corfu

Press Release:

The HomeCare & Hospice Foundation invites community members to brighten lives while supporting compassionate hospice care through its 31st Annual Spring Bouquet Sale. With more than 10 pop-up locations across Allegany, Cattaraugus, Genesee, and Wyoming counties, this beloved fundraiser directly benefits terminally ill patients and their families.

Each pop-up location will offer vibrant 9- and 18-stem bouquets as well as Oliver’s Chocolate candy bars, making it easy to bring joy to a loved one while supporting a meaningful cause.

Bouquets serving Allegany and Cattaraugus counties are locally crafted by Mandy’s Flowers of Olean, while those in Genesee and Wyoming counties are created by Beverly’s Flowers and Gifts of Batavia. 

Prices are $15 for a 9-stem bouquet, $25 for an 18-stem bouquet, and $2 per candy bar. Every purchase helps provide vital hospice services, ensuring comfort and care for those in need.

“Each bouquet represents more than just flowers—it’s a symbol of hope, support, and the kindness that makes our communities stronger,” said Melissa Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer of HomeCare & Hospice. “By purchasing a bouquet, you are directly contributing to compassionate end-of-life care for those who need it most.”

New this year, the Foundation has partnered with Crosby’s Convenience Stores to expand the reach of this important fundraiser.

Rob Augustine, Crosby’s Director of Sales and Merchandising, shared his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “Crosby’s is proud to support HomeCare & Hospice by hosting pop-up locations at our stores in Corfu, Friendship, Hinsdale, and Perry. We are excited to help spread smiles throughout our communities.”

In addition to the pop-up sales, St. Bonaventure University’s men’s basketball game will host a bouquet pop-up location near the bookstore at the Reilly Center on March 5, allowing fans to support hospice care while cheering on the Bonnies.

Pop-Up Sale Locations & Dates:

Monday, March 3

1. Jones Memorial Hospital (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
2. Olean Food Barn (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
3. Olean Walmart (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
4. Olean General Hospital (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
5. Olean YMCA (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
6. Crosby’s Hinsdale
7. Crosby’s Friendship

Tuesday, March 4

1. Olean Food Barn (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
2. Olean Walmart (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
3. Olean General Hospital (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
4. Olean YMCA (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
5. Crosby’s Hinsdale
6. Crosby’s Friendship

Wednesday, March 5 

1. St. Bonaventure Reilly Center (6 – 8:30 p.m.)
2. Crosby’s Hinsdale
3. Crosby’s Friendship
4. Crosby’s Corfu
5. Crosby’s Perry

Thursday, March 6

1. Crosby’s Corfu
2. Crosby’s Perry
3. Wyoming County Community Health System (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
4. United Memorial Medical Center (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

Friday, March 7

1. Crosby’s Corfu
2. Crosby’s Perry
3. Wyoming County Community Health System (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

“The Spring Bouquet Sale is a beautiful way to honor loved ones while ensuring that hospice care remains available to all who need it,” added Sullivan. “We are grateful for the ongoinggenerosity of our communities and look forward to seeing many friendly faces at our pop-up locations.”

For more information, please contact HomeCare & Hospice at 716-372-2106 or visit https://BouquetSale.givesmart.com.

A house fire at 82 Main St., Corfu, was reported shortly after 9 a.m. on Monday.

When the Corfu Fire chief arrived on scene reported a full-involved structure fire on the first floor of the house. He immediately called for a second alarm, which included the city's FAST Team, Town of Batavia Fire, and Pembroke Fire.  Elba Fire and Darien Fire also dispatched.

The resident and her pet were not at home at the time, according to Tim Yaeger, emergency management coordinator. He said the resident was on her way to the airport when she learned of the fire. She returned to the scene.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time and will be investigated, Yaeger said..

The 2,128-square-foot residence was built in 1900 and remodeled in 1940, according to county tax records. Its assessed value is $186,890. The listed owner is June Myers.

Photos by Howard Owens.

The second annual Pembroke Teacher's Federation (PTF) Pizza Night was held at Homeslice 33 Pizzeria in Corfu on Jan. 22. 

The PTF was excited to team up with Homeslice 33 to raise funds and awareness for mental health resources in Genesee County, members said. Ten teachers volunteered to help make pizza, wings, and fried goodies.

Aaron Brown, a sixth grade teacher at Pembroke, said "Teaming up with Tom and his amazing staff is awesome. Seeing the community support not only mental health but also their teachers is what makes Pembroke a special place!"

During the four-hour event, the PTF raised $450 for mental health. 

Photos by Kara Richenberg.

On Saturday, the Corfu Fire Department gathered for its Annual Awards Dinner and Installation of Officers, celebrating the dedication and service of its members.

The evening began with a remembrance as outgoing Fire Chief Greg Lang led a candle lighting ceremony to honor department members who have passed. The ceremony recognized Sharon Franklemont, Al Platten, and Mildred Murczek.

In his Chief's Report, Lang shared that the department responded to 170 calls over the past year, reflecting the hard work and commitment of all members.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Firefighter of the Year award, which was given to Tyler Lang. His heroic actions earlier in the year were highlighted, particularly his quick response in saving a young girl who was pinned under a car following an accident. In a touching moment, Lang then presented his father, Greg, with the Firefighter of the Year award as well, recognizing his leadership as fire chief over the past five years.

The event also included recognition of Mercy EMS employees for their support and collaboration with the fire department. 

Chief Lang expressed his gratitude, saying, “We want to show our appreciation to Mercy EMS for everything they do to help our community.”

The evening concluded with a heartfelt speech from Brad Lang, who spoke about the strength of the department’s bond and the importance of community. 

Reflecting on the values of family and service, Brad said, "This community doesn’t work without the people you’re surrounded by right now." 

Other top awards included:

Service Awards 

• Paula Trapani
• Matt Lenhard

Most Training Hours

• Wesley Cliff

Most Calls

• Greg Lang - 90
• Bruce Fauth - 80 - top responder
• James Hale - 79
• Matt Lenhard - 79
• Jacob Stiles - 77

Years of Service

• Brian McMartin - 40
• Greg Lang - 35
• Dean Eck - 30
• Jen Eck - 25
• Jim Hale - 10 
• Kelly Hess - 10 
• Brandon Florian  - 5

Photos by Kara Richenberg.

Local business legend Tony Kutter passed away on Wednesday at his home in Pembroke, surrounded by his family.

He was 91.

Kutter and his brother inherited their father's business, Kutter's Cheese, in the 1950s, when they were in their twenties and turned it into a business with an international reputation.

In 1995, after the fall of the Soviet Union, Kutter traveled to Russia as part of a trade exchange program to help aspiring Russian entrepreneurs learn how to start cheesemaking businesses.

Kutter himself learned the business from his father, Leo, who learned the trade in Germany after fighting for the Kaiser in World War I and, on the advice of a boss, moved to America, settling in the then-thriving city of Buffalo but dreaming of starting his own cheese-making business.

By the time the Kutter sold the family business to Yancy's Fancy in 1998, Kutter's had worldwide retail reach.

"I've always been adamant about promoting wine and cheese," Kutter told The Batavian in 2010 when Kutter's Cheese was named Agriculture Business of the Year. "We also supply a lot of wineries with cheese for wine tasting."

As part of the exchange program, Kutter made 31 to Russia and Ukraine over 13 years.

In 2015, Kutter published a book about his experiences in Russia, "Cheese in the Time of Glasnost and Perestroika."

Anthony William Kutter was born March 4, 1933, in Cowlesville, to Leo and Flora Kottman Kutter.

He graduated from Corfu High School in 1951. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Korea for two years.

For his full obituary, click here.

Latoya Denise Jackson, 39, of State Street, is charged with resisting arrest, two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, driving with a suspended v vehicle registration, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, and driving without insurance. Jackson was stopped at 4:48 a.m. on Washington Avenue, Batavia, by Deputy Richard Flores. Jackson was allegedly found in possession of two different controlled substances, and she resisted arrest. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Rachelle Nicole Laney, 38, of River Road Xing, Pavilion, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, aggravated unlicensed operation 2nd, driving too slow, and equipment violation. Laney was stopped at 11:48 p.m. on Dec. 31 on Roanoke Road, Stafford, by Deputy Andrew Mullen. She was issued appearance tickets.

Kenneth Richard Sheard, 45, of South Lake Road, Bergen, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment. Sheard is accused of striking a person under the age of 17 at 8:37 p.m. on Jan. 1 at a location on South Lake Road, Bergen. Sheard was held pending arraignment.

David Ryan Paddock, 25, of Myrtle Street, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, unregistered vehicle, speed not reasonable and prudent, and moving from lane unsafely. Paddock was reportedly involved in a property damage accident at 7:18 p.m. on Dec. 21 at a location on Warsaw Road, Le Roy and charged following an investigation by Deputy Stephen Smith. Paddock was issued traffic tickets.

Vincent James Auguliaro, 34, of Maple Street, Corfu, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and speeding. Auguliaro was stopped at 12:21 a.m. on Jan. 3 on West Main Street, Corfu, by Deputy Stephen Smith. Auguliaro was issued traffic tickets.

Tyler James Bull, 22, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Bull is accused of violating an order of protection by calling another person 142 times. He was arrested at the Genesee County Jail and released back into jail custody.

Nicholas Adam Pietrzykowski, 48, of East Road, Wyoming, is charged with felony DWI, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle, and moving from lane unsafely. Pietrzykowski is accused of being involved in a property damage accident at 2:50 p.m. on Jan. 5 on Galloway Road and fleeing into the woods. He was taken into custody by Deputy James Stack and K-9 Rayzor. He was held pending arraignment.

Nicholas Dean Kersch, 29, of Wyoming Street, Warsaw, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, speeding, and moving from lane unsafely. Kersch was stopped at 2:21 a.m. on Jan. 5 on Lake Street, Le Roy by Deputy Zachary Hoy. Kersch was issued traffic tickets.

Hugh Michael Rohrer, 22, of Brandford Place, Buffalo, is charged with DWI, driving left of the pavement, and moving from lane unsafely. Rohrer was reportedly involved in a two-vehicle accident at 5:56 a.m. on Jan. 1 on Alleghany Road, Alabama and was charged following an investigation by Deputy Jacob Kipler.

Adrian Joseph Aughenbaugh, 27, of Columbia Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Aughenbaugh was reportedly a passenger in a vehicle stopped at 12:41 a.m. on Jan. 6 on Buffalo Road, Bergen. A search allegedly located a controlled substance. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Jared Ryan Burns, no age provided, no residence provided, is charged with obstruction governmental administration 2nd, trespass, and disorderly conduct. Burns is accused of remaining at the Department of Social Services on East Main Street Road, Batavia, at 11:43 a.m. on Dec. 30. Burns was allegedly uncooperative and attempted to prevent deputies from removing him. He was jailed pending arraignment.

Travis David Gassman, 30, of Perry Road, Pavilion, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely. Gassman was stopped at 6:38 p.m. on Jan. 11 on Perry Road, Pavilion, by Deputy Zachary Hoy. He was issued traffic tickets.

William Edward Farnsworth, 40, of Eagle Harbor Road, Barre, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, speeding, and unlicensed driver. Farnsworth was arrested on Jan. 10. He was accused of possessing cocaine during a traffic stop by Deputy Zachary Hoy at 3:24 p.m. on March 30 on Buffalo Road, Bergen. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Feyza Gabriel Osmacikli, no age provided, of Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th.  Osmacikli is accused of possessing a narcotic during a traffic stop by Deputy Jeremiah Gechell at 10:20 p.m. on Jan. 4 on Oak Street, Batavia. Osmacikli was released on an appearance ticket.

Jose Reyes Ramirez-Perez, 29, of Malone, is charged with DWI, refusal to take a breath test, speeding, and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle. Ramirez-Perez was stopped at 2:05 a.m. on Jan. 12 on West Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Soren Calderon. He was issued traffic tickets.

Claudie Vern Goodenow, Jr., 42, of Prospect Street, Attica, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation with five or more suspensions, criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, lights not to standards, and no inspection sticker. Goodenow was stopped at 2:29 a.m. on Jan. 10 on Broadway Road, Bethany, by Deputy Jacob Kipler. Goodenow was issued an appearance ticket.

Jessica Lynn Goodenow, 43, of Prospect Street, Attica, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Goodenow was reportedly a passenger in a vehicle stopped at 2:29 a.m. on Jan. 10 on Broadway Road, Bethany. A search allegedly located controlled substances in the vehicle. Goodenow was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Salvatore Michael Schwable, 27, of Oakfield, is charged with possession of a forged instrument 1st and two counts of petit larceny. Schwable is accused of using counterfeit currency to purchase merchandise from a gas station on South Main Street, Oakfield at 10:58 p.m. on Nov. 28. He was arrested Jan. 13 following an investigation by Deputy Soren Calderon. He was held pending arraignment.

Warren Thomas Cotton, 47, of Park Road, Batavia, is charged with promoting prison contraband 2nd. Cotton is accused of possessing homemade alcohol under the bunk of his bed at the Genesee County Jail at 7 a.m. on Jan. 14. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Cori L Cleland, 39, of Perry, is charged with DWAI drugs. Cleland was arrested Jan. 1 in connection with a vehicle accident reported in Septermber. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Davor E. Hodgson-Aguilar, 36, of Long Beach, was arrested on Jan. 8 on a warrant. Hodgson-Aguilar was initially charged with petit larceny in October of 2023. The warrant was issued for alleged failure to appear in court. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Julie L. Dutton, 29, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Dutton was allegedly involved in a fight on Jan. 2 where she grabbed and shoved another person. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Antwoine D. Lara, 28, of Endicott, was arrested on Jan. 5 as a fugitive from justice. Lara was taken into custody when Batavia PD responded to an incident on Liberty Street. During the investigations, police determined there was a warrant for her arrest issued in Pennsylvania. She was jailed pending extradition.

Zachary R. Whitehead, 31, of Batavia, is charged with criminal impersonation and multiple traffic violations. Whitehead was stopped by Batavia PD on Oct. 8 and allegedly provided officers with another person's name. He was arrested Jan. 5 and issued an appearance ticket.

Brant G. Matthews, 30, of Greece, was arrested on Jan. 3, on a warrant. The warrant stems from a traffic stop on Jan. 18, 2024. He was allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Hunter M. Court, 25, of Alexander, is charged with DWI. Court was stopped on Dec. 24 on Court Street. He was issued traffic tickets.

Maresa A. Lodowski, 20, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Lodowski is accused of shoplifting from Dollar General on Dec. 29. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Press Release:

The Intermediate School Student Council hosted their annual December Drive to help collect food donations for the Corfu Food Pantry. 

Currently, the Pantry is helping 50 families in our Corfu/Pembroke communities. In total, the Intermediate School students and staff collected 1,889 items!

On December 20, students and staff braved the elements to deliver donations. It took the entire 6th grade, entire 5th grade, and two 4th grade classrooms to deliver all of the food!

The Intermediate School Student Council also held a friendly competition to see which classroom in each grade collected the most food. The winners are:

• 3rd: Mrs. Amuso
• 4th: Mrs. Fenik
• 5th: Ms. Stoldt
• 6th: Mr. Brown

Submitted photos.

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Douglas G. Goodwin, of Basom, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd, criminal nuisance 2nd, stalking 4th, unlawful fleeing a police officer 3rd, aggravated harassment 2nd, menacing 2nd, burglary 2nd, speeding, failure to obey traffic control devices, failure to stop at a stop sign, speed not reasonable prudent, failure to signal, driving an unregistered vehicle, reckless driving, and aggravated unlicensed operation 1st. Basom was arrested by the Sheriff's Office in Corfu on Nov. 27 following an investigation by the Attica Police Department.  Attica PD reports that in the evening hours of Sept. 16, officers responded to the parking area of Sokol Drive in the village to investigate a report of a suspicious and dangerous person. State troopers and Wyoming County deputies assisted in the response. When patrols arrived, the subject of the call fled on a performance-style motorcycle at a high rate of speed. The driver reportedly failed to respond to commands from police to stop and continued in a reckless and unsafe manner, almost striking a police vehicle. After a short chase the pursuit was terminated to protect the safety of residents.  Through an investigation, Goodwin was identified as the suspect. An arrest warrant was obtained based on witness statements and a victim statement. He reportedly has 14 license suspensions. Goodwin was arraigned in Attica Village Court and ordered held on $20,000 bail, $40,000 bond, or $80,000 unsecured bond. Chief Dean Hendershot stated, "I appreciate the dedication, effort and assistance of all involved, including the Wyoming County, NY Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police and the Genesee County, NY Sheriff’s Office. The residents of the Village of Attica can continue to live peacefully in a safe community they each deserve.”

Shawn P. O'Connor, 35, no residence provided, is charged with criminal mischief 2nd, unlawful fleeing 3rd, and reckless endangerment 2nd. O'Connor was arrested on Nov. 24. He allegedly fled from deputies attempting a traffic stop on Route 63 north into the village of Oakfield, where he crashed his vehicle after hitting a Sheriff's patrol vehicle in the parking lot of the Oakfield-Alabama Central School. He was taken into custody without incident. Multiple objects in the parking lot were reportedly struck by O'Connor's vehicle. He was issued 17 traffic tickets and held pending arraignment. Additional charges are pending.

Nyejay Nasir Braction, 20, of Wyoming Street, Buffalo, is charged with assault 2nd. Braction is accused of attacking a corrections officer at the Genesee County Jail at 6:50 p.m. on Oct. 15 and breaking the guard's finger. He was arrested on Nov. 15. He was arraigned and held.

Carl E. Canterbury, 54, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd. Canterbury was arrested on Nov. 14 on a sealed indictment following an investigation by the Local Drug Task Force into the possession, transportation, and sale of crack cocaine in the city of Batavia. Canterbury is accused of selling crack cocaine to an agent of the task force on two occasions while in the city of Batavia. He was arraigned in County Court and jailed.

Jerad Michael Stalker, 40, of Indian Falls Road, Corfu, is charged with falsifying business records 1st and criminal possession of stolen property 5th. Stalker is accused of selling stolen merchandise to Pawn King on Veterans Memorial Drive on Aug. 26 and signing a form stating he was the rightful owner. He allegedly stole the merchandise from a vehicle on West Main Street, Batavia. He was arrested Nov. 19 and processed at the Genesee County Jail.

Reanne Pauline Reed, 30, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Reed was allegedly involved in a scuffle at Batavia Downs at 9:14 p.m. on Nov. 20. Reed was taken to the Sheriff's Office and issued an appearance ticket.

Ryan Michael Bobzin, 35, of West Bergen Road, Bergen, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation 1st, driving while impaired by drugs, and unlicensed driver. Bobzin was stopped at 4:28 p.m. on Oct. 2 on Townline Road Bergen by Deputy Zachary Hoy. He was arrested on Nov. 20. He was issued traffic tickets and released.

Ryan Philip Harrison Clarke, 35, of North Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd and harassment 2nd. Clarke allegedly violated a "refrain from" order of protection by yelling in a person's face at 4:20 p.m. on Nov. 21 at a location on East Main Street, Corfu. He was held pending arraignment.

Zachary N. Knapp, 27, of East Avenue, Batavia, is charged with felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and driving a vehicle on a highway. Knapp was stopped at 2:29 p.m. on Nov. 23 of Veterans Memorial Drive in connection with an investigation into a larceny in the area by Deputy Ryan Mullen. Knapp was released on an appearance ticket.

Mossy Earl Jones, 21, of Bloomingdale Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with DWI and moving from lane unsafely. Jones was stopped at 2:04 a.m. on Nov. 23 on Bloomingdale Road, Alabama, by Deputy Nicholas Jennings. He was released on appearance tickets.

Matthew Ryan Clarke, 32, of Middleport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, dazzling headlights, speeding, and moving from lane unsafely. Clarke was stopped at 1:31 a.m. on Nov. 24 on Route 77 in Pembroke by Deputy Jeremiah Gechell. He was issued on traffic tickets.

Sarah Ann Malone, 42, of Graham Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing/blood circulation, endangering the welfare of a child, and harassment 2nd. Malone was arrested on a warrant issued by the Town of Bethany Court on Nov. 26 and held pending arraignment.

Nichole Marie Boldt, 25, of Route 237 Byron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, moving from lane unsafely, and inadequate lights. Boldt was stopped at 6:02 p.m. on Nov. 27 on Clinton Street Road, Stafford, by Deputy Zachary Hoy. She was issued traffic tickets and released.

Photos by Kara Richenberg

One could say, perhaps, that it takes a village to build a police station.

At least that's the case this fall in the Village of Corfu, where people are volunteering their time to help convert a building that was once a bar but has sat vacant for at least 20 years into a police station.

The Corfu Police Department has never had a proper police station for the past 25 years, it's operated out of what is essentially a broom closet at the Village Hall, said Deputy Mayor Michael Doktor.

"We have officers, board members, community members, volunteering (to help complete renovations)," Doktor said. "Our maintenance man is also helping."

The property, at 81 East Main St., is nearly 39 acres and contains a house and a four-bay garage.

The village purchased the property in January.  Doktor said the village developed plans to replace the roof on the garage, using existing capitol improvement funds, and start parking police cars there.

Then earlier this year, David Krzemien, officer in charge for the department, stopped by the little red building while village staff was there evaluating what damage their might be to the building, Krzemien began imaging it as a police station.

He brought the plan to the village trustees.

"It was a pretty quick discussion," Doktor said. "The board pretty much agreed with the officer in charge that the officers needed a real work space and that this building would pretty much meet our needs for the time being."

On Saturday, when The Batavian happened to stop by the building, Krzemien was there, working by himself, installing new metal siding. Red, of course.

Doktor said officials are still waiting on an estimate on the cost of replacing the floor.  The current one is pretty weather-damaged. But it's still expected that converting the building into a police station will cost less than $6,000.

The beautiful old wood bar inside? It stays. Repurposed into a front-office counter.

As for the house on the property? The village is collecting feedback from residents on what to do with it.  It all depends on costs and what the village wants, Doktor said.

"We're looking at what’s most cost-effective and listening to everybody's input from the village," Doktor said. "Who knows how long before we come up with the final idea for it, but we want to make sure it’s justifiable."

Doktor said the village hopes the new police station will be opened by December, even if the back office space isn't completely renovated by that time.

"We think (the police station) is something that will benefit the community. The feedback has been great so far," Doktor said. "We hope it is something the community will be equally happy about."