corfu

Tom Sargent and his wife, Jennifer Stevens, had been humming along with Homeslice 33 Pizzeria in Corfu for about three and a half years when they kept getting more ideas for growth without the room to spare. There was, however, a vacant parcel right next door.

So instead of trying to cram more food items into the busy pizza shop on Main Street, they bought the adjacent 10 E. Main St. and, in just 10 weeks time, renovated the 800 square feet into a charming general store with a bit of a market, a candy store, bakery, assorted coffees and teas, homemade macaroni salads, a book nook, gift and novelty items and seating for at least 10.

Sargent credits his wife for coming up with a more succinct tagline.

“It’s all that and a cup of coffee,” he said at the site that opened in the last week. “As mayor, I hear we need to have a grocery store. We were gonna add some deli meats and salads over at the pizzeria, and then we were just kind of, slip in other things that we could possibly do to increase sales at the pizzeria, and we ran out of space with everything that we were coming up with, and wanting to be able to do — give fresh products to the locals, produce, bakery items, try to bring Yancey Fancy cheeses back, which we were able to do. So this property just happened to be available, so next door just made sense."

There’s method to the madness, so to speak, in that the fresh produce can serve twofold: either for customer needs or for products at the pizzeria, say, green peppers for pizzas, salads and subs, he said, and the Market is a conduit for several local vendors — 16 at this time and possibly more — to sell their goods.

Those goods include Yancey’s Fancy cheeses, Shelby M. Turner’s Ready Or Not sourdough-based baked goods, Oliver’s Candies, Upstate Milk products, a few maple syrup and honey companies, including Merle, Great Lakes coffees, Mac salad from Homeslice 33 Pizzeria, and other locally made baked goods, such as the purple-decorated lavender iced cookies, lemon blueberry mini muffins, and a line of gluten-free items.

Since opening on April 2, all vendor goods have been selling, he said. The hours are assertive: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

“We have coffee, so we want to get people in the mornings with coffee. And we're here because we do brew coffee, and we do grind fresh coffee for people,” Sargent said. “And then we want to get the people who come home a little later in the evening, and they need an onion for dinner or whatever it is, they need lunch meat for the next day. So, yeah, we're pretty steady right through till seven o'clock.”

Jordan Stevens has joined her parents to help out at the Market, and they have hired another employee as they gauge the beginning of business. Towards the back is a deli counter with Boarshead meats, hummus and cheeses, and freshly brewed coffee and tea that can be enjoyed at the cozy seating up front in a sunny window.

Salad, sandwiches and breakfast sandwiches, are on the horizon for a hopeful May debut, and Sargent is also hoping to get more locally sourced produce once warmer weather arrives. He’s also thinking ahead to those apple orchards in fall for some cider and apples, and other fresh treats when they become available.

“The alternative is to drive 15 minutes to Batavia or Alden to get that fresh produce or those deli meats, so now they can come here to the village and it’s more of a convenience for them,” he said.

Other items include freeze-dried candies, beeswax and soy-based candles, tea towels, chocolate-covered pretzels, Kindle bookmarks, olive wood cutting boards, bottle stoppers, mugs, dairy and non-dairy goods and cold drinks. One might say it's all that and a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

For more information, go HERE.

Western New York National Cemetery Council will host the final Vietnam Veteran Memorial ceremony at the end of this month, per a proclamation signed by then-President Donald Trump in 2017, William Joyce says.

The proclamation was to “confirm the commitment of this nation to the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, which began on Memorial Day 2012 and will continue through Veterans Day 2025.”

Joyce, director for Genesee County Veterans Service Agency, is not certain why the final date was earmarked for March and not in November on Veterans Day, he said, however, it has been set.

The last ceremony will be at 11 a.m. March 29 at the Garrison flag pole of the cemetery, 1254 Indian Falls Road, Corfu. Joyce said that the public is welcome and encouraged to attend this last rite of honor for Vietnam veterans at this location.

Elected now as the 47th president, Trump and his administration have put the Department of Veterans Affairs up for mass layoffs “as early as June,” according to a memo reviewed by Reuters.

Healthcare and other services for veterans could be compromised by planned reductions at the Department of Veterans Affairs as it apparently seeks to cut more than 80,000 workers, Reuters said in a March 9 news article.

Joyce didn’t believe it would affect his position or his office locally in Batavia.

“It won’t affect me because I’m a county employee doing VA claims and making sure veterans are taken care of, and their spouses. So it won’t affect me or this office,” he said, adding that he didn’t want to speculate about potential cuts to the VA Hospital and related veterans programs. “I haven’t heard anything about that. It’s still green.”

Press Release:

The Western New York National Cemetery Memorial Council (WNYNCMC) will be hosting the LAST “VIETNAM VETERAN MEMORIAL” ceremony at the WNY National Cemetery, 1254 Indian Falls Road, Corfu, at 1100 hrs. (11 a.m.) March 29 at the Garrison Flag pole. 

The public is welcome and encouraged to attend this final ceremony honoring the Vietnam Veterans.

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.