Skip to main content

pembroke

Kitchen fire at the Flying J in Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A kitchen fire is reported at the Flying J Travel Center on Route 77 in Pembroke. Nothing is showing, according to a responder, but the restaurant is being evacuated. He also says there are no flames and that the fire is probably electrical in nature and is in the ceiling.

Pembroke, Indian Falls and Alabama fire departments responding, along with a ladder truck from Akron.

UPDATE 5:12 p.m.: They are going to open up the ceiling tiles. The gas and electricity are shut off. A light tower will be put up so firefighters can see the roof. A rep from National Grid is requested. A thermal imaging camera is requested.

UPDATE 5:25 p.m.: Fire is out. Checking for extensions.

UPDATE 5:41 p.m.: "The roof is cleared." The public health department will be notified of the incident as required. A crew from Newstead is asked to stand by in Pembroke Fire Hall.

UPDATE 5:46 p.m.: Town of Pembroke Code Enforcement will be notified of the incident as required.

UPDATE 7:21 p.m. (by Howard): The Alabama assignment is back in service, but the restaurant remains close pending code enforcement clearance.

Odor of gas at TA Travel Center in Pembroke

By Alecia Kaus

Pembroke and Indian Falls have been called to the TA Travel Center in Pembroke on Rt. 77 for the odor of natural gas.

An employee there says they called National Fuel last evening, but they did not show up.

At about 1:30 p.m. an employee called again to report an odor of gas at the TA Travel Center. National Fuel told the employee there to evacuate the building.

When the Pembroke Fire Department arrived about 2 p.m. people were still inside and no one had been evacuated.

East Pembroke was also requested to the scene and is checking out the building with a gas meter. National Fuel is now in route with a four-minute ETA.

UPDATE 2:39 p.m.: All rooftop heating/cooling units have been shut off.

UPDATE 3:20 p.m.: Pembroke Town Zoning Officer is being called. The rooftop units were turned back on.

UPDATE 3:44 p.m.:  The Town of Batavia zoning officer and the Darien zoning officer are responding to the TA to assist the Pembroke Fire Department.

UPDATE 4:18 p.m.: The incident at the TA Travel Center has been turned over the Town of Batavia Code Enforcement and National Grid will remain for one more hour for a line test.

The TA Travel Center is now closed.

Pembroke and Indian Falls are back in service as is East Pembroke.

Up to 10 inches of beautiful tiny snowflakes expected by tomorrow morning

By Howard B. Owens

Jamie Waff wanted us to see, for a change, some snowflakes instead of just big piles of snow. He took a picture of these flakes on the scope of his muzzleloader. Waff is chief of the Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department.

We can expect a lot more of these beautiful flakes to fall on Genesee County. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for heavy snow. It's in effect through 9 a.m., Sunday.

Up to 10 inches of snow could fall on Batavia by tomorrow morning.

Law and Order: Two apparently homeless men arrested in garage on South Main

By Howard B. Owens

Andrew Lucas Kosiorek, 41, no address provided, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal trespass, 3rd, and obstruction of governmental administration. Kosiorek was arrested after being allegedly located in a garage on South Main Street at 12:30 a.m., Nov. 28. Kosiorek allegedly tried to flee from police at the time of his arrest. Upon being taken into custody he was allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance. He was jailed on $2,500 bail. Also charged with criminal trespass was Damien R. Graham, 41, no residence.

Norman S. Malkimos-Gonzalez Jr., is charged with menacing, 3rd. Malkimos-Gonzalez is accused of threatening to shoot another person while in the area of 85 Main St., Batavia, at 4:10 p.m. on Nov. 22. Malkimos-Gonzalez was later located in the area of Ellicott and Jackson and taken into custody. No weapon was found.

Morgan L. Cox Jr., 21, of 119 State St., #4m Batavia, is charged with criminal intent to damage property and harassment, 2nd. Cox was arrested following an investigation into an alleged domestic incident at 12:59 p.m., Nov. 28.

A 16-year-old resident of West Main Street Road, is charged with petit larceny. The youth is accused of stealing $85.07 in merchandise from Tops.

Thomas W. Morey Jr., 38, of 10631 Main St., Alexander, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th. Morey was allegedly found in possession of two firearms during a traffic stop at 6:26 p.m. Nov. 25 on West Main Street, Batavia, by Officer James DeFreze. Morey reportedly has a prior felony conviction.

Christina S. Baudanza, 37, of 154 Jackson St., Batavia, is charged with disobeying a mandate. Baudanza was arrested following an investigation into an alleged domestic incident.

Matthew A. Beccue, 44, of 4 Elm St., Batavia, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, moving from lane unsafely and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle on a public highway. Beccue was stopped at 8:32 p.m. Nov. 22 on East Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Chad Richards.

Taraleen T. Tundo, 29, 10901 Marsh Road, Bethany, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. Tundo was allegedly found in possession of suboxone without a prescription during a traffic stop at 12:40 p.m. Nov. 21 on Ellicott Street, Batavia, by Officer John Kirbis.

Antonio Lester James, 22, of Avenue A, Rochester, was arrested on a bench warrant. He is accused of failure to appear in County Court on a grand larceny, 4th, charge. James was being held in Monroe County Jail and turned over to the Sheriff's Office. James was arraigned in County Court and sentenced by Judge Robert Noonan to a state prison term.

George A. Booth, 50, of Rural Route 1, Hinton, W. Va., was arrested on a warrant stemming from a criminal possession of a forged instrument charge. Booth was arrested in West Virginia and extradited to New York. He was arraigned in Town of Alexander Court and jailed on $5,000 cash bail.

Timothy R. Benbynek, 48 of Corfu, is charged with trespass. Benbynek was arrested at 816 Gabbey Road, Pembroke. No further details released.

William H. Englert, 47, of Caledonia, is charged with DWI. Englert was stopped at 9:55 p.m. Dec. 1 on Bernd Road, Le Roy, by State Police.

Allissa A. Fodge, 23, of Bergen, and Megan C. Marchese, 26, of Bergen, are both charged with grand larceny, 3rd. The alleged incident was reported Oct. 18. Fodge and Marchese were arrested by State Police. No further details released.

Law an Order: Bergen resident accused of passing forged check

By Howard B. Owens

Dustin Michael Locicero, 29, of Gibson Street, Bergen, is charged with forgery 2nd. Locicero was arrested following an investigation into a complaint of a stolen check and its forged use at a location in the City of Batavia. Locicero was jailed without bail.

Thomas E. Newcomb, 42, of 27 E. Main St., Le Roy, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Newcomb is accused of striking a woman in the face with his hand during an argument.

Brandon David Gendron, 25, of Judge Road, Basom, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, uninspected motor vehicle and failure to keep right. Gendron was stopped at 11:25 p.m. Fridayon Fotch Road, Stafford, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Stephen Joseph Peters, 18, of Wyoming Road, Warsaw, is charged with petit larceny. Peters accused of shoplifting from Walmart.

David William Buchholtz, 54, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Buchholtz is accused of shoplifting from Walmart.

Harry Lee Flatt, 68, of Fruit Avenue, Medina, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right and moving from lane unsafely.

Donald Anthony Irwin, 43, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon. Irwin was allegedly found in possession of a metal knuckle knife following a property damage accident at 9:12 p.m. Thursday in the Walmart parking lot.

Michael J. Wall, 39, of Oak Orchard Road, Elba, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing and endangering the welfare of a child. Wall was arrested following an investigation into an alleged domestic incident reported at 6:40 a.m., Nov. 23.

Christopher Brian King, 22, of Pearl Street Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. King is accused of ordering food at the Denny's in Pembroke and leaving without paying for the food.

Dana Robert Devin Cipra, 21, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Cipra was arrested following a traffic stop at 12:47 a.m. Thursday on Route 77, Corfu, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Danielle M. Stevens, 37, of Ford Road, Elba, is charged with petit larceny. Stevens was arrested after a check of video surveillance footage indicated she allegedly stole two vacuums from Walmart.

Robert Allen Norway, 40, of Lake Avenue, Rochester, is charged with violation of a Family Court order. Norway was arrested on a warrant out of Family Court.

Big rig reportedly sideswipes a car on Main Road in Pembroke

By Billie Owens

An accident with minor injuries is reported at 352 Main Road in Pembroke. A tractor-trailer that was "bobtailing" allegedly sideswiped a car and the driver has facial lacerations from broken glass. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are responding along with Mercy medics. Also, Akron is called to provide a pumper, mutual aid.

East Pembroke Fire Department sign hit by car

By Howard B. Owens

A car has hit the East Pembroke Fire Department sign and a child in the vehicle suffered a minor injury.

East Pembroke fire and Mercy EMS responded.

Car into guard rail on Route 77, Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

A car has hit a guard rail on Route 77 in the area of the TA Travel Center.

There's one occupant in the vehicle.

No word on injuries.

Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments along with Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 5:17 p.m.: The disabled vehicle is blocking traffic. Minor injuries reported.

UPDATE 5:27 p.m.: To help clear traffic and get the car moved, a chief has placed the patient is his vehicle and parked in the TA parking lot. Mercy EMS is still in route.

UPDATE 5:43 p.m.: Pembroke and Indian Falls back in service.

Smoke in the basement reported on Coniber Road, Pembroke

By Billie Owens

Smoke in the basement is reported at 8309 Coniber Road. East Pembroke and Pembroke fire departments are responding.

UPDATE 7:22 p.m.: Command on scene confirms light smoke in the basement.

UPDATE 7:28 p.m.: The smoke reportedly smells like fuel oil of some sort.

UPDATE 7:40 p.m.: Fire command is speaking with the homeowner, although no one was home at the time of the call. The chimney may be the source of smoke.

UPDATE 7:51 p.m.: They are ventilating the structure.

UPDATE 7:55 p.m.: East Pembroke command says the source of the problem is a faulty furnace and the homeowner is going to take care of it. The assignment is back in service.

Possible house fire on Beckwith Road, North Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A possible fire at a house filled with smoke in North Pembroke requires the response of all available manpower from the East Pembroke Fire Department, plus an engine mutual aid from Alabama. The address is 2334 Beckwith Road, between North Pembroke and Slusser roads.

UPDATE 7:48 p.m.: Responders think they have the fire out. Alabama is told to stand by in quarters.

UPDATE 8:14 p.m.: Alabama fire back in service.

UPDATE 8:22 p.m.: Problem solved. East Pembroke is back in service

Tractor-trailer in ditch is blocking Main Road in Pembroke, traffic being rerouted

By Billie Owens

A tractor-trailer is in the ditch and completely across the roadway on Route 5 near Route 90. Law Enforcement is on scene and Indian Falls and Pembroke fire departments are responding.

Fire police are told to reroute traffic at Main Road (Route 5) and Route 77, and Main Road and Lake Road.

UPDATE 5:31 p.m.: Pembroke command called for mutual aid from the Akron Fire Department, which dispatched fire police to reroute tractor-trailer traffic at Crittenden and Route 5.

UPDATE 5:41 p.m.: Pembroke command says the highway has been cleared. Roads are reopened and the Pembroke and Indian Falls assignment is back in service.

Minor injury accident reported on Thruway in Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

A car has reportedly traveled well of the roadway on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 403 in the west bound lane.

Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments along with Mercy EMS are dispatch for what is reportedly a minor injury accident.

UPDATE 1:06 p.m.: One person transported to UMMC with minor injuries.

Photos: Town of Batavia ladder truck used for water rescue training at Indian Falls

By Howard B. Owens

The Town of Batavia Fire Department's new ladder truck was used in a unique way this morning -- to practice a water rescue at Indian Falls.

Many times over the years people have fallen at the falls and rope teams have been brought in for a precarious rescue that involves climbing down steep cliffs and/or crossing rapid waters. 

Today, the rescue team trained with the ladder extended over the falls and being lowered down to the water for a practice rescue.

Also participating were Pembroke and Indian Falls.

Photos courtesy Town of Batavia Fire Department.

]

Person may be in water above the falls near Log Cabin Restaurant

By Billie Owens

A caller to dispatch reports a person "may be in the water" above the falls near the Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant, located at 7948 Alleghany Road. Mercy medics and Pembroke and Indian Falls fire are responding. A woman in the parking lot says she thinks she saw a person in the water and that the person has been there at least an hour. Mercy Flight is put on standby. The fire crews are going to put up a light tower.

UPDATE 6:34 p.m.: "What I think we've got here is a pumpkin at the top of the falls," says a responder. "We need a pair of binoculors to see it. But I think it's a pumpkin from what I can tell."

UPDATE 6:36 p.m.: All responding units are told to proceed in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 6:38 p.m.: "We're going to put up the light tower, but I think it's a pumpkin," says Pembroke command.

UPDATE 6:41 p.m.: Emergency responders are going to talk to people at the restaurant in an attempt to get more information about the incident.

UPDATE 6:45 p.m.: "It's been confirmed it's a pumpkin, you can disregard," the dispatcher tells an officer. "Disregarding the pumpkin," is the reply.

UPDATE: A picture of the pumpkin sent in by a reader:

Grand Jury indicts man for first-degree rape of girl less than 11 in City of Batavia

By Billie Owens

These are the latest indictments issued by the Genesee County Grand Jury:

Terrel A. Goodson, an adult male, is accused of predatory sexual assault against a child, a Class A-II felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 2, Goodson committed first-degree rape in the City of Batavia by engaging in sexual intercourse with a girl less than 11 years old. In count two, he is accused of the same crime by engaging in oral sexual conduct with a girl less than 11 years old. In count three, he is accused of first-degree sexual abuse, a Class violent felony, for allegedly subjecting a minor under the age of 11 to sexual contact.

Timmy L. Taylor is indicted on five counts of first-degree criminal contempt, Class E felonies, for allegedly violating a court order of protection in October in the City of Batavia. It is alleged that Taylor intentionally placed, or attempted to place, a protected person in reasonable fear of physical injury, serious physical injury or death by repeatedly following the person or engaging in a course of conduct or repeatedly committing acts over a period of time. He allegedly violated the court order of protection in the City of Batavia on Oct. 6 and Oct. 20 with the intent to harass, annoy, threaten or alarm a protected person or otherwise subject that person to physical contact or threatened to do so. He's accused of striking, shoving, kicking or otherwise subjecting the protected party to physical contact or threatening to do so. He's is accused of intentionally placing, or attempting to place, the protected party in reasonable fear of death, imminent serious physical injury or physical injury. In counts six and seven, he is accused of third-degree assault, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly intending to cause physical injury to another person, causing injury to such person or to a third person on Oct. 6 and 20th, respectively. In counts eight and nine, he is accused of second-degree strangulation, a Class D violent felony, for intending to impede normal breathing or circulation of blood to another person, applying pressure on the throat or neck of the person, thereby causing stupor, loss of consciousness for any period of time, or any other physical injury or impairment, on Oct. 6 and 20th, respectively. In count 10, he's accused of first-degree coercion, a Class D felony, for compelling or inducing a person to engage in conduct which the person had a legal right to abstain from engaging in or, conversely, the person had the right to engage in legally. This allegedly was done on Oct. 20 by instilling fear of physical injury. In count 11, Taylor is accused of second-degree unlawful imprisonment, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly restraining another person on Oct. 20.

Leon C. Bloom Jr. is accused of first-degree burglary, a Class B felony, for entering or remaining unlawfully inside a dwelling on Fordham Drive in the City of Batavia late on Sept. 22 or early on Sept. 23 with the intent of committing a crime. In so doing or in fleeing the scene, it is alleged he physically injured a person who was not a participant in the alleged crime. In count two, he's accused of strangulation in the second degree, in the same incident, for allegedly intending to impede normal breathing or circulation of the blood of another person, applying pressure to the person's throat or neck thereby causing stupor or loss of consciousness for any period of time or any other physical injury or impairment. In count three, Bloom is accused of third-degree assualt, a Class A misdemeanor, for intending to cause physical injury to another person or causing such injury to the person or a third person.

Matthew J. Vandorn is accused of third-degree burglary, a Class D felony, for allegedly knowingly entering and remaining unlawfully in a barn on Dillon Road in the Town of Pavilion on July 4th or 5th. In count two, he is accused of fourth-degree grand larceny, a Class E felony. He allegedly stole property valued at more than $1,000 in the Town of Stafford on July 1st or 2nd, specifically two Yamaha motorcycles, made in 1994 and 2005, respectively. In count three, he is accused of criminal possession of stolen property, 4th, a Class E felony. It is alleged that between July 1 and July 18 in the Town of Stafford he knowingly possessed stolen property with the intent to benefit himself or someone other than the owner, or to impede the recovery of the property by the owner. The property's value was more than $1,000 -- the two motorcycles noted in count two of the indictment. In count four of the indictment, Vandorn is accused of third-degree burglary, a Class D felony, for allegedly entering or remaining unlawfully in a building on Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road in the Town of Oakfield on June 29 and June 30 with the intent to commit a crime. In count five, Vandorn is accused of criminal possession of stolen property, 3rd, a Class D felony, for allegedly knowingly possessing stolen property with the intent of benefitting himself or someone other than the owner, or to impede the recovery of the property by the owner and the value of it exceeded $3,000. The property was a Honda TRX four-wheeler and a Yamaha 350 Raptor four-wheeler. In count six, he is accused of grand larceny, 3rd, a Class D felony for allegedly stealing property on June 29 and June 30 valued at more than $3,000, the aforementioned four-wheelers.

Samantha A. Lora is accused of driving while intoxicated, a Class D felony, for driving a 2013 Chevrolet on Interstate 90 in the Town of Pembroke on May 1 while impaired by alcohol. In count two, she accused of the same crime while she had a passenger age 15 or less, which is a Class E felony. In count three, Lora is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony, for operating a motor vehicle while knowing or having reason to know, that her license was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn in the state of New York, and while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Jeremy M. Denton is accused of driving while intoxicated as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on May 10 in the Town of Bergen he drove a 2004 GMC pickup truck on Route 19 while intoxicated. In count two of the indictment, he is also accused of having a BAC of .08 at the time.

Local law enforcement collects 527 lbs of pharmaceuticals on drug take back day

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

On Saturday, Oct. 26, Batavia Police Department, Le Roy Police Department, and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office participated in the D.E.A. Sponsored, National Drug Take Back Day. In Genesee County Take Back sites were operated at the Batavia Police Department, 10 W. Main St., the LeRoy Police Department, 3 W. Main St. and the Pembroke Town Highway Barns, at routes 5 and 77.

Collected at the three sites in Genesee County was a total of 527 pounds of medications and hypodermic instruments.

The collected items have been delivered to Buffalo D. E. A. for proper disposal.

Police wish to thank the public for their enthusiastic response to this great program.  Working together we have kept these drugs from potentially being abused and from contaminating our environment.

Pembroke Intermediate students celebrate Red Ribbon Week

By Howard B. Owens

Photos and information submitted by Aaron Brown.

Last week, the Pembroke Intermediate School celebrated Red Ribbon Week. Throughout the week, students and staff participated in Spirit Days, celebrating choosing a life that does not include drugs. The week concluded with a school-wide assembly and balloon launch.

Two-car accident at Route 77 and Akron Road

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at Route 77 and Akron Road, Indian Falls. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are responding, along with Mercy medics. A female complains of neck, side and back pain.

UPDATE 12:54 p.m.: Firefighters are working to extricate a victim(s).

UPDATE 1:22 p.m.: The firefighters are back in service.

Law and Order: A handful of warrent arrests announced

By Howard B. Owens

Heather E. Schramm, 33, of 110 Bank St., Batavia, is charged with failure to pay fine imposed by court. Schramm is accused of not paying a fine related to a second-degree harassment charge. Batavia PD Officer James DeFreze observed Schramm walking near Save-A-Lot and took her into custody on a City Court warrant.

Alicia M. Lyons, 33, of 120 State St., lower, was arrested on a bench warrant. Lyons is accused of not appearing on an alleged theft of services charge. Lyons is accused of not paying for food at a local restaurant.

Donna M. Kroft, 60, of 120 State St., lower, was arrested on a bench warrant. Kroft is accused of not appearing on a alleged theft of services charge. Kroft is accused of not paying for food at a local restaurant.

Travis L. Bartz, 18, of 11 Trumbull Parkway, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant. Bartz is accused of failure to appear on a criminal mischief, 4th, charge. Bartz was located by Batavia PD Officer James DeFreze at Batavia HS and taken into custody. Bartz was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Nathan David Martina, 18, of Lisa Lane, East Amherst, and Christopher Mario Ossa, 18, of Harris Hill Road, Williamsville, are charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Martina and Ossa were found at 9:47 p.m., Wednesday, in a parked vehicle on Batavia Stafford Townline Road allegedly in possession of marijuana.

Clarence W. Odell, 45, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Odell was arrested on a warrant out of Town of Pembroke Court. Odell allegedly damaged the wall of an office building in the Town of Pembroke on July 17.

Power outage in Indian Falls

By Howard B. Owens

Nearly 40 National Grid customers are without power along Phelps Road, Indian Falls, after a power line was knocked down.

A fire chief who responded reports it appears that a semi-truck knocked the line down.

The area includes a trailer park that is without power.

National Grid estimates power will be restored by 11:45 a.m.

Authentically Local