Skip to main content

Pavilion

Byron, Pavilion and Stafford to get more than $13.5M in USDA loans and grants to improve water infrastructure

By Press Release

Press release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Trump Administration today (Oct. 27) announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $891 million to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in 43 states.

In Genesee County, three towns will benefit: Byron, Pavilion and Stafford. Collectively, the USDA has authorized a total of $7,470,000 in loans and $6,064,000 in grants for water projects that will benefit about 3,280 residents in those three communities.

“Upgrading water infrastructure provides a path to economic growth and protects the health and safety of people who live and work in rural areas,” USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand said, “...because we know that when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”

Nationwide, 220 projects will help improve rural water infrastructure for 787,000 residents. The projects are being funded through the Water and Wastewater Loan and Grant Program.

Background

The Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas with populations of 10,000 or less.

These USDA investments are going to Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and West Virginia.

To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, interested parties should contact their USDA Rural Development state office.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, click here.

In Genesee County

  • Byron -- $5,550,000 loan / grant $4,425,000

This Rural Development investment will be used to create Water Improvement Area #1 in the Town of Byron. This project will extend public water service to users in the town that currently do not have safe potable water. Water quality testing indicates a significant portion of residents' individual weels have coliform and E. coli contamination, which the health department indicates does not meet standards and are a threat to the health of residents. Approximately 600 people will benefit from this project. There are no other funding sources.

  • Pavilion -- $567,000 loan

This Rural Development investment will be used to build a 300,000-gallon water storage tank and more than one mile of supply pipeline. The new water storage tank and pipeline will serve 2,495 people in the Town of Pavilion. Currently, due to the present water tank's deteriorated condition, the town has significant water quality concerns. The current tank is located in a lower elevation so that the town does not have sufficient water pressure to fight fires in all areas. The new water tank will be located at a much higher elevation 1,280 feet and will supply plenty of water pressure and good quality water.

  • Stafford -- $1,353,000 loan / $1,639,000 grant

This Rural Development investment will be used to create Water District #12 in the Town of Stafford. This project will extend public water service to 185 residents in the town that currenrtly do not have safe potable water. Water quality testing indicates a significant portion of residents' individual sell have coliform and E. coli contamination, which health department indicates do not meet standards and are a threat to the health of residents.

More arrests linked to smash-and-grab burglary ring operating in six counties

By Howard B. Owens

Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter at a press conference today said a smash-and-grab burglary ring is responsible for more than 30 burglaries in six counties, including Genesee County.

On Sept. 16, GC Sheriff's deputies arrested two people who Sheriff William Sheron said are apparently part of the ring.  

Taken into custody and held on bail after allegedly being caught in the act of burglarizing the Crosby's at 6257 Clinton Street Road in Batavia were Jennifer D. Abrams and Tarus O. Fluitt.

On Sept. 28, Kristina Marble, Jose Cruz-Rosado and Eric Smith were arrested in Monroe County following a gas station burglary in Victor.

They are believed to have committed similar crimes in Genesee County, and all five individuals are suspected of being part of the same ring, Sheron said.

Their modus operandi is to smash out doors and windows and steal cigarettes and other items.

Sheron released a list of seven such burglaries in Genesee County:

  • Aug. 16, Batavia Crosby's on Clinton Street Road. Troopers handled the case and details are not available at this time;
  • Sept. 2, Bergen C-Store, 8073 Clinton Street Road, Bergen. Approximately $3,500 in cigarettes stolen, $325 in damages;
  • Sept. 13, Byron Crosby's, 6890 Byron Holley Road, Byron. Approximately $5,500 in cigarettes stolen, $180 in lighters, and $1,130 in damage;
  • Sept. 13, Bergen C-Store, a 20-pound propane tank used to smash the front door; the burglars failed to gain entry. The damage estimate is $325;
  • Sept. 16, Le Roy Kwik Fill, 7010 W. Main St., Le Roy. Attempted burglary. Front door smashed with rocks but no entry. Estimated damage: $1,000. The subjects captured on video appear to be Abrams and Fluitt;
  • Sept. 16, Batavia Crosby's, the location where Abrams and Fluitt were captured;
  • Sept. 20, Pavilion Farms, 11091 Lake St., Pavilion. Troopers also handled this case.

More from our news partner 13WHAM.

Previously:

Staying on top of the news for you takes time but we could do more of it with more help. You can help us hire that help by becoming a supporter.

Law and Order: Person accused of stealing vehicle from Hartwell Road, Pavilion

By Billie Owens

Jordan Elena Rubin, 36, of Chili Avenue, Chili, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny -- automobile with a value over $100. On Oct. 15, Rubin was arrested and is accused of stealing a motor vehicle from a residence on Hartwell Road in the Town of Pavilion at 6:38 p.m. Oct. 3. Rubin was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Pavilion Town Court on Dec. 1. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Deputy Mathew Clor.

Jacqueline Raj Garrett, 41, of Church Street, Le Roy, is charged with illegal use of toxic vapaors, a violation of NYS Public Health Law. At 10:06 a.m. on today, Oct. 16, the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center received a report of a female outside of a department story on Veterans Memorial Drive who was inhaling an aerosol. A deputy was dispatched and located the female allegedly in the act of consuming a hazardous inhalant while outside a store in view of the public. She wa arrested and issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Batavia Court on Nov. 19. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Hollwedel library to host drive-thru 'Trunk-or-Treat' on Halloween day

By Press Release

Press release:

Families are invited to visit the Hollwedel Memorial Library “Trunk-or-Treat” on Halloween day for a fun drive-thru event. Kids can show off their costumes and pick up some treats as they drive through the loop in front of the library. 

Visiting “Trunk-or-Treaters” are asked to stay in their cars for the safety of all. Treats will be delivered to each car in the loop. 

The library is open for the "Trunk-or-Treat" and regular library services that day from 10 a.m. to noon

Information about this family-friendly event, as well as the other programs and services available at the library, can be found on the library’s website at www.HollwedelLibrary.org.

Residents with questions can also contact the library by phone at (585) 584-8843.

The library is located at 5 Woodrow Drive in Pavilion.

Pavilion's Katrina Guile pursues degree in vet science at Delhi University

By Press Release

Katrina Guile, of Pavilion, who is a graduate of Pavilion Central School, is one of more than 950 students who began their college careers at SUNY Delhi in August.

Guile is pursuing a degree in Veterinary Science Technology at the college, which is located in Delhi, NY.

SUNY Delhi's hands-on approach to teaching and learning includes over 60 academic programs in specialized areas, including applied technologies, nursing, hospitality, veterinary sciences, applied sciences, business, and liberal arts and sciences. SUNY Delhi offers certificates, associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, as well as master's degrees in a combination of on-campus and online settings.

Enrolling more than 3,000 students, SUNY Delhi is a member of the State University of New York. For more information about SUNY Delhi, call (607) 746-4000 or visit delhi.edu.

Bergen entrepreneur's family escaped Nazi Germany and he's living out the American Dream

By Virginia Kropf

Photo: Klaus Kremmin, founder of the Pavilion Gift Company, poses outside the front door of the company’s modern facility, now in Bergen.

BERGEN – Klaus Kremmin knows the meaning of hard work, and at 74, he shows up for work nearly every day.

Kremmin owned an injection-molding company, which he started in Pavilion, and which evolved into the Pavilion Gift Company, now located in Bergen and where he has an office.

Risking All for a Better Life

Kremmin’s story about his family begins in the early 1930s in Nazi Germany. His father worked for the gestapo -- a secret-police organization employing underhanded and terrorist methods against persons suspected of disloyalty.

As years went by, Kremmin’s father didn’t like the direction the gestapo was taking – putting up barbed wire and land mines. He was becoming dissatisfied with their actions, and they were suspicious of him. 

“They were monitoring my father, and if they thought he didn’t agree with them, he would be sent to Moscow or Siberia for 20 years,” Kremmin said.

So his father made the decision to escape.

Kremmin was 7 the day his parents, Rudi and Frieda, each took two of the children and boarded separate trains for a day trip. 

“My father told the Border Patrol we were going for the day,” he said. “They asked where the rest of the family was, and my father said my mother was home with the other two kids, waiting for our return. My mother told them the same thing, that my father was home with the other two kids.”

The family reunited at a predetermined location in West Berlin. They escaped with only the three layers of clothing they were wearing. 

The family lived in a refugee camp for two years, waiting for someone in the United States to sponsor them. During that time, his father worked on the wharf in Bremen. In 1957, a church in Barre, Mass., agreed to sponsor them, and they arrived in the United States with $600 to their name.

Kremmin’s father had served in World War II and was captured in Tunisia while serving under Germany's General Johannes Erwin Eugen Rommel. He was held prisoner of war in Kentucky.

“He loved the United States very much,” Kremmin said. 

His father, who is now 97, wanted to move to Rochester, because he had learned a friend who had also escaped from Germany and was living there. So the family moved to Rochester, where he got a job in a day on Brooks Avenue.

Kremmin met and married his wife, Anna, who is Ukranian and with whom he has been married 52 years. They have a son and daughter.

Anna’s family were migrant workers in Germany, and they escaped and went to Brazil, later moving to Rochester.

Kremmin joined the military service here and was stationed in Frankfort, Germany. His daughter, Zina, was born there. His son, Klaus II, was also born in Germany. He got out of the service in 1971 and got a job working for Kodak research. He had gone to college on the G.I. Bill.

Then he took a job with a plastic company near the airport in Rochester.

“The company grew and grew, but the owners were gone all the time,” Kremmin said. “So I decided if I was going to run a company, it might better be my own.”

An Entrepreneurial Family

His first business, injection molding, was started in his father’s garage on Dean Road, off Ridge Road in Rochester.

“There were times when I only had the change in my pocket and I wondered how I was going to feed my kids,” Kremmin said. 

His business grew, and he outgrew the garage.

“In the early 1980s, I bought a building in Pavilion, which used to be DeWitt’s heliport,” Kremmin said. “My brother was working with me, and at one time, we had 20 employees.”

His company, Syntec, was very successful. He said they always tried to hire local people. Their customers included Kodak and medical companies, making very precise parts for blood analyzers and gyroscopes.

Klaus II had graduated from MIT and Zina graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in Business Management.

He wondered what Zina was going to do and how he could help her.

Zina had designed a line of collectible figurines called “Zingleberries,” which she promoted at trade shows around the country. It was there she met her husband, Rich Hocker. 

Kremmin and his brother hit on an idea to make a stand on which Zina could display her figurines. Thus, was born the revolving display stand. The stand can be activated by AC batteries or solar power. 

Zina started her business in 1998 in Le Roy, where she rented space for two years. She was selling her merchandise and the display stands at trade shows and business was so good, in 2000, Kremmin sold the business in Pavilion.

They built the new modern facility in Bergen, which he and his brother designed. They added on to the building in 2007.

Today, the Pavilion Gift Company sells wholesale gift items all over the world and the Hockers run the business.

Klaus II started an injection-molding company making plastic gears, and his company is now located in part of Pavilion Gift Company.

Kremmin admits to having often worked 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

“I love to work, and I love this country,” Kremmin said. “And I count my blessings every day for the opportunities I’ve had here.”

Kremmin officially “retired” in 2000, but comes in to work almost every day. He looks after the building, fixes the faucets and the electrical if something is wrong.

Cheerfulness in Tough Times

“I cheer everybody up if I can,” he said. “I also have a hobby shop here.” 

He said the first months of the coronavirus pandemic shutdown were terrible. Orders were canceled and help was laid off.

“So Zina decided to make masks,” Kremmin said. “Things are starting to pick up.”

With his work ethic, he is disgusted, however, with the employees who refused to come back to work because they were getting government money. Many of them still haven’t come back, he said.

Photos by Virginia Kropf.

Below, this case shows some of the rotary displays invented by Klaus Kremmin, of Bergen.

Below: Klaus Kremmin invented the rotary display shown here. His invention evolved into the Pavilion Gift Company, now located in Bergen where he still has an office.

Hey pumpkin people -- Hollwedel library wants to display your decorated ones for their contest

By Press Release

Submitted photo and press release:

Calling all creative people to dress up a pumpkin in any style they choose to compete for an Amazon Gift Card at the Hollwedel Memorial Library!

Everyone is invited to bring in a festive pumpkin anytime between now and Wednesday Oct. 28 to take part in a Pumpkin Decorating Contest. The library is located at 5 Woodrow Drive in Pavilion.

Library patrons can vote for a winner from the entries on display when they checkout any books, DVDs, or other library materials.

There are two age categories, one for children up to 12 years of age, and the other for folks that are 13 and older. Each winner in their category will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card. 

“We already have some pretty cute entries that are getting votes,” says Library Director Josselyn Borowiec. “We’d love to have more dressed up pumpkins to choose from.”

Enter your decorated -- not carved -- pumpkin from now until Oct. 28. Get in early so people can see and vote for your creation!

Information about this contest, as well as the other programs and services available at the library, can be found on the library’s website at www.HollwedelLibrary.org.

Residents with questions can also contact the library by phone at (585) 584-8843. 

Photo: Library Director Josselyn Borowiec shows off two of the entries in the Hollwedel Memorial Library’s Pumpkin Decorating Contest. Votes can be cast at the library at checkout. 

Bridge on fire in Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

A caller reports a bridge is on fire in the area of 9963 Covell Road, Pavilion.

Pavilion fire is dispatched.

Lifelong member of Pavilion Baptist Church still does all she can to combat Alzheimer's on family's behalf

By Virginia Kropf

The annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s Saturday Oct. 3 will have much more meaning to people in Pavilion this year.

Not only will participants be walking to bring awareness to Alzheimer’s disease and raise money to combat it, but this will be a great family event, for young and old alike, according to organizer Sam MacAllister, pastor of the Pavilion Baptist Church.

The church’s involvement came about because of Linda Starkey, a lifelong member of the church, whose mother and brother were affected by the disease.

“This is my fourth year of being involved in the Alzheimer’s Walk,” Starkey said. “I turned 80 in July, and I walk with a walker, but I still participate. It is very important to me that we find a cure.”

Last year Starkey walked in Batavia with 250 other walkers, but because of COVID-19 this year, the walk can’t be done that way.

“We are all walking in our own communities, and here in Pavilion, my pastor is coordinating everything,” Starkey said. 

“This seemed like the perfect event to get the community back together after this pandemic,” Pastor MacAllister said. “We will distribute water and snacks in a safe way.”

The pastor said he was thrilled with Starkey’s dedication and happy to support her cause.

“This is a really important cause for her,” MacAllister said. “She tries to build her strength ahead of time. She has a very youthful spirit and is highly determined. Her friends are doing everything to keep her safe and see that she succeeds.”

Starkey’s friend Pat Wolcott has committed to walk with her, and they welcome anyone to join their team. Participants may donate to the cause, but it is not necessary.

MacAllister has chosen a route through town on streets with sidewalks, so everyone will be safe. The walk will begin at 9 a.m. Oct. 3 at the gazebo in the town park.

Participants may sign up on the website at pavilionwalk.com, but it is not required.

Photo: Linda Starkey, right, and her friend Pat Wolcott will be walking Oct. 3 in an Alzheimer’s Walk in Pavilion. Starkey, who turned 80 in July, is passionate about supporting the cause, as both her mother and brother were stricken with Alzheimer’s. Photo by Virginia Kropf.

'Covell Secondary Trail Bridge' reported to be on fire in Pavilion

By Billie Owens

A wooden bridge over a trail in the area of 9963 Covell Road, Pavilion, is on fire, according to a passerby who called dispatch. Bethany Fire Department is responding to the blaze at the "Covell Secondary Trail Bridge."

UPDATE 6:18 p.m.: A state Department of Forestry employee is on scene, investigating.

UPDATE 6:19 p.m.: A first responder is switching from heading to a Byron house fire to the bridge fire in Pavilion, which he characterized as "probably intentional."

Law and Order: Woman accused of stealing Stafford resident's identity, incurring more than $1,500 in medical expenses

By Billie Owens

Donna Lyn Hartman, 57, of Marlowe Road, Blasdell, is charged with second-degree identity theft. It is alleged that Hartman used a person's identity during a traffic stop in Livingston County. She was transported to Noyes Hospital in Dansville where she allegedly continued to use that identity. As a result, the Genesee County resident whose identity Hartman allegedly stole incurred more than $1,500 in medical expenses. Hartman was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. An order of protection was issued for the victim, who lives in Stafford. Hartman is due to appear in Town of Stafford Court on Oct. 6. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Chad Minuto, assisted by Kevin Forsyth.

Willie Lee Williams, 34, of Laser Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, with a previous conviction. Williams was arrested July 17 following an investigation into an incident that occurred on June 29 on Hutchins Street in Batavia. He is accused of pointing a handgun, or what appeared to be a handgun, at another person's head and threatening to shoot him. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in Genesee County Jail (bail status not provided). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.

David P. Grossman Sr., 37, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt. He was arrested after a domestic incident at 7:73 p.m. on Aug. 6 on West Main Street, Batavia, during which he allegedly contacted a person with a stay away order of protection against him. Grossman was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on Nov. 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jordan McGinnis.

Jordan R. Rose, 19, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with: second-degree criminal contempt -- disobeying a mandate of the court; and aggravated family offense -- more than one offense within five years. He was arrested at 9:05 a.m. on July 31 after he allegedly violated a court order by calling the protected party numerous times over the phone. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released on an appearance ticket. He is due to return to court Aug. 25. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis, assisted by Officer Peter Post.

Rae Charlene Cook, 31, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. At 6:01 p.m. on Aug. 9, police allegedly observed Cook in the presence of an individual against whom she has an order of protection. Following her arrest, she was released with an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on Nov. 17. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Wesley Rissinger.

Daniel Robert Smythe, 32, of Main Street, Caledonia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. At 5:44 p.m. on Aug. 22 on South Street Road in Pavilion, Smythe was arrested following a complaint of a domestic incident. Smythe was arrested, issued an appearance ticket and is due in Pavilion Town Court on Oct. 10. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon, assisted by Sgt. Michael Lute.

Herbert B. Gennis, 26, of Raymond Avenue, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear in Batavia City Court July 23 on a charge of endangering the welfare of a child. He was arrested on Aug. 17 and arraigned in city court via Skype. Gennis was released and is due back in court on Sept. 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer John Gombos, assisted by Felicia DeGroot.

Mark Theodore Helm, 39, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with: possession of a hypodermic instrument; operating a motor vehicle without insurance; operating an unregistered motor vehicle; operating a motor vehicle with improper plates; failure to use turn signal. Helm was arrested at 6:03 p.m. on Aug. 15 following a traffic stop on West Main Street in Batavia. He was processed, issued an appearance ticket and released. He is due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 17. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, assisted by Officer Sean Wilson.

Jamar Andrew Malana, 23, of Culver Road, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. At 1:25 a.m. on Aug. 22, Malana was arrested on Clinton Street Road in Stafford after Genesee County Sheriff's deputies investigated a vehicle parked on Route 33 in Stafford. The defendant and a male passenger were allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance. Malana was also allegedly operating the vehicle without a valid NYS driver's license. Malana was released with an appearance ticket to be in Town of Stafford Court on Oct. 6. The case was handled by Deputy Jordan Alejandro, assisted by Deputy James Stack.

Mark Davonne Edwards, 23, of Ontario Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. At 1:25 a.m. on Aug. 22, Edwards was arrested after Genesee County Sheriff's deputies investigated a vehicle parked on Route 33 in Stafford. He was released on appearance tickets and is due in Town of Stafford Court on Oct. 6. The case was handled by Deputy Jordan Alejandro, assisted by Deputy James Stack.

Justin M. Ferrin, 43, of Albro Road, Bliss, is charged with issuing a bad check. Ferrin was arrested on a Batavia City Court warrant after turning himself in on Aug. 18. He was arraigned in city court and released on his own recognizance. He is due to return to city court on Aug. 10. The  case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Phillip D. Byford, 29, of Brockport Spencerport Road, Brockport, was arrested Aug. 16 on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court (charge(s) against him unspecified). He was arraigned in city court at 9:35 p.m. and released on his own recognizance. He is due to return to court on Oct. 1. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker.

Sponsored Post: New listing alert: 9887 South Street Road, Pavilion

By Lisa Ace


New Listing - 9887 South Street Road, Pavilion. Beautiful maintained home features three bedrooms, 1 1/2 Bathrooms. Custom cherry kitchen w/ granite 2012, library w/ custom built ins, fireplace in living room w/ custom mantle, fireplace in basement, patio and 10 acres! Click here for more information, call Michelle Dills today – 585-314-7269

Law and Order: Liberty Street man accused of stealing two vehicles, Pavilion man accused of growing pot

By Billie Owens

Edward George Ruckdeschel, 58, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with third-degree grand larceny, a Class D felony. The defendant was arrested after an investigation into the theft of a vehicle at 8:54 p.m. on Jan. 13 on Genesee Street in Pembroke. He was arraigned in Pembroke Town Court at 11 a.m. Aug. 11 and ordered held on cash bail (unspecified) and put in jail "where he is currently residing." He is due in Genesee County Court at a later date. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Investigator Howard Carlson.

Edward George Ruckdeschel, 58, of Liberty Street, Batavia is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, and third-degree criminal trespass. On Aug. 10, the defendant was arrested after an investigation into the theft of a vehicle at 1:05 a.m. on Dec. 10 from West Main Street Road in Batavia. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Batavia Court on Sept. 24. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Brian L. Dutton, 62, of Pavilion, is charged with unlawfully growing cannabis (marijuana) and unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree. He was arrested Aug. 12 following a joint investigation by the U.S. Border Patrol and the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office. A U.S. Border Patrol helicopter allegedly located cannabis growing inside a metal enclosure behind Dutton's residence on Aug. 7, and the pilot led deputies to the location. The plants, allegedly grown by Dutton, were seized and destroyed. Dutton was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Covington Court on Aug. 31. The case was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's Sgt. Colin Reagan, Deputy John Button, and Investigator Aaron Anderson.

Vehicle overturned in a field following accident on East Road, Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

A two-car accident, with one vehicle overturned in a field, is reported in the area of 10891 East Road, Pavilion.

Unknown injuries. One person reportedly is trapped in the overturned car because of damage to the door.

Traffic is not blocked.

Pavilion fire along with Bethany fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

Teen suffers smoke inhalation, dog, cat perish in Pavilion house fire

By Alecia Kaus

still_dogpavfie04.jpg

A 14-year old boy suffered smoke inhalation and was transported to the hospital for an evaluation after he and his father attempted to put out a fire in their living room with the help of some passing volunteer firefighters on Monday morning.

Pavilion Fire Department along with nine other fire companies from Genesee, Wyoming, and Livingston counties were called to 6397 Ellicott Street Road at about 10 a.m. The fire immediately went to a second alarm as smoke and flames were showing.

One cat and one dog did not survive the fire. One other dog was assisted by Mercy EMS and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department and is now at the animal shelter for observation.

According to Genesee County Fire Coordinator Tim Yaeger, the 14-year-old went out to the barn to tell his father the couch was on fire, the dad attempted to use fire extinguishers to put out the fire. Volunteer firefighters who were passing through the area also assisted in keeping the fire contained. Yaeger says the preliminary investigation shows that an extension cord on a window air conditioner caught the couch on fire.

The Red Cross was called to assist. The family of three does have a place to stay. The house sustained smoke and fire damage, but not much water damage and is repairable.

Alecia Kaus/Video News Service

still_dogpavfire01.jpg

still_dogpavfire02.jpg

still_dogpavfire03.jpg

Total of 69 local students named to Spring 2020 President's List at GCC

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College named 63 Genesee County students to the President's List for the Spring 2020 semester. Students honored on the President's List have maintained full-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.

In total, there were 253 students named to the President's List from all seven campus locations in Batavia, Albion, Arcade, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw.

Online, Genesee Community College's Spring 2020 President's List (PDF) honorees are listed alphabetically by their hometowns.

The College also maintains a Provost's List to recognize part-time students with a quality point index of 3.75 or better and a dean's list comprised of students who earn a quality point index of 3.50 to 3.74. These other GCC honorees are announced separately; see the College's website

Below are the 69 Genesee County students named to the President's List for the Spring 2020 semester:

Macie Riggs of Alexander 

Jessica Scharlau of Alexander 

Naomi LaDuke of Alexander

Jessica Lennon of Alexander 

Jordin Cecere of Alexander

Logan Kellogg of Basom 

Donovan Nephew of Basom

Megan Gilman of Basom 

Stephanie Gilman of Basom 

Megan Jacques of Batavia 

Jocelyn Castaneda of Batavia 

Monique McKenrick of Batavia 

Kate Wasik of Batavia 

Stacey Johnston of Batavia

Kristen Gloskowski of Batavia 

Samuel Rigerman of Batavia 

Gregory Metz of Batavia

Heather Demmer of Batavia 

Steven Geyer of Batavia

Abigail Swinehart of Batavia 

Meredith Cutro of Batavia 

Bethany Ruffino of Batavia 

Brandi-Lyn Heidenreich of Batavia 

Nichole Ambrosoli of Batavia 

Macy Midla of Batavia

Janelle DiMartino of Batavia 

Trevor Zewan of Batavia 

Mackenzie Pedersen of Batavia

Shane Cockle of Batavia 

Jennifer Bartz of Batavia 

Brittaney Lang of Batavia

Margaret Richardson of Batavia

Tara Clattenburg of Batavia 

Cortney Dawson of Batavia

Alexis Balduf of Batavia 

Tylin Torcello of Batavia 

Anne Koestler of Batavia 

Jessica Accardi of Batavia 

Bailey Faucett of Batavia 

Ryan Weaver of Batavia

Bailey Gavenda of Batavia

Danielle Joyce of Bergen

Marlaina Fee of Bergen

John Gabalski of Byron

MacKenzie Rosse of Byron

Julia Starczewski of Corfu 

Mackenzie Jurek of Corfu

Nicholas Brown of Corfu 

Carley Staebell of Corfu

Olivia Kohorst of Corfu 

Katharine Smallwood of Corfu 

Ryan Curtis of Corfu 

Dustin Wheeler of Darien Center 

Joshua Kramer of Darien Center 

Haley Alvord of Darien Center 

Caroline Pelton of East Bethany 

Jessica Padilla of Elba

Emily Reynolds of Elba 

Nicole Roth of Le Roy 

Hanna Erion of Le Roy 

Marshall Schultz of Le Roy 

Brenda Turner of Le Roy 

Morgan Ferrara of Le Roy

Kristin Griffin of Le Roy

Emma-Kate Uberty of Le Roy 

Samantha Reinhardt of Oakfield

Annette Velletta of Oakfield

Jazmyn Dobson of Oakfield 

Josilynn Russo of Pavilion

Genesee Community College serves more than 5,000 students with more than 65 academic programs and certificates. Among the many options are the Marketing and Social Media concentration within the Business Administration program, Computer Repair, and the newest Micro-Credential offerings in Human Resource Management, NYS Coaching and Professional Sales. GCC also offers a variety of Fine Arts, Theatre Arts and six different healthcare programs including the new Health Studies, A.S. 

Each GCC student is assigned a success coach at the College's Student Success Center. The coach provides academic and career guidance from the first steps of the admissions process through to graduation or transferring credits to other institutions. The College's robust athletic program is housed in the state-of-the-art Richard C. Call Arena featuring a fieldhouse, fitness center, Human Performance Lab, press box, as well as coaches' offices and classrooms. 

GCC operates seven campus locations throughout Western New York, a significant online program and student housing is available at College Village, just a three-minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes and innovative technology inside and out of the classroom, SUNY GCC is known for its quality education at an affordable price.

Video: Pavilion HS Class of 2020: 'When Life Gives You Lemons Eat Them'

By Howard B. Owens
Video Sponsor
.pane-node-body img {background: none !important; border: 0 !important; margin: 0 !important; padding: unset !important; padding-left: 1px !important } broadstreet.zone(69076)

At the end of the school year of pandemic, Pavilion High School graduated 29 seniors at the Silver Lake Drive-in Perry on Sunday.

Owen Kane Sidhu was the Salutatorian and Brett Lubberts was the Valedictorian. The commencement address was delivered by Superintendent Kenneth Ellison, who will retire in the fall.

Country music artist Brew Baldridge sang "Senior Year" and "Middle of Nowhere Kids."

Pavilion's Empire 8 student-athlete Lydia Milligan named to President's List at Elmira College

By Billie Owens

The Empire 8 Conference recognized 94 Elmira College student-athletes on its semi-annual President's List, which honors student-athletes who achieved a grade-point average of 3.75 or higher during the spring semester. Lydia Milligan, of Pavilion, was one of the EC student-athletes recognized.

A league record 1,040 student-athletes from the league's membership were recognized for their excellence in the classroom this past semester with the President's List distinction, one of the most prestigious honors the conference recognizes.

Recipients of this honor must earn a 3.75 grade-point average or higher during the semester, while participating in an NCAA-sponsored sport. In addition, the student-athlete must display positive conduct on and off campus and be enrolled full-time at the member institution. The conference states, "Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the Empire 8 Conference."

The Soaring Eagles had 12 programs -- baseball, men's basketball, men's golf, men's ice hockey, men's soccer, women's basketball, women's cross country, field hockey, women's ice hockey, women's lacrosse, softball, and women's volleyball -- receive All-Academic Team status. EC field hockey led the pack with a spring semester GPA of 3.59.

Founded in 1855, Elmira College is a private, residential, liberal arts college offering 25-plus majors, an honors program, 17 academic societies, and 18 Division III varsity teams. Located in the Southern Finger Lakes Region of New York, Elmira's undergraduate and graduate student population hails from more than 20 states and nine countries. Elmira is a Phi Beta Kappa College and has been ranked a top college, nationally, for student internships.

The College is also home to the Center for Mark Twain Studies, one of four historically significant Twain heritage sites in the U.S., which attracts Twain scholars and educators from around the world for research on the famous literary icon. Proud of its history and tradition, the College is committed to the ideals of community service, and intellectual and individual growth.

Authentically Local