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Photos: Stafford parade and carnival

By Howard B. Owens

The Stafford Volunteer Fire Department hosted its annual parade Saturday, part of its annual Father's Day weekend celebration, which includes a carnival and Corvette raffle.

As usual, there was a big turnout, both for parade participants and onlookers.

If you have trouble viewing the slide show below, click here. To purchase prints of these photos, click here.

Photo: Friday morning photos in Stafford and Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

I set out early this morning with the idea of taking a particular picture. That picture didn't turn out as I had hoped, but I did drive around a bit. Here are three pictures from that drive.

Above a tree in a field off Nilesville Road, Stafford (and, yes, it's the same tree as sunset picture from yesterday).

The bottom two photos are take from under the Munson Street bridge in Le Roy.

Four injured in crash on Route 33 and Prole Road

By Howard B. Owens

Four people were injured in a two-car accident Wednesday on Route 33 at Prole Road, after one driver allegedly failed to yield the right of way.

Injured were Joyce Bruyere, 71, of Tonawanda, her passenger, Annette R. Lund, 74, the driver of the second vehicle, Lindsay H. Fisher, 24, of Darien Center and her passenger, Rachel L. Piacente.

At least one person needed to be extricated from a vehicle following the accident by Town of Stafford Fire Department.

Mercy EMS transported Bruyere and Lund to UMMC, and Fisher and Piacente to Strong.

Deputy Joseph Graff said in his report that Fisher was heading northeast on Route 33 and Bruyere was stopped facing north at Prole Road. Bruyere then allegedly pulled onto Route 33 as Fisher's car approached.

Bruyere was issued a traffic citation.

(Initial Report)

Accident reported on Route 33 at Prole Road, Stafford

By Howard B. Owens

A motor vehicle accident with injuries has been reported at Route 33 and Prole Road, Town of Stafford.

Stafford Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE 4:07 p.m.: At least three injuries reported.

UPDATE 4:18 p.m.: No serious injuries reported, but at least one person needs to be extricated from a vehicle.

UPDATE 4:34 p.m.: At least two patients being transported to Strong.

Wires down and arcing on East Bethany Le Roy Road

By Howard B. Owens

Wires are reportedly down and arcing in the area of 6506 East Bethany Le Roy Road, Stafford.

Stafford Fire Department is responding.

National Grid has been notified.

UPDATE 1:24 p.m.: Stafford back in service. National Grid to handle.


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Six local students graduate from RIT

By Billie Owens

The following local residents graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology in winter 2011–2012 quarter:

•     Jamie Braswell, of Le Roy, earned a bachelor of science degree in biology from RIT's College of Science.

•     Andrew Darling, of Stafford, earned a master of science degree in Bioinformatics from RIT's College of Science.

•     Kathryn Shaver, of Corfu, earned a bachelor of science degree in ASL-English Interpretation from RIT's National Technical Institute for the Deaf.

•     Christine Snell, of Le Roy, earned an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Project Management from RIT's Center for Multidisciplinary Studies.

•     Kyle Stacy, of Elba, earned a bachelor of science degree in Computer Engineering Technology from RIT's College of Applied Science and Technology.

•     Benjamin Stauber, of Le Roy, earned a bachelor of science degree in Biotechnology from RIT's College of Science.

Rochester Institute of Technology is internationally recognized for academic leadership in computing, engineering, imaging science, sustainability, and fine and applied arts, in addition to unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

Stafford student awarded music scholarship at Baldwin-Wallace College in Ohio

By Billie Owens

Rory O’Connor, of Stafford, was recently awarded the Elsie Spissman Mills Scholarship the 2012 Conservatory Honors Celebration.

This scholarship has been established by Frederick S. Mills to honor the memory of his mother, Elsie Spissman Mills. Mrs. Mills studied the organ while attending Baldwin-Wallace College and it is the donor’s wish that this scholarship be used to provide financial assistance to organ students in the Conservatory of Music.

O’Connor is a senior at Baldwin-Wallace College majoring in music history. A 2008 graduate of LeRoy Junior/Senior High School, O’Connor is the child of Chris and Colleen O’Connor.

The Conservatory of Music at Baldwin-Wallace is an artistic community within a liberal arts college, in which the lives of students of all ages are transformed in pursuit of personal and professional excellence through the humanizing discipline of music study, creation, performance and pedagogy.

Baldwin-Wallace College, founded in 1845, was one of the first colleges to admit students without regard to race or gender. An independent, coeducational college of 4,500 students, B-W offers coursework in the liberal arts tradition in more than 50 academic areas. Located in Berea, 12 miles from downtown Cleveland, B-W offers students the cultural, educational and business advantages of a major metropolitan area. For more information, visit www.bw.edu

Photos: A stormy afternoon in Genesee County

By Howard B. Owens

During the storm this afternoon, it seemed like a good time to drive around and look for pictures. 

Above, a farm on Brown Road.

Gilhooly Road

The view from Brookville Road

Brookville Road

Also on Brookville Road

Stafford Country Club

Prole Road

Results of Stafford Invitational

By Howard B. Owens

Below are the results of the Stafford Invitational held at the Stafford CC on May 18.

Rob Horak fires a 3-under par 69 to take first place in the individual event at Stafford CC. Michael O'Connor, Bill Lapple and Larry Peters tie with Eddie Suchora, Robert McIntosh and Joe Muscarella in the best 2 of 3 event with a 134.

Steve Bartkowski is WNYPGA Tournament Director.

RESULTS
Rob Horak, Ravenwood GC, 69
Dwayne Randall, Peek'N'Peak, 71
Tom Keenan, Dick's Sporting Goods, 72
Mark Kirk, Crag Burn GC, 72
Michael O'Connor, Kahkwa Club, 72
Kirk Stauffer, Pine Acres CC, 72

Michael O'Connor, Bill Lapple, Larry Peters, 134
Eddie Suchora, Robert McIntosh, Joe Muscarella, 134
Tom, Keenan, Robbie Sinclair, Ernest Truax, 138
Lon Nielsen, Don Gnann, Gregg Bryant, 138
Ryan Swanson, Alex Bianco, Jeff Pratt, 138
Jeff Urzetta, Matt Adonnino, John Lapple, 138
Jason Parker, Brian Sinclair, Bob Sinclair 138

Four local students graduate from Alfred University

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The following students received degrees during Alfred University Commencemen on May 12:

Brittany Best, of Corfu, received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Inamori School of Engineering. Best, is the daughter of John and Genia Best and a graduate of Pembroke Central School.

Alicia Schuler, of Elba, received a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood/Childhood Educationation from the College Liberal Arts/Sciences. Schuler, is the daughter of Kelly and Susan Schuler and a graduate of Elba Central School.

Vincent Gravanda III, of Stafford, received a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and Biology from the College Liberal Arts/Sciences. Gravanda, is the son of Vincent Gravanda and Judi Anderson-Tooze and a graduate of Le Roy J.r-Sr. High School.

James Bonacquisti Jr., of Le Roy, received a Bachelor of Arts Cum Laude in Biology from the College Liberal Arts/Sciences. Bonacquisti is the son of James and Michele Bonacquisti and a graduate of Le Roy Jr.-Sr. High School.

The graduates were among 13 doctoral, 104 masters, and 423 bachelor's degree recipients who heard David J. Miller, AU Class of '66, tell them that Alfred University prepares its graduates to take risks in pursuing their passions.

Miller, a member of the AU Board of Trustees, said he owes his success as a noted lawyer and jazz musician, "in no small part to the experiences I had at Alfred University. It's the same for you," he said, noting it was on campus he learned "the importance of listening, reflecting, and respecting others' points of view.

"You need to take risks to perform on the stage of life," Miller told the Class of 2012. Then "you too can reap a life of fulfillment."

Alfred University, founded in 1836, became the first coeducational institution in New York State and the second in the nation. The university encourages students to undertake community service projects as an important part of their education. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks AU among the top 20 regional universities in the North.

Stafford man promoted in NY Army National Guard

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Major General Patrick A. Murphy, The Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Timothy Laporte, of Stafford, who is serving with the Company C, 27th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, is promoted to the rank of Private.

Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability, and development potential.

These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber citizen soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com

Car wreck at junction of Route 5 and Batavia-Stafford TL Road

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident is reported at the junction of Route 5 and Batavia-Stafford Town Line Road. One person is complaining of neck pain. Traffic is blocked. Stafford Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

Grand Jury Report: Man accused of trying to sell oxycodone in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

Nicholas J. Pascucci Jr. is indicted on a count of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 4th, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 4th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Pascucci is accused of possessing with the intent to sell 44 oxycodone tables on Nov. 25 in the Town of Le Roy.

Robert L. Ealey is indicted on a count of driving while ability impaired by the combined influence of drugs and alcohol and aggravated unlicensed operation. Ealey is accused of DWAI on Jan. 1, on Church Street, Le Roy. Ealey was previously convicted of DWI on Jan. 29, 2009.

MIchael D. Pacer is indicted on a felony of DWI and felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Pacer is accused of driving drunk on Sweetland Road, Stafford, on Dec. 1. Pacer was convicted of DWI July 7, 2008.

Melvin G. Draper is indicted on a felony count of DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, and aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st. Draper is accused of driving drunk Oct. 29 while in the Town of Batavia. Draper was previously convicted of DWI on March 3, 2009.

The Grand Jury returned a "no bill" on the charge of aggravated criminal contempt against Eric M. Duda.

The Grand Jury returned a "no bill" on the charge of criminal contempt, 1st, against Jerry K. Scroger Jr.

Stafford student to graduate from Herkimer County Community College

By Billie Owens

Matthew R. Riggi, of Stafford, is a candidate for the AAS in Travel and Tourism: Hospitality & Events Management (with honors) from Herkimer County Community College.

Riggi is one of 727 candidates eligible to participate in the college's 44th annual commencement ceremony on Friday, May 18.

Herkimer County Community College is a unit of the State University of New York, located in Herkimer, about 20 miles east of Utica. With an enrollment of approximately 3,600 students, Herkimer offers more than 40 associate degree and certificate programs, on-campus housing, an active co-curricular activities schedule and a national championship athletic program.

For more information visit www.herkimer.edu.

Car fire on Clipnock Road, Stafford

By Billie Owens

A car fire is reported at 9156 Clipnock Road in Stafford. The Stafford Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 11:42: A firefighter on scene reports the vehicle owner is using a fire extinguisher on the blaze and has it under control.

UPDATE 11:58 a.m.: The fire is out. Stafford is back in service.

Driver knocks out power for some in Bethany and Stafford

By Howard B. Owens

A 70-year-old man from Gates was involved in a single-car accident Monday night that caused 231 National Grid customers to lose power for about four hours.

Morley J. Pray, of Ashton Drive, Gates, was driving southbound on Clipnock Road at 7:13 p.m. when his vehicle went off the west shoulder of the road for an unknown reason.

Pray was reportedly unable to get the 2004 Chevy pickup back on the road before striking a petroleum pipeline cap and then a National Grid utility pole in the area of 9455 Clipnock Road.

No citations were issued.

Pray suffered minor injuries, but did not require transport to a hospital.

The accident was investigated by Sgt. Greg Walker.

Power outage in Bethany, Stafford

By Howard B. Owens

Some 231 National Grid customers in Bethany and Stafford are without power.

The cause is not known at this time.

National Grid estimates power will be restored at 11:15 p.m.

Power went out at 7:59 p.m.

The location is from Ellicott Street Road, including Little Canada, spreading northeast toward Route 5, across Transit Road.

Two men seen stealing sheet metal from barn on Clipknock Road

By Howard B. Owens

Two people apparently stole some salvaged sheet metal from inside a barn on Clipknock Road, Stafford, this morning.

The suspects are described as "average white males."

They were last scene about 40 minutes ago heading east on Sweetland Road in a '90s-era white pickup truck.

It sounds like it should be easy to spot with the sheet metal piled high in the back of the truck bed.

The truck may be heading toward Rochester.

Anybody with information that may assist the investigation can contact the Sheriff's Office at 343-5000.

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