radius of the plant were notified of the leak using the county's reverse 9-1-1 system. They were advised to stay inside and close their windows.

The biggest concern, Downing said, was people with respiratory problems being exposed to the fumes. No medical issues were reported in the village related to the leak.

Emergency personnel were called in from Alabama, East Pembroke and Elba fire departments. The Monroe County hazmat team was dispatched to the scene to provide relief to the local hazmat teams. Shortly after the Monroe County team arrived, the leak was contained, so the team was sent into the village to test the air quality.

No heavy concentrations were found after the leak was contained, said Deputy Fire Coordinator James Bouton.

Ammonia is used at the plant in the refrigeration system.

“It’s part of our system to freeze the vegetables that are harvested locally," Clark said.

The system contains 38,000 lbs. of ammonia, Clark said, but not the entire system was effected by the leak. He could not say today how many pounds of ammonia escaped the plant.

The plant operates seven days a week, 24 hours a day. More than 200 people are employed there during peak season, and 65 employees were working today's day shift.

Allens, Inc., is based in Siloam Springs, Ark.

Allens acquired the Oakfield plant from Birdseye about three years ago, Clark said.

About four years ago, the plant had another ammonia leak. In that case, Clark said, a pressure valve gave way and the leak was contained in about 15 minutes.

Clark said he couldn't immediately estimate the financial loss to the company from the leak. He said all of the vegetables exposed to the ammonia will be thrown out.

Top inset: Jeff Clark; Bottom inset: Chief Sean Downing

A woman at 67 Myrtle St., Le Roy, managed to extinguish a pan fire on her stove top, but became locked in her apartment because she couldn't find the key for the deadbolt.

She reportedly was having a hard time breathing because of the fire extinguisher fumes, even though her windows were open.

A Le Roy Police officer responded within seconds of the call, gained entry to the apartment and she is now outside and OK, he reports.

Le Roy Fire is responding for ventilation only.

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Last night was the annual Lawn Fete at St. Joe's -- a good turn out and lots of laughter and smiles, as always.

More pictures after the jump:

Sheriff's deputies are responding to Stringham Drive where a huge garage sale is apparently causing traffic and parking problems.

Some people have apparently parked in such a way as to potentially block the fire trucks at the Town of Batavia fire station at the intersection with Clinton Street Road. Those cars may be towed.

A van fire has been reported in the area of mile marker 396.1 of the Thruway.

Several callers reported the fire.

East Pembroke and Town of Batavia have been dispatched.

A chief reports the fire was knocked down with available fire extinguishers while awaiting fire truck response, but the fire is starting to go again.

UPDATE 3:56 p.m.: Traffic is stopped in the westbound direction.

UPDATE 5:27 p.m.: Fire units cleared the scene some time ago and traffic is starting to flow again. Photo by Destin Danser.

While police investigators have concluded the Wiard Plow factory fire was intentionally set and they have at least two suspects, no arrests have been made yet.

"We're still trying to nail down a few things," said Det. Kevin Czora, who has been leading the investigation.

A number of youths may have been involved in setting both fires in the historic factory building on May 8. The first fire did little damage and was put out quickly. The second fire several hours later leveled the back part of the old brick, steel and wooden structure.

At least one person was present at the ignition of both fires, Czora said.

Czora said he doesn't know why the youths set the blaze.

They may have used accelerants to help push along the second fire, but lab results are not back yet.

After the State's fire dog, "Shadow," alerted on chemicals on the old factory floor, investigators attempted to gather traces of whatever chemicals were on the floor to send to a crime lab.

Detectives conducted numerous interviews over the past several weeks, Czora said. The interviews were key both in identifying suspects and corroborating statements.

In a release about the investigation earlier today, the PD said evidence used to crack the case included "electronic" evidence. Asked if that meant phone calls or text messages or cell phone photos, Czora just said, "communications."  He said the communications included suspects and witnesses.

The youths apparently entered the factory buildings without permission on dates previous to the fire, Czora said.

The case has taken a long time to develop to this point, Czora said, because investigators are trying document as many details as possible.

"Because of the scope -- the evidence, the witnesses, the suspects -- we just needed to make sure we investigated thoroughly and completely so as to make sure nothing is unidentified or missing from the investigation," Czora said.

It will be up to County Attorney Charles Zambito to file charges once the investigation is complete, and the youths will be dealt with in family court.

City Fire is responding to a report of a "toxic odor" in the area of the Sugar Creek Store, 189 Pearl St., Batavia.

Engine 12 is responding "non-emergency" to investigate.

UPDATE 12:07: We've not heard any more about this.

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I was out on a story that didn't pan out this morning, but being out and about a little earlier than usual, I was struck how great the sky looked to the east, so I decided to drive out that way in search of photo opportunities. The better light was probably 30 or 45 minutes earlier before I got to any place worth taking pictures, but here are three photos from my short drive.

Above a group of barns on Britt Road near Warner Road.

I was struck by these two bare trees in an emerging cornfield.

Douglas Lake on Route 237.

Kevin Andrew Hinca, 18, of Brunswick Road, Depew, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. Hinca was reportedly on a 12-grade field trip from a high school in Erie County to Darien Lake. He was allegedly found at Darien Lake in possession of hydrocodone and MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy.

James Thomas Pero, 18, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Pero was allegedly found in possession of marijuana in the parking lot of Batavia High School following a random sniff search with the Sheriff's Office K-9. The search was conducted at the invitation of the school.

Megan T. Suttell, 20, of Oakfield, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Suttell was cited by State Police at 12:25 a.m., Thursday. No further details were released.

Unidentified juveniles are being blamed for the fire that destroyed a portion of the Wiard Plow factory building on May 8.

Following a weeks-long investigation, Batavia Police detectives have concluded the fire was arson.

In a news release this morning, the department said numerous interviews of suspects and witnesses as well as electronic and physical evidence led to the identification of the suspects.

Because of their age, the case against the suspects will be referred to family court, where defendants names are kept confidential.

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.

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.

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

Settler's Restaurant, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts,lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

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.

Stafford Trading Post, 6173 Main Road, Stafford, NY: Lunch or dinner, Stafford Trading Post offers a variety of fresh, homemade meals, as well as snacks and drinks. Now in a new, expanded location. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

Clor's Meat Market, 4169 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: For the best, most flavorful, juiciest chicken or hamburger in town, hands down, stop by Clor's. Oh, and the steaks are great, too. And the sausage. Clor's also serves lunch and dinners from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 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.

Larry's Steakhouse, 60 Main St., Batavia, NY: The name says it all -- Larry's is a great place for steak. Larry's has a fine dining atmosphere with a great menu and outstanding service. We have a $25 gift certificate 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.

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

SOLD OUT

The ongoing investigation into the 2005 murder of Bill Fickel is moving forward, there have been new leads, but the case is far from solved.

Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office is obviously reluctant to discuss details, but he said that recent leads "take us in a direction we want to go."

Lisa Fickel said she's heard news from the Sheriff's Office that indicate new progress is being made.

"It makes me hopeful," she said.

But both Brewster and Fickel said nobody should expect an arrest any time soon.

By now, most Genesee County residents know the story of Bill Fickel's murder.

At about 8:30 p.m., Nov. 10, 2005, Lisa saw a flatbed truck back into their driveway. She told Bill she thought somebody was there to look at the van they had for sale. Bill put on his shoes, grabbed a flashlight and headed outside with their dog. Lisa, who was in the kitchen of their Burns Road home, heard two shots. She ran outside just in time to see the truck driving away. She found her husband lying the the driveway. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Bill Fickel was 46 years old at the time of his death.

Lisa said the Sheriff's Office remains in constant contact with her as investigators continue to work the case. She put up billboards, especially in Orleans County, asking anybody with information to call the Sheriff's Office.

Brewster said even with new leads, it's a complicated investigation. He compared it the Scott Doll case, where investigators had a blood-covered suspect caught near the scene of the night of the murder, but getting a conviction was still no easy process.

"Here we have the complexity of gathering evidence five years later," Brewster said.

That evidence includes DNA evidence, he said. He said every two weeks the Sheriff's Office gets its turn to run DNA evidence from the Fickel case through the national DNA database. If a suspect were to be convicted of a crime in New York, the rest of the U.S. or Canada, his DNA would eventually wind up in the databank and perhaps a match would result.

"We are making progress," Brewster said. "We continue to work the case. We are hopeful, but we're not about to make an arrest."

Brewster asks that anyone with any information that might help in the case should call the Sheriff's Office at (585) 345-3000.

Genesee County Democrats have agreed to line up behind local author and Bergen resident Chris Barons, better known on The Batavian by his pen name, C.M. Barons.

The Democrats picked Barons to face off against popular Republican incumbent Steve Hawley in the 139th Assembly District.

Mike Ranzenhofer, a first-term Republican who represents Genesee County in the Senate, will face a committee-endorsed challenger.

The Democrats announced that Marc Coppola will get their support. Coppola has held a State Senate seat previously.

From the Democrat's release:

Barons met with the committee at their May meeting. In an open letter to county Democrats Barons said, "My bottom line is dialogue -- dialogue with local governments, constituents and ultimately with fellow assembly members. It is time to put aside blame and get down to the business of making New York State government function again. I am committed to that task."

County Chairwoman Lorie Longhany said, "We’re very excited to have the opportunity to give voters a real choice. We’re fielding excellent candidates and I think people are going to be proud to vote the Democratic line from top to bottom this November."

Both candidates were endorsed unanimously.

A dump truck has apparently partially rolled over on Route 33 near Jericho Road, Bergen.

It is on two wheels and entangled in cable and phone lines.

The driver is out of the vehicle and no injuries are reported.

Bergen Fire is responding and advised to use caution.

UPDATE 1:15 p.m.: Phone company is on scene.

Paula Ann Kingdollar, 41, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with issuing a bad check. Kingdollar is accused of writing a check on a closed account in September, 2009, at a business in Corfu.

Joshua Paul Piscitelli, 25, of Eagle Harbor Road, Albion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Piscitelli was stopped by Deputy James Diehl at 9:34 p.m., Wednesday for an alleged traffic violation on Quaker Hill Road in Elba.

James A. Mitchell, 32, of 3 Maple Ave., Le Roy, is charged criminal possession of stolen property, 5th. He was arrested by Le Roy Police.

Anthony J. Donoghue, 27, of 6 School St., Le Roy, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of stolen property, 5th, and possession of an altered vehicle document. Donoghue was arrested by Patrolman Daryl Robb of the Le Roy Police Department. It was alleged that Donoghue unlawfully possessed one license plate and one vehicle registration belonging to another and also that he altered the vehicle registration.

Two youths from the Town of Batavia were arrested by State Police and charged with criminal mischief. One youth is 16 and the other is 12. Both are males. The alleged incident occurred at 5:31 p.m., March 25. The alleged incident occurred in the area of 8792 Haven Lane, Batavia. No further details were released.

Accidents from the State Police blotter:

2:08 p.m., June 8, Morganville Road, Stafford, three vehicles; Driver 1: Dianne D. Callisher, 51, Batavia; Driver 2: Craig A. Tiberio-Shepherd, 20, of Le Roy; a third driver was not identified. No injuries reported.

5:15 p.m., June 7, West Saile Drive, Town of Batavia, two vehicles: Driver 1: Joni L. Brown, 20, of Batavia; Driver 2: Dodie L. Keller, 39, of Akron. One injury reported.