elba

Porfirio Gabriel has worked for Torrey Farms in Elba for 13 years and helps the Torreys recruit workers from Mexico, specifically Comachuen, to obtain H2A temporary visas and work planting onions and harvesting squash, cabbage, and beans each year.

These workers, Gabriel told NPR for a recent story about money sent from workers back to Mexico to help support local economies, have helped Comachuen families receive as much as $5 million over three years, by far the town's largest source of income.

These funds sent to Mexico, called remittances, may have exceeded $50 billion for the first time last year, according to the story.

Travis Torrey sent the link to the NPR story to The Batavian noting that as regulators try to limit the number of hours farmer workers can labor each week they're really hurting the people they say they're trying to help.

"I think you can see that coming to WNY to work is their version of the ‘American dream,’" Torrey said. "Everyone that has come here has bettered themselves and families.  The inhumanity is denying them the opportunity.

"Without the farmworkers, there would be no farms," he added. "The same can be said if there are no farms there are no farmworkers."

A week ago, the state's Farm Labor Board, on a 2-1 vote, recommended the overtime threshold for farmworkers be lowered from 60 hours a week to 40 hours a week.

Both farmer-owners and farmworkers have repeatedly spoken out against the rule change over the past few years saying that workers will seek jobs in states that don't restrict potential earnings.

Torrey notes the rule change will hurt workers like Gabriel when they get their hours cut.

From the NPR story:

Gabriel is resigned to working in the United States as long as he can. He sends home about $7,500 each year from what he earns working the fields. That money is largely used to fund his children's education, paying private college fees so his eldest son can be a registered nurse.

His hope is that his children will get university degrees and not have to emigrate. "I am paying for their studies, so that they don't have to do what we had to do," Gabriel says.

Press release:

The Village of Elba will be handing out free COVID- 19 test kits on Saturday, January 29, 2022, from 11 a.m. to Noon based on availability.

There is a limit of to two (2) test kits per individual, four (4) tests per household. You must be a Genesee County resident and there are no pre-orders.

This event will take place at the Village Office, 4 South Main St. in Elba.

Press release:

Hecate Energy announced today that the application for its proposed 500- megawatt Cider Solar Farm in the towns of Elba and Oakfield, New York has been deemed complete by the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES). If approved by ORES, Cider Solar Farm would be the largest solar project permitted and constructed to date in the State of New York.

Established by Section 94-c of Executive Law, ORES is the newly established state office charged with implementing the timely consolidated review and permitting for major renewable energy facilities in New York State. Its acceptance of the Cider Solar Farm application is the first time ORES has deemed a renewable energy application complete.

“This is the first 94-c application to be deemed complete by ORES, which is a significant milestone for renewable energy in New York,” said Harrison Luna, Cider Solar Farm’s project developer. “The establishment of ORES and the 94-c permit process underpins the state’s commitment to supporting sustainable power, and we’re fortunate to be in a position to use it to bring clean, homegrown electricity to Genesee County. We are encouraged both by the transparency brought to the permitting process by ORES and the comprehensiveness of that process, and we believe this project will be an excellent addition to the next generation of sustainable power supply in New York State.”

The completed permitting application for Cider Solar Farm was extensive and comprehensive. It included 6 bound volumes and more than 96,000 pages of detailed analysis of data from studies assessing the proposed project’s effect on the host communities. Surveys were commissioned regarding a wide range of environmental, cultural, land use, and socioeconomic considerations such as wetlands and streams, wildlife habitat, nearby traffic patterns, cultural resources, noise and vibrations, visual effects from nearby areas, site security, and other potential concerns.

If approved by ORES, Cider Solar Farm would be built on nearly 3,000 acres in the towns of Elba and Oakfield in Genesee County. It is expected to create over 500 construction jobs and will be capable of supplying 920,000 megawatt-hours of renewable electricity per year – enough to power over 120,000 average New York households. Clean energy from Cider Solar Farm is expected to offset 718,694 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, which according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is equivalent to the annual emissions from 141,794 passenger vehicles.

“For years people have talked about bringing economic development to upstate New York. This milestone is a very positive sign to other developers who are considering bringing their investment, jobs, and sustainable energy projects to this region,” said Luna. “The New York State Legislature, Governor Hochul, and ORES are to be commended for following through and making this happen. Together with the renewable energy industry, we are finally bringing long-term, sustainable economic development to the upstate region.”

To learn more about Hecate Energy and the proposed Cider Solar Farm, visit the project website at www.CiderSolarFarm.com.

The Lady Lancers defeated the Lady Dragons on Thursday night 59-44.

Dakota Brinkman scored 17 points for Elba and Laci Sewar scored 15 points.  Sewar had 11 rebounds and Brinkman 10.

For Pembroke, Ellie Peterson scored 15 points.

Also in girls basketball:

• Byron-Bergen beat Alexander 43-34
• Kendall beat Notre Dame 33-19

There were no local boys' basketball games on Thursday.

Two people are reportedly injured after a snowmobile accident in the area of 6920 Norton Road.

The accident occurred on the old railroad bed just west of Norton Road.

The callers are going to attempt to make it to the roadway. 

Elba Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 10:33 a.m.: Mercy Flight on standby. Norton Road is being shut down.

UPDATE 10:48 a.m.: Mercy Flight not required at the scene.  

 

A garage fire was reported at 7504 Norton Road, Elba, at about 5:45 a.m. and the fire spread to the adjoining house and though the house was saved by volunteer firefighters, two residents and a dog have been temporarily displaced, according to Elba Fire Chief Mike Heale.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Heale confirmed there was some sort of explosion in the garage during the fire but the object that exploded was not identified at the time of his interview this morning.

The fire went to a second alarm, Heale said, to ensure there was enough manpower to fight the fire in frigid weather. The temperature was two degrees this morning, which means crews need to rotate frequently to stay warm.  The cold weather also creates slippery conditions for firefighters as water freezes quickly.

No injuries were reported.

Reporting and photos by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

The Oakfield-Alabama Lady Hornets are no longer among the undefeated after being defeated Wednesday by the Elba Lady Lancers 42-38.

For Elba, Dakota Brinkman scored 10 points and both Laci Sewar and Adrianna Long scored nine points. Long hit a pair of three-point shots.

For O-A, MacKena Reding scored 11 points and Alea Groff scored 10.  Kelsey Schlagenhauf scored seven points to go along with 13 rebounds. Caitlin Ryan had 12 rebounds.

The Hornets are now 10-1 and Elba is 5-4.

In other girls basketball games:

• Pavilion beat Notre Dame 52-26. For Pavilion, Karlee Zinkievich scored 16 points, Lauren Kinglsey, 15, along with nine rebounds, eight blocked shots, and five steals. Shea Amberger had a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds.
• Lyndonville beat Alexander 65-61. 

In boys basketball:

• Batavia fell to Brockport, 51-41. For Batavia, Javin McFollins and Tanner Mountain each scored 12 points.
• Le Roy beat Letchworth 58-37

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.

A vehicle has reportedly flipped over in Elba, east of the intersection of Ford Road and Old Ford Road.

Elba Fire responding.

UPDATE 4:22 p.m.: One patient. Minor leg injury.

The Oakfield-Alabama Hornets are 10-0 on the season after beating Elba on Tuesday 64-53.

For the Hornets:

• Kam Cusmano, 22 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks
• Kyle Porter, 16 points, 6 rebounds
• Gaige Armbrewster, 12 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists
• Kaden Cusmano, 10 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks

For Elba:

• Zach Marsceill, 21 points
• Angelo Penna, 17 points

Also in boys basketball on Tuesday:

• Notre Dame beat Pembroke, 74-66
• Holley beat Byron-Bergen, 61-51

In girls basketball:

• Pavilion beat Mt. Morris 67-12. Lauren Kinglsey scored 16 points, along with eight rebounds, five assists, and seven blocked shots.  Shea Amberger notched a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Karley Zinkievich, 14 points, and Paige Landers, 10 points.
• Attica beat Pembroke, 52-42. For Pembroke, Elle Peterson and Allie Schwerthoffer each scored 10 points, with Schwerthoffer snagging 12 rebounds.
• Spencerport beat Batavia 60-26.

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.

In a first-round game of the small schools' division of the annual Lions Tournament at GCC, Oakfield-Alabama beat Elba 60-44.

For the Hornets:

 

• Gaige Armbrewster, 20 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals
• Kam Cusmano, 15 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals
• Kaden Cusmano, 12 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks

For Elba, CJ Gottler scored 25 points.

O-A is now 5-0 on the year.

Photos by Kristin Smith.  For more, click here.

The Lady Lancers hit 70 percent of their shots in the first half of Monday's game against Batavia propelling Elba to a 54-31 win.

Dakota Brinkman, who dropped three three-point buckets, scored 13 points for Elba, while Laci Sewar and Kennedy Augello scored nine each. Adrianna Long scored eight and Sydney Reilly scored seven.

Brinkman also had seven rebounds.

For Batavia, Jaylene Dersham scored 10 points.

Tarrence Williams

Tarrence Yuron Williams, 22, of Porter Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, criminal possession of a controlled substance 4th, criminal possession of a firearm, criminal obstruction of breathing and blood circulation, and menacing 3rd.  On Dec. 15, dispatchers received a report of a disturbance at the Quality Inn and Suites, 8250 Park Road, Batavia.  Williams is accused of choking another person at that location. He was taken into custody and allegedly found in possession of a quantity of crack cocaine.  Deputies obtained a search warrant for his room at the hotel and located an allegedly illegal firearm.  Williams was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and ordered held on bail of $5,000.  Batavia PD and the District Attorney's Office assisted in the investigation.

Sidney Carl Underhill, 72, of Oak Orchard Road, Elba, is charged with disobeying a mandate.  Underhill allegedly violated an order of protection at 10:31 p.m., Dec. 8 at a location on Main Street, Batavia.

Dianna Lynn Sprague, 50, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Sprague is accused of shoplifting from Walmart in Batavia. 

Alexander Rian Toal, 18, of Swamp Road, Byron, is charged with menacing 2nd and acting in a manner injurious to a child less than 17 years old. Toal is accused of placing a person in fear of his life by displaying what appeared to be a firearm and threatening that person while a child under age 17 was present.  He was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released on his own recognizance.

Stephen G. Ognibene, 64, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd.  Ognibene is accused of violating an order of protection by not surrendering his firearms.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

During the first have of the rival match-up between Notre Dame and Elba at Notre Dame, the Lady Lancers looked like a team rebuilding after losing four starters from last season's championship squad.

Elba trailed 17-8.

In the second half, the Lady Irish were outscored 19-12.

It wasn't enough for Elba, though, after Avelin Tomidy hit a game-winning shot with about 15 seconds left in the game.  Elba wasn't able to answer and Notre Dame celebrated a nail-biter of a victory.

Tomidy finished with nine points. Maylee Green lead the Irish with 14 points.

For Elba, Laci Sewar scored 10 points.

A two-vehicle accident is reported at Oak Orchard Road and North Byron Road, Elba.

One person is complaining of a head and arm injury.

One vehicle is off the road.

Elba Fire and Mercy EMS responding.

A serious injury accident, possibly involving a child, is reported at Route 98 and Lockport Road, Elba.

Elba Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched. Mercy Flight responding.

One vehicle is blocking.  Traffic on Route 98 is being shut down.

UPDATE 8:05 p.m.: A 6-year-old girl was ejected from the back passenger seat and down a steep hill into a field.  She was flown by Mercy Flight to an area hospital as a precaution and is being kept for observation, said Sgt. Andrew Hale. The vehicle she was riding was westbound on Lockport Road and allegedly failed to yield the right of way to a southbound sedan.  The first car then struck a guard rail, which apparently caused the child to be ejected. The child may not have been in a car seat. Potential charges are pending, Hale said. The sedan struck a southbound car.  Neither driver was injured and a second child in the first car was not injured.

UPDATE Tuesday, 10:46 a.m.: The investigation, according to the Sheriff's Office, indicates a 2007 Honda Civic driven by Mikayla Bard, from Brockport, was westbound on Lockport Road when it allegedly failed to stop at a stop sign. It collided in the middle of the intersection with a 2008 Toyota Prius driven by Faez Alsaddi. A passenger in the Honda was ejected from the vehicle. Alsaddi was uninjured. Bard and another passenger in the vehicle were transported by Mercy EMS to Strong Memorial Hospital with apparent minor injuries. The child passenger who was ejected was transported to Strong via Mercy Flight. Reports from the hospital back to the Sheriff's Office indicate she suffered only minor injuries.  Alcohol does not appear to be a factor.  The crash is being investigated by Chief Deputy Brian Freiday, Sergeant Andrew Hale, Investigator Kevin Forsyth, Deputy Richard Schildwaster, Deputy Travis DeMuth, Deputy Andrew Mullen, and Deputy Nicholas Chamound.  Assisting at the scene were Elba Fire, Oakfield Fire, Barree Fire, Mercy EMS, and the State Police.

Tioga brought to an end a great 2021 run by the Oakfield-Alabama/Elba Aggies on Friday with a 49-6 win in a state semifinal game.

For OAE, Gage Armbrewseter gained 67 yards on 16 carries.  Connor Scott scored a touchdown on two carries for 67 yards. Noah Currier gained 44 yards on seven carries. On defense, he had nine tackles.

" While this one may sting for the time being, we cannot let a single bad night take away from everything these boys were able to accomplish this season," said Head Coach Tyler Winter. "After some tough years early in our merge, and a stint in 8-man football, these boys have put the OAE Aggies on the map at the New York State level.  I could not be more proud of their efforts, their commitment, and the love they had for one another throughout the journey.  The way this group brought two communities together the way that they did is indescribable.  This journey truly was a privilege, one full of memories that they will get to carry with them for the rest of their lives.  Your Class D Sectional and Regional champions.  Two communities.  ONE FAMILY."

Photos by Kristin Smith.  For more, click here.

 

The Oakfield-Alabama/Elba Aggies advanced toward every team's ultimate goal -- a chance to play for a state championship -- with 28-22 victory over Randolph in the Far West Regionals.

Bodie Hyde was 6-for-12 passing for 184 yards and three touchdowns in the Friday night game in Jamestown. He also had 107 yards rushing on 20 carries.

Gaige Armbrewster had 122 yards on 15 carries.  Noah Currier had a TD reception and a rushing TD, gaining 110 yards on three receptions. Kameron Cusmano had a 44-yard TD reception.  Kaden Cusmano had a 25-yard TD reception.

On Defense, Brayden Smith had 15 tackles and a forced fumble. CG Gottler had nine tackles and a sack. Connor Scott, five tackles, a pass breakup and a fumble recovery.

"This had to be our most impressive win of the season for sure," said Head Coach Tyler Winter. "This was a very physical game and Randolph was a very tough opponent.

"To overcome in the second half the way they did was impressive and admirable.  Winning this game was a byproduct of their ability to take over the LOS (line of scrimmage) battle that we weren't winning in the first half and own it throughout the fourth quarter to finish the game.  Overall, this team is just incredibly excited that they get to keep playing football.  The show goes on!"

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.

The Oakfield-Alabama/Elba Aggies continued their year of perfection with yet another win, this time to capture the Class D Section V title by beating Avon 26-21.

Gaige Armbrewster rushed 16 times for 166 yards and two touchdowns.  

Bodie Hyde was 4-5 passing for 68 yards and a TD.  He also rushed for 21 yards.

Noah Currier gained 120 yards on nine carries and scored a TD.  He also had a 39-yard TD reception.

On defense, Kaden Cusmano had 12 tackles, a sack and he broke up two passes.  TJ Andres had 11 tackles as did Brayden Smith.  CJ Gottler and Ethan Cramer each and nine tackles and Gottler also had a sack.  Cameron Cusmano had an interception as did Armbrewster and Currier.

"I am so incredibly happy and proud for our boys," said Head Coach Tyler Winter. "The composure they showed during moments of adversity tonight is what champions are made of.  This group made a promise to themselves after the way that last season ended. They did everything in their power to make sure they would have a shot at winning a sectional championship this fall.

"To look around and see them enjoy the fruits of their labor tonight... I couldn't be more proud.  This group has so much fun playing football together, that we are glad the show is not over yet.  Our goal as we prepare for the Far West Regionals is to keep working hard, love each other, and play football together as long as we possibly can.  HOW BOUT THEM AGGIES !?"

Photos by Kristin Smith.  For more, click here.

O-A/E's Gaige Armbrewster looks for running room.

Kameron Cusmano (5) and Noah Currier (20) converge upon Avon QB Andrew Rowland.

Armbrewster carried the day for the Aggies.

 Noah Currier breaks a tackle.

More production from Armbrewster.

A great grab for Gaige.

QB Bodie Hyde just gets the pass away.

6566 Miller Road, Elba. MLS # R1370467. Country Living at it's best! Mature treed property combining the amenities of today in a picturesque rural home setting on over 2 acres. This 4 bedroom home is just what you have been waiting for. Plenty of space for everything: family, friends, entertaining, inside and out. Hot tub on deck overlooking large backyard and woods beyond. This home has public water, a new roof in 2020, an updated kitchen with new Fridge this year. Central Air, Central Vac System, and Back up Generator. Garage is heated and has its own utility sink for easy clean up. Convenient adjacent workshop area off garage. Don't miss out on this one! Above ground pool not used in recent year. Contact Candace Hensel at 585-739-2836