Press Release:
Cub Scout Pack 6067 and Troop 6067 from the Corfu/Pembroke area recently completed a flag replacement project at Hillside Cemetery on Angling Road in Pembroke.
The Scouts removed old flags and placed new ones at the gravesites of veterans who have passed away. The retired flags will be properly disposed of in a ceremonial burning conducted by Kevin Volk and his son, Walter Volk.
Submitted photo.
Pembroke secured a 2-1 walk-off win over Letchworth in the first round of the Section V Class C softball sectionals Friday evening at the Albion Turf Complex.
Letchworth struck first in the third inning when Grace Mitchell singled, driving in the game’s opening run. Pembroke held Letchworth to one run through the seventh inning.
In the bottom of the seventh, Reagan Schneider was hit by a pitch, Sophia Gorski singled, and Taylor Bischoff walked to load the bases. Camille Campbell then singled to the outfield, scoring two runs and clinching the victory for Pembroke.
Jayden Hootman earned the win for Pembroke, allowing just two hits and one run over seven innings. Hootman recorded eight strikeouts, two walks, and one hit batter.
Gorski, Bischoff, Schneider, and Juliana Cleveland each had one hit for Pembroke. Bischoff and Schneider both doubled.
Mitchell finished with two singles and one RBI for Letchworth.
Pembroke advances to face Bloomfield on Tuesday.
The Pembroke Varsity Dragons put on an offensive and defensive clinic Tuesday afternoon, steamrolling the Elba Varsity Lancers 13–3 in a commanding road victory.
Pembroke wasted no time getting on the board, scoring three runs in the top of the first inning. Anthony Abbatiello ignited the Dragons’ bats with a two-run triple, followed by a run-scoring double from Trey Newton to stake an early lead.
Elba briefly clawed back in the third, knotting the game at 3–3 on a Mark Caparco RBI single and a productive play. But the tie was short-lived.
Brayden Lang broke the deadlock in the fourth with an RBI double, and the Dragons never looked back. They piled on nine unanswered runs, fueled by timely hitting and aggressive base running.
Lang was just as dominant on the mound, tossing 4.1 innings of hitless relief. The right-hander struck out six without issuing a walk, slamming the door on any Lancers comeback hopes. Starter Hayden Williams gave up three runs (only one earned) across 2.2 innings, fanning four.
Pembroke’s offense was relentless, collecting 13 hits. Newton led the charge with three RBIs, going 2-for-3 at the plate. Lang and Jacob Johnson each tallied three hits, while Jayden Bridge added two of his own. Johnson and Landon Santini sparked the running game with multiple steals as the Dragons swiped five bags on the day.
Elba’s offense was limited to three hits—one each from Caparco, Nicholas Scott, and Brayden Jachimowicz. Caparco and Brady Werth drove in the Lancers’ only runs. Despite the loss, Elba showed life on the base paths with five stolen bases, including three from Jachimowicz.
Photos by Kristin Smith.
Dan Mault was named Firefighter of the Year at the annual Pembroke and Indian Falls Fire Department banquet on Saturday.
Mault was recognized for his dedication to training, leadership in planning district training, and his role in rescuing three dogs in Alabama.
“The firefighter of the Year Award goes to the guy who has the best Monday night attendance in 2024. He was instrumental in planning the district training in 2024 and just so happened to be my nozzle man and assisted in the rescue of three dogs in Alabama,” said Chief Jamie Waff.
Dave Olsen was honored for 50 years of service to the Pembroke Fire District. State Senator George M. Borrello presented Olsen with a proclamation and a special service plaque. Near the end of the evening, he also received an honorary axe as framed wall art as a special service recognition.
Other awards included EMS Provider of the Year, presented to Ed Mileham, and the Training Award, presented to Ron Tyx, who logged the most state training hours and now serves as district training officer for 2025.
LuAnne Mileham, Ed's wife and an EMS officer, presented Ed with the award and shared stories highlighting his decades of service.
She recalled a call more than 30 years ago when Ed delivered a baby across the street from their home.
“I don’t think I’ve ever sweated so much in my whole life delivering this child,” she remembered him saying.
LuAnne also described a moment at church years later when a young girl recognized Ed as the man who helped bring her into the world.
More recently, she recounted a winter call where Ed assisted another woman in labor.
“He was thinking of throwing her in his truck and taking her to the hospital, but the ambulance said they were only five minutes out, so he waited,” she said.
The baby boy was later delivered in the ambulance in front of Antique World, and Ed carried him into the hospital emergency room.
LuAnne presented Ed with two stork pins to commemorate his role in those deliveries.
Members recognized for more than 50 years of service included:
• George Klotzbach: 58 years
• Norm Waff: 52 years
• Ed Mileham: 52 years
• Mike Warren: 50 years
• Dave Olsen: 50 years
“All right, now that everyone has their stuff, you guys have an aide and a nurse waiting outside with your bus," joked Waff. "In all honesty, I do sincerely appreciate all of you guys. More people need to look up to you and pay attention to some of the advice that you give.”
Top responders for 2024 were:
• Ed Mileham: 191 calls
• Kevin Ross: 185 calls
• George Klotzbach: 183 calls
• Dave Olsen: 172 calls
• Dan Mault: 146 calls
• Jimmy Garrett: 128 calls
• Ron Tyx: 114 calls
• LuAnne Mileham: 113 calls
• Dave Linneborn: 111 calls
• Roger Mault: 104 calls
Waff reported that the department answered 260 calls in 2024, including 133 EMS calls, six fire calls, 39 motor vehicle accidents, and 27 mutual aid requests. The departments also achieved 1,800 hours of training.
The night also featured a special guest.
On Christmas Eve, during Winter Storm Elliott, Andy Garcia arrived in the hamlet of Pembroke after 24 hours on the road, determined to visit his children for the holiday. Hoping to outrun the blizzard, he instead crashed into a snow bank in front of the Pembroke Fire Hall.
Garcia became known as “Survivor #1,” the first stranded motorist to take shelter at the fire hall, quickly forming friendships with several members of the department.
“I thought I was going straight onto the highway, but instead, I drove right into a snow bank,” Garcia said.
Despite wearing a Kansas City Chiefs baseball cap, he was welcomed inside.
“I was red-eyed, probably because I had been driving for 24 hours or crying because I thought I was gonna die,” he said.
Now a resident of Lockport, Garcia spent three days at the fire hall with 35 other stranded motorists during the blizzard.
“You guys were amazing. I only met you for three days, but you made us breakfast, dinner, and made sure that we were happy,” he said. “They let me win in Uno a couple of times. That was fun. Got to watch some football. Got to teach them how the Super Bowl champions play.”
The evening also featured the installation of officers for the coming year and a memorial honoring members who have passed.
William Joyce, a Pembroke volunteer and Genesee County's Veterans Services Officer, presented a certificate of appreciation to the departments from the Western New York National Cemetery for supporting ceremonies and events.
The evening's emcee, Dan Curtis, had encouraging words for the volunteers, calling on them to persevere in service to their communities.
“Keep at it. Keep your head down. Serve the community," he said. "Do your job the best you possibly can. If you need training, get more training.”
Pembroke, now 11-2 on the season, racked up its highest run total of the season on Friday, leading to a 17-3 win over Attica.
UPDATE: Game story submitted by Allison Lang.
Behind a commanding performance from ace Brayden Lang, the Pembroke Varsity Dragons cruised to a 17–3 win over Attica on Friday in a five-inning blowout.
Lang was electric on the mound, striking out 13 while surrendering just four hits and three runs. The right-hander walked one and shut down Attica’s offense over five strong innings.
Offensively, Pembroke wasted no time. Anthony Abbatiello got the Dragons rolling with an RBI single in the top of the first. They exploded for eight runs in the second, capitalizing on a combination of errors and timely hitting. Joshua Von Kramer and Landon Santini each drove in runs, with Abbatiello adding an RBI double. Jarrett Lewter brought home another after being hit by a pitch, and Von Kramer capped the inning with a two-run single.
The onslaught continued in the third as Pembroke plated six more. Jayden Bridge laced a two-run double, Lewter and Lang each added RBIs, and Owen Shultz chipped in with an RBI groundout.
Santini led the Dragons’ offense, going 3-for-4 with three singles and two stolen bases. Pembroke collected 14 hits in total, with multiple contributions throughout the lineup. Von Kramer, Abbatiello, Bridge, and Lewter all drove in two runs apiece. Lang and Shultz also recorded multi-hit games.
Pembroke’s patience at the plate paid off with nine walks, including two each from Trey Newton, Jacob Johnson, and Abbatiello.
Attica’s starter, Wild, struggled to find rhythm, giving up 10 hits and 14 runs—just five of them earned—across two innings. Stockweather and Kilian each drove in a run for Attica.
Pembroke improves its momentum to 11-3 heading into Monday’s road matchup at Newfane.
Photos by Kristin Smith.
Friends since childhood and now business partners, Donald Dylag Jr. and Curtis Gallagher say they see nothing but potential at the Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant, the landmark eatery perched above Tonawanda Creek in Indian Falls.
“This is the nicest piece of real estate in Genesee County, with the waterfall,” Dylag told The Batavian. “He’s got an eye for food. I’ve got an eye for buildings. We want to make the building and the food match the view and the property.”
The business's ownership is split between the partners in a unique way. Both Gallagher and Dylag purchased the property at 1227 Gilmore Road. Dylag owns the bar and grill, and Gallagher serves as general manager.
Dylag grew up just around the corner in Indian Falls and still lives in the house where he was raised.
“I’ve been coming here my whole life,” he said. “It was always the first stop and the last stop on a motorcycle. We always came here for lunch after work.”
Gallagher, who’s lived in Genesee County most of his life, brings experience from his own property services business and a long history in construction, maintenance, and real estate. He also loves food, loves to cook, and will supervise the kitchen and the menu.
“We’ve both thought this place was special for years,” Gallagher said. “It’s already a landmark. People come just to take pictures of the falls.”
The partners say their goal is to elevate every aspect of the business, starting with the menu.
“We’re going to bring better quality food,” Gallagher said. “We want to cover everything from a roast beef sandwich or burger to seafood pasta and steaks.
We want it to be a destination for a Sunday drive or a special occasion.
Recent specials have included surf and turf, mussels bucatini, and chicken Florentine.
“We’ve hired two new chefs who have worked at top places,” Gallagher said. “We’re aiming for country club-worthy food, but in a casual, comfortable setting.”
Upgrades to the building are also in the works.
“We want to clear out the brush and expand the view of the creek, put in new floors, bathrooms, and bars, and build a deck that wraps around for outdoor seating,” Dylag said. “In the winter, maybe even snow globes outside.”
The partners say many of the improvements will be behind the scenes at first, updating systems and infrastructure.
“A lot of the upgrades are things people won’t see, but they’re important,” Gallagher said. “We’re putting the money back into the business.”
They’ve kept the restaurant open since taking over about two months ago, maintaining a staff of about 20 with plans to grow to 30.
“Most of our employees are local, and they really care about this place,” Gallagher said. “Business is good, a lot of new faces, and a lot of people we know personally.”
For Dylag, owning the Log Cabin is about honoring its legacy and realizing its promise.
“I wanted to see it go to its fullest potential,” he said. “Watching it not do that was one of the motivating factors. I could see the potential this place had.”
Built in 1946, the Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant has served generations of locals and travelers, offering classic American fare, live music, and a view of the 20-foot waterfall on Tonawanda Creek -- a view that remains a draw for visitors from across Western New York.
The partners say they’re just getting started.
“Sky’s the limit,” Gallagher said.
The restaurant will celebrate its new ownership with a party on Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m., featuring liquor, seltzer, cider, and dispensary tastings from local businesses. At 9 p.m., the Dave Viterna Band will take the stage.
Byron-Bergen beat Pembroke 3-2 in tennis on Wednesday.
Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro.
Oakfield-Alabama picked up two wins on Monday over Pembroke.
The first win was a 19-0 victory that was the resumption of a game the teams were unable to complete on May 1. The Lady Hornets scored 11 runs in the seventh inning.
Allison Harkness got the win, going seven innings, giving up five hits and striking out seven. She was 2-4 at the plate with an RBI.
Hornet's offense:
In game two, O-A came from behind (down 7-5), scoring four runs in the bottom of the sixth to win 9-7.
Harkness got the win in relief of starter Savannah Durham.
Offense:
The Hornets are now 10-1 on the season.
Photos by Jordyn Tobolski
In 2021, J&R Fancher Property Holdings started construction on a mixed-use -- apartments and retail -- near Brickhouse Corners in Pembroke, and given the demand for those six units in that complex, Randy Fancher is confident his new housing project will be a success.
Fancher met with the Genesee County Planning Board on Thursday night to discuss his plans for two new 10-unit townhouse complexes in the same location.
"The apartments -- they went great. The retail, not so much," Fancher said. "We have six apartments. We got 150 phone calls in the first year we stopped tracking. So, I'm very confident the apartments will rent."
The townhouses, dubbed "Brickhouse Commons," will be market rate, Fancher said, and a bit more higher end than might currently be available in Pembroke. Each unit will have its own garage and private entry. The design has been previously used and successful, in Buffalo and Rochester, he said.
One of the primary complications facing the project is the presence of a wetland on the property, which requires a 100-foot buffer for any building or roadway. The Department of Environmental Conservation requires a "delineation" every five years to determine the boundaries of the wetlands, which grow and recede over time. There hasn't been a delineation on the property in six years, before Fancher acquired it from the Genesee County Economic Development Center. A new delineation could take up to a year to certify.
That changed Fancher's plans for the driveway to the apartments. At GCEDC's suggestion, he's now planning to connect the complex to Route 77, requiring a curb cut, which requires the approval of the Department of Transportation. That permit is expected to take less time to receive.
Fancher is planning to apply for incentives, as he did with the first projects, from the GCEDC.
He told the board, "When we built that building, the incentives were for mixed use, which is why we did mixed use. Now the IDA is giving incentives for apartments only."
The retail portion of the Fancher-built mixed-use project, completed in 2022, has been hard to fill, Fancher told the board, because it's expensive to start a new business in a new retail space.
"To be honest, I thought it would go better (for the retail units," Fancher said. "We've gotten a lot of phone calls, but it's expensive. I mean, for anybody to come in there, because it's a new building and it has to be built out, right? I mean, it's expensive for us. It's expensive for them."
The board recommended approval of the site plan, which sends the plan back to the Town of Pembroke Planning Board for final development approval, but with modifications.
Given that the project will disturb more than one acre of land, the applicant completes a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and obtains a Stormwater Permit for Construction Activity from NYS DEC; and
Any additional signage complies with the Town's zoning regulations.
The endangered species of concern that is potentially on the property is the Northern Long-Eared Bat.
Fancher, a 20-year resident of Pembroke, is also hoping to develop another parcel in the same location, and that it will be a commercial project that will benefit the entire town.
"Our hope is to get a larger chain that would be good for the community, a grocery store, or something, but some sort of commercial project," Fancher told The Batavian after the meeting. "Something that would be good for the town of Pembroke. I believe the town of Pembroke is really growing with all the stuff that's going on. We want to do it responsibly and smart. We don't want to just blow it up, make it Buffalo. But I think, you know, smart growth in that area that's classified as an interchange is good for the town."
President Danielle Torcello, along with committee chair Vicki Wolak and her team of Susan Boyle, Brenda Bennion and Diane Fioentino, awarded 13 scholarships to Genesee County students from various high schools. Each student was presented with an award certificate and received a thousand-dollar scholarship. They are:
Alex Doty, LeRoy, Business Management, was presented the Jill Spence Memorial Scholarship Fund award.
Vicki Wolak, committee chair, and her team of Susan Boyle, Brenda Bennion and Diane Fioentino presented service awards to the following non-profit organizations in Genesee County. Each received a check for $400.
Joy Hume received the 2024 Woman of the Year award.
To view or purchase photos, click here.
Pembroke beat Notre Dame in softball on Monday, 8-5, even though the Irish out-hit the Dragons 12 to 8.
Sofia Falleti led the Irish, going 3-4 at the plate, including a double, two singles, and an RBI. Anna Panepinto, Sofia Falleti, Gianna Falleti, Olivia Gillard, and Riley Hare each drove in a run for the Irish. Shirley Thompson and Amelia Sorochty had multiple hits for the Irish.
No stats submitted for the Dragons.
Photos by Pete Welker
Press release:
The Elba Lancers won their match against the Pembroke Dragons with a score of 3-2.
The first singles match went to DJ Hale of Pembroke after a withdrawal from Elba.
At second singles, Alexa Ocampo beat Angel Neureuter 6-4, 6-1 for the Lancers.
At third singles, Clara Torrey also secured a win for the Lancers with a score of 6-1, 6-1 over Camden Schneider.
At first doubles, Logan Manne and Tyler Koepf of Pembroke beat Grace Koch and Alex Mendoza 6-0, 6-1, but the Lancers secured the team victory at second doubles with Amy Garcia and Lucy Torrey. They came out on top in a close match against Danielle Mast and Paul Tebor after winning a first-set tiebreaker 7-5, followed by a 6-4 second set.
Demolition began on Wednesday the Town of Pembroke's Highway Department garage.
The town is building a new $7.2 million garage is funded by $1.5 million in reserves and $5.7 million in bonds.
CORRECTION: While the board approved a $7.2 million expenditure for the garage, the bids came in significantly lower than the anticipated cost. The garage will cost about $5 million, according to Supervisor Thomas C. Schneider Jr. Schneider said, "The new garage bays will be nearly twice the length of the old bays and the project includes new restroom and breakroom facilities for the Town Highway Crew."
He also provided the rendering below.
Submitted photos.
Charles Phillp Stevens, 36, of Clinton Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of narcotics with intent to sell and criminal possession of a narcotic drug. Stevens was allegedly found in possession of cocaine during a traffic stop at 12:02 a.m. on March 7 on Lake Street Road, Le Roy. He was transported to the Genesee County Jail and held pending arraignment.
Clint Jeffery Towne, 44, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon 3rd. Towne was arrested at 9:15 p.m. on Feb. 28 on these charges following a prior on Feb. 21 on a separate incident. During a search of his property at a location on Phelps Road, Pembroke, he was allegedly found in possession of an assault weapon and multiple large-capacity magazines. He was incarcerated at the time and released back into the custody of the Genesee County Jail.
Justin A. Reisman, 36, of Water-Port Carlton Road, Carlton, is charged with tampering with physical evidence and obstructing governmental administration. Following a fatal motor vehicle accident on Tesnow Road at 8:04 p.m. on Feb. 23, Reisman allegedly entered the crime scene and remained unlawfully after being told to leave several times by sheriff's deputies. Reisman was transported to the Genesee County Jail for processing and released.
Jarad Michael Stalker, 40, of Indian Falls Road, Pembroke, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Stalker was arrested on Feb. 19 at 10:06 p.m. on a warrant and allegedly found with narcotics in a pocket of his clothing. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.
Tammy M. O'Shea, 53, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and improper or unsafe turn. O'Shea was stopped at 2:35 a.m. on Feb. 22 on East Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Ryan Mullen. O'Shea was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.
Thomas Cody Schell, 38, of South Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with DWI and speeding. Schell was stopped at 2:34 a.m. on March 8 on Clinton Street Road, Bergen, by Deputy Jacob Kipler. Schell was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.
Bonnie Jane Moser, 52, of Bethany Center Road, Bethany, is charged with petit larceny. Moser is accused of shoplifting from a store on Veterans Memorial Drive at 7:20 p.m. on March 8 (the Sheriff's Office did not disclose the name of the store in the arrest report). Moser allegedly tried to steal six items valued at $95.12. She was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.
Brandi Rose Hough, 29, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Hough was arrested following a Probation Department home visit at 10:15 a.m. on March 7. She was allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine.
Dale R. Williams, 41, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation, and driving without insurance. Williams was stopped at 12:50 a.m. on March 1 on Richmond Avenue in Batavia by Deputy Ayrton Blankenberg. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.
Colleen Michell Hutchinson, 50, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, driving a vehicle without a stop lamp, and uninspected motor vehicle. Hutchinson was stopped at 4:48 p.m. on March 3 by Deputy Jeremy McClellan. She was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine and "narcotic equipment used to smoke crack cocaine." She was issued an appearance ticket and released.
Rashad Tariq Cordell, 25, of State Street Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 3rd and aggravated unlicensed operation 2nd. Cordell is accused of possessing a stolen vehicle at 10 p.m. on Feb. 27 on Park Road, Batavia. He was held pending arraignment.
Robert Paul Leiser, 56, of Lockport Road, Alabama, is charged with hindering prosecution 3rd. Leiser is accused of allowing Marc C. Cook to live on his property while knowing Cook had active felony warrants. Leiser was transported to the Genesee County Jail for processing and released.
Dana Lee Powers, 54, of Prestige Xing, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, and operating a vehicle without stop lamps. Powers was stopped at 12:21 a.m. on Feb. 28 on Ellicott Street, Batavia, by Deputy Jacob Kipler. Powers was transported to the Genesee County Jail for processing and released.
Raymond James Dick, 60, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Also arrested was Sandra L. Marsceill. They were allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance while in a parking lot on Veterans Memorial Drive at 3:48 p.m. on Feb. 25. They were transported to the Genesee County Jail for processing and released.
Anneka Pray, the 18-year-old Pembroke graduate who was critically injured a week ago in a motor vehicle accident near Syracuse, is making "amazing progress," according to Tracy Rudolph.
Rudolph is the organizer of a GoFundMe.com page set up to assist Pray and her family following the accident.
Pray, who has been blind since birth, sustained a traumatic brain injury.
Rudolph writes: "She was heavily sedated and minimally responsive last Friday. Today, she has been moved out of the ICU to a bed on the pediatric floor. Anneka is eating, drinking, talking and walking. She will be transferred to neurology rehab next week. This progress is possible because of your prayers. Thank you for praying faithfully for Anneka's brain recovery. Please keep praying for recovery with her brain, fractured skull and carotid artery—blessings to all of you."
Previously: Pembroke graduate critically injured in Thruway accident near Syracuse
Pembroke's season in Girls Basketball came to a close on Wednesday with a second-round loss in Section V Class C1 to Cuba-Rushford, 49-42.
Scoring for the Lady Dragons:
Photos by Kristin Smith.
A 17-year-old Corfu resident was killed Sunday evening after a bicycle he was riding on Tesnow Road in the town of Alabama was struck by a vehicle and the youth was ejected from the bike.
Arthur G. Breton, III, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Breton was riding his bike north in the northbound lane in the area of 7824 Tesnow Road at 6:38 p.m. when he was struck.
Daphne C. Sundown, 37, of Basom, with her son as a passenger, were also northbound on Tesnow, driving a 2022 black Chevy Blazer, when the vehicle crested a hill over a knoll in the road, according to the Sheriff's Office. Sundown was unable to see Breton and struck his bike with the front driver side of her vehicle.
Sundown and her son immediately exited her vehicle and began rendering aid while calling 9-1-1.
Alabama Fire and Pembroke Fire departments personnel, along with Mercy EMS, responded to the scene and performed life-saving measures. Breton succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Drugs and alcohol have been ruled out as a factor in the accident.
The crash is being investigated by members of the Sheriff's Office along with the Crash Management Team.
Besides emergency responders, several bystanders assisted at the scene.
UPDATE: Superintendent Matthew Calderon confirmed that Breton was a senior at Pembroke High School. He sent the following message to the school community:
I am writing to share difficult news.
Last night, one of our high school students, Arthur Bretan III, was struck by a car while riding his bicycle, and he died as a result of the accident. Arthur was well-liked by many and enjoyed his participation in band. Today and this week, our district’s Trauma, Illness & Grief Team will be implementing a support plan for students and staff. Specially trained grief counselors are onsite to assist. This morning during first period, we informed all junior-senior high school students about Arthur's death to provide correct information and to inform them how and where to get support throughout the day if they need support.
We encourage students to remain at school where they can access grief support services. If students ask to go home, we strongly suggest that they be supervised by adults, who can best provide guidance and support during this difficult time. There will be a variety of emotional and/or behavioral responses, and it is normal to experience feelings of disbelief, sadness, anger, confusion or even numbness when learning about a loss such as this. Our children will benefit from our extra love and support to process this difficult news. The link below may provide some helpful information to assist you:Guidelines for Supporting Your Child During Grief
Our community always comes together to love and support one another through these hard times, and I am confident we will be there for each other once again.
An 18-year-old graduate of Pembroke High School, who recently made the Dean's List at the University at Albany, was critically injured in a four-vehicle accident on the Thruway in the town of Salina, according to State Police.
According to Troopers, Anneka Pray was a front-seat passenger in a 2016 Jeep Compass driven by Christopher Baker, 22, of South Glens Falls.
According to the initial investigation, a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Christopher J. Hernandez, 23, of Newark, lost control and swerved, causing a Ford F-550, driven by Barry J. Darling, 41, of Solvay, to brake and exit the north shoulder of the roadway to avoid a collision.
The Jeep rear-ended the Ford F-550 and partially entered the passing, where is was struck by a westbound Freightliner tractor-trailer operated by Sarjo Drammeh, 35, of Wisconsin.
The tractor-trailer fled the scene but was later located at the Seneca Service Area on the Thruway.
Pray, who has been blind since birth, participated in cross country at Pembroke and was praised by her teachers for knowing what she wanted and going for it.
“Anneka advocates well for herself,” Chelsea Hale, the vision teacher at Pembroke, told The Batavian in 2018. “She wants to be as independent as possible.”
She also participated in three musicals while at Pembroke.
Pray is listed in critical condition at Upstate University Hospital.
Baker, in serious condition, was also transported to Upstate. Darling sustained minor injuries and was transported to St. Joseph's Hospital.
The accident was reported at 6:08 a.m. on Friday in the area of mile marker 284.8.
The investigation is continuing, according to State Police.
A GoFundMe.com page has been set up to assist Pray and her family. According to the page, Pray suffered a traumatic brain injury.
Alexander beat Pembroke in Boys Basketball on Thursday 60-43.
The win pushed the Trojan's record to 16-4, and the program clinched its first Genesee Region title in Division I since 2019.
The Trojans are the #2 seed heading into the Section V C1 tournament.
For Pembroke:
Photos by Melissa Brooks.
Pembroke beat Alexander in Girls Basketball on Wednesday, 45-36.
Onolee Easterbrook had a career-high 16 points to lead the Dragons.
Pembroke stats:
Emily Pietrzykowski scored 13 points for the Trojans.
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