(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

From left: Two unnamed memebers of the Batavia's First Presbyterian Church, Beth Stich and Judy Tomkinson.

 A plot of land on South Main St. Road will once again be the site for the second annual "God's Little Acre" planting project of Batavia's First Presbyterian Church.

Members will be growing a variety of crops throughout the summer and into the fall, including tomatoes -- regular, cherry, Roma and beef steak -- pumpkins, winter and summer squash, cucumbers, zucchini and corn. All products will be donated to community members in need (shut-ins, for example).

"We'll probably be out here a couple times a week," Stich said. "It'll be on an as-needed basis."

More pictures:

The land is owned by J.C. Riley, who has allowed First Presbyterian to use it for this project the past two years.

Volunteers are welcome to assist with planting, weeding, watering and harvesting. If you are interested in helping, please contact the church office at 343-0505.

A massive ammonia leak at Allens, Inc., at 46 Stevens St. in Oakfield, is prompting fire officials to call for the immediate evacuation of employees and residents.

People in the area of Webber Avenue and Stevens Street are to be directed to Oakfield-Elba Townline Road, Route 262.

Responding are: Bergen, East Pembroke, Oakfield, Alabama and Elba fire departments, including units for fire police and standby.

Officials are trying to do a "reverse 9-1-1" call to all residents in the area to order their evacuation.

The command post is staging from the railroad tracks across the street from the Oakfield Hotel.

Allens is a frozen-food processing plant. The incident was called in by an employee who noticed the strong odor of ammonia. The private company, based in Shiloam, Ark., is reported to have up to 200 employees during peak season. There were 65 employees working at the time the leak occurred.

UPDATE (12:48 p.m.): A haz-mat team is setting up. The leak is in the main engine room at the processing plant. Mercy EMS units are responding also.

UPDATE (1:06 p.m.): Until the leak is secured, they are also evacuating a nearby Little League game. There's a slight ammonia odor at the ball field.

UPDATE (1:10 p.m.): Fire officials are notifying the Department of Environmental Conservation and are calling for additional haz-mat crews.

UPDATE (1:15 p.m.): East Shelby Fire Department is called in for standby. A "public relations officer" is requested.

UPDATE (1:20 p.m.): Fire official says "We are trying to coordinate people to get evacuated out of the park and they need to move, in an orderly fashion, no need to get excited." They are pretty inundated there. All fire police in the area are called in. There's only a slight odor at the Little League field and there's a good breeze in the area, so the firefighters aren't too worried.

UPDATE (1:30 p.m.): The low points of the southern part of the Village of Oakfield have successfully been evacuated.

UPDATE (1:35 p.m.): A tanker is called to the north side of the building, apparently the hose/water hydrants were not effective. The Ladies' Auxiliary is asked to bring water and Gatorade to the scene for the crews. The Monroe County haz-mat team has been dispatched to the scene.

UPDATE (1:40 p.m.): Fire officials call for firefighters to be "packed up and ready to go in" to the building. Officials are notified that two ATV riders are on the railroad tracks heading eastbound to the area. Firefighters are asked to "roam around the village to see if any pockets (of ammonia) are out there."

UPDATE (1:45 p.m.): Callers are swamping the Oakfield Fire Hall and asking where they should go. The fire officials said all of Main Street in the Village of Oakfield is being shut down completely, including to pedestrians. People are asked to go the "parade route" just as it was for Memorial Day. They should go the Oakfield-Elba Townline Road, west to South Pearl Street, then turn right (north) to the command post on South Pearl Street. People can also go to Malby then Fisher roads. Any and every firefighter that has any availability is called to assist with putting up barricades and enforcing them along Main Street. Another "recon" team is called into the building. As for evacuees, "All I'm lettin' people do is go out of town east," says a fire policeman on scene. People in cars should keep the windows up. Entry to the village, primarily Route 63 south, is being banned.

UPDATE (1:55 p.m.): The ammonia odor is still heavy inside the building. They have made "no progress." The toxic fumes are still being put into the atmosphere via exhaust fans. Fire police are requested to Cole and Main streets and to Fisher and Route 63.

UPDATE (2:03 p.m.): They are running out, or are out, of spare batteries. Some firefighters are suffering from heat exhaustion and need to be taken to "rehab" for relief. Also, the ammonia odor is very strong at ground zero, Webber and Stevens, and the firefighters need to be relieved to get fresh air. Fire police are not on scene at Webber and Stevens, but are requested.

UPDATE (2:06 p.m.): Alabama Fire Department has spare batteries and they are going to provide them. People at the scene are working to provide the firefighters with water and Gatorade, but need more and they have no ice. No progress on the ammonia leak. "No results still."

UPDATE (2:10 p.m.): Progress at last! The main valves have been successfully shut down. A refrigeration company has been called to the scene to provide much needed water and provisions for the firefighters.

UPDATE (2:25 p.m.): A mother is arguing with fire police at North Pearl and Malby roads. She wants to go inside the blockade to retrieve her children, but the fire police are not letting her inside. A chief is on his way to straighten out the issue. No one knows just where her children are however. Media converged on the area are told to set up inside the Oakfield Fire Hall. The Monroe County haz-mat team has arrived and is going to the Allens building.

UPDATE (2:45 p.m.): The ammonia leak is shut down and the scene at Allens, Inc., is secure.

UPDATE (2:49 p.m.): Although the leak is shut down, fire crews at the scene are not being allowed to roll up their hoses and break down their operations as a precaution for the time being. It is not yet known when residents will be allowed back into the village.

UPDATE (3:01 p.m.): Allen's, Inc., employees have reported that the site of the leak, which has been shut off, has been isolated. A firefighter on scene is being taken to the hospital for dehydration.

UPDATE (3:05 p.m.): A second Haz Mat team from Monroe County has arrived and will be going around the village with monitoring devices to determine if any ammonia vapors remain.

UPDATE (3:10 p.m.): All roads have re-opened and all residents may return home. Apparently, that was not relayed to many of the fire police, some of whom were unsure what the directives were.

UPDATE (3:18 p.m.): The refrigeration truck called in at 2:10 p.m. has finally arrived so the firefighters can get some water, Gatorade, ice and food.

UPDATE (3:22 p.m.): A second person at the scene has succumbed to heat exhaustion and dehydration and is being transported to the hospital.

UPDATE (3:45 p.m.): Some units are going back in service and any remaining commotion at this point is probably from trying to get everything back to normal. There have been no reports of anyone seriously injured from the ammonia fumes.

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.

It appears that when Mother Nature heard that "Make a Splash at Your Library" was going to be the theme of the Haxton Memorial Library's upcoming summer reading program, she took it a bit too literally.

Interim Library Director and Children's Librarian Kimberly Gibson met with a surprise when she came into work on Monday morning. She went downstairs to the children's room, followed by a group of youngsters eager for story hour...only to find the place flooded up to her ankles.

She called in Warren's Carpet Cleaning Service to take care of the problem -- which was no easy task.

"It took two full days to to dry the place out," Gibson said. "And they had to use 10 huge blowers and two humungous dehumidifiers."

The water extended from it's point of origin (which is inside the room slightly right of center, behind the table) all the way to the carpet used for story hours and also sideways to where the stairs are located.

The Warren's employees on the job told Gibson it was lucky she contacted them when she did, because the humidity was already at a very dangerous level.

"We probably would have lost all of our carpeting and everything if we'd waited much longer," Gibson said.

Things could have been a lot worse, and the place is steadily drying out. The saddest part of this whole ordeal for Gibson, though, is that she had just purchased 22 ocean-related books for the summer reading program, and 13 of them were completely ruined.

"I don't think we're going to be able to salvage them," she said. "It's crushing, because I worked so hard to plan these programs, and I bought these books because I thought the kids would really like them. In fact I was just getting ready to put them on display."

The flooding resulted from this past weekend's continual torrential rain -- which, according to Library Trustee Ann Engel, Oakfield residents are saying amounted to about two and a half inches.

Gibson said the same thing happened six years ago.

"We've been lucky not to have anything happen in six years," she said. "But this time it was worse than before."

In spite of this misfortune, Gibson has tried to remain upbeat and to keep her leadership mentality all along. After the initial shock of discovery on Monday morning, she immediately resolved to "just stay focused and get things taken care of as soon as possible." 

"She's a trooper," another library trustee said of Gibson.

Still, Gibson, the library's two other staff members, and the board of trustees would gladly accept any assistance the community would be willing to provide. Gibson said that monetary donations would be especially helpful.

"We have a small budget here at Haxton, and this is obviously going to cost more money than we had planned on spending. With the cost of the books [that were ruined] and the bill for Warren's services, we would certainly welcome any monetary assistance."

The Haxton Library has basic insurance, but they are hoping that they will not need to turn to that to pay for the damages.

"We have a $2,500 deductible," Gibson said, "so we don't want to go to our insurance unless we have to. We don't know what the overall cost will be yet, but hopefully it won't exceed that. Plus, I'm not sure if flood damage is covered, since that kind of thing is fairly unusual in this area of the country."

Gibson arranged for all children's activities to be held upstairs this week, but she hopes to have the children's room open to patrons again on Monday.

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

A three-, possibly four-vehicle, accident is at 7635 Oak Orchard Road. There's one minor injury reported and gas leakage from one or more of the vehicles.

A  two- vehicle accident is reported at Transit and Byron-Elba Road (Route 262). There are minor injuries. Elba fire and Mercy EMS are responding.

A two-vehicle accident is reported at Sumner and Colby roads in Darien. A teen driver has a head laceration and a baby was thrown from the car seat, but not ejected from the vehicle. No other information available.

Darien Fire and Mercy EMS are responding.

With summer less than two weeks away, farm-grown fruits and vegetables will soon be in plentiful supply at Batavia’s Genesee Country Farmers’ Market. The popular open-air market begins its 2010 season this Tuesday, June 15, in the parking lot at Batavia Downs Casino.

In addition to farm-fresh produce, the market will also feature home-baked goods like bread, rolls, pastries, pies and muffins.

Member wineries of the Niagara Wine Trail will once again offer a wide variety of local wines to taste and purchase. And a new addition this year is a lunch wagon serving sandwiches, drinks and desserts. About 20 vendors are expected to participate.

In making the announcement, Market Manager Paul Fenton said “We are looking forward to our third season at Batavia Downs Casino. It’s an easily accessible spot for all of our customers and is convenient for the many patrons of The Downs, too.

"We are proud of the fact that we are a grower’s market and everything we sell is grown by our vendors.”

The market will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Tuesday and Friday through Oct. 29.