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An accident with possible injuries is blocking traffic on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 401.1 in Pembroke.

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

Antoine T. Clark (AKA "Mike") is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on June 29 in the Town of Batavia that Clark knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug, cocaine, with intent to sell it. In count two, Clark is accused of the crime of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, also a Class B felony. It is alleged that on June 29 in the Town of Batavia that the defendant knowingly and unlawfully sold a narcotic drug, cocaine.

Russ Marchese took this cat to the Animal Shelter after finding it near the railroad tracks on Wortendyke Road, Batavia.

About 50 students from Batavia High School, Batavia Middle School, Byron-Bergen Central School, Albion Central School and Medina Central School took part in a recreational field trip this afternoon (Thursday) at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia. They participated in the Liberty Partnership Program, which is coordinated by Genesee Community College in conjunction with the NYS Department of Education.

Mary Ann Bowman, program director, said the outing provided an opportunity to "keep the students connected" while school is in recess. The students bowled two or three games and enjoyed pizza and pop during their time at the East Main Street facility.

The Liberty Partnership Program, in its 28th year, provides service to students in public and non-public schools grades five through 12 in an effort to maximize high school graduation and to encourage them to pursue higher education or post-secondary vocational training.

The Program promotes collaboration between colleges and universities, community based organizations, school districts, parents, volunteers, businesses and industry in providing comprehensive services for students to enter the workforce prepared with the necessary skills to be successful.

Liberty Partnership provides the following services: Academic/Personal Advisement, Homework Assistance, Career Awareness, Cultural and Enrichment Activities, Family Casework, Mentoring, Home Visits, Parental Involvement, Service Learning Projects/Civic Duty, Preparedness and College Tours and Summer Programming.

Photos -- From the top: Batavia High School students; Novalee Pocock, B-B fifth-grader; Batavia Middle School students with caseworker Kristen Calarco-Gomez; Jayden Doyle, B-B eighth-grader. 

A house fire was reported at 7506 Lewiston Road, Oakfield about 15 minutes ago. 

There were flames showing and heavy smoke.

Oakfield fire along with Elba, East Pembroke, Town of Batavia and Alabama responding.

UPDATE (By Billie) 2:26 p.m.: A man at home alone heard the smoke detector alarm and discovered fire in the master bedroom. He got out safely along with a pet cat. The cause of the fire is not yet known and is being investigated A quick response by volunteer firefighters is credited with keeping the blaze contained to one room before it was extinguished.

With his family all around and many lifelong friends in attendance, William Sheron, after 21 years as undersheriff, became Genesee County's top cop Wednesday evening during an oath-of-office event at the Old Courthouse.

Administering the oath for Sheron was Thomas Graham, town justice in Oakfield, who was Sheron's first trainer when Sheron first joined the Sheriff's Office, walking into dispatch one day in 1977 and meeting Graham as a fresh-faced 18-year-old who "had no clue as to what I was doing, no clue at all." Graham had just been promoted to deputy and said, "sit down and start learning. The sooner I get you trained, the sooner I get to move on to being a deputy."

"He was at the start of a career that has been just phenomenal and the best part about it has been the people," Sheron said. "You’re not going to find nicer people. Every time I’ve progressed, people have stepped up and said they would help me out, ‘whatever you need, Bill.’ This is just the culmination of many, many years and I’m extremely proud to become Sheriff."

Greg Walker was sworn in as undersheriff.

Don Coleman, county coroner. 

Scott German, county treasurer.

Kevin Andrews, deputy county treasurer.

Shirley A. Gorman, assistant district attorney.

Karen Lang, county coroner.

Randy Baker, town justice, Oakfield.

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Investigators have been attempting to locate Armstrong since the shooting, which sent a man to the hospital reportedly with a chest and shoulder wound.  

Det. Todd Crossett said this morning that Armstrong's whereabouts are still unknown and there is no new information available in the case.

Armstrong is described as a light-skinned male black about 5’10”- 6’ with a thin build. He has a deformity to his right ear and also to one of his hands.

Police say, if seen, do not confront Armstrong, but call 9-1-1 immediately. Information can also be supplied to Batavia PD through the confidential tip line at 345-6370, or Det. Sgt. Crossett at 345-6353.

Also, regarding the Key Bank robbery two days ago, Crossett said police have received hundreds of tips and are currently working through the leads.

A brief burst of heavy snow is heading toward Genesee County, according to the National Weather Service.

The snow is expected midmorning.

Snow accumulation could be about an inch, falling within about a 45 minute time period.

Expect slippery roadways and fast accumulation on recently cleared surfaces.

"Motorists should slow down and allow some extra time to reach their destination through mid morning," the weather service advises.

Press release:

In sports, it's the MVP or most valuable player. In journalism and the arts, it's a Pulitzer Prize. Film has its Oscars and Academy Awards, and television has the Emmy Awards. But in the serious business of higher education, standards of excellence and adherence to quality are gauged by the Commission on Higher Education, a voluntary, non-government, regional membership association that assures institutional accountability, improvement and innovation through a rigorous application of standards within a peer reviewed process.

James M. Sunser, Ed.D., president of Genesee Community College, was recently appointed as one of 26 commissioners (board members) of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), which oversees 530 colleges and universities within New York State, as well as Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. He was selected from 85 nominations for just three open seats, and he is one of the few community college presidents to serve as commissioner.

MSCHE is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation to accredit degree-granting institutions which offer one or more post-secondary educational programs of at least one academic year. Sunser joins the team of academic leaders who help define, maintain and promote educational excellence across many institutions with diverse missions, student populations and resources. Prior to his appointment as a commissioner, he served as a chairman or a member of an evaluation team within the peer-review process on more than a dozen occasions over the past 20 years.

To earn and retain accreditation through MSCHE, each institution of higher education undergoes a multi-stage accreditation review process every 10 years that begins with an intensive self study. The institution appoints a steering committee and working groups, and organizes campus-wide discussions to prepare a comprehensive Self-Study Report focused on specific accreditation standards. The Report also helps frame the three-day site visit by an assigned evaluation team made up of members from peer institutions.

After careful review of the Self-Study Report and numerous on-campus interviews, the evaluation team chair compiles an Evaluation Report summarizing the team's overall findings. In the end, the commissioners of MSCHE can affirm accreditation, require follow-up action, or remove accreditation.

Ironically, Genesee Community College is currently undergoing its decennial evaluation and is in the final stages of completing its 150+ page Self-Study Report with its MSCHE site visit scheduled April 2-5. (To avoid all conflicts of interest, the commissioners recuse themselves from all discussions involving their own institutions of employment.)

President Sunser is a native of Syracuse and has spent the majority of his professional career in higher education. He is a graduate of Onondaga Community College, earned his BS degree from Syracuse University, an MS from SUNY College at Brockport, and a Certificate of Advanced Study and his Ed.D. Degree from the University of Rochester. He came to GCC in 2011, after working at Onondaga Community College in several capacities including as the bursar and vice president for finance, and vice president for continuing and extended learning.

"I am truly honored to be a part of such an important organization within higher education," President Sunser said of his new appointment. "Accreditation is the lynch pin that holds higher education together. From setting policy to the self-assessments, team reviews during on-site visits, Middle States has imparted leadership in higher ed throughout its nearly 100-year history."

A portion of $8 million being set aside for low-income home ownership will wind up in Genesee County, according to the governor's office.

In a program administered by the  Rural Housing Opportunities Corporation, based in Rochester, qualifying low-income residents will be able to get assistance with repairs and upgrades related to health and safety concerns, code violations, energy conservation and other environmentally friendly improvements.

RHOC, part of Pathstone, is receiving $440,000, which will be divided among applicants in Genesee, Monroe, Orleans, Ontario, Seneca and Wayne counties.

The funding is the latest round of nearly $170 million set aside by the governor over the past several years for such projects. 

The program targets households at or below 80 percent of the area median income, with a maximum AHC allowable income limit of 112 percent of HUD’s low-income limits, adjusted for family size.

Homeowners who qualify can apply for up to $40,000 per dwelling.

In his legal career, Charles Zambito has been a clerk for a county court judge, a defense attorney, a prosecuting attorney, an attorney in private practice and a county attorney, and last night he took the oath office for what he said may be the most significant role an attorney can play in a democratic society: a County Court judge.

Elected without opposition in November, the lifelong Genesee County resident who resides in Elba took the oath administered by Wyoming County Court Judge Michael Mohun while surrounded by his family.

After being sworn in, Zambito delivered a few remarks.

Judges, he said, play a vital role in protecting the freedoms we all enjoy. Yes, the court is indispensable in protecting law-abiding citizens from those who break the law and providing for victim's rights, but judges must also safeguard the Constitutional rights of those accused of crimes, as well, in order to ensure the rights of us all are protected. 

"It’s just as important if not more important for a judge to be aware of that," Zambito said. "Without an independent judiciary, you wouldn’t have that. It’s really the foundation of a democratic society."

When discussions about his swearing-in ceremony came up, Zambito said his first impulse was not to make much of it, but his friends, including Mohun, who will serve as his mentor, impressed upon him the idea that the job isn't just about him.

"It’s about the position that a county court judge has in the community and the importance and significance that has, not only in this community but in all communities across the state and the country," Zambito said.

Attorney Ben Bonarigo, outgoing president of the Genesee County Bar Association, delivered a few opening remarks in praise of Zambito's service to the community.

A motor-vehicle accident with ejection is reported in the area of 5631 Clinton Street Road, near Mill Road, in Stafford.

Stafford fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE(S) (By Billie) 11:22 p.m.: This is a two-vehicle collision with injuries. Extrication is required. The county Highway Department is notified that the roadway is extremely icy. Route 33 at Prole Road will be shut down. Mutual aid is requested from South Byron fire police to shut down Route 33 at Route 237.

UPDATE 11:47 p.m.: This was a head-on collision involving two vans. No one is believed to be seriously injured, although one person was unconscious at the time first responders arrived. A total of four people were involved; three of them were taken to area hospitals, primarily for evaluation. There was an ejection, but no entrapment.The accident occurred about 25 yards northeast of the Thruway overpass on Clinton Street Road (Route 33). The roadway there is described as being like "nothing but a thin sheet of ice."

UPDATE 12:38 a.m.: Stafford assignment back in service.

Several bowlers cracked the 700 mark at area bowling centers during the week of Dec. 19.

To see who was hot on the lanes, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of this page.

Christopher T. Walker Jr. is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the first degree, a Class C felony. It is alleged that on July 4 in the Town of Darien that Walker -- with knowledge that it was forged and with intent to defraud, deceive or injure another -- possessed a forged instrument, a counterfeit $20 dollar bill. In counts two through 10, Walker is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the first degree, a Class C felony. It is alleged that on the same date he possessed nine more counterfeit $20 dollar bills (a total of 10).

Chase J. Francis-Whipset is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on June 4 in the Town of Le Roy the defendant knowlingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug, cocaine, with intent to sell it. In count two, the defendant is accused of the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on the same date he knowingly and unlawfully possessed a controlled substance, cocaine, which weighed 500 milligrams or more. In count three, Francis-Whipset is indicted for the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree, an unclassified misdemeanor, for allegedly operating a motor vehicle in the Town of Le Roy while knowing or having reason to know that his driver's license was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn by authorities and at the time of operation he had in effect three or more suspension imposed on at least three separate dates for failure to answer, appear or pay a fine.

Police are looking for information on this man as a person of interest in the robbery this morning of the Key Bank branch in Batavia.

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department is investigation a robbery at the Key Bank Branch at 69 Main Street in the City of Batavia.  This suspect is a male white 5’5”-5’9”.  A note was passed to the teller demanding cash. No weapons were displayed or threatened. The suspect was last seen running west from the rear of the bank. Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Sgt Crossett at 585-345-6353 or the City of Batavia confidential tip line at 585-345-6370.

Daniel John Kearney, 57, of Genesee Street, Pembroke, is charged with second-degree harassment and reckless driving. At 8:25 p.m. on Dec. 23, following an investigation of a road-rage incident, it is alleged that Kearney struck another driver in the face and cut off the other driver while on Pearl Street Road, Batavia. He was arrested and arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released on his own recognizance. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello.

Sergio Ivan Santana-Santana, 35, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle with a BAC over .08 -- a felony; driving while intoxicated, felony; first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation; and unlicensed driver. At 5:32 p.m. on Dec. 24, the Emergency Dispatch Center received a call about subjects fighting in the area of routes 33 and 237 in the Town of Stafford. Investigation at the scene allegedly revealed that the defendant was driving with a revoked license and while intoxicated. He was arraigned in Stafford Town Court and jailed on $2,500 bail or $5,000 bond, with a return court date of Jan. 12. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Cassidy Longhini, assisted by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Daniel J. Eastridge, 21, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with: passing a solid red light; failure to stop at stop sign (two counts); driving the wrong direction on a one-way street; DWI; and aggravated DWI -- BAC of .18 percent or higher. He was also cited for having insufficient tail lamps and failure to use a turn signal. The charges were issued following a traffic stop at 2:21 a.m. on Dec. 24 on Denio Street in Batavia after Eastridge was allegedly observed failing to yield for a steady red signal. He was determined to have been operating the vehicle while allegedly intoxicated. He is due in City Court on Jan. 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Judy A. Stiles, 58, of Sheppard Road, Pavilion, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle without headlights; following too closely; DWI; and aggravated DWI -- having a BAC of .18 percent or higher. The charges stem from a motor-vehicle accident that occured at 7:24 p.m. on Dec. 16 on West Main Street in Batavia. It is alleged that Stiles struck another vehicle that was stopped for a red light. During the investigation, it was allegedly determined that Stiles had been operating her vehicle while intoxicated. She was issued an appearance ticket for City Court on Jan. 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Nicole Salamone.

James A. Hough, 43, of Harvester Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: DWI -- with a previous conviction within the last 10 years; refusal to take a breath test; and moving from lane unsafely. At 9:47 p.m. on Dec. 17, Batavia PD was dispatched to Richmond Avenue for a motor-vehicle accident. After investigation, Hough was allegedly found to have been operating the vehicle while intoxicated and he was arrested. He was due back in City Court on Dec. 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole Salamone, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Joseph Tucker, no age provided, of Salem Road, Rochester, was involved in a one-vehicle accident on Route 33 in the Town of Byron at around 11:25 p.m. on Dec. 17. According to the Sheriff's Office statement, the vehicle drvien by Tucker was traveling at an unsafe speed for the icy weather conditions. Tucker lost control of the vehicle and drove off the southeast shoulder of the roadway and struck a tree. Three of the six occupants were transported to Rochester General Hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Jamie L. Broadbent, 33, of Thorpe Street, Batavia, is charged with: resisting arrest; petit larceny; fourth-degree criminal mischief; and third-degree criminal tampering. At 10:30 p.m. on Dec. 17, Batavia PD responded to the Dollar General store on East Main Street for the report of a female concealing items. Police confronted Broadbent after she passed the point of sale and at that time she allegedly resisted arrest. She was subsequently taken into custody, arraigned in City Court and jailed on $3,000 bail. She was due back in court on Dec. 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Noel M. Wentworth, 47, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Wentworth was arrested at 10:01 a.m. on Dec. 5 at Batavia City Centre and issued an appearance ticket. A small quantity of crack cocaine was allegedly found inside Wentworth's wallet. Wentworth is due in City Court on Jan. 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer James DeFreze, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

James J. Preedom, 32, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with unnecessary noise. He was arrested at 2:22 a.m. on Dec. 21 on Walnut Street following several noise complaints and warnings. He was issued an appearance ticket returnable to City Court on Jan. 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

A robbery has been reported at the Key Bank location at 69 Main St., next to City Slickers Bar & Grill in Batavia.

UPDATE(S) (By Billie) 10:58 a.m.: The suspect is still at large and fled the bank on foot. The suspect is a white male, about 5' 5" tall and has no facial hair. He was wearing a gray hoodie and camouflage-print pants, and possibly a blue and white shirt. No weapon was displayed.

UPDATE 11:24 a.m.: Batavia Police Detective Sgt. Todd Crossett said the suspect is described is 5' 6" tall and that he wore camo pants, a blue coat over a gray hoodie and had on a black knit hat. Crossett said he approached the teller and demanded money and fled with an undetermined amount of cash. He left westbound toward the DMV, at that point "we don't know if he got into a car or continued on foot." If anyone in the area saw a man fitting the description who was running or "moving at a very fast pace," Crossett asks that you call him at 345-6353, the police confidential tip line at 345-6370, or 9-1-1. The robbery occurred at 10:18 a.m. and a few customers were inside the bank. Police will be contacting downtown businesses with security cameras and reviewing bank camera footage and they expect to release a photo or photos of the suspect later.

UPDATE 1:26 p.m.: Photo of suspect released.

A resident of Oakfield found these dogs in her yard this afternoon. She lives just outside of Oakfield near Z&M on Route 63. Both dogs have collars. One has tags. The phone number rings at the Town Hall. Both are white/cream color.

Both dogs are being picked up by animal control and will be available at the shelter.

Today, we look back on 2016 to celebrate the accomplishments of the young people in our community in three of the most important aspects of life: Academics, the Arts and Athletics.

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