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Alabama

Law and Order: West Main Street, Batavia, teen arrested on year-old City Centre mall burglary

By Billie Owens

D'andre J. Cramer, 19, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with: third-degree burglary; fourth-degree criminal mischief; and petit larceny. Cramer was arrested and arraigned on Sept. 11 following an investigation into a burglary which occurred a year ago this month at a shop in the City Centre mall. He was jailed and bail was set at $5,000. The defendant is due in Batavia City Court on Sept. 20. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Det. Thad Mart.

Rachel M. Penepinto, 27, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Penepinto was arrested on Vine Street at 4:20 p.m. on Sept. 15 after being accused of threatening to fight a neighbor and kill their dog. She was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Sept. 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.

Ryan Matthew Norton, 44, of Bloomingdale Road, Alabama, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree harassment. Following an investigation into a domestic incident which occurred 8:15 p.m. on Sept. 11 on Bloomingdale Road. Norton was arrested, arraigned and put in jail on $2,500 bail. He is due in Alabama Town Court on Oct. 4. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Danny D. Williams, 29, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt and second-degree harassment. Williams was located on Thorpe Street in Batavia and arrested following an investigation into an incident which occurred at 3:39 a.m. on Sept. 8 on Wood Street in Batavia. He was jailed on $20,000 cash or bond bail. He is due in City Court on Sept. 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Marissa B. Royse, 28, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs -- combined influence of drugs; following to closely; speed not reasonable and prudent; moving from lane unsafely; and failure to keep right on a two-lane road. She was arrested on Sept. 10 at 11:12 a.m. at 27 Walnut St. in Batavia following an investigation into an accident with injuries. She was issued multiple tickets and released; she was due in City Court this morning (Sept. 17). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Officer Stephen Quider. Forty minutes later, at 17 Walnut St., she was allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana following the investigation into the personal injury motor-vehicle accident earlier that hour at 27 Walnut St. She is due in City Court on Tuesday, Sept. 18 to answer that charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Aaron M. Hatt, 22, no permanent address, Batavia, is charged with: unlawful possession of marijuana, criminal obstruction of breathing; criminal mischief in the fourth degree; and second-degree harassment. Hatt was arrested following an investigation into a domestic incident which occurred at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at an apartment on Thomas Avenue, Batavia. He was arraigned and jailed on $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 bond. He was due in Cioty Court this morning (Sept. 17). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Latiqua Shonnel Jackson, 25, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with introducing dangerous contraband into prison in the first degree and criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the second degree. On Sept. 10 at about 2:20 p.m., Jackson was being processed into GC Jail. It is alleged that she knowingly entered the jail while in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. She was arrested on the charges Sept. 13 and jailed on $10,000 cash bail. She is due back in City Court on Sept. 20. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy McClellan, assisted by Deputy Susan Mattice.

Joseph Buckley, 57, is charged with having an open container of alcohol in a city park. At 10:23 a.m. on Sept. 12, Buckley was arrested in Austin Park on Jefferson Avenue. He was jailed on $250 bail and was due in City Court on Sept. 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kyle Krtanik, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Scott D. Larnder, 42, Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. He was arrested on Sept. 13 for failing to appear on previous charges. After arraignment, he was released on his own recognizance. He was due back in City Court on Sept. 14. The  case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Catherine Mucha, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Law and Order: Myrtle Street man arrested after dine-and-dash complaint on Lake Street in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

Todd A. Gailie Jr., 27, of Myrtle Street, Le Roy was arrested on Sept. 7th by the Le Roy Police Department for petit larceny and obstructing governmental administration in the second degree, Class A misdemeanors. Le Roy Police Department responded to a business on Lake Street in the Village after receiving a complaint of a male allegedly leaving a restaurant without paying for food and drinks that he consumed. Upon arrival, the patrols located Gailie on the railroad tracks in the area and when the patrol confronted Gailie, he allegedly ran from officers. After a brief foot chase Gailie was taken into custody. Gailie was arraigned and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,500 cash or $3,000 bond. Gailie is to return to Le Roy Town Court on Sept. 20th.

Roy A. Watson Jr., 29, of Porter Avenue, Batavia, is charged with having two unlicensed dogs. He was arrested at 9:35 a.m. on Sept. 4 at 24 Porter Ave. following an investigation into a complaint that his dogs were unlicensed. He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court and is due there Sept. 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer James Sheflin.

Marissa Eve Michaels-Connors, 26, of LaSalle Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with: first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle; DWI, first; operating a vehicle while using a cell phone; refusal to take breath test; and moving from lane unsafely. She was arrested at 5:09 p.m. on Sept. 9 on Vallance Road in Le Roy after a one-vehicle accident in which her vehicle struck a guard rail. It is alleged that she was driving while intoxicated and that she drove while her license was suspended for alcohol-related circumstances. She was jailed in lieu of $1,500 cash or $3,000 bond. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Howard Wilson.

Matthew Vincent Pragel, 23, of Forest Hill Drive, Williamsville, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs; driving while ability impaired -- combined influence of drugs; unlawful possession of marijuana; and moving from lane unsafely. At 10:30 p.m. on Sept. 4 on Bloomingdale Road in the Tonawanda Indian Reservation, Pragel was arrested after an investigation of a single-vehicle accident. He is to appear in Alabama Town Court at a later date. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Adam Robyn Chaddock, 31, of Virginia Manor Road, Rochester, is charged with: DWI; DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or higher; failure to keep right. Chaddock was arrested at 10:46 p.m. on Sept. 9 on Clinton Street Road in Stafford following a traffic stop. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Stafford Town Court on Oct. 19. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor, assisted by Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Giancarlo A. Miranda, 20, of West Saile Drive, Batavia, is charged with possession of a dangerous weapon on county property. At 2:32 p.m. on Sept. 4, Miranda was arrested for allegedly possessing a knife while entering the Genesee County Probation Building. He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court and is due there Sept. 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Catherine Mucha, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

Ian Kyle Leblanc Chatt, 33, of Hart Street, Batavia, is charged with: petit larceny; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument; criminal use of drug paraphernalia; and sixth-degree conspiracy. Le Blanc Chatt was arrested at 1:59 p.m. on Sept. 7 following a larceny complaint at Walmart in Batavia. It is alleged that he walked past the point of sale with an 18-ounce can of Rain X. He was arrested and released with an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court on Sept. 20. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Hale, assisted by Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Brandon James March, 33, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; possession of a hypodermic instrument; criminal use of drug paraphernalia; and sixth-degree conspiracy. March was arrested at 1:59 p.m. on Sept. 7 following a larceny complaint at Walmart in Batavia. March allegedly conspired with another person to steal property and was found in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and released with an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court on Sept. 20. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth, assisted by Deputy Andrew Hale.

New solar-powered sign installed at STAMP site

By Virginia Kropf

ALABAMA – A new solar-powered sign, which has just been erected on Route 63/77, is indication the Genesee County Economic Development Center is moving ahead with plans to develop the Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park in the Town of Alabama.

The STAMP sign stands near the new road, which was built last year from Route 63/77 to Crosby Road to divert traffic around Alabama Center.

Also, a new row of power poles is being installed by National Grid by the STAMP grounds, so existing poles can be moved to allow for widening of Route 63/77 and to create a turning lane, said Mark Masse, vice president of operations at GCEDC.

Masse said the county continues to actively search for a tenant for the site and has companies with various levels of interest in locating here.

He also said they have been working on the final piece of archeological work and are moving forward with infrastructure work.

Photos by Virginia Kropf.

Law and Order: McKenzie Street woman in Bergen accused of leaving a child under 5 without proper supervision

By Billie Owens

Christina Louise Wass, 45, of McKenzie Street, Bergen, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. She was arrested at 8 p.m. on Aug. 21 following a complaint in the Village of Bergen. It is alleged that Wass had a minor under age 17 in her care and custody and that she left the child alone without proper supervision, and that child was under age 5. She was arraigned in Town of Le Roy Court and jailed in lieu of $1,000 cash bail or $3,000 bond. She is due in Town of Bergen Court on Sept. 5. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Howard Wilson, assisted by Sgt. Jason Saile.

John David Meiler, 33, of Reinhardt Road, Alden, is charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs; aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree; DWI; and operating a vehicle withcKeout an ignition interlock device. On Aug. 21 at about 7:48 p.m., Genesee County Sheriff's deputies responded to 358 Bloomingdale Road in Alabama for a property damage accident. Meiler, whose driver's license has been revoked, was arrested at the scene on the charges. He was issued appearance tickets and is due in Town of Alabama Court on Sept. 26. The case was handled by Deputy Erik Andre.

Mark David Humel, 26, of Main Road, Pembroke, is charged with: driving while ability impaired (DWAI); aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree; DWAI -- combined drugs and alcohol; used a vehicle not equipped with an ignition interlock device; and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. On Aug. 20 at about 3:37 p.m., Genesee County Sheriff's deputies responded to 8330 Lewiston Road in the Town of Batavia for a report of a property damage accident. Following an investigation, Humel, whose driver's license is revoked, was arrested on the charges. He was issued appearance tickets and is due in Town of Batavia Court on Sept. 24. The case was investigated by Deputy Erik Andre, assisted by Deputy Howard Wilson.

Marshall A. Silvernail, 31, of Asbury Road, Le Roy, was arrested on Aug. 12 for trespass, a violation. Le Roy Police Department responded to a residence located in the Village in the early morning hours of July 29 after receiving a complaint that there was an unwanted subject on the property. Upon arrival, patrols allegedly located Silvernail on the property attempting to enter the premises. After a brief investigation, it is believed that Silvernail had previously been told he was not allowed on the property and charges were later brought for his arrest. He was due in Le Roy Town Court Aug. 13 to answer the charge.

Ramon S. Gilliam, 43, of Main Street, Le Roy, was arrested on Aug. 16  by the Le Roy Police Department and with charged with attempted identity theft in the third degree, a Class B misdemeanor. This charge stemmed from a complaint that officers received and after an investigation it is alleged that Gilliam did in fact, attempt such crime. Gilliam was taken into custody and processed without incident and issued an appearance ticket for Sept. 20 in Le Roy Town Court to answer the charge.

Sponsored Post: End of Summer Sale with Reliant Real Estate

By Lisa Ace


164 Summit St., Batavia. Comfortable and solid City colonial in nice neighborhood. Easy to see and super affordable, this 3 bedroom bath and 1 a half home features very spacious room sizes. Downstairs is open and great for entertaining but very homey. Some hardwood floors and gorgeous unpainted woodwork really give this home charm. Upstairs bedrooms are all large with closets and attic is already partially finished and with a little paint could be amazing extra living/play space! Mechanically sound with nothing urgent to tackle but what you want to do! Enjoy the front porch, that has the forever Trexx decking to enjoy the neighborhood or have your morning coffee on the back deck to enjoy the peacefulness of the cute back yard – either way come check out a really nice home! Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today 344-HOME for more information or click here to view the complete listing.

147 Pearl Street Road, Batavia. Superbly maintained 3 bedroom bath and a half home with not one ounce of anything to do! This home is no flip...completely gutted and remodeled within the last 5 years, beautifully done and tastefully decorated. Roof full tear off 4 yrs. ago, furnace 5 yrs. Beautiful cherry cabinetry with granite countertops, all stainless appliances to stay. plus washer/dryer! Nice formal dining with extra large living room area with cozy gas fireplace–great for entertaining. Upstairs bath fully gutted with super convenient upstairs laundry area and three large bedrooms. All new carpeting throughout as well! Outside features an extra wide drive and double lot and nice back deck...Inexpensive utilities and no flood insurance, what more do you want? Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today 344-HOME for more information or click here for more details on this listing.

2176 Judge Road, Alabama. Solid home for the money! Opportunity is here for someone looking to do a little work to get their reward. Roof, furnace, hot water tank, vinyl siding updated since 2000+ 200 amp electrical system and newly installed public water. Rooms are decent sized, 1st floor bedroom if needed - mud room/first floor laundry a bonus! Garage is useable and back yard is deep-easy to check out anytime! Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today 344-HOME for more information or click here for more details on this listing.

Bear sighting in Alabama

By Howard B. Owens

Reader Chris Brush says he and his family were heading to church this morning when they spotted a black bear off Judge Road, Alabama.

"We were passing by a cornfield on the north side of the road between Gorton and Maple when we saw the bear. Looked as though he was wanting to cross the road to the south side of 63. We turned around to see if he was still there, and found him about 10-15 yards from the edge of the road."

The map, he says, is of the approximate area where they saw the bear.  

Accident with injuries reported at Lewiston and Salt Works Road, Alabama

By Billie Owens

Two vehicle collided at Lewiston and Salt Works roads in Alabama. Injuries are reported. Alabama Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. The location is in the northwest corner of Genesee County near the Orleans County line.

UPDATE 2:10 p.m.: One victim has a head injury.

Law and Order: Driver charged with DWI after accident on Lewiston Road

By Howard B. Owens

Antonio Diego Dames, 42, of Knowlesville Road, Oakfield, is charged with: DWI; driving with a BAC of .18 or greater; aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st; driving without an interlock device; and moving from lane unsafely. Dames was arrested following an investigation by Deputy Travis DeMuth into a one-car accident reported at 4:28 p.m. Thursday on Lewiston Road in Alabama.

Yahaira Ann-Marie Brown-Diaz, 19, of Bethany Center Road, Bethany, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, unlawful possession of marijuana, and speeding. Brown-Diaz was stopped at 8:28 a.m. Friday on Maple Avenue, Bergen, by Deputy Ryan DeLong. Brown-Diaz was transported to the Sheriff's Office where she was evaluated by a Drug Recognition Expert.

Genna Lynn Miller, 33, of Center Street, East Aurora, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, failure to comply with traffic control officer, and failure to keep right. Miller was stopped at 12:16 a.m. Saturday on Alleghany Road, Darien, by Deputy Patrick Reeves after her vehicle's mirror allegedly struck a traffic control officer in the arm.

Matthew Paul Sunseri, 33, of Harlem Road, Rochester, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Sunseri was charged following an investigation by Deputy Mathew Clor into a disturbance reported at 10:50 p.m. Sunday in the parking lot of Darien Lake Theme Park.

A 17-year-old resident of Buffalo is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth was allegedly found in possession of marijuana by State Police in the Village of Corfu at 11:05 a.m. on Aug. 5.

Walter B. Hale, 65, of Oakfield, is charged with: felony DWI; felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater; failure to keep right; and moving from lane unsafely. Hale was stopped by State Police at 1:40 a.m. Sunday on Route 98 in Elba.

Casandra E. Holloway, 25, of Newfane, is charged with: DWI; driving with a BAC of .08 or greater; no headlights; failure to keep right; moving from lane unsafely and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle. Holloway was stopped by State Police at 11:01 p.m. Friday on Colby Road, Darien.

Scott P. Rammacher, 42, of Lockport, is charged with DWI and impeding traffic. Rammacher was stopped by State Police at 6:35 p.m. Thursday on Route 77, Darien, for allegedly driving too slow.

Christian A. Dangelo, 28, of Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Dangelo was stopped by State Police at 9:44 p.m. Thursday on Route 33, Bergen.

Kyle J. Howard, 29, of Basom, is charged with criminal trespass. Howard was arrested by State Police for an alleged incident reported at 1:30 p.m., Aug. 6.  No further details released.

Report of trees on fire in Alabama

By Howard B. Owens

Trees on reportedly on fire on Knowlesville Road just north of Lewiston Road, Alabama.

Alabama fire and Oakfield fire dispatched.

UPDATE 1:08 a.m.: Units can respond non-emergency.

UPDATE 1:11 a.m.: It's a brush pile.

County employee cited following accident in Alabama on Tuesday

By Howard B. Owens

A highway department employee driving a county vehicle allegedly ran a stop sign on Macomber Road, Alabama, where it crosses Judge Road, at 11:31 a.m. Tuesday, causing a collision with a semi-truck.

Andrew Craig Smith, 41, of Batavia, was cited for alleged his alleged failure to stop.

Smith reportedly told Deputy Kevin McCarthy, who prepared the accident report, that he was looking at a map while traveling southbound in a 2012 Ford pickup and so failed to stop at the intersection.

Timothy A. Felschow, 59, of Watertown, was eastbound driving a 2006 Mack Truck with a trailer hitched on the back.

Felschow was transported to ECMC for evaluation by Mercy EMS with a complaint of chest pain.

Smith was transported by Mercy EMS to Strong with facial cuts.

Possible structure fire reported on Bloomingdale Road

By Howard B. Owens

A caller reports smoke in the residence, but no flames, with lights flickering, at 895 Bloomingdale Road, Basom.

Alabama is already out on a call for a motor-vehicle accident on Route 63.

Pembroke and Indian Falls dispatched to Bloomingdale Road.

UPDATE 11:58 a.m.: It appears to be a sump pump malfunction. All units, except Alabama Engine 1, can go back in service.

Semi and dump truck collision reported on Route 63, Alabama

By Howard B. Owens

A semi-truck and dump truck have reportedly collided head on at Route 63 and Macomber Road, Alabama.

Unknown injuries.

Alabama fire and Mercy EMS dispatched. Oakfield also being requested to the scene.

Dispatchers are checking the availability of Mercy Flight.

UPDATE 11:36 a.m.: One minor injury. Both drivers out of the vehicles and ambulatory.  

UPDATE 11:39 a.m.: A diesel fuel leak is reported. Another ambulance, emergency response, requested to the scene.

UPDATE 11:42  a.m.: Fire police requested to shut down traffic. No hazardous materials.

Car into trees on Bloomingdale Road

By Howard B. Owens

A pickup truck has gone off the roadway into the trees in the area of 791 Bloomingdale Road, Basom.

Unknown injuries.

Alabama fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 1:41 p.m.: No injuries. Mercy EMS can go back in service.

Law and Order: Driver charged after backing into pedestrian in Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens

Deborah Rodriguez, age not provided, residence not provided, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs and alcohol, unlicensed operation, 1st, and unsafe backing. Rodriguez was reportedly backing out of a driveway in the Village of Oakfield when her vehicle struck a pedestrian who was walking on the sidewalk. The patient was transported to UMMC for treatment of minor injuries.

Brenna Elizabeth Decillis, 24, of Park Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, and leaving the scene of a property-damage accident. Decillis was charged following an investigation into an accident at 7:18 a.m. Wednesday on Park Road. Decillis is accused of driving a vehicle that struck two parked cars and a building. The investigation was conducted by deputies Ryan DeLong, Richard Schildwaster, and Jeremy McClellan.

Latashia M. Sanchez, 25, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and failure to dim headlights. Sanchez was stopped at 11:50 p.m. Tuesday on East Main Street, Village of Le Roy, by a Le Roy police officer.

Seth Ryan Kronewetter, 25, of Indian Creek, Eldred, Pa., is charged with making terroristic threats and aggravated harassment, 2nd. Kronewetter is accused of making threats to harm patrons of a concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center. Kronewetter was arraigned in Darien Town Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Andres A. Arteaga, 20, of Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Arteaga was stopped at 9:29 p.m. Monday on Route 33, Stafford, by State Police.

Nicholas J. Heschke, 31, of Medina, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Heschke was topped at 1:58 a.m. Monday on Route 77, Town of Alabama, by State Police.

Car vs. tree accident reported on Sand Hill Road on the reservation

By Billie Owens

A car struck a tree at 7618 Sand Hill Road and the driver is injured. He is out of the vehicle, which is on its side, well off the roadway. Alabama Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics.

The location is midway between Hopkins and Shanks roads on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation.

Garage fire reportedly causes house fire in Alabama

By Howard B. Owens

A fire in a detached garage at 6943 Knowlesville Road has now apparently caused the house to catch on fire.

Alabama fire dispatched along with Oakfield, East Pembroke, Pembroke, Elba and the City of Batavia's Fast Team.

UPDATE(S) (By Billie) 9:46 a.m.: Multiple explosions are heard. Indian Falls is standing by in their quarters. The city's second platoon is called its fire hall.

UPDATE 9:51 a.m.: National Grid and a code enforcement officer are called to the scene.

UPDATE 10:03 a.m.: National Grid has about a 10-minute ETA. Command asks that Salvation Army be contacted.

UPDATE 11:02 a.m.: The man who owns the house told Alabama Fire Chief Bill Schutt that he had been in his garage trying to repair his lawnmower and had stopped briefly to go elsewhere on the property to talk to a neighbor. Both people heard a loud pop then saw flames coming from the garage. The homeowner grabbed a garden hose in an attempt to keep the fire contained. Firefighters arrived quickly and were able to take advantage of new water lines and fire hydrants installed in the hamlet just last month, Schutt said. The garage burned down and the back of the house is heavily singed. The house next door has melted siding on a rear corner due to heat exposure. The fire is out. Firefighters are overhauling now.

Oakfield and Alexander to receive loans and grants from USDA

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing millions in waste and water disposal loans and grants in the towns of Alexander, Oakfield, Canadice, and Barre.

In each of these towns, water quality testing has indicated threats to public health and a lack of safe water. The funding will go toward various solutions to alleviate these concerns and provide reliable water service to residents.

“USDA’s investment in the towns of Alexander, Oakfield, Canadice, and Barre will improve the quality of life for residents of those communities,” Collins said. “Access to clean water is essential, which is why I voted in support of the 2018 Omnibus spending bill that included these funds to our nation’s rural communities.

"The Trump administration has prioritized investing in rural communities to build a foundation for rural prosperity, and I am pleased that these efforts are being seen in Western New York.”

Funding awarded is listed below:

  • Town of Alexander will receive a $2.7 million loan and a $2.2 million grant
  • Town of Oakfield will receive a $236,000 loan and a $691,000 grant
  • Town of Canadice will receive a $1 million loan and a $200,000 grant
  • Town of Barre will receive a $708,000 loan and a $493,000 grant

Rural community leaders can apply for these funds electronically by using the interactive RD Apply tool. They can also apply through one of USDA Rural Development’s state or field offices.

For more information on USDA’s projects to upgrade water and wastewater systems in rural communities, click here. Municipalities seeking assistance from the USDA are encouraged to call Collins’ Lancaster District Office at 716-634-2324.

Fifteen volunteer fire students complete Apparatus Operator - Pump program

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Fifteen students successfully completed the Apparatus Operator – Pump program on June 23. It was held at the Genesee County Fire Training Center.

Building on the knowledge and skills obtained through the Basic Exterior Firefighter Operations (BEFO) program, the 24 hour Apparatus Operator – Pump course offers fire service personnel the knowledge and skills essential to pump operations.

These include: hydraulics and friction loss, pump control and accessories, fire streams, pumper practices, pumping from draft and pump evolutions and using the fire pump at the fire hydrant.

Participants included: 

Alabama

  • Ryan M. Thompson

Alexander

  • Anthony R. Johnston
  • Jennifer R. Merle

Elba

  • Nicholas Guarino
  • Timothy J. Hoffarth
  • Michael J. Pfendler
  • Oliver R. Shuknecht

Oakfield

  • Joshua M. Finn
  • Jeffery W. McIntire

Pavilion

  • Nicholas P. Saravullo
  • Sean Vogt Jr.

South Byron

  • Nicole M. Boldt
  • Mathew T. Dougherty
  • Vito J. Muoio

Indian Falls

  • Colby Sanner

Total of 18 fire service volunteers complete entry-level Basic Exterior Operations training

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and press release:

A 2018 Tri-County BEFO program, sponsored by Genesee, Wyoming and Orleans counties concluded on Friday, July 13. Eighteen students completed the 79-hour program from 13 departments across the region.

The Basic Exterior Firefighter Operations (BEFO) program is an entry-level program for the volunteer fire service designed to prepare students to respond to emergencies as exterior firefighters.

Students are instructed in fire extinguishers, building construction, forcible entry, ladder deployment, incident command, drafting operations and hazardous materials operations level. In addition, students are trained in ropes and knots, and first aid/CPR.

A Basic Exterior Firefighter Operations (BEFO) program, sponsored by Genesee County, is scheduled to begin in August. Anyone interested is encouraged to contact your community volunteer fire department or the Genesee County Fire Training Center (585-344-0078).

Participants last Friday included: 

Alabama

  • Rebekah J. Allen

Alexander

  • Daniel Harris

Attica

  • Kaylee Sumeriski

Town of Batavia

  • Bryan Moscicki  
  • Ian Sanfratello
  • Tyler Stewart

Bennington

  • Jordon McKinsey
  • Grace Schmidt

Bergen

  • Tina M. Carson          
  • Harrison T. Dodson

Byron

  • Paige E. Johnston

Carlton

  • Matthew Edick

Castle

  • Zachary Dake

Corfu

  • Justin Rodland

East Avon

  • Jefferson Moon

North Java

  • Taylor Guizzotti
  • Tyler Shaver

Strykerville

  • Matthew Solly

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