Stories from

Two undefeated teams but only one winner in the Section V Class C crossover game in Webster on Monday with Byron-Bergen beating Gananda in overtime 3-2.

Mia Gray, with an assist from Elizabeth Starowitz, scored with winning goal at minute 25 in overtime.

During regulation time, Mackenzie Hagen and Emma Starowitz, with an assist from Hagen, scored goals.

Goalie Novalee Pocock blocked 10 shots while giving up two goals for the first time this season.

The Bees are now 21-0 and will play in the Far West Regional Championship for Class C at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Niagara Wheatfield.

The American Warrior Festival has been involved for some time in providing military-level physical training to potential recruits, and at a recent event at BeyonDriven in Le Roy, organization produced this video.

The mentorship training program helps individuals qualify for military physical fitness standards.

Director Dan Clor said that "the U.S. military is experiencing the greatest volunteer shortage in recent history," and the program, he said, "helps youth improve overall academically and physically with the goal of entering the U.S. military."

For more information, click here.

Tarrence Williams

After pleading guilty to a drug-dealing charge and then getting arrested on a weapons possession felony, Tarrence Y. Williams wanted a new attorney, one he thought could help him get a plea bargain that consolidated his cases.

Judge Melissa Lightcap Cianfrini granted Williams' request on Oct. 18 to change attorneys even though District Attorney Kevin Finnell said he saw no grounds for letting Williams withdraw his prior guilty plea.

Williams was back in court today for sentencing on the drug conviction, but Finnell was called away on other business so Cianfrini granted a request by Fred Rarick, the assigned counsel now representing Williams, to adjourn the sentencing.

He is awaiting a response from Finnell on whether Finnell is willing to reduce the felony weapons charge -- criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree -- to a misdemeanor. 

That would be a significant change. Cianfrini noted today that since the second alleged felony occurred while the defendant was waiting for sentencing on a prior felony conviction, she would have no choice but to sentence him to consecutive terms on the two convictions.

Williams pled guilty to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance third, following an arrest on drug-dealing-related charges in December.

On Sept. 30., Williams was arrested again after Batavia city patrol officers responded to a report of shots fired on Ellicott Street.  Williams was taken into custody after a foot pursuit and a weapon was reportedly found under a bush near the M&T Bank branch off Court Street.

Williams was then charged with criminal possession of a weapon second, a Class C felony, and criminal possession of a weapon fourth, a Class A misdemeanor.

The case was continued to 11 a.m. Dec. 6, and Cianfrini kept his bail at the previous $50,000 cash, $100,000 bond, or $200,000 partially secured bond.

A jury has convicted Robert L. Williams of two counts of animal cruelty for pouring some sort of corrosive agent on two dogs in January 2021.

They also found Williams guilty of two counts of criminal mischief 4th.

The animal cruelty convictions come under New York's Ag and Markets Law so the maximum sentence Williams faces is two years local confinement in the Genesee County Jail.  He can't be sent to prison on the conviction.  The maximum sentence for criminal mischief convictions is one year in jail.

Assistant District Attorney Robert Zickl, who prosecuted Williams, said nobody saw what Williams poured on the dogs, and Williams has denied the conduct, but the physical evidence supports the prosecution's theory of the case.  

One dog sustained burned fur and skin. The other dog's eyes were burned.  Both dogs have made a full recovery, Zickl said.  The dog with the burned eyes shows no ill effects.

The dogs belonged to the girlfriend of a person Williams was living with at the time of the incident.

The commitment is in place but there is still a lot of work to be done before construction can begin on the new manufacturing facility Edwards Vacuum plans to build at WNY STAMP.

Steve Hyde, CEO of GCEDC, said the proposed project, once built out, with 600 jobs, will be the largest new manufacturing plant in Genesee County history.

"That's about a 20 percent increase in our manufacturing employment," Hyde said.

But before the first person can be hired, there are permits to be obtained, an environmental review process to complete, site plans to review, and an incentive package with GCEDC to negotiate.

The permitting process will make the coming months a bit busier for officials in the Town of Alabama.

Typically, job-creation projects receive three primary tax breaks. The first is a PILOT, or payment in lieu of taxes. The PILOT forgives a portion of property taxes (the portion derived from an increase in assessed value) in exchange for payments to local governments.  The second is a sales tax abatement on construction materials. And the third is a mortgage tax abatement. 

GCEDC has yet to reach an agreement with Edwards on those incentives, which will require a public hearing and board approval once the details are worked out.

"All of that comes down to a fundamental thing -- is it a competitive world or not?" Hyde said. "And it's a very competitive world, especially for projects in the semiconductor industry. So you know, those are all important pieces that are negotiated."

Edwards doesn't hold all the cards in any negotiation, however.  In prior interviews, both Hyde and Sen. Charles Schumer pointed out that STAMP is located along a growing semiconductor corridor between Fishkill and Ohio, and the Micron Technologies plant announced last month for the Syracuse area is a significant large potential customer for Edwards.  And a source in Gov. Kathy Hochul's office pointed out in an email today Wolfspeed and Global Foundries, among others along the I-90 corridor, are existing or potential customers for Edwards.

STAMP also benefits from a renewable energy source, Niagara Falls.

Edwards Vacuum also stands to benefit from $20 million in incentives from the State of New York.  Most of that money comes in the form of Excelsior Jobs Tax Credits.  The company only receives the tax credits if they make the qualifying hires.

There is also a workforce development grant that Edwards can earn as it builds out its staff.

The increase in new plant development across the nation is being driven largely by the CHIPS and Science Act, a bill authored by Schumer, that provides $59 billion in grants along with tax credits for companies building out the nation's capacity for producing computer chips.

Edwards is moving forward with its plans even though the company cannot yet apply for CHIPS assistance.

"(Edwards) has plans to put in their own version of a CHIPS application," Hyde said. "But no one has an official commitment yet because the window isn't even open to put the applications in. The Department of Commerce says, I think, it's February when they'll start taking applications. And I know these guys plan on putting in a very thoughtful application as well."

If all goes to plan -- and Hyde said the GCEDC staff is committed to getting through the process smoothly -- contractors for Edwards could put the first shovel into the ground in the spring.

Edwards has committed to an 80-acre parcel in the northeast quadrant of STAMP, all east of Crosby Road.

One additional job for GCEDC is building out the infrastructure, such as sewer and water, for the site.  Hyde said GCEDC will apply for a new state grant program to help pay for building infrastructure.

Edwards is planning to invest $319 million to build a manufacturing plant in two phases. The first phase will be 255,000 square feet, with 240,000 square feet dedicated to manufacturing. The remaining floor space will be used for a warehouse and administration.  The second phase will be 130,000 square feet.  

The company hopes to complete the first phase by the fourth quarter of 2024 and in that first phase, will employ from 300 to 350 people.  The second phase will round out the anticipated 600 new hires sometime in 2026.

"They're not letting any grass grow under their feet on this project," Hyde said.

Photo: File photo.

This morning's announcement that Edwards Vacuum is going to build a $319 million dry-pump manufacturing facility at WNY STAMP is a good indication, said Sen. Charles Schumer, that there are more high-tech companies who will choose to locate new plants at the park.

"We had a good chance before landing Edwards and now those chances are even better," Schumer told The Batavian during an exclusive interview.

Edwards is a major player in the semiconductor industry, Schumer said, and the decision by the company's CEO, Geert Follens, helps validate STAMP as a viable option for other companies in the semiconductor supply chain as well as a semiconductor fabricator.

The British-based company makes the vacuums that help keep chip manufacturing clean rooms clean.

"Once you land a serious company like this, other semiconductor companies are going to take notice," Schumer said.

Schumer is the author of the CHIPs and Science Act, which provides $52 billion in manufacturing grants and establishes a 25 percent investment tax credit for increasing semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S. 

That bill, Schumer said, was a significant factor in the decision by Micron Technologies to build a major chip manufacturing plant near Syracuse and Micron's selection of New York helped STAMP beat out a competing site in another nearby state for the Edwards facility, Schumer said. 

Phase One of Edwards Vacuum’s 240,000 square-foot campus includes manufacturing, warehouse and administration.  The company is expected to employ 600 people and the state and federal financial incentives tied to the deal require Edwards to meet that employment goal.

Edwards will also negotiate a PILOT agreement (a reduction in property taxes on the increased value of the property in exchange for payments to local governments), along with sales tax, and mortgage tax abatements with GCEDC.

In an interview with The Batavian yesterday, GCEDC Steve Hyde said there was a major announcement coming soon (which came a lot sooner than he suggested) about STAMP, and he also said there are about 20 companies with some interest in STAMP and another five or six with serious interest.

Schumer agreed with that assessment.

"There is a lot of interest in STAMP," said Schumer, a big baseball fan. "We have to land them but we're on third base and getting ready to score."

File photo of Sen. Charles Schumer at WNY STAMP in August 2020 calling for passage of the CHIPS Act. Photo by Howard Owens.

A large tree is reported down in the roadway with multiple wires down in the area of 7146 Randall Road, Le Roy.

Le Roy Fire dispatched.

UPDATE 10:51 a.m.: Fire police requested to shut down West Bergen Road and Randall Road.

UPDATE 10:56 a.m.: Bergen requested to the scene mutual aid.

With a bit of luck or an answered prayer, there could be an announcement about a new tenant at STAMP in Alabama within the next 30 days, said Steve Hyde, CEO of GCEDC, in an exclusive interview with The Batavian on Monday.

"You know what, we're praying hard that the next one connects, and we've had some real big strides of late, so I'm hoping there'll be something to talk about inside of 30 days," Hyde said.

The suggestion that a deal with some sort of hi-tech firm to build a plant at the WNY Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park came at the end of an interview where Hyde discussed the interest the park is drawing from semi-conductor companies, the supply chain for those companies, and renewable energy companies.

"Things are moving, the site's market-relevant now," Hyde said. "We're seeing a lot of interest."

The biggest game changer for marketing STAMP, Hyde said, is the CHIPS and Science Act.

The legislation, authored by Sen. Charles Schumer, is intended to increase the production of semiconductors -- computer chips -- in the United States and reduce the reliance in the U.S. on Chinese semiconductors.  It's seen by supporters as a national security issue.

The act provides $52 billion in manufacturing grants and establishes a 25 percent investment tax credit for increasing semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S. 

"It is critical, in my view, having lived in this industry for a decade or more, that we really need to do all we can to bring it back," Hyde said. "I applaud Sen. Schumer and a lot of our leaders. That was a bipartisan effort around CHIPS to really make this happen and now we're seeing deals from it."

One of the biggest deals so far, announced last month, is the decision by Micron Technologies to invest $100 billion to build a new plant on 1,300 acres near Syracuse. 

Far from losing out on that deal, the staff at GCEDC has been busy negotiating with a bevy of companies -- as many as 20 -- about space availability at Genesee County's own 1,200-acre advanced technology campus.  Hyde said there are at least five companies, and perhaps seven, that have at least a 70 percent chance of signing a deal for a facility at STAMP.

"There's a real active sales funnel at STAMP, actually," Hyde said. "It's deeper and wider than I've seen, ever."

Combined, the companies kicking tires represent $40 billion in investments and about 20,000 jobs.

Of course, they won't all fit on the campus, and depending on who eventually signs, we could see anywhere from three to six companies with facilities in the park.

The competitive landscape has shifted since STAMP was first conceived, Hyde said.  He's no longer expecting one major semiconductor company to come in and swoop up all that remains of the STAMP campus.  The project was conceived during a time when semiconductor companies only wanted to locate two or three fabrication operations in a single location, preferring to spread out manufacturing nationally, if not globally.

But as China has grown more competitive, and with the incentives of the CHIPS Act, the major firms are looking for locations that can support six to eight fabrication plants, Hyde said.  STAMP isn't designed to provide the infrastructure necessary to support that size of an operation.

He congratulated the leaders in Onondaga County for being able to put together a plan that will meet Micron's needs.

Ultimately, Micron's presence in Central New York will benefit Genesee County, he said.  It helps create a corridor of semiconductor companies and supply chain companies from Fishkill to Columbus, Ohio, including projects in Utica and Albany, with STAMP just off the I-90 that helps tie it all together.

"Honestly, a lot of these supply chain and semiconductor players like to be nearby for transportation logistics, but they don't necessarily want to be right in the back yard of another firm because of workforce (availability)."

A smaller semiconductor manufacturer might take an interest in STAMP, but Hyde suggested it's more likely that supply chain companies will move in the firms that supply semiconductor manufacturers with their tools and technological support.

"It could become a hub for semiconductor players that maybe don't take the whole campus, but fit in nicely, and it almost becomes like a hub for the semiconductor industry," Hyde said. "We've got some real interest in that, in that space right now." 

There remains high interest among green energy companies because of the renewable power source available at STAMP (Niagara Falls). It helps that Plug Power is already building what will be the nation's largest green hydrogen plant, Hyde said.

There's also a developer from Indiana who is interested in acquiring the southern portion of the STAMP site, and that developer would do some advance builds in order to attract prospective clients.

"They've got a marquee list of vendors," Hyde said.

Hyde is never one to give too much away about the deals the team at GCEDC is working on, but he didn't hide his optimism that good things are coming soon for STAMP.

"It's pretty cool that a dozen years ago, when we really kind of defined the hope and strategy and vision for the site, that those sectors that were the focus then are the hot ones now, with federal incentives really helping drive that interest level like never before," Hyde said.

Photo: File photo of Steve Hyde from 2015 by Howard Owens.

Shawn Wisniewski

Shawn R. Wisniewski, 33, no permanent address, is charged with grand larceny 3rd, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and burglary 3rd. At 7:29 a.m. on Oct. 25, police received a report of a suspicious person in a parking lot on Bank Street. A male was reportedly trying to get into vehicles. A short time later, police received a report of a vehicle being stolen from the parking lot. A vehicle matching the description of the stolen vehicle was spotted traveling westbound on West Main Street in the area of Denny's. The vehicle failed to stop for patrols. After the pursuit was terminated, the vehicle was located in East Pembroke along with a suspect, who was identified as Wisniewski. Through an investigation, officers came to believe that Wisniewski also broke into an office on Washington Avenue prior to the stolen vehicle report. He was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $25,000 bail, $50,000 bond, or $100,000 partially secured bond.

Ronnie Kevin Johnson, 52, of Federal Drive, Batavia, is charged with rape 1st (forcible compulsion), unlawful imprisonment 2nd, menacing 2nd, criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, and criminal possession of a controlled substance 4th.  Johnson was arrested by the Sheriff's Office on an arrest warrant on Oct. 27. He was charged following an investigation by Deputy Zach Hoy, Deputy Ayrton Blankenberg, Investigator Chad Minuto, and Investigator Ryan Delong. The Sheriff's Office release states the date and time of the alleged incident is 6:28 p.m. Oct. 27 and the location as Park Road.  Johnson was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and ordered held without bail.

John Sumlin III, 43, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Sumlin is accused of striking a woman in the neck during an argument at 1:46 a.m. Oct. 23, at a location on West Main Street, Batavia. Sumlin was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance. 

John Sumlin III, 43, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with burglary 1st, criminal contempt 1st, criminal mischief 1st, assault 3rd, and menacing 2nd.  Sumlin is accused of unlawfully entering a residence on West Main Street at 5:36 a.m. on Oct. 23. While in the residence, he allegedly held a knife to the neck of a woman and threatened to kill her and her children. He then allegedly broke the television.  He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and ordered held without bail.

Linda L. Betties, 59, of Batavia, is charged with trespass. Betties is accused of trespassing on property at 10:25 a.m. on Oct. 24 that she had been barred from on Cherry Street, Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Brian M. Raphael, 34, of Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. Raphael was arrested on two warrants for alleged failure to appear on an appearance ticket. Raphael was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $5,000 bail, $10,000 bond, or $25,000 partially secured bond.

James A. Colantonio, 53, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Colantonio was arrested following an argument with a co-worker reported at 2 p.m. on Oct. 23 at a location on West Main Street, Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Kyle J. Schroeder, 25, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Schroeder is accused of damaging property at a business on Jackson Street, Batavia, at 12:20 a.m. on Oct. 1. Schroeder was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision.

Isaiah L. Poole, 22, of Albion, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Poole was arrested on a warrant, arraigned and ordered held on bail.

Johnnie M. Waston, 39, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd. Waston is accused of damaging the property of another person on North Spruce Street at 8:13 a.m. on July 21. He was arraigned in City Court on Oct. 21 and ordered to reappear on Nov. 10.  Waston was also arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a prior charge.

Joseph T. Martino, 30, no permanent address, is charged with burglary 3rd and grand larceny 4th.  Martino is accused of entering a business with the intent of committing a crime on East Main Street at 6:58 a.m. on Oct. 9 and then stealing merchandise worth more than $1,000.  Martino was arraigned in City Court and jailed on $5,000 bail, $10,000 bond, or $20,000 partially secured bond.

Lance Marquette Mercado, Sr., 32, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with aggravated harassment 2nd. Mercardo is accused of repeatedly calling another person, threatening physical harm, and causing the victim to fear for his or her safety. The incident was reported at 5:38 p.m. on Oct. 29. Mercado was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and ordered to return at a later date. Mercado is also charged with criminal possession of a weapon.  Mercardo was arrested by Deputy Zachary Hoy following a report on Oct. 29 at 6:44 p.m. at a location on Dodgeson Road, Alexander. Mercado was located at another location, roadside, on Dodgeson Road and interviewed. He was allegedly found in possession of knife knuckles. 

Rebecca Lee Gugel, 38, of Route 5, Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass 2nd. Gugel is accused of knowingly entering a residence with no right to do so on East Bethany Le Roy Road, Bethany, on Oct. 22 at 11:25 a.m.  She was issued an appearance ticket.

Nickolas Adam Figlow, 20, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th and harassment 2nd. Figlow is accused of damaging a victim's vehicle and of following the victim to Walmart on Oct. 27 at 10:30 p.m.  Figlow was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and ordered to return on Nov. 15.

James M. Dimatteo, 42, of Barre, is charged with DWI. Dimatteo was stopped at 9:58 a.m. on Oct. 28 by State Police in the Town of Elba. Dimatteo was released to a third party. 

 

State Police are looking for a person in connection to the theft of a wallet from a shopping cart at the Batavia Walmart on Oct. 27.

Troopers would like to identify the woman in the photo.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to call (585) 344-6200.

With the holidays upon us it is a good time to remind Genesee County residents that we're fortunate to live in a community with a strong base of locally owned businesses.

Locally owned businesses are the backbone of any local community.  Local owners give back to the community in ways that chains do not, through their donations, their sponsorships, and their service on civic organizations and charities.

Communities with a vibrant local business community thrive, so we encourage you to do what you can this holiday season and throughout the year to support locally owned businesses.

These businesses support the community by supporting local news coverage.  Local news coverage is also critical to a community's health.  Facebook, Tik Tok or Instagram are never going to send a reporter to a City Council meeting or a school board meeting or cover a budget hearing or hold elected officials accountable for how they spend your tax money.  It takes local news businesses such as The Batavian that rely on your support and the support of local businesses to help keep you informed.

We're all here to make Genesee County a great place to live, work, be active, and to be entertained.

• A Place for Change
• Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles
• Advanced Podiatry
• Alabama Hotel
• Alex's Place
• Alleghany Farm Services
• Angry Charlie's Smokehouse BBQ
• Batavia Assembly of God
• Batavia Downs
• Batavia Legal Printing
• Batavia's Original
• Beds N Bones Pet Lodge
• Bergen Bottle Redemption Center
• Bill Fox & Son Construction
• Batavia Bootery
• Bontrager Real Estate
• Bourbon & Burger Co.
• Bubba's Landscaping
• Byron Holley Self Storage
• C B Beach & Son Mortuary Inc
• Cedar Street Sales & Rentals
• Chap's Elba Diner
• Chapin Manufacturing
• Charles Mens Shop
• Cinquino's Pizza
• City Church
• Classic Optical
• Claudia Tenney for Congress
• Council Opticians
• Crazy Cheap Cars
• D & R Depot Restaurant
• Dan's Tire & Auto Service Center
• Dave's Ice Cream
• Deep Blue Pool and Spa
• Dumbleton Used Auto Parts Inc
• Eden Cafe & Bakeshop
• Eli Fish Brewing Company
• Erie East Windows and Doors
• Falcone Family Funeral
• Fastec
• Foxprowl
• Frontier Kitchens
• GCASA - Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse
• Genesee Dental
• Georgia Pacific
• Gerace Realty - Robert/John Gerace
• Gilliana's Diner
• Gilmartin Funeral Home
• H.E. Turner & Co Inc
• Hair Studio 25
• Harris Wilcox
• Henry H Cook
• High Voltage Tattoo & Piercing
• Hodgins Printing Co
• Howard Hanna - Michelle Dills
• Humphrey's Electric & Security
• Hunt Real Estate - Marie Scofield
• Hunt Real Estate - Stephanie D'Alba
• Insurance Center, The
• Islands Hawaiian Grill
• J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home
• Jagged Edges Salon
• John R. Rider Real Estate
• Keller Williams - Sunny Rathod
• Ken Barrett Chevrolet
• Kreative Design Kitchen & Bath
• L&L Transmission
• Livia Beauty & Spa
• Mama Chavez's Taqueria
• Matteo & Mullen CPA'S
• Mattress By Appointment
• Max Pies
• Michael Grasso, LMT
• Mr. Wine & Liquor
• Norton's Chizzelwood
• Oakfield Fitness
• Oliver's Candies
• Optique Optical
• Pastore's Pizzeria
• Pavilion Gift Company
• Pellegrino Auto Sales
• Precision Lawn Care
• Reliant Real Estate
• Roman's
• Sallome Heating & Cooling
• Santino's Pizza
• Select Collision
• Settler's Family Restaurant
• Skyline Resort Campground & RV Sales
• Smokin Eagle Brew & BBQ
• Southside Deli
• St. Ann's Community
• Stella Collision
• T.F. Brown's
• Terance Cranston Construction
• The Coffee Press
• The Finishing Line
• The Red Osier Landmark Restaurant, Stafford
• Thompson Motors
• Tompkins Bank of Castle
• Tonawanda Valley Credit Union
• Toyota of Batavia
• Turnbull Heating & Air Conditioning
• UMMC/Rochester Regional Health
• Valle Jewelers
• VivIFY Hydration Lounge & Medispa
• Waters Basement Services
• Weed Ross Insurance Group
• William Kent Auctioneers
• Yume Asian Bistro
• Zoom Self Storage

The Le Roy Business Council sponsored a Small Business Trick or Treat on Saturday in the Village.

Twenty-one businesses participated.

Submitted photos.

Photos by Philip Casper.

Ellicott Avenue was on Monday night, what it is every year, the hottest ticket in town for filling baskets with Halloween treats.

City Church hosted a Fall Festival at its St. Anthony's campus on Liberty Street on Monday, with activities, games, a hay ride, a bounce house, face painting, candy and grilled cheese.

An airplane with a flat tire is stuck on the runway at the Genesee County Airport.

Town of Batavia Fire dispatched.

UPDATE 8:27 p.m.: The Town of Batavia chief is clearing the scene at the airport. "They're all set here," he reports.

Photo by Kristin Smith, North Byron Road, Elba.

Photo by Tom Tharp.

Crosby's convenience stores have apparently become the target of burglars after closing hours recently.

The most recent burglary was at 12:05 a.m. on Saturday at the Crosby's on Clinton Street Road, Batavia. The store closed at 10 p.m. on Friday night.

A source said it doesn't appear that anything of value was taken, but the burglars did make a mess of the store.

The State Police are investigating the Batavia burglary, said Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Joseph Graff.

He confirmed there was also a burglary at the Crosby's in Elba on Oct. 23, which is under investigation by the Sheriff's Office, and in Albion on Oct. 22.

"Preliminary indications all look to be similar MOs," Graff said. 

Things were spooky in Oakfield on Saturday evening with the Oakfield Betterment Committee opening up a haunted house.

Photos submitted by Jamie Lindsley

Chris Crocker said about a few dozen cutely-dressed little trick-or-treaters stopped by her store, the YNGodess Shop on Main Street, Batavia, on Saturday to add some candy to their baskets.

Photos submitted by Chris Crocker.