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Elba native Chad Kowalik named to dean's list at Ithaca College

By Billie Owens

Elba native Chad Kowalik, an Ithaca College student majoring in Sports Media, was named to the dean's list in the college's School of Health Sciences and Human Performance for the fall 2017 semester.

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From day one, Ithaca College prepares students for success through hands-on experience with internships, research and study abroad. Its integrative curriculum builds bridges across disciplines and uniquely blends liberal arts and professional study. Located in New York's Finger Lakes region, the College is home to 6,100 undergraduate and 460 graduate students.

Grand Jury: Man accused of possessing stolen credit card at nursing home

By Billie Owens

Michael S. Ryan is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Aug. 25 at the Premier Genesee Nursing Home on Bank Street in Batavia, he knowingly possessed stolen property -- a credit or debit card belonging to a client of the Le Roy Federal Credit Union.

Kevin G. Viehdeffer is indicted for the crime of bail jumping in the second degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that he did not personally appear in Genesee County Court on the required date of March 27, or voluntarily within 30 days thereafter. It is alleged in the indictment that Viehdeffer was released from custody or allowed to remain at liberty upon the condition that he would subsequently appear in Genesee County Court.

Ryan P. Isham is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 10 in the Town of Elba that Isham drove a 2011 Chevrolet on Route 262 in Elba while intoxicated. In count two, the defendant is accused of DWI, per se, as a Class E felony. It is alleged in count two that he had a BAC of .08 or more. In Special Information filed with the indictment by the District Attorney, Isham is accused of having been convicted of DWI as a misdemeanor on Nov. 15, 2015, in Cambria, Niagara County. That conviction is within 10 years of the crimes alleged in the current indictment.

Danielle N. Webster is indicted for the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 6 in the Town of Alabama that Webster drove a 2005 Chevrolet on Bloomingdale Road while knowing, or having reason to know, that her driver's license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle was suspended in New York on Aug. 25 pending prosecution. It is further alleged that she was under the influence of alcohol or a drug at a time. In count two, the defendant is accused of driving while intoxicated as a misdemeanor. In count three, she is accused of failure to keep right. In count four, the defendant is accused of moving from lane unsafely. In count five, Webster is accused of moving across hazard lines on the roadway. In count six, the defendant is accused of consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle.

Elba introduces Hall of Fame inductees at halftime of Lancers' game

By Howard B. Owens

Nicholas Conley, Earl Roth, and Charlie O’Geen, Elba's 2018 Hall of Fame inductees, were introduced during halftime at the Elba vs. Byron-Bergen basketball game Friday night.

The trio will be inducted tonight during a dinner at Batavia Downs.

Following the introduction, some of Elba's basketball alumni played a four-minute basketball game.

In the boys game, the Lancers beat the Bees 50-42.

For Elba, Colton Dillon scored 22 points, hitting four three-pointers, and Jonathan Boyce scored 14.

For Byron-Bergen, Cameron Shank scored 13. Joshua Hohn and Lucas Stucchio scored seven apiece.

Sponsored Post: Open House this Saturday -- 4243 West Avenue in Elba

By Lisa Ace

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY, Jan., 20 from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Super opportunity to own this beautifully remodeled, from top to bottom, country home! Literally from the studs up, this home has been done. Electrical, drywall, furnace, central air, flooring, bathrooms, kitchen, windows and siding!

The layout is spacious and open with cathedral ceilings and the bedrooms are large with huge closets – the master bedroom suite is every girl's dream! Master bedroom, bath and laundry hookups all on main floor for no stairs convenience!

The location is on quiet country road within five minute drive of thruway and shopping. This home has public water as well-all the pluses of country living with amenities! Definitely one to check out. Why build when you can buy this beautiful home at almost half the cost!

Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today or click here for more inforation on this listing.

Lady Lancers snap Lady Bees' seven-game win streak

By Howard B. Owens

Elba improved to 10-1 on the season with a decisive victory over Byron-Bergen in girls basketball by a score of 48-18.

The loss drops the Lady Bees to 7-4 and ends a seven-game winning streak.

Emily Reynolds scored 14 points for Elba. Leah Bezon added 13 and Brynn Walczak scored eight, with two three-pointers.

For B-B, Dana VanValkenburg scored six points.

Seven people in Genesee County caught in ICE immigration sweep looking for convicted criminals and fugitives

By Howard B. Owens

Of 46 suspected or convicted criminal foreign nationals arrested this past week by Immigration Customs Enforcement in Western New York, seven were arrested in Genesee County, according to an ICE spokesman.

No details were released on the seven arrested locally. They were apprehended in Batavia, Elba, Byron and Bergen.

ICE provided examples of some of the people arrested without providing names or details on the locations of the arrests, such as: 

  • A 39-year-old Mexican male with convictions for two counts of illegal entry, driving while intoxicated, and a protection order for domestic violence. He will remain in ICE custody pending the outcome of his removal proceedings.
  • A 23-year-old Guyanese male with convictions for driving while ability impaired and harassment, following his arrest for menacing with a weapon. He will remain in ICE custody pending the outcome of his removal proceedings.
  • A 53-year-old United Kingdom male with convictions for two separate convictions for felony grand larceny. He will remain in ICE custody pending the outcome of his removal proceedings.
  • A 49-year-old Vietnamese male with convictions for theft, burglary, abuse, and menacing, following his arrest for menacing with a weapon, child endangerment, and criminal possession of a weapon. He will remain in ICE custody pending the outcome of his removal proceedings.

The arrests were made over a five-day period as part of an operation targeting at-large criminal aliens, illegal re-entrants, and other immigration violators.

ICE said half of those picked up had prior criminal convictions. Of the 23 who were counted among the non-criminal violators, four were fugitives and six illegally re-entered the country after being deported.

Criminal convictions of those arrested included: felony grand larceny, firearms possession, drug possession, child endangerment, abuse, driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, and forgery.

“Operations like this one demonstrate ICE’s continued focus on the arrest of dangerous criminal aliens as well as those who enter the United States illegally,” said Thomas Feeley, field office director for ERO Buffalo in a statement. “Illegal aliens will not find safe harbor in New York.”

In the press release, ICE states:

Some of the individuals arrested during this week’s enforcement action will be presented for federal prosecution for re-entry after deportation, a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Those not being criminally prosecuted will be processed for removal from the country. Individuals who have outstanding orders of deportation, or who returned to the United States illegally after being deported, are subject to immediate removal from the country.

ICE stated that during the operation, which ended Jan. 12, officers may have encountered additional suspects who may be in the United States without proper documentation. Those persons were evaluated on a case by case basis and, where appropriate, arrested by ICE.

Elba Hall of Fame dinner is Saturday, concludes weeklong celebration

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Elba Hall of Fame Foundation is very excited to induct our newest members on Saturday, Jan. 20, at dinner at Batavia Downs. They are: Earl Roth - '62; Charlie O’Geen, teacher in the Elba School District for 32 years and longtime coach; and Nicholas Conley -- '01.

A weeklong celebration of Elba Lancers is being held this entire week for students and staff. Students will be having dress-up days to show their Elba Lancer school spirit with a school-wide pep assembly on Friday. Mr. Roth, Mr. O'Geen and Mr. Conley will all be at the school on Friday for a luncheon with some student followed by a tour of the school.

The Hall of Fame Foundation inductees will also take part in the pep assembly, too, by sharing with students how the Elba School District made a difference in their lives. 

Friday afternoon the Elba Lancers will welcome the Byron-Bergen Boys Basketball teams to their gym. Games start at 5:30. The new inductees will also be in attendance at the games and introduced to fans. There will be a quick halftime game between Elba alumni and the current Elba staff.

The Hall of Fame Foundation, along with the Elba Student councils, BEST and Elba Sports Boosters have all come together to make this a true weeklong event of celebrating our Elba Lancers' success both past and present. The community is welcome to join us at the game on Friday night as well to celebrate.

Roth is a self employed CPA and has served as Elba's Town Supervisor, Town Councilman, Town Justice, Board of Education Member and is an active member of the Elba Historial Society and Our Lady of Fatima church. Roth was nominated by his son Alan for the Elba Hall of Fame Foundation.

O’Geen is an honorary member for contributing to the Elba School District as a teacher for 32 year and best known as a coach in both football and softball, winning several sectional titles and a State Championship in softball twice. O'Geen was nominated by Mike Cintorino for the Elba Hall of Fame Foundation.

Conley currently works for the State Department as a Senior Intelligence Analyst for the Bureau of Diplomatic Security Headquarters for the Department of State where he specializes in Iraq, Syria and other Middle East countries. Conley was nominated by his aunt Paulette Bird for the Elba Hall of Fame Foundation.

Earl Roth

Charlie O’Geen

Nicholas Conley

Sponsored Post: Open House next week -- 4243 West Avenue in Elba

By Lisa Ace


OPEN HOUSE - Saturday 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Super opportunity to own this beautifully remodeled, from top to bottom, country home! Literally from the studs up, this home has been done-electrical, drywall, furnace, central air, flooring, bathrooms, kitchen, windows and siding!

The layout is spacious and open with cathedral ceilings and the bedrooms are large with huge closets-the master bedroom suite is every girl's dream! Master bedroom bath and laundry hookups all on main floor for no stairs convenience! The location is on quiet country road within five minute drive of Thruway and shopping.

This home has public water as well-all the pluses of country living with amenities! Definitely one to check out. Why build when you can buy this beautiful home at almost half the cost!

Call Lynn Bezon today or click here to view the full listing.

Skid loader fire reported at farm on Bridge Road, Elba

By Howard B. Owens

A skid loader fire is reported at 5263 Bridge Road, Elba.

The skid loader was in a barn but has been pushed out. The caller believes the barn is OK.

Elba fire responding.

UPDATE 12:54 a.m.: A chief on scene reports the skid loader is fully involved and confirms it is out of the barn.

UPDATE 12:57 a.m.:  Now there are no flames; a chief reports, “The fire looks to be pretty snuffed out at this time.” Responding units can come nonemergency and are aduvised to use caution on the snow-covered roads.

Barn on Transit Road with both doors open prompts welfare check of animals inside

By Billie Owens

A barn with both doors open on Transit Road, potentially endangering the lives of animals corraled inside, prompted a call to dispatch. "This caller is concerned about the welfare of the animals due to the cold weather."

The location is reportedly a half mile north of Route 262, which is on the border between Elba and Byron. An animal control officer is heading there now to check their welfare. 

Elba resident killed in Thruway crash in Depew

By Howard B. Owens

A 64-year-old Elba resident died yesterday following a traffic accident on the Thruway at mile marker 417.2, in Depew, when he was unable to stop in time to avoid rear-ending a tractor-trailer that stopped quickly to avoid another collision.

Edward Torres was transported by ground ambulance following the accident at 1:54 p.m. to Erie County Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

State Police say Torres was eastbound behind a tractor-trailer that was also eastbound. There was an accident ahead of the truck and the truck came to an abrupt stop. Torres was unable to stop in time to avoid a crash.

There were other people injured and one person remains in serious condition.

The accident remains under investigation.

Skidster on fire inside barn on Norton Road, Elba

By Billie Owens

A skidster is reportedly on fire inside a barn at 7116 Norton Road, Elba. The barn is 75 feet from a house. Elba Fire Department is responding along with Byron. Stafford is requested to stand by in quarters. The location is between Ford and Edgerton roads.

UPDATE 5:08 p.m.: Fire police are requested to shut down traffic at Route 262 and Edgerton Road. Command at the scene tells responders to "take it easy coming in," due to road conditions.

UPDATE 5:23 p.m.: City Engine 11 and Town of Batavia Engine 24 are on scene, too. This is now a working barn fire.

UPDATE 5:28 p.m.: Fire police also requested for traffic control at the intersection of Edgerton and Norton roads, and at Batavia Elba Townline Road and Norton Road.

UPDATE 6:15 p.m.: This occurred at barns owned by Torrey Farms. The fire did not cause structural damage to the barn. Some hay spread through the barn did catch on fire. But there were 120 cows inside and all of them were unharmed and safely evacuated. Cow trailers are being deployed to shuttle the cows to CY Farms' Heifer Farm, where they will be kept temporarily. It is estimated that it will take about 10 trips to transport the cows for safekeeping.

UPDATE 6:24  p.m.: Elba Fire Chief Mike Heale said the skidster fire sparked some hay but there's no significant structural damage to the barn; some top beams may be singed in places -- a later inspection can confirm that. Heale said there was no extension of the blaze.

UPDATE 6:57 p.m.: Town of Batavia back in service, returning.

UPDATE 7:05 p.m.: Elba back in service. Roads reopened.

UPDATE 7:27 p.m.: Correction, the road is still closed. It is closed until the cows have been moved so the trucks can more safely back in. There is at least one more round trip for the trucks.

Notre Dame, Batavia open Lions Tournament with wins

By Howard B. Owens

Notre Dame and Batavia will meet in the finals of The Peter Arras GCC Basketball Tournament at Genesee Community College on Friday after both teams won opening round games of the annual tournament organized by the Batavia Lions Club.

Notre Dame beat Elba 77-66 and Batavia beat Albion 84-58.

In the first game, Notre Dame and Elba traded leads throughout the first three quarters, but the Irish pulled away by scoring 30 points in the fourth quarter even as Elba scored 24.  

Ryan Moffat scored 26 points for the Irish, hitting five three-point buckets. Nico Zambito scored 17 points. Spencer Miskiti and Brendin Klotzbach each scored eight.

For Elba, Jonathan Boyce scored 20, Collin O'Halloran scored 16, Colton Dillon, 14, and Ben Pflaumer, 13.

In the nightcap, Mason McFollins scored 31 points, hitting seven three-pointers, while Ray Mlodozeniec scored 13, Trevor Zewan, 12, and Jonathan Liciaga, 8.

For Albion, Liam Ward scored 20, hitting four three-point shots and Bryce Pritchard scored 17, hitting five three-point shots.

Elba and Albion will play the consolation game at 6:30 p.m. Friday, and Batavia and Notre Dame tip off at 8 p.m. Both games are played at GCC.

To purchase prints, click here.

Perry beats Elba 62-45

By Howard B. Owens

Perry beat Elba 62-45 in boys basketball Friday night.

For the Yellowjackets, Tyler Cowie scored 31 points. Micheal Hockey added 12 and Austin Croll, 10.

For the Lancers Jonathan Boyce scored 12 and Ben Pflaumer scored 10.

Both Hockey and Pflaumer hit a trio of three-point shots.

GCC's 'Play to Get Fit Challenge' results announced

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Congratulations to Perry Central School for winning Genesee Community College's 2017 Play to Get Fit Challenge! The Health and Physical Education department at Genesee Community College has been rewarding schools and students for their Get Fit Challenge efforts since 2011.

The Play to Get Fit Program was created for third-, fourth- and fifth-graders in the GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties) region to effectively illustrate how many minutes young people spend engaged in physical activity outside of school.

Children record their active minutes on a five-week calendar log specially designed for the "Play to Get Fit" challenge. Walking, biking, running, skating, swimming, playing a sport, playing tag, playing on a swing set and other active, creative games are all eligible for active "credit" minutes. However, video fitness games utilizing Wii or Xbox Kinect are not eligible.

This year, the Perry Central School recorded a whopping 3,021 average active minutes based on the number of students enrolled in third, fourth and fifth grades. Last week, the school was awarded the 2017 winning plaque and each student received a certificate recognizing their participation and effort.

GCC would also like to congratulate the three most active (based on the total number of minutes recorded) participants in the GLOW region this year were:

Grant Grahagan, of Batavia, with 11,876 minutes

Sam Pies, of Batavia, with 9,895 minutes

Madison Needham, of Batavia, with 9,600 minutes

In addition, the program recognizes the three most active students from each participating school district:

Le Roy: 1st -- Isaac Stella; 2nd -- Cameron Riggi; 3rd -- Adam Woodworth

Batavia: 1st -- Grant Grahagan, 2nd -- Sam Pies; 3rd -- Madison Needham

Warsaw: 1st -- Parker Cartwright; 2nd -- Jacob McCormick; 3rd -- Jakob Cornell

York: 1st -- Brody Pangrazio; 2nd -- Connor Boyd; 3rd -- Havyan Wetmore

Pavilion: 1st -- Nicholas Deland; 2nd -- Kiara Gonzalez; 3rd -- Ella Tillotson

Perry: 1st -- Reagan Moroz; 2nd -- Aja Le Harvey; 3rd -- Tysen Deaton

Elba: 1st -- Noah Calarco-Smith; 2nd -- Tristan Snell; 3rd -- Ty Reilly

Oakfield-Alabama: 1st -- David Schichler; 2nd -- Alexis Roggen; 3rd -- Avery Watterson

"Play to Get Fit is a powerful way to expose kids to an active lifestyle and encourage them to have fun while being active," said Becky Dziekan, GCC's director of Health and Physical Education. "The participation from various school districts is proof that the program works! Congratulations to Perry and all of the students who participated."

The Health and Physical Education program at Genesee Community College offers several areas of study. The Sports Management Studies transfer degree programs or associate of science (A.S.) program includes foundations in accounting, marketing, sports facility management and more. The Fitness and Recreation Management applied associate of science degree (A.A.S.) program offers a Personal Trainer concentration and the opportunity to earn the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) accredited credentials through the American Council on Exercise (ACE) as a certified personal trainer.

In addition, GCC offers both an A.S. and an A.A.S in Physical Education Studies in which students have the opportunity to earn a coaching certificate for NYS non-Certified Physical Education Teachers.

Sponsored Post: Reliant Real Estate has your NEW HOME this holiday

By Lisa Ace


5774 Shelt Road, Byron  | $87,900. CLICK HERE FOR LISTING INFO.
Awesome country location for this affordable 3 bedroom, 2 full bath home! Whether you are downsizing or just starting out this home fits the bill -- spacious open concept with large rooms makes this home feel large but super cozy. Located in the Elba School System this home is perfect for the people who want their piece of country. Surrounded by fields on a quiet road-definitely one to take a ride for!

4243 West Avenue, Elba | $179,900. CLICK HERE FOR LISTING INFO.
Super opportunity to own this beautifully remodeled from top to bottom Country home!! Literally from the studs up this home has been done -- electrical, drywall, furnace, central air, flooring, bathrooms, kitchen, windows and siding! The layout is spacious and open with cathedral ceilings and the bedrooms are large with huge closets -- the master bedroom suite is every girl's dream! Master bedroom bath and laundry hookups all on main floor for no stairs convenience! The location is on quiet country road within five minute drive of thruway and shopping. Home has public water as well-all the pluses of Country living with amenities! Definitely one to check out-why build when you can buy this beautiful home at almost half the cost!

32 Cary Avenue, Oakfield | $94,900. CLICK HERE FOR LISTING INFO.
Solid home in the heart of the village! This three bedroom home has a lot to offer either to someone starting out or a growing family. This home is super spacious with a very open floor plan downstairs and upstairs features plenty of closets and good size bedrooms. The kitchen is sunny and bright and has homey back breakfast nook out looking the fenced in back yard. There is an extra deep garage plenty big enough for a car and work space! The basement of the home with a little work could be great extra living space -- it is already partially finished and has a wet bar! The home does have central air and a new 200-amp electrical service and the roof on home and garage is 7 years young. With very little elbow grease this home can be up and running for the New Year! Very easy to see!

Sponsored Post: New Listing Alert: 4342 West Avenue in Elba

By Lisa Ace


Super opportunity to own this beautifully remodeled, from top to bottom, country home! Literally from the studs up, this home has been done-electrical, drywall, furnace, central air, flooring, bathrooms, kitchen, windows and siding!

The layout is spacious and open with cathedral ceilings and the bedrooms are large with huge closets -- the master bedroom suite is every girl's dream! Master bedroom, bath, and laundry hookups all on main floor for no stairs convenience.

The location is on quiet country road within five minute drive of thruway and shopping. Home has public water as well -- all the pluses of country living with amenities! Definitely one to check out.

Why build when you can buy this beautiful home at almost half the cost! Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today for more information or click here to view this listing.

The Elba Craft Show folks offer 'huge shout out' to those who made this year's event successful

By Billie Owens

A Letter of Thanks from the Elba Craft Show folks:

Thank you, MR. Palmer, Mrs. Harris, Mrs. Cusmano, Mrs. Cronkovich, Glennda, Mr. Tower, Mrs. Stucko, Ms. Bush, Mrs. Pedro, Mrs. Kent, Mrs. Christopher, the booster clubs that showed up, all the volunteers from National Honor Society, Student Council, we could not have done it without you. 

Mel, I just want to let you know that you went above and beyond and w so appreciate you. Thank you again for everything you do for us.

This is why I always say ELBA ROCKS…..

I WOULD LIKE TO Thank the Brayden Salvaterra Memorial Foundation for bringing in the bounce house. The 50/50 raised $154.00 to be donated to this wonder foundation. The foundation gives back to the school and community in so many ways and we are grateful.

Thank you to the Boy Scouts for showing what scouting is all about. I am proud to be associated with such a fine group of young men. You worked hard all day and all I heard was wonderful things about you guys. You were polite, courteous, respectful and funny at times. (yeah, I know, doesn’t sound like our boys). Thank you to Jamie Belluscio, you are awesome with the boys helping them keep on track and getting the orders to the vendors. You definitely had more patience than I. Thank you to the kitchen crew Frank, Brian and Shawn.You guys did a fantastic job considering the boys brought you 30 orders all at once hahaha.

Thank you to the parents for letting us have their boys all day and thank you for instilling in them good behavior. Our scouting program would not work without your continued support. Also would like to thank Ron and Herm for setting up and all their behind the scenes work. Also, a shout out to Lauren Zuber, thank you for coming and helping set up on Friday night it was greatly appreciated.

I would like to thank each and every one of the vendors that came out and supported the Elba Scouting program, without you this event would not have been possible. Thank you to all the customers/shoppers that came out and supported us and the crafter/vendors. I would also like to thank the Sheriff’s Department for coming out and fingerprinting and photographing the children. And thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Claus for surprising us with a visit.

I would like to thank all our businesses that donated to our Grand Door prize which was worth well over $800. Thank you for your generosity.

Thank you to Harvester 56 for letting us borrow the chairs.

To My dear friend Ruth, thank you for setting up my booth and selling my baked goods all day. Luv u.

And as always last but not least my Queen Kim, there are no words to explain my gratitude. I luv you to the moon and back.

If I have left anyone out I am truly sorry it was an oversight, so many to thank to make this a success.

If I have left anyone out I am truly sorry it was an oversight, so many to thank to make this a success.

Thank You

Mark your Calendars

Saturday, December 8, 2018

Lori McClurg

Chairperson

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