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pembroke

Law and Order: Elba women accused of supplying alcohol to minors

By Traci Turner

Crystal M. Bouter, 26, of Oak Orchard Road, Elba, is charged with two counts of giving or selling alcohol to a minor. Bouter allegedly supplied alcoholic beverages to minors.

Lee C. Clark, 35, of Lewiston Road, Oakfield, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, DWI, refusal to take a breath test, failure to keep right, moving from a lane unsafely, speeding and driving while talking on a cellphone. Clark was pulled over on Lockport Road in Oakfield by Deputy James Diehl. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Douglas J. Ostrander, 57, of North Bergen Road, Bergen, is charged with driving with a BAC of .08 percent or greater, DWI, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle, speeding and driving with license restrictions. Ostrander was pulled over on Buffalo Road in Bergen for traffic violations when Deputy Joseph Corona allegedly ound him to be in an intoxicated condition.

Shannon K. Kestler, 41, of Jefferson Street, Attica, is charged with petit larceny. Kestler is accused of shoplifting from Kohl's in Batavia.

Joseph A. Sunday II, 19, of South Lyndonville Road, Lyndonville, is charged with petit larceny. Sunday allegedly stole items from Kmart in Batavia.

Benishio C. Coger, 19, of Buffalo, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. State police pulled over the car Coger was riding in for alleged tinted windows in Pembroke. An investigation revealed he allegedly possessed a cigar containing approximately one gram of marijuana.

Pembroke Town Board considers reestablishing an Ethics Committee

By Traci Turner

The Pembroke Town Board is discussing the reformation of an Ethics Committee and appointment of new members.

Supervisor Anne Lawrence brought up the opportunity during a town board meeting on May 28. According to Lawrence, an Ethics Committee composed of three members was established in 2004 but two members are no longer available to serve. One member has died and another member moved out of state. Lawrence asked town board members if they would be interested in reestablishing the committee. The board discussed the matter and considered advertising to fill the two spots.

The town board then revisited the topic at a regular meeting on June 25. During the meeting, Lawrence asked if members knew of anyone who would be interested in serving on the committee and stated she had spoke with two people about the positions. One of the original members, Dave Krueger, has agreed to serve if the committee is reestablished.

In a recent interview, Lawrence said no final decisions have been made. The town board will continue to review the proposal during upcoming meetings.

Law and Order: Batavia woman allegedly menaced people with a knife on Hutchins Street

By Traci Turner

Kim M. Mobley, 52, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of grand larceny, 4th, criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, menacing, 2nd, and obstruction of governmental administration. Mobley allegedly possessed a knife and menaced several individuals during an altercation on Hutchins Street. Mobley is also accused of stealing money from an officer who had seized it from an arrestee as property or evidence. She was put in the Genesee County Jail without bail.

Bobby L. Mobley Jr., 40, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and obstruction of governmental administration. Mobley is accused of attempting to interfere with a police investigation. The incident occurred on Hutchins Street. He was held in the Genesee County Jail on $1,000 bail.

A 17-year-old is charged with grand larceny, 4th. The youth allegedly broke into vehicles parked in a lot at 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia, and stole items. The youth was put in the Genesee County Jail on $100,000 bail for an unrelated matter.

Christopher D. Hallas, 28, of York Road, Le Roy, is charged with aggravated DWI, DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, use of a loaned vehicle without an interlock device, and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Hallas was the operator of a one-car accident that occurred in Le Roy. He allegedly has two prior DWI convictions in 10 years. He was put in the Genesee County Jail on $15,000 bail.

Jason P. Wickson, 33, of Cedar Street, Batavia, is charged with assault, 3rd, criminal obstruction of breathing and menacing, 3rd, following an alleged domestic incident on Cedar Street. Wickson is accused of choking, threatening and causing injury to the victim. He was held at the Genesee County Jail on $10,000 bail.

Joseph M. Marranco Jr., 44, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and resisting arrest following an investigation into a shoplifting incident at Tops Market in Batavia. Marranco allegedly fled the store on a bicycle and was located on Redfield Parkway by Batavia Police. After a brief foot chase, he was arrested. He was put in the Genesee County Jail on $2,500 bail.

Dain O. Kilian, 31, of Livingstion Street, Warsaw, is charged with criminal impersonation, 2nd, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and dark tinted side windows. Kilian was pulled over on Route 77 in Pembroke by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Kilian allegedly gave a fictitious name and was found to have a suspended driver's license. He was put in Gensee County Jail on $1,000 bail.

Julie L. Dutton, 20 of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon with the intent to use, criminal mischief with the intent to damage property and second-degree menacing with a weapon. Dutton is accused of brandishing a knife and attempting to cause serious physical injury to another person during an altercation at her residence. Dutton also allegedly damaged the victim's cell phone. She was issued an appearance ticket and was already in custody on another matter.

Richard M. Schiersing, 39, of Sand Hill Road, Caledonia, is charged with petit larceny, obstructing governmental administration, 2nd, concealing or destroying physical evidence and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Schiersing allegedly stole and discarded evidence from a pending arrest while in custody. The incident occurred on West Main Street in Batavia. He was put in the Genesee County Jail.

Albert W. Donovan II, 32, of North Lake Road, Bergen, is charged with aggravated DWI, DWI, failure to keep right, moving from a lane unsafely and operation of an unregistered motor vehicle on a highway. Donovan was pulled over on North Lake Road in Bergen by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Latiqua S. Jackson, 21, of East Main Street, Batavia, was arrested inside the courtroom of Batavia City Court on a warrant for a petit larceny charge and unlawful possession of marijuana. Jackson is accused of stealing a computer tablet from a residence on Hutchins Street in April. She was put in the Genesee County Jail on $1,000 bail.

Justine D. McWethy, 28, of Fairway Drive, Batavia, was arrested on the execution of a bench warrant. McWethy allegedly failed to abide by the contract of her release. She was put in Genesee County Jail on $2,500 bail.

Law and Order: July 4 domestic leads to police surrounding Pembroke home

By Howard B. Owens

Robert P. Nowak, 58 of Pembroke, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, and harassment, 2nd. Nowak's wife reportedly called 9-1-1 during a domestic dispute Saturday. State Police responded and Nowak allegedly locked the doors and refused to come out. Troopers set up a perimeter with the assistance  of the Sheriff's deputies and Corfu PD. Nowak was taken into custody without any injuries. State Police said alcohol was a factor in the incident.

Kenneth M. Gray, 23, no permanent address, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property. Gray was allegedly in possession of a vehicle reported stolen in the City of Batavia on June 29. Le Roy PD observed the vehicle being operated in the village and initiated a traffic stop. 

Bradley W. Achman, 19, of Elma, is charged with trespassing. Achman allegedly entered private property to gain access to a concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center.

Lonnie Ford III, 44, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with loitering. Officers Kevin DeFelice and Marc Lawrence were on Hutchins Street investigating an incident when Ford was observed walking down the middle of the street toward the officers. According to Police, Ford's actions (the actions are not specified in the press release) prevented the officers from exercising their duties. Ford was issued an appearance ticket.

Steven F. Marra, 22, of Gabbey Road, Corfu, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and inadequate headlamps. Marra was stopped at 2:52 a.m. on State Street, Batavia, by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Rescue required for person in water at Indian Falls

By Howard B. Owens

indianfallsrescuejul32015.jpg

A caller at the Log Cabin Restaurant requests assistance for a distressed person in the water.

A first-responder reports the person is in about a foot of water and "pretty beat up."

The county's rope rescue team is requested to the scene.

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

UPDATE 6:03 p.m.: A chief request a check on availability of Mercy Flight.

UPDATE 6:08 p.m.: Mercy Flight #9 out of Buffalo dispatched. Landing zone will be the Indian Falls church.

UPDATE 6:11 p.m.: A normal rescue on the northside won't work. The victim is on the southside and the water is moving swiftly. A rescuer has reached the victim.

UPDATE 7:16 p.m.: The patient is in stable condition and Mercy Flight was dispatched as a precautionary measure. The patient became submerged, then came up from the water, clung to a rock, then was pulled under again by the current. He re-emerged about 50 feet down stream and was able to swim to the south bank. He showed no physical signs of injury.

Law and Order: Teen accused of meth possession

By Traci Turner

A 17-year-old female from Batavia is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd. She allegedly possessed a quantity of crack cocaine and numerous items associated with the use of the drug. The incident happened on Lake Street in Le Roy. During the investigation by Deputy Joseph Corona, it was found that she had two active warrants out of the City of Batavia and was turned over to Batavia Police.

David W. King Jr., 34, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation and endangering the welfare of a child. King allegedly choked a female acquaintance in the presence of her three children inside an apartment on State Street. He was put in Genesee County Jail on $2,000 bail.

Dustin J. Wilmet, 25, of Batavia, was arrested on three separate warrants issued by the Batavia City Court. The first warrant is for a DWI charge from 2014 that Wilmet allegedly failed to appear for. The second warrant is for petit larceny and criminal possession of stolen property charges after he was accused of possessing property that had been reported stolen from an apartment on Franklin Street, Batavia. The third warrant is for criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd, and petit larceny charges after he allegedly stole and cashed forged checks. He was put in Genesee County Jail without bail.

Stephen M. Esposito, 25, of Folsomdale Road, Cowlesville, was arrested on a bench warrant issued by the Batavia City Court. Esposito allegedly failed to appear for a ticket for aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. He was put in Genesee County Jail on $1,000 bail.

Taylor L. Finnin, 22, of Myrtle Street, Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. Finnin allegedly stole a $100 cash from a coworker. The alleged incident happened on Commerce Drive in Batavia.

Rachel S. Brockenshire, 29, of Lear Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Brockenshire is accused of stealing property from Dollar General in Batavia. 

Karen L. Cooper, 49, of North Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd, and failure to dim high beams following an incident on Lake Street in Le Roy. Cooper is accused of possessing a quantity of crack cocaine and numerous items associated with the use of the drug.

Kevin J. Palmer, 34, of Canandaigua Road, Walworth, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The incident happened on Alleghany Road in Pembroke.

Jonathan M. Wulfert, 42, of Lake Road, Ontario, Canada, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and driver's view obstructed after Deputy Kevin McCarthy pulled him over on Route 77 in Pembroke for an equipment violation.

3 vs. 3 Basketball Tournament in Pembroke for boys in grades four - nine; registration deadline is July 6

By Billie Owens

A 3 vs. 3 Basketball Tournament will be held for boys on Saturday, July 11, in the Pembroke High School Gym. Registration is due on Monday July 6. Cost is $40 per team; there's a two-game guarantee.

There will be three divisions:

  • Boys entering fourth-fifth grade;
  • Boys entering sixth-seventh grade;
  • Boys entering eighth-ninth grade.

First-place teams in each division will win a trophy. Teams will be placed in the division appropriate for the oldest member of the team.

If you have any questions call Matt Shay at (585) 610-3755. E-mail: mshay@pembroke.k12.ny.us

The registration form includes: the division; team name; e-mail for contact person; phone number for contact person; name of five players on team, grade they are entering and school.

Proceeds benefit Pembroke Boys Basketball. If paying by check, please make it out to "Pembroke Boys Basketball." MUST BE POSTMARKED BY JULY 6TH!

Mail to Matt Shay, 2385 Richley Road, Corfu, NY 14036.

Here are the tournament rules:

  1. Possession of the ball at the start of the game will be determined by coin flip.

  2. Field goals are worth 2 and 3 points.

  3. A free throw is worth 1 point.

  4. All games will be played with a 18 minute RUNNING clock.

  5. First team to 21 points or team leading after 18 minutes will be winner .

  6. If score is tied after 18 minutes 1 player from each team will shoot a free throw to determine winner, if both players make or miss, 2 more players will shoot and so on.

  7. Shooting fouls will result in 2 ft’s, if the player makes the basket on the shooting foul the basket will count and the player will shoot 1 ft. A shooting foul on a 3 pt field goal attempt will result in 3 fts.

  8. After a ft the ball always goes to defensive team.

  9. Non-shooting fouls will be recorded and will result in the ball being taken out at take-out line.

  10. On the 5th total foul the team will shoot 1 ft.

  11. When checking the ball or shooting a free throw the individual has 10 seconds to check or shoot the ball. Violation of this will result in a turnover.

  12. Unsportsmanlike conduct toward opponents, officials, fans, etc., will result in disqualification of player.

  13. Teams must have at least two egistered players to start game but can finish a game with one, if a player is hurt or disqualified.

  14. There are NO timeouts.Play can be stopped by official for injury but clock will continue to run.

  15. Substitutions can be made at any dead ball.

  16. Jump Balls go to the defense.

  17. On all dead balls the ball must be checked by a player standing behind the back line. The ball must be passed in.

Case not ready for grand jury presentation in fatal accident

By Howard B. Owens

A possible criminal case is still pending in the fatal crash in Bethany in February, according to District Attorney Lawrence Friedman.

Friedman said the Sheriff's Office is "diligent" in conducting its investigation, but there is one more aspect of the case that needs to be addressed before criminal proceedings can advance.

Once all the facts are in, Friedman said, a presentation will be made to a grand jury.

Alyson D. Krzanak, a Genesee Community College student, died in the Feb. 21 accident at the intersection of Route 20 and Molasses Hill Road, Bethany. A friend, Hannah Dibble, was the driver of a 1997 Geo with five passengers when the car crossed onto Route 20 and was struck by a tractor-trailer.

Sources have previously confirmed that the Sheriff's Office has received the results of a toxicology report on Dibble and that investigators have met with attorneys in the D.A.'s Office to discuss possible charges.

The estate of Krzanak has filed a civil suit against Dibble, Leonard L. Odums, the truck driver, Celadon Trucking Services, Celadon Group and Frank's Garage of Akron.

Possible fire and explosion Main Road, Corfu

By Steve Ognibene

Call coming in at a location on Main Road, Corfu, between Church Street and Slusser Road, of a possible explosion. East Pembroke fire along with Corfu are dispatched.

UPDATE: Report of a small campfire, nothing major.

Law and Order: arrests for alleged domestic violence, endangering welfare of a child and DWI

By Traci Turner

Timothy C. Williamee, 45, of Clay Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, and endangering the welfare of a child, both class A misdemeanors, following a domestic dispute at the residence. Williamee allegedly threw an item at the victim while a small child was being held and put his arm around the victim's neck when the person attempted to leave. He was put in the Genesee County jail on $1,000 bail.

Linda L. Snyder, 32, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment, 2nd, after an incident on June 12 on Liberty Street in Batavia. Snyder allegedly grabbed a juvenile by the shoulder during an altercation. Snyder is also charged with obstructing government administration following an incident on June 19 in Wendy's parking lot, Batavia. She is accused of attempting to prevent Batavia police from detaining a juvenile suspect who was allegedly involved in a criminal mischief complaint.

Richard H. Armstrong, 57, of Norwood Avenue, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 percent or greater, driving over hazardous markings and moving from a lane unsafely. Armstrong was pulled over by Deputy Chad Minuto after he was seen driving into a grass median and crossing the center line on Route 19 in the Town of Le Roy.

Shawn R. Klineline, 32, of State Street Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI and speeding. Klineline was arrested by Deputy Joseph Corona following a traffic stop for alleged speeding on Route 237 in Stafford. 

Ronald M. Gerspach, 31, of Indian Church Road, West Seneca, is charged with DWI, driving a motor vehicle with greater then .08 BAC and moving from a lane unsafely following a single motor vehicle accident. Gerspach reportedly failed to negotiate the curve onto Snipery Road, Darien. He was accused of being intoxicated and arrested by Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

John D. Maloy is charged with aggravated DWI, speeding and moving from a lane unsafely following a traffic stop on Route 237 in Stafford.

Mark D. Tooley, 32, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment, 2nd. Tooley was arrested following an incident on Main Road where he allegedly slapped another person who was holding a child. He left the scene and was later arrested by police. He jailed on $500 bail.

Henry W. Horton, 22, of West Sweden Road, Brockport, is charged with petit larceny and a class A misdemeanor. Horton allegedly took $97.51 worth of merchandise from Walgreens in the Village of Le Roy on June 14. He was jailed on $250 bail.

Jeremy D. Holmwood, 23, of Angling Road, Corfu, was arrested on a warrant issued by the City of Batavia. Holmwood was stopped by Deputy Richard Schildwaster for an alleged traffic violation on Alleghany Road in the Town of Pembroke. He was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. He was jailed on $2,000 bail.

Shannon L. Guiste, 44, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny following a shoplifting complaint on Veterans Memorial Drive, Town of Batavia. Guiste is accused of attempting to steal $661 worth of merchandise from a department store. 

A teenager, of Walnut Street, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant issued by Batavia City Court. After being released under supervision, the youth allegedly violated the conditions by failing a drug test. He was put in Genesee County Jail.

David B. Thompson Jr., 45, of Naramore Drive, Batavia, was arrested following a neighbor's complaint of his dogs habitually barking at the residence.

Morgan S. Fallon, 18, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal tampering, 3rd, following a domestic dispute. 

A teenager from Batavia is charged with no bell or signal device on a bicycle, failure to keep right and obstructing governmental administration, 2nd. He was seen by Officer Kevin DeFelice riding his bicycle and impeding traffic on Jefferson Avenue and warned to ride properly on the street. After he continued to ride improperly, he was arrested.

Man taken by Mercy Flight after motorcycle vs. pickup truck accident

By Traci Turner

 A man was taken by Mercy Flight for lower body injuries after a motorcycle vs. pickup truck accident in the Town of Pembroke.

Motorcyclist Stephen R. Ryan, 36, of Corfu, was flown by Mercy Flight. Pickup driver Peter J. Hilchey, 33, of Oakfield, had no injuries.

The crash happened at 6:02 a.m. at the intersection of Cohocton and Lake roads.

The northbound motorcycle hit the westbound pickup truck. Hilchey was issued a traffic ticket for allegedly failing to stop at a stop sign. Charges are pending for Ryan.

An investigation is being done by Sheriff's Deputy Chad Cummings. Pembroke, Corfu and Indian Falls fire departments and Mercy Medics responded to the scene.

Pembroke ballplayer honored by NCCAA

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

On Thursday, the NCCAA announced the end of the year awards for Baseball with Caleb Lang taking three awards and Joey Nieves-Markee earning Honorable Mention. Lang was awarded with First-Team All-American, Player of the Year, as well as the Burbridge Award for Christian Leadership.

The awards come after Lang was named NCCAA East Region Player of the Year and Nieves-Markee made the All-East Region Team. Lang finished the 2015 campaign with a .444 batting average, 60 hits, 55 RBI, nine homeruns, 115 putouts, and only two errors from the outfield. Nieves-Markee ended his best year with a .427 batting average, 53 hits, 34 runs scored, and 16 stolen bases

Lang was also named a First Team All-American his previous two years with the Highlanders but this year was able to grab the Player of the Year award. Possibly even more impressive than that was his receiving of the Hank Burbridge Unlimited Potential Outstanding Christian Leadership Award

"To be thrown into the same conversation as Mr. Burbridge, who is highly regarded for not only baseball but for being a great man of God is amazing," said Lang after being notified of the award. "I am honored to receive this award and am very thankful that I am seen as someone who represents Christ in his actions on and off the field."

The purpose of the award is to honor the NCCAA's Outstanding Christian Baseball Player of the Year with potential Christian service through baseball. In order to be eligible for this award, a student-athlete must be at least a junior; possess and demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities; possess and demonstrates outstanding athletic ability; and possess and demonstrate a vibrant and clear Christian testimony on and off the field.

"This is one of the greatest awards that I have received thus far because it represents more than baseball; it represents the ability to change human lives," Lang continued. "I am grateful to all the people who have shown me the importance of service and I can only hope to impact for Christ the amount of people that Mr. Burbridge was able too."

You can find the release from the NCCAA here. Below is a full list of the honorees.
 
NCCAA 1st Team All-American
 
Pitcher-Kyle Vail, Southwestern Christian University
Pitcher-Andrew Bergmann, Judson University
Pitcher-Dustin Lawson, Lee University
Pitcher-Wilson Ashford, Fresno Pacific University
Catcher-Brandon Cummings, Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Catcher-Zack Jones, Trinity Christian College
1st Base-David Espinoza, Oklahoma Wesleyan University
2nd Base-Luke Rojas, Judson University
Shortstop-Allen Staton, North Greenville College
3rd Base-Florentino Moreno, Arlington Baptist College
Extra Infielder-Ziar Koeiman, Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Outfield-Caleb Lang, Cairn University
Outfield-Preston Scott, Fresno Pacific University
Outfield-Carlos Torres, Campbellsville University
Outfield-Tyler Osborn, University of Northwestern

Corfu Library Reading Invasion

By Michael Plitt

Come and read! Friends and patrons of the Corfu Free Library are invited to come to Darien Lake State Park for an evening of reading. No discussions, no rules, just reading together in public. We will meet on the island just bring your family, friends, a chair/blanket and a book.

https://www.facebook.com/CorfuFreeLibrary?fref=ts

 

 

 

Event Date and Time

New Elba school superintendent to be appointed at special meeting Friday

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Elba Central School District’s Board of Education anticipates appointing Keith Palmer as the district’s next Superintendent at a special board meeting on Friday, June 12. Palmer is set to begin on July 1.

“I look forward to working with the Elba Board, faculty, students and community to develop strong relationships as we work together to deliver the District’s vision and mission," Palmer said. "Our first priority is the education of our students as we focus on curriculum and instruction. This will enhance our students’ academic achievement as we work together to meet the district’s academic and financial goals."

Tony Zambito, Elba Central School District Board president said, “The Board is confident in selecting Mr. Palmer to lead Elba Central Schools. His professional background, along with a deep understanding of many aspects of educational leadership, makes him an excellent fit for the staff and students of the District. The search process narrowed the field to three excellent candidates. The Board values all of the participation and input from stakeholders and community members and is committed and proud of this decision.”

Palmer is currently the principal of Pembroke Central High School where he has served since 2003. Previously, he served as assistant principal at Kendall High School, a position he held for 12 years.

Palmer has 16 years experience in the educational field. Palmer began his career in 1987 as a math and computer science teacher at North Warren Central School in the Adirondacks. He also taught at the Washington Correctional Facility located in Comstock for two summers in both 1988 and 1990.

Palmer holds a bachelor of arts from Houghton College, and a master’s degree from SUNY Plattsburgh. He holds three New York State (NYS) Certifications, a NYS School District Administrator, a NYS School Administrator and Supervisor Certificate and a NYS School Business Administrator Certificate.

Palmer’s career encompasses a variety of leadership accomplishments including developing Professional Learning Communities to build school/family communication and maintaining effective relations with union leadership.

Town of Pembroke receives FEMA grant for November storm

By Traci Turner

The Town of Pembroke received a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant to help cover extra plowing expenses for the November 2014 snowstorm.

The town board authorized the FEMA grant of $36,943 the town received to be transferred into the highway department account at last night's meeting. The grant was received about a month ago and funds will go toward plowing expenses for next year.

"The grant money will go back into all the payroll and we'll break it up to where it goes to fill up the salt barns," said Stephen Stocking, the Town of Pembroke highway superintendent.

Stocking worked on applying for the grant a month after the storm hit to cover a portion of the extra snowplowing expenses. The highway staff was working around the clock to keep roads plowed during the three-day storm. The town also had to replace some of the salt it had used in the storm to get through the rest of the winter. 

"It was just a lot of snow in a short time," Stocking said. "Some of our roads had four feet of snow on them. There was just too much time and salt spent on the three days."

The storm started on Monday, Nov. 17. County officials declared a state of emergency and travel bands were issued for Darien, Pembroke, Alexander, Bethany and Pavilion.

Pembroke native gets promotion in Marines

By Billie Owens

News from Recruiting Sub-station in Batavia:

Private First Class Ethan Burns, a 24-year-old native of Pembroke recently graduated Marine Corps Recruit Training in Parris Island South Carolina. He was promoted to the rank of Private First Class and has earned the title United States Marine.

All Marines from the Northeast pass through a rigorous 13-week training program in Parris Island on their journey to become Marines. Following recruit graduation, the Marine will attend a military occupational specialty school, where he or she will learn the valuable skills needed to succeed in the Marine Corps.

Law and Order: Batavia man charged with criminal mischief and unlawful imprisonment

By Traci Turner

Shane Zimblis, 44, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, and unlawful imprisonment. Zimblis allegedly broke several items belonging to another person and refused to let the person leave the location. The domestic incident happened on Hutchins Street, Batavia. He was put in Genesee County Jail.

Jeffrey J. Cervone, 46, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of menacing, 3rd, and one count of petit larceny. The incident occurred at 202 N. Spruce St., City of Batavia. Cervone is accused of threatening two subjects and brandished what the two subjects thought was a knife. He was held on $2,500.

Bilal A. Aljabbouri, 21, of Austin Street, Buffalo, is charged with possession of untaxed cigarettes, possession of cigars with unpaid tax, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, speeding and unlicensed operator. Aljabbouri was pulled over for a traffic stop on Alleghany Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Joseph Corona. Aljabbouri was allegedly in possession of more than 400 untaxed cigarettes and more than 750 cigars. 

James A. Mckenzie, 61, of River Road, Rome, is charged with attempt to evade taxes on cigarettes, criminal tax fraud and following too closely. Mckenzie is accused of possessing 406 cartons of untaxed cigarettes after being pulled over for an alleged traffic violation by Deputy Lonnie Nati on Alleghany Road, Pembroke.

Robert D. Griffin, 36, of East Avenue, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and criminal tampering, 3rd. Griffin allegedly became intoxicated to the point where he was unable to care for three children at a residence on Columbia Avenue, Batavia. He was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Tylee D. Gaines, 36, of Brown Street, Rochester, was arrested on a warrant on Overlook Drive, Batavia, for a previous charge. Gaines is originally charged with allegedly intimidating a witness, 3rd, in the Town of Batavia in August 2014. She was held without bail.

Chercal A. Smith, 19, of Bank Street, Batavia, was arrested on a Batavia City Court bench warrant on State Street, Batavia. Smith was originally arrested on an assault charge, 3rd, following an incident in January 2015. 

Melissa C. Cicatello, 23, of Webber Avenue, Oakfield, was arrested on a Batavia City Court bench warrant on West Main Street, Batavia. Cicatello allegedly failed to appear on charges of operating a motor vehicle without wearing a seat belt and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration.

A 17-year-old youth offender of Batavia is charged with disorderly conduct. The youth was allegedly involved in a physical altercation with another student at Batavia High School. The youth's name was withheld by Batavia PD.

Village of Corfu Board of Trustees nix holding public hearing on dissolution

By Traci Turner

Village of Corfu residents will not get the chance to participate in a public hearing on whether to dissolve their local government after the board of trustees voted 3 to 2 against holding a hearing Monday night.

Board trustees Al Graham, Ken Lauer and Jenny McMartin-Eck did not approve moving forward with the dissolution public hearing because they felt residents would be losing out -- on police protection, maintenance services, as well as village office, court and board services. Their main concern is that the needs of 700 Village residents would not be met by the Town of Pembroke.

Mayor Dave Bielec and Board Trustee Art Ianni were in favor of the motion to hold a public hearing because they wanted to give residents a chance to voice their opinion in an open forum.

The issue of whether to dissolve the village and combine with the Town of Pembroke has been going on for approximately a year. Then Pembroke Town Board met in March to discuss the nitty-gritty issues of dissolution.

The town board agreed to cover the cost for the village's streetlights but special districts would have to be created to address sidewalk repair and lawn waste pickup. Village repairs in the past have been completed by private contractors. For police coverage, board members discussed contracting with the Genesee County Sheriff's Office. Regarding the village's fund balance of $500,000, the board sought opinion from the state Comptroller's Office.

Next, a Dissolution Committee Meeting was held May 12th to discuss the requirements of the final plan. The committee is composed of village board trustees, town board members, and residents from Corfu and Pembroke. A representative from the New York State Department of State answered questions regarding the Dissolution Law.

As things stand, that's all moot now. (SEE BELOW)

Other topics discussed at yesterday's meeting included sewer plant updates, grant applications to fund redevelopment and a proposal for a village yard sale day.

Board Trustee Graham presented requirements that would allow the sewer pretreatment plant to move forward with the proposal to hook up two truck stops -- Travel Centers of America and Flying J. The plant requires smoke testing, dye testing, inspections, meetings, lab work and a permit to have the companies hook up to the plant. Graham also mentioned a grant proposal to make the sewer pretreatment plant larger by building another plant next to the existing one.

Lauer discussed applying for New York State grant funds to improve community development. Historical structures including the Union Hotel and Bowling Alley, recent tattoo parlor and the former Odd Fellows building are in need of repair. The government could take over the buildings or support private development. The revitalization effort would open up the possibility of creating parks, activities for youth and seniors and more downtown parking. The board approved a motion to have a grant writer work on the grant application that is due at the end of July.

Village residents proposed a community yard sale to the board of trustees. The board approved the yard sale days and will be asking private business owners to support the event as well. The yard sale will take place this summer on a weekend in August. Final details will be advertised in the Village of Corfu summer newsletter.

CORRECTION: (By Billie) I added the sentence "As things stand, that's all moot now." Village Board Trustee Al Graham pointed out in comments that that is not right. Citizens have recourse. They can petition to force a vote on village dissolution. I stand corrected and apologize for the error, which the writer of the story, our intern Traci Turner, had nothing to do with whatsoever.

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