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Photos: Snowy Saturday morning in Genesee County

By Howard B. Owens

I left the house early this morning looking for snow-related photos.

I started at Centennial Park and grabbed this picture of the gate at the Rowell Mansion flocked in snow.

Tree on Lockport Road, east of Albion Road

Same spot on Lockport Road, other side of the street

Ledge Road and Alleghany Road, Alabama

Indian Falls

Motor-vehicle accident in Pembroke at Main and Boyce roads

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident, unknown injuries, is reported in Pembroke at Main and Boyce roads. It's in East Pembroke Fire District and they are responding along with Mercy medics. The accident took down a pole with live lines across Route 5 and it is blocking traffic. Traffic police will be needed and are called to routes 5 and 77.

UPDATE 2:20 p.m.: They will shut down Route 5 at Indian Falls Road. Responders are told to use caution as the pavement is very slippery. National Grid is notified.

UPDATE 2:23 p.m.: There are injuries, no other details yet.

UPDATE 2:35 p.m.: Only local traffic (residents) will be permitted on Cleveland Road. They are going to close Cleveland Road at Indian Falls Road.

UPDATE 2:53 p.m.: A National Grid rep is now on scene.

UPDATE 2:56 p.m.: National Grid estimates it will be about an hour before they can send out a work crew to remove the wires, etc., from the roadway.

UPDATE 3:10 p.m.: Because of the hazardous road conditions, Boyce and Route 33 is being closed to all but local traffic.

UPDATE 3:54 p.m.: National Grid workers are at the scene so roads can be reopened when they are finished clearing the pole and wires.

Law and Order: Woman accused of possessing 41 forged checks

By Howard B. Owens

Jodi M. Coe, 37, of Batavia Oakfield Townline Road, is charged with 36 counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd, in the City of Batavia and five counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd, in the Town of Le Roy. Coe was allegedly in possession of numerous checks containing forged signatures. Coe allegedly possessed the checks while at various locations within the City of Batavia and Town of Le Roy. Following arraignment in city court, Coe was ordered jailed without bail. Town of Batavia Court set her bail at $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond.

Cassi Ann Schutt, 25, of West Crest Drive, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny. Schutt is accused of stealing $328.23 in merchandise from Kmart. When confronted by Kmart security, Schutt allegedly fled on foot. She was apprehended in the Tops parking lot after a brief foot chase. State Police assisted in the arrest. Investigation by Deputy Tim Wescott.

Rodney Lowee McKenzie, 48, of Buffalo, is charged with inhalation of hazardous inhalants. McKenzie was allegedly observed snorting inhalants while seated in a car in the Flying J parking lot. McKenzie was arrested by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Law and Order: Batavia man accused of possessing a controlled substance

By Howard B. Owens

Shawn Robert Klineline, 30, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance not in original container. Klineline was stopped for alleged traffic violations at 12:59 a.m. Saturday by Deputy Patrick Reeves, and found allegedly in possession of a non-prescribed controlled substance not in its original container.

Jeffrey Russell Hamill, 34, of Attica, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speeding (76 in a 55 mph zone). Hamill was stopped at 1:43 a.m. Saturday on Route 77, Pembroke, for allegedly speeding by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Justin Michael Beverly, 23, of Creamery Road, Bergen, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and driving left of pavement markings in a no-passing zone. Beverly was stopped at 1:37 a.m. Saturday on Warboys Road, Byron, by Deputy Jason Saile.

Gary Wayne Wornowski, 30, of East Aurora, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right, possession/consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle and inadequate muffler. Wornowski was stopped at 11:30 p.m., Jan. 1, on Route 5 in Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.  Wornowski was recently issued a summons to appear in Town of Pembroke Court at 5:30 p.m., Feb. 28.

Kathleen R. Cramer, 49, of 4 South Lyon St., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Cramer is accused of shoplifting from Dollar General.

Kenneth W. Cook III, 19, of 108 Oak St., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Cook was allegedly observed with a person he is ordered not to contact. Cook was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Melissa G. Betances, 31, of 180 1/2 Pearl St., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Betances is accused of sending text messages to a person protected from contact by court order.

Booker T. Ricks III, 41, of 7 Chestnut St., Apt. 1, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Ricks is accused of violating a stay away order of protection.

Car shears off power pole on Knapp Road, Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A car is well off the roadway and a utility pole is sheared off following an accident at the S-curve in the area of 611 Knapp Road. The vehicle has several occupants, but injuries, if any, are believed to be minor. There are guide wires, which are attached to the broken pole, across the roadway. Pembroke Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics.

Law and Order: Pa. man accused of carrying loaded, unregistered handgun

By Howard B. Owens

Richard David Farley, 64, of New Bethehem, Pa., is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, unlawful possession of marijuana and possession alcohol in a motor vehicle. Farley was a passenger in a vehicle stopped on Route 77 in the Village of Corfu at 11:58 p.m. on Friday. During the traffic stop, Farley was allegedly found in possession of an open container of alcohol, a marijuana cigarette and a loaded, unregistered semi-automatic .22-caliber pistol. Farley was jailed on $2,000 bail.

Brandon P. Stagg, 20, and Oscar J. Familia, 21, of 25 Trumbull Parkway, Batavia, are charged with possession of alcohol under age 21 and unnecessary noise. Stagg and Familia were arrested following a complaint of an underage drinking party at their home. Stagg was charged with possession of alcohol and Familia was charged with unnecessary noise.

Caroline B. Robinson, 31, of 38 Gilbert St., Le Roy, is charged with trespass. Robinson is accused of remaining at a hotel on Oak Street after being told to leave by hotel staff and a Batavia PD officer.

William G. Raschi, 62, of 5630 W. Lake Road, Conesus, is charged with felony DWI, unlicensed operation, unsafe lane change, failure to stop for traffic signal and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Raschi was stopped on East Main Street, Batavia, at 5:57 p.m. Saturday, by Officer Matt Lutey. The charge is a felony because of an alleged prior DWI conviction in the previous 10 years. Raschi was jailed without bail pending a court appearance today.

Steven J. Raimondi, 19, of 679 E. Main St., is charged with possession of alcohol under age 21. Raimondi allegedly hosted a large underage drinking party at his residence, which was reported at 1:12 a.m., Sunday. A 16-year-old female was also charged.

Paul B. Heale, 58, of 234 Ellicott St., lower, Batavia, is charged with DWAI. Heale was stopped following a complaint of a possibly intoxicated driver at 2:30 p.m. Thursday on Pearl Street by Officer Eric Hill.

Robert D. Griffin Sr., 34, of 319 E. Main St., Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal mischief, 4th. Griffin is accused of breaking a window by throwing a boot at it during an argument and then preventing a female from calling police by taking her mobile phone.

Frank J. Falcone, 27, of 10599 Main St., upper, Alexander, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, and harassment, 2nd. Falcone was charged following a lengthy investigation by Batavia PD into an incident in the parking lot of Billy Goats on Oct. 20. Falcone is accused of kicking a vehicle, causing damage, and of punching and slapping the owner of the vehicle.

Tharon Joseph Kunkle, 52, of Read Road, Pembroke, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, operating an ATV on a public highway and unregistered ATV. Kunkle was charged after allegedly being observed driving his ATV on Route 5, Batavia at 2:32 a.m. Sunday by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Samantha Nicole Frear, 25, of Hempstead Avenue, Buffalo, was arrested on a bench warrant out of Town of Darien Court by Buffalo PD following a traffic stop.  The warrant stems from a harassment, 2nd, charge in November, 2009. 

John J. Maroni, 50, of Clay, is charged with possession of unstamped cigarettes, DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, failure to use/improper use of four-way flashers, and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Maroni was arrested following a report of a vehicle parked along the roadway on Oakfield-Elba Townline Road, Oakfield at 7:13 p.m., Friday.

Vincent Donald Henning, 35, of Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with BAC of .18 or greater, improper right turn and unlicensed operator. Henning was stopped on Seven Springs Road, Batavia, at 10:47 p.m. Friday by Deputy James Diehl.

Andrew Garry Anderson, 28, of Basom, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speeding in zone (65 in a 40 mph zone). Anderson was stopped on Route 77, Basom, at 12:25 a.m. Friday by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Danielle R. Dixon, 29, of Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Dixon was stopped at 2:30 a.m. Sunday on Hutton Road, Oakfield, by State Police.

Photos: Hockey on homemade rink in Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

Claire Pfalzer describes her husband Andrew as "hockey crazy." For the past six years, he's had his own ice rink next to their home on Sliker Road in Pembroke.

Last year, it was cold enough to use the rink for only five or six days all winter.

This year's cold snap was well timed to allow the Pfalzers to invite all of their friends over for a daylong skate on Andrew's birthday. Andrew even has lights installed above the rink so the sun going down doesn't mean the end of hockey.

To purchase prints: These photos along with some others from the ice rink today (along with other Saturday photos) are in this gallery (click here).

Pembroke girls play in pink to raise money for breast cancer research

By Howard B. Owens

It started out as a simple idea and now it has become a big annual event for the Pembroke Lady Dragons.

Last year after the wife of Pembroke Coach Ron Funke was diagnosed with breast cancer, the girls basketball team thought they would show support by playing a game with a pink basketball.

They wound up raising $4,000 for breast cancer research after Disney donated amusement park passes, another company donated pink uniforms and dozens of local businesses donated items for auction.

"It just kind of grew to something that for these girls as a team, it’s their identity," Head Coach Mike Wilson said. "These are community-minded kids. They think about other people."

Last night, for Pembroke's game against Holley, the girls again donned pink uniforms and hundreds of community members showed up for the event.

"When they saw how many teachers and how many community members were affected by this and the difference what they did made for those people, it became something that meant a lot to them to try and keep going," Wilson said. "They feel responsible to those people. They feel responsible for the community.  This is just a way for them to give back in some small way to the community that has gone the extra mile for them."

The goal for last night was to raise $6,000. We haven't heard yet how much was raised. Pembroke won the game 34-13.

Coach Mike Wilson, his daughter and the Buffalo Bisons mascot.

Dannielle Della Penta takes the court prior to the start of the game.

Cora Erb with a lay up.

Holley's Kassy Sutton and Pembroke's Rylee Moser tangle over a loose ball.

Cassie Williams goes for a rebound.

Pembroke girls varsity basketball team Shoots for a Cure Thursday

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Last year, the Pembroke High School Girls Varsity Basketball Team raised $4,000 to benefit America's first cancer center, the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Downtown Buffalo, which was established in 1898. The money went toward breast cancer research.

On Thursday at 7 p.m., Pembroke will once again take to the court in a special Shooting for a Cure game. It will be played at Pembroke high against Holley.

“We hope to raise $5,000 this year and we plan on continuing Shooting for a Cure to raise more money in the future,” Coach Mike Wilson said. “So many people in our school and within the Pembroke community have been touched by breast cancer, it’s become overwhelming.

"That’s why it’s become important to our team to get involved and make a difference. We are definitely dedicated to helping Roswell find a cure.”

As with the first Shooting for a Cure fundraiser, a lineup of WNY merchants and individuals are generously supporting the cause. Donors include:

  • The Buffalo Bisons (Buster Bison)
  • Impressive Marks (pink team uniforms shirts, laces, socks and wristbands)
  • Matt Steinberg (design game posters and programs)
  • D & D Printing (posters and programs)
  • Toshiba International Corporation
  • Michael Moran/ACCO Brand Products (raffle donation),
  • Alleghany Landscaping
  • Next Generation Vending (water refreshments)
  • Pizza Pantry (pizza)
  • Kelsey Fenton (game night photography)
  • aBc Consulting and Services (PR/Media Relations)
  • and Jennifer Wilson (refreshments)

A half-time raffle will also take place with grand prizes generously donated by Bryan Wittman (four pack of Disney Theme Park passes), S&S Limousine (pink limousine rental) and Buttercrumbs Bakery ($100 gift certificate).

Admission to the game is $1 for adults and 50 cents for children and students under age 18.

The Pembroke High School Girls Varsity Basketball Team is nicknamed "The Dragons." Their motto is "Family-Hustle-Winning." The team has undertaken Shooting for a Cure as an annual event and they are committed to the hard work and dedication it will take to win the battle against breast cancer.

Woman who admitted to possessing child porn given 10 years probation

By Howard B. Owens

A 56-year-old Pembroke woman who admitted in October to possessing child pornography received a 10-year term of probation plus intermittent jail time.

Beverly Hensel told Judge Robert C. Noonan, "I feel like I've ruined the rest of my life."

Hensel reportedly downloaded six DVDs full of child pornography and gave the DVDs to James Little Jr.

Little, who met Hansel in 2008 in a Corfu bar, is serving a 15-year prison term for molesting a Batavia toddler and faces more time in prison after admitting in November to molesting another child.

In October Hensel, as part of a plea deal, admitted to possession of child sexual performance. The deal was for a maximum sentence of shock probation, which means an intermittent jail term and probation.

Noonan will conduct a hearing at a later date to determine Hensel's status as a registered sex offender.

Noonan told Hensel that he didn't agree that she ruined the rest of her life.

"What you did is uncharacteristic of how you lived your life for the 56 years prior to your arrival here last October," Noonan said. "Probation is meant to keep you on track so you don't revert to this behavior or any other criminal activity again."

Hensel vowed to comply with the terms of the probation agreement.

"I'll do anything I have to do to work with probation," Hensel said. "I've never been in trouble before, so I won't be too much of a hardship."

Pembroke Scout becomes an Eagle

By Howard B. Owens

Write-up submitted by Laurie Clarke:

On Saturday, at the Indian Falls United Methodist Church, Christopher Clarke was honored at an Eagle Court of Honor Ceremony where he was awarded the highest rank in Boy Scouting -- the rank of Eagle Scout.

Christopher was presented with several citations from President Barack Obama, the Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, Sen. Charles Schumer and Rep. Kathy Hochul just to name a few. Assemblyman Stephen Hawley attended the ceremony and presented Christopher with a New York State Assembly Citation. Chris will also be receiving an American flag that was flown at the Capitol in honor of his Eagle Scout accomplishment.

In 2006 when Christopher was 8 years old he joined Troop 6066 in Indian Falls as a Cub Scout and began his journey toward becoming an Eagle Scout, a journey that would take him in many different directions. Along the way, Chris had the opportunity to visit new places, meet new people and learn many new things.

In 2010, Troop 6066 traveled to AP Hill, Va., to attend the National Boy Scout Jamboree, making many stops along the way at different historical sites.

The troop also went on numerous camping and kayaking trips including the Adirondack Mountains.

Throughout scouting Christopher was active in the community participating in Adopt-A-Highway program, planting trees for the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, ringing the bells for the Salvation Army, flag retirement ceremonies and many other community activities.

Christopher completed his Eagle Scout Project at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge in Alabama. With the help of fellow Scouts, family and friends, Chris constructed a handicap accessible duck blind. The blind was built in pieces and then transported to the duck pond on the refuge where it was assembled at the end of a long dock.

Chris spent many hours researching the correct measurements and regulations for a handicapped building, locating funding for and finally putting a crew together to build and transport the blind.

Chris says “Scouts allowed me to learn many things that I would not have learned  if I had not had the opportunity to be in scouting. Boy Scouting gave me the chance to grow as a person, to be part of the community and meet many wonderful people along the way."

Law and Order: Illinois man accused of stealing semi-truck tires

By Howard B. Owens

Ramon Roberto Domanski, 51, of South Avenue, Lake Bluff, Ill., is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Domanski is accused of stealing two tractor-trailer tires from a located at 8420 Route 77, Pembroke. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Daniel DiLaura, 38, of Brooklyn Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and criminal mischief. DiLaura is accused of stealing a TV from Walmart and damaging a security device.

Chimney fire reported on Maple Road, Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A chimney fire is reported at 357 Maple Road. Pembroke Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 8:17 p.m.: A firefighter on scene says "There's nothing coming out of the top. I'm going inside..."

UPDATE 8:26 p.m.: It is confirmed that the fire is confined to the chimney.

UPDATE 8:42 p.m.: Problem resolved. Pembroke fire back in service.

Free two-part state-certified snowmobile safety course offered in Corfu

By Billie Owens

A two-part NYS Snowmobile Safety Course will be conducted at the Town of Pembroke Town Hall from 7 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 15, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19. It is sponsored by the Millgrove Sportsments Club, Genesee Sno-Packers and Snowmobile Club and CoPeDa Snowmobile Club.

The two hall is located at Route 77 and Route 5 in Corfu.

The course is free to adults and children age 10 or older. Children under 18 must take the course -- required by the New York State Parks and Recreation -- to drive a snowmobile. The instructors for the Snowmobile Safety Course are certified by NYS.

You must sign up for the course and attend both classes, where you register at. All materials for the Snowmobile Safety Course will be furnished. Those that pass the written exam will be issued a patch, certificate and a license. There is no charge for this course and no instructors make a dime on this course -- it is all volunteer.

Pre-register by calling 585-599-6431 or 585-937-9536 after 5:30 p.m.

Students prepare to 'pay it forward' by volunteering for Challenger soccer games

By Howard B. Owens

High school students from throughout Genesee County were at the Genesee ARC building on Woodrow Road, Batavia, this evening learning about being volunteers for the upcoming Challenge Soccer season.

The Challenger program gives youngsters with developmental disabilities an opportunity to participate in sporting events.

Organizer Shelley Falitico explained the history of the program, what volunteers do and taught the students a little bit about what it's like to deal with a disability.

As a demonstration, she placed a student in a wheelchair and told him he could use only one arm. She then required a normally talkative student to wear a mask and told him he couldn't talk and had several students wear eye covers so they couldn't see. The student in the wheelchair then had to try to distribute a brochure about Genesee ARC.

Falitico pointed out all the ways in which the students' natural reactions to having their abilities limited in this manner is much like what it is for some of the youngsters they will deal with as part of Challenger.

The students participating include a group from the Pembroke soccer team, who were there to "pay it forward."

Two seasons ago, the team was reinstated, but players were required to raise their own funds to pay for their participation. As players and parents were working on fundraising, two Pembroke borthers, Howard and Michael Oriole, came forward and for the 2011 and 2012 seasons paid all of the team's costs.

"We obviously felt blessed and honored," said one of the mothers of the players, Lynette McGiveron. "We didn't know what to say."

Since the brothers both have disabilities, reaching out to Genesee ARC for a volunteer opportunity seemed like an appropriate way for the soccer players to give back to the community.

"We were obviously very grateful and we just felt the need to pay it forward," McGiveron said.

Law and Order: Darien man charged with DWI, resisting arrest in Wyoming County

By Howard B. Owens

Darryl P. James, 30, of Darien, is charged with felony DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, moving from lane unsafely, open container, failure to submit to breath test, resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration. The Wyoming County Sheriff's Office received a complaint at 4:42 a.m., Christmas Day, of a vehicle operating on a resident's driveway on Church Road, Bennington, and James was arrested following further investigation. James allegedly has two prior DWI convictions. James was jailed on $25,000 bail.

Bryan Michael Wharton, 25, of Clover Crossing, Manchester, is charged with unlawful possession of untaxed cigarettes. Wharton was stopped at 4:16 p.m., Dec. 23, for alleged equipment violations on Gabbey Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Kevin McCarthy. He was allegedly found in possession of untaxed cigarettes.

Community comes together in remembrance of Kelsey Milks

By Howard B. Owens

About 100 people gathered in Pembroke tonight for a prayer walk and candlelight vigil in remembrance of Kelsey Milks.

The 19-year-old graduate of Pembroke High School died Sunday night following an automobile accident on Route 63, Town of Shelby.

The walk started at the Pembroke Fire Hall and headed west to the Milks' residence where Rev. Karen Grinnell, of the Indian Falls United Methodist Church, said a few words and led a short prayer. A group of high school students sang "Noel" and at the end of the vigil, the group raised their candles and flashlights to the sky and sang "Silent Night."

Prayer vigil for Kelsey Milks planned in Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

A prayer vigil for Kelsey Milks is being organized for tomorrow night in Pembroke.

Milks is the 19-year-old Corfu resident who died Sunday night following an automobile accident on Route 63, Town of Shelby.

Participants are asked to bring a candle or flashlight and gather at the Pembroke Fire Hall at 7 p.m. A prayer walk to the Milks' home will begin at 7:30.

Three-car accident with rollover reported in Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

A three-car accident with one car rolling over is reported on South Lake Road near Route 5.

Indian Falls and Pembroke fire departments responding. Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 8:45 p.m.: A second ambulance requested to the scene, non-emergency.

UPDATE 8:54 p.m.: One patient will be transported (we don't know where) and two people are not injured.

UPDATE 9:56 p.m.: Pembroke and Indian Falls back in service. Roadway is reopened.

Law and Order: Driver in Pembroke accused of DWI

By Howard B. Owens

Debra Jean Bastiano, 55, of South Main Street Road, Elba, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding (55 in 40 mph zone) and possession or consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Bastiano was stopped at 9:31 p.m. Wednesday on Route 5, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Thomas Riley Munger, 18, of Glidden Circle, of Hamlin, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Munger was arrested following a report to College Village security of individuals smoking marijuana in a vehicle on College Village grounds.

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