Photos: Oakfield-Alabama graduates its 2021 class
Oakfield-Alabama held its 2021 graduation ceremony on Friday.
Above, Karly Smith delivers her Valedictorian speech.
Zachary Hall, below, was the Salutatorian.
Photos by Kristen Smith.
Oakfield
Oakfield's Olivia Carroll graduates from SUNY New Paltz
SUNY New Paltz is pleased to congratulate May 2021 graduate Olivia Carroll, of Oakfield.
Located in the heart of a dynamic college town, 90 minutes from metropolitan New York City, the State University of New York at New Paltz is a highly selective college of about 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
One of the most well-regarded public colleges in the nation, New Paltz delivers an extraordinary number of majors in Business, Liberal Arts & Sciences, Engineering, Fine & Performing Arts and Education.
New Paltz embraces its culture as a community where talented and independent minded people from around the world create close personal links with real scholars and artists who love to teach.
Oakfield's Olivia Carroll named to Spring dean's list at SUNY New Paltz
SUNY New Paltz is proud to congratulate Olivia Carroll, of Oakfield, for being named to the dean's list for the spring 2021 semester.
Dean's list designation is reserved for students who excel academically and earn at least a 3.3 grade-point average in a semester with a full-time course load.
Law and Order: Darien man charged with attempted aggravated assault and menacing deputies
Kevin McCoy, 54, was arrested at 7:30 p.m. June 8 and charged with second-degree menacing and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. It is alleged that he threatened three people with a knife during an argument in a parking lot on East Main Street. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in jail without bail. McCoy was due back in court June 10.
Jason Jones, 50, was arrested at 6:30 p.m. June 3 on charges of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree and unlawful possession of fireworks. The charges stem from an incident where Jones was being taken into custody on an unrelated matter. Officers allegedly found a collapsible baton and fireworks in Jones' vehicle. He was processed at Batavia Police Headquarters and arraigned in Batavia City Court. He was put in jail on $5,000 bail, $10,000 bond, or $20,000 partially secured bond. He is due back in court July 1.
Jeffery Michael Johnson, 33, of Forest Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree and possession of a hypodermic instrument. At 5:53 p.m. June 10, Johnson was arrested on Forest Avenue following a home check by GC Probation and the Sheriff's Office. Allegedly, they found fentanyl and 13 hypodermic needles in the bedroom and in his vehicle. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Oakfield Town Court on July 12. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Gauthier.
Jason Jones, 50, was arrested by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post at 6:08 p.m. on June 3 on Dewey Avenue and charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He allegedly had contact with an individual with an active order of protection against him. Jones was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in jail in lieu of $500 bail. He is due back in court July 1.
Michael Lytle, 32, was arrested on June 8 and charged with second-degree menacing in connection with a disturbance that occurred at 10:43 a.m. June 4 on State Street, Batavia. It is alleged that Lytle displayed a pellet gun that was perceived to be a real firearm following a verbal dispute with the victim. He is due in Batavia City Court on June 27.
Christopher Taylor, 21, is charged with second-degree harassment and endangering the welfare of a child. He was arrested after a disturbance at 7:07 p.m. June 6 and arraigned in Batavia City Court. He was then released on his own recognizance and is to return to court June 24.
With Labor Daze back on 2021 calendar, lots of work to do in Oakfield to get ready
It looks like there will be a Labor Daze celebration in Oakfield in 2021 after all.
Jamie Lindsley said the Oakfield Betterment Committee "jumped at the chance to reevaluate" hosting the event with COVID-19 restrictions lifted.
"Everything is planned and ready to go," Lindsley said. "Now we just need our local officials to help us get this done in a very compressed time frame."
Lindsley confirmed today that both the town and village are on board with supporting putting together a Labor Daze celebration even on short notice.
"What both are able to do complement each other and we're able to move forward," she said.
The late start on planning means a lot of work for a lot of people over the next three months.
"There are many challenges we will face in the planning of this event this year," Lindsley said. "From sponsorships to volunteers, we will need a lot of help getting Labor Daze going on short notice."
Photo: File photo from 2018 Labor Day Parade in Oakfield.
Caller says 3-year-old is wandering alone in Cary Cemetery
A caller to dispatch reports a 3-year-old is wandering unattended in the Cary Cemetery off Maple Avenue in Oakfield. The tot is wearing just shorts. A Sheriff's deputy is responding.
UPDATE 4:42 p.m.: The caller says the mother has been located asks for the deputy to stand down, but the deputy says he's responding.
Hecate Energy to invest in Elba and Oakfield with application to build NY's largest solar farm
Press release:
Hecate Energy today announced that it has filed an application with the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) to construct a 500-megawatt solar farm in the Western New York towns of Elba and Oakfield, representing the first new application to be submitted under the state’s new permitting process for large-scale renewable projects.
If approved and constructed, the Cider Solar Farm would be the largest solar project ever built in New York State.
The $500-plus million-dollar private infrastructure investment 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 more than 120,000 average New York households.
“This project provides a concrete example of the scale and speed with which we must move if we are to meet critical renewable energy goals,” said Harrison Luna, Hecate project lead. “We are very appreciative of the leadership demonstrated by Elba and Oakfield town governments for this important ‘model’ project.
"Our discussions have helped us understand how to plan the project considering the unique priorities of the communities where we want to become neighbors. Those officials have helped us balance the needs of the communities with the needs of the project.”
“Cider Solar will do more than create clean renewable energy to drive the new economy; it will also deliver significant new revenue to the local governments for decades to come and help fund essential services such as the volunteer fire departments, first responders, and Haxton Memorial Library in Oakfield."
Initially, the project sought leases and options for approximately 4,000 acres of land in the towns of Elba and Oakfield in Genesee County. As the understanding of local priorities grew clearer, detailed siting and study efforts allowed Hecate to refine the project’s footprint to approximately 2,800 acres of land across the two towns. Energy from the solar project is projected to offset over 420,000 tons of C02 per year, the equivalent of taking over 92,000 average cars off the road annually.
“Hecate Energy has been an excellent partner with our community since day one,” said Donna Hynes, Elba Town supervisor. “They’ve kept us informed and part of the process every step of the way. This project will bring welcomed jobs and needed revenues to the area for decades to come, while serving as an example for how to make renewable energy development part of a long-range economic plan.”
“This project will provide significant green energy into the grid,” said Matt Martin, Oakfield Town supervisor. “The commitments and financial resources Hecate brings to our community are welcomed additions. With the benefits to the town, the school district, and the local landowners involved, we are thrilled to be partnering with a leader in clean energy, and one that has a reputation of following through on its promises. We’ve been glad to have a cooperative relationship with the project thus far.”
New York State’s Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act, which includes Section 94-c of the Executive Law, enacted in 2021, created the new ORES and rules for the permitting of large-scale renewable energy projects. It is intended to enhance the siting and construction of projects that are environmentally responsible, cost-effective, and delivered in a timely manner with input from local communities.
Hecate’s Cider Solar 94-c Application, prepared by Buffalo-based Stantec Consulting Services in coordination with the law firm Foley Hoag LLP, is the first new application submitted to ORES under 94-c regulations, representing an important milestone in the State’s project permitting progress.
Oakfield youth tosses no-hitter, fans 18
He walked one batter at the top of the third inning. He struck out the first six batters he faced.
Oakfield won 10-0.
Photo and info submitted by Sam Vigiano.
OAE Titans Youth Football and Cheer League signups are Sunday at Oakfield Community Center
Press release:
Sign ups for the 2021 OAE (Oakfield-Alabama/Elba) Titans Youth Football and Cheer League will be held on this Sunday, June 13, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Registration will be at the Oakfield Community Center, located at 33 S. Main St. in Oakfield.
Unlimited weight is allowed for ALL positions.
Sign up for:
- Beginners -- 6-7 years of age
- Minis -- 8-9 years of age
- JV -- 10-11 years of age
- Varsity -- 12-13 years of age
Please provide: Birth Certificate & proof of health insurance.
Cost for Football and Cheerleading is $130 per athlete.
Cash, personal check, and payment via Venmo are accepted.
"Continuing a Tradition!"
GO TITANS!
With questions, contact League Commissioner, Brandon Spurling (585) 297-3197 or League Secretary, Elizabeth Mullen (585) 813-5337.
Email: oaeyouthfootball@gmail.com
Oakfield teen is the county's only recipient of the 2021 Girl Scout Gold Award, also gets $1K scholarship
Girl Scouts of Western New York (GSWNY) is proud to announce 56 Girl Scouts as the 2021 recipients of the Girl Scout Gold Award, and 33 Girl Scouts as 2021 GSWNY scholarship recipients.
These exceptional change-makers took action to improve their local, national, and global communities while earning Girl Scouts’ most prestigious award in the world for girls.
In Genesee County, the sole awardee is Ava Flores, of Troop #42141, Oakfield, whose project was called "Feed the Need."
In addition to the Girl Scout Gold Award, Ava is one of the recipients to also be awarded a scholarship, in her case, $1,000 from Hans and Charlene Schoenenberger.
The Girl Scout Gold Award acknowledges the power behind each recipient’s dedication to not only empowering and bettering herself, but also to making the world a better place for others.
The Gold Award project is the culmination of all the work a girl puts into “going for the Gold.”
The project should fulfill a need within a girl’s community (whether local or global) and create change that has the potential to be ongoing or sustainable.
Approximately 80 hours of community service are involved in the project.
Completion of the Gold Award also qualifies the Girl Scout for special scholarship opportunities and she can enlist in the military at a higher starting pay grade.
For more information on the Girl Scout Gold Award, visit gswny.org.
Tops Markets award two scholarships in Genesee County
Press release:
Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in Upstate New York, Vermont, and Northern Pennsylvania, announced today that it has awarded $267,350 dollars to 238 Tops first-year and matriculated college associates, associate dependents, and associate grandchildren for the 2021-2022 academic year.
In Genesee County, Mary Caprio, of Oakfield, and Margaret Demare, of Batavia, were both awarded scholarships for $1,150 each.
Since the start of the scholarship program in 1989, Tops has awarded $21,700,000 dollars to more than 22,000 recipients.
“Each year, we are pleased to work with our Union partners to award Tops associates, their dependents and their grandchildren with college scholarships” said Frank Curci, president and CEO of Tops Markets. “We proudly support all associates and associates’ family members who choose to further their education by providing funding toward all four years of their educational journey.”
All Tops associates, union and nonunion, their dependents and grandchildren are eligible to apply for scholarship awards ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 annually over the course of four academic years.
Through partnership with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local One, Tops Markets makes an annual contribution to the UFCW health care fund. The funds are then disbursed by the Union to Tops Markets part-time and full-time union associates. Part time and full time associates who are not UFCW Local One members, their dependents and their grandchildren are eligible to apply for scholarships through the Tops Scholarship Program.
Applicants to both the UFCW health care fund and the Tops Scholarship Program must meet certain scholastic and work performance criteria in order to be considered eligible for an award.
Three local students named to spring dean's list at Clarkson University
Three local students have been named to the dean's list for the spring 2021 semester at Clarkson University
- Evan Hunter Dusky, of Basom, a junior majoring in Mechanical Engineering.
- Colin Jacob Graham, of Oakfield, a senior majoring in Aeronautical Engineering / Mechanical Engineering.
- Ben Edward Slenker, of Alexander, a senior majoring in Chemical Engineering.
Dean's list students must achieve a minimum 3.25 grade-point average and also carry at least 14 credit hours.
As a private, national research university, Clarkson is a leader in technological education and sustainable economic development through teaching, scholarship, research and innovation. We ignite personal connections across academic fields and industries to create the entrepreneurial mindset, knowledge and intellectual curiosity needed to innovate world-relevant solutions and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow. With its main campus located in Potsdam and additional graduate program and research facilities in the New York Capital Region, Beacon and New York City, Clarkson educates 4,300 students across 95 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, the arts, education, sciences and health professions. Our alumni earn salaries that are among the top 2.5 percent in the nation and realize accelerated career growth. One in five already leads as a CEO, senior executive or owner of a company.
Six local students named to dean's list this Spring at Nazareth College
ROCHESTER -- The following local students were named to the Nazareth College Spring 2021 dean's list:
- Kaitlin Ange, of Batavia, is studying Public Health.
- Kimberly Davis, of Pavilion, is studying Health Sciences.
- Sarah Efing, of Le Roy, is studying Music Education.
- Emily Overacker, of Le Roy, is studying Music Education.
- Lauren Reding, of Oakfield, is studying Music Therapy.
- Ryann Stefaniak, of Batavia, is studying Anthropology.
A student's grade-point average must be at least 3.5 or above, and they must complete 12 credit hours of graded work that semester in order to be included on the dean's list at Nazareth.
Nazareth College's academic strengths cross an unusually broad spectrum of 60 majors, including education, health and human services, management, the fine arts, music, theater, math and science, foreign languages, and the liberal arts. The coeducational, religiously independent, classic campus in a charming suburb of Rochester challenges and supports 2,000 undergrads and 800 graduate students. Nazareth is recognized nationally for its Fulbright global student scholars and commitment to civic engagement. Rigorous programs, an uncommon core, experiential learning, career skills, and a global focus prepare graduates for not just one job, but for their life's work.
Driver, passenger arrested after pursuit and search that started in Oakfield, ended at Walmart
A chase, a search, and a tip led to the arrest of two people Tuesday night after they were located at Walmart in Batavia.
The incident began with a chase on Route 63 in Oakfield.
A deputy on patrol spotted a Pontiac sedan traveling north at a high rate of speed, so the deputy turned around and attempted to catch the vehicle.
The deputy observed the sedan continue at a high rate of speed and pass a vehicle by crossing into the southbound lane. At that point, the deputy, in his marked patrol vehicle, initiated a pursuit with lights and siren.
The vehicle failed to stop and continued east on Route 262 and then north on Fox Road. At Fox and Maltby roads, the vehicle allegedly ran a stop sign and went into the air off the north shoulder of Maltby Road into a field.
The vehicle struck a tree and then continued northwest through the field. A backseat passenger jumped from the vehicle and complied with a deputy's commands.
The sedan continued northwest and entered a neighboring crop field. It allegedly damaged about $1,000 in crops.
The driver stopped the vehicle and the driver and remaining passenger fled on foot.
A vehicle search allegedly led to deputies finding scales with residue and an illegal weapon in the vehicle.
A K-9 was dispatched to assist in the search. That search led to a nearby residence.
Deputies received a tip that two people matching the suspects were given a ride to the Batavia Walmart.
Police responded to Walmart and located the suspects in the Walmart parking lot.
The driver was identified as Jason M. Fitzpatrick, 38, of Sweet Road, Howell, Mich., and the passenger as Samantha R. Makar, 22, of West Madison Street, York, S.C.
Fitzpatrick is charged with: criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd; unlawful fleeing of a police officer in a motor vehicle; criminal mischief, 4th; obstructing governmental administration, 2nd; and aggravated unlicensed operation. There was also a warrant for Fitzpatrick out of Michigan as a parole absconder.
Makar is charged with obstructing governmental administration and criminal possession of a weapon, 4th.
The weapon recovered was not described in the press release.
The third occupant of the vehicle complied with deputies' orders and was charged.
Assisting the in the incident were NY State Police, The Department of Environmental Conservation's K-9 unit, and Batavia PD.
Deputies involved in the incident included Jacob Gauthier and Jordan Alejandro.
Accident involving pickup is blocking northbound lane of Lewiston Road in Oakfield, there are minor injuries
An one-vehicle accident with minor injuries is reported at 6737 Lewiston Road, Oakfield. Traffic will be shut down at Lewiston and Bliss Road. There is a truck and debris in the roadway, blocking the northbound lane.
Oakfield fire is on scene. Mercy medics are told to respond in nonemergency mode.
Photos: Bikers Against Child Abuse at Oak Grill in Oakfield
Members of the group Bikers Against Child Abuse, Niagara Chapter, rode through Genesee County today, one of the counties it serves in Western New York, and stopped for lunch at Oak Grill and Cafe in Oakfield as part of its 120-mile tour.
The purpose of the ride is to raise awareness of child abuse and let people know the group exists. According to the group's pamphlet, one of its services is to assign a member of the organization to an abused child to help provide a sense of protection and give the child confidence.
Photo: Tractor off Downey Road, Oakfield
A tractor waiting to do more work this morning in a field off of Downey Road in Oakfield.
Photos: O-A students get flowering pots ready for display in Village
A total of 37 pots filled with flowering plants will be placed along Main Street in the Village of Oakfield this spring and summer, paid for by residents and business owners to help bring a little color and vibrancy to the community.
Spearheaded by Village Clerk Kim Staniszewski and Judy Boyle, they asked people to donate $25 for each pot and then the donor will have a sign in the pot recognizing a local achievement (such as the fine seasons of the basketball teams), memorializing a loved one, or mentioning a business sponsor.
The plants and material were purchased from Pudgie's Lawn and Garden with Pudgie's staff assisting in selecting the plants so "we make sure this spring and summer they really grow and flourish and look pretty," Staniszewski said.
Today, members of Oakfield-Alabama's Future Farmers of American potted the plants.
Kaden Cusmano
Colton Yasses
Karly Smith
Sponsored Post: New Listing from Reliant Real Estate - 40 Drake Street, Oakfield
New listing alert: 40 Drake St.! Nice and solid home located in great location and within walking distance of everything in the cute Village of Oakfield. Located across from park entrance and within a nice stroll to shopping and eating and school!
This home seems much larger than reported square footage and has great space on first floor with cozy kitchen large formal dining room with hardwood floors, great back room currently used as office with 1/2 bath but could be great pantry area, breakfast nook reading room, etc.! There is a decent size living room leading to upstairs and there is a possible 3rd bedroom up there as well!
The corner lot is awesome and large and there is a detached garage for extra storage as well. All showings to begin April 29 with delayed negotiations till May 4 at 7 p.m. Click here for more information on this listing.
Law and Order: School Street man accused of leaving a bar in the city without paying his bill
Andre Roberts, 28, of School Street, Batavia, is charged with theft of services. He was arrested at 8:13 p.m. April 13 after he patronized a bar in the City of Batavia, then allegedly left without paying his tab. Roberts was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court April 20.
Johnny Earl Anthony, 30, of Knapp Road, Akron, is charged with driving while intoxicated -- first offense; operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or more -- first offense; moving from lane unsafely; and unlicensed operator. Anthony was arrested at 8:53 p.m. April 17 on West Main Street Road in Batavia after being involved in a collision. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Batavia Court on May 24. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Kyle Tower.
Sundae Jade Whitney Grambeck, 27, of Junction Road, Pavilion, is charged with driving while intoxicated -- first offense, and DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or more. At 3:15 a.m. April 19, Grambeck was arrested on Ellicott Street Road in Bethany following a motor-vehicle accident. She was issued appearance tickets and is due in Bethany Town Road on May 4. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Chamoun, assisted by Deputy David Moore.
Caleb Richard Swendsen, 26, of Akron Road, Pembroke, is charged with second-degree criminal trespass. Following a report of a domestic incident at 6:36 p.m. April 13 on Maple Avenue in Oakfield, Swendsen was arrested. He was arraigned on the charge virtually in Oakfield Town Court, then released on an appearance ticket. He is due back in court June11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig, assisted by Kyle Krzemien.
Lisa Fox, 49, of East Avenue, Batavia, was arrested after a traffic stop on East Avenue at 12:08 p.m. April 14 during which she was identified as the operator, and there was a bench warrant for her arrest out of Batavia City Court. Following her arraignment in city court, she was released under supervision. Fox is due to return to court May 25.
