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Oakfield

Oakfield Girl Scout Ava Flores earns Gold Award for setting up little food pantry for all

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and information from Melissa Domoy:

“Feed The Need” is a little food pantry located in the Oakfield community behind the Okafield United Methodist Church at 2 S. Main St.

Creating this valuable resource was a project two months in the making as Ava Flores (above photo) worked to complete her Girl Scout Gold Award.

Ava saw that there was a growing need in Oakfield during this difficult time. It is her hope that Feed The Need food pantry will help her Oakfield-Alabama community, not just now but in the future.

Inside the food pantry are recipes for simple affordable meals. It is also stocked with soups, canned fruits and vegetables and other shelf-stable food items.

Anyone who is in need is welcome to stop by and take what they need.

It is her hope that the little food pantry will be self-sustaining in the weeks to come where people may drop off donations or take what they need.

If you would like to make a donation, please contact the church at (585) 948-5550, or go the Feed The Need food pantry and put in some nonperishable goods to help out a local family.

Five GC students named Presidential Scholars this spring at Clarkson University in Potsdam

By Billie Owens

POTSDAM -- Students have been named Presidential Scholars for the spring 2020 semester at Clarkson University.

Logan Cadieux, of Oakfield, a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering, was named a Presidential Scholar for the spring 2020 semester at Clarkson University.

Zachary Dusky, of Basom, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering, was named a Presidential Scholar for the spring 2020 semester at Clarkson University.

Colin Graham, of Oakfield, a junior majoring in aeronautical engineering / mechanical engineering, was named a Presidential Scholar for the spring 2020 semester at Clarkson University.

John Igoe, of Oakfield, a junior majoring in aeronautical engineering / mechanical engineering, was named a Presidential Scholar for the spring 2020 semester at Clarkson University.

Ben Slenker, of Alexander, a junior majoring in chemical engineering, was named a Presidential Scholar for the spring 2020 semester at Clarkson University.

Presidential Scholars must achieve a minimum 3.80 grade-point average and 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, N.Y., 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.

 

A sunny afternoon in Oakfield

By Billie Owens

Reader Ritchie Kirkum, of the Oakfield Betterment Committee, sent us this photo of lovely scenery he took late yesterday from the lookout tower on Albion Road.

Law and Order: Hutchins Street woman accused of fraudulently receiving DSS benefits

By Billie Owens

Heidi M. Connolly, 44, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with seven counts of offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree, a felony, and one count of third-degree grand larceny, also a felony. Connolly was arrested at about 5 p.m. on May 28, arraigned in Genesee County Court, then released on her own recognizance. It is alleged that between October 2018 and October 2019, Connolly allegedly falsified paperwork at the Genesee County Department of Social Services Building and as a result fraudulently received $3,631 in benefits. She was released on her own recognizance and is due in county court on July 7. The case was investigated by GC DSS Fraud Investigator Robert Riggi and GC Sheriff's Deputy Erik Andre, assisted by Sheriff's Sgt. Michael Lute.

Christopher M. Smith, 26, of Pratt Road, Batavia, and James C. Malone, 23, of South Pearl Street, Oakfield, are charged with unlawful possession of marijuana in the second-degree, a violation. They were allegedly found in possession of marijuana after an investigation by a Batavia Neighborhood Engagement Team (NET) officer and the Genesee County Local Drug Task Force. The May 28 press release from the Genesee County Sheriff's Offices does not say when or where the arrests were made. The defendants were issued appearance tickets and are due in City of Batavia Court on June 23.

Car drives into silo on Judge Road, Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens

A driver reportedly choked on coffee, causing him to lose control of the car before his vehicle collided with a silo at 2767 Judge Road, Oakfield.

The driver has spoken with dispatchers, although he is reportedly injured.

Oakfield Fire Department is responding. All Mercy EMS ambulances are tied up on other calls. An ambulance from Medina is requested.

The vehicle is a pickup truck with a trailer. There are propane takes in the area.

UPDATE 7:12 p.m.: A hazmat team requested to the scene for a propane leak.

UPDATE 7:13 p.m.: Judge Road is being closed.

UPDATE 7:24 p.m.: Firefighters have secured one tank and are working on the second.

UPDATE 7:30 p.m.: Both tanks are secure.

Firearm found in creek in Oakfield had been there for a while, Sheriff's Office investigating

By Howard B. Owens

A firearm retrieved from a creek in Oakfield last week had been in the water for "a considerable amount of time," Chief Deputy Joseph Graff said this morning.

The Sheriff's Office took possession of the firearm after a caller who was "magnet fishing" in the area of 6000 Fisher Road reported the find.

Graff said there isn't much information about the firearm but that the Sheriff's Office is looking into it.

"It is very rusted/corroded and not identifiable in its present state," Graff said. "We will be sending it to the lab to see if anything identifiable can be restored."

An unusual catch in the creek in Oakfield prompts deputy response

By Billie Owens

A caller to dispatch reports an unusual catch and asks for some help with it. They were "magnet fishing" in the creek in the 6000 block of Fisher Road in Oakfield when they "pulled up some pieces of a firearm." A Genesee County Sheriff's deputy is responding.

Nazareth College names five Genesee County students to Spring 2020 dean's list

By Billie Owens

Nazareth College students named five Genesee County stundets to the Spring 2020 dean's list.

They are:

  • Kaitlin Ange, of Batavia
  • Kimberly Davis, of Pavilion
  • Chelsea Jensen, of Batavia
  • Lauren Reding, of Oakfield
  • Ryann Stefaniak, of Batavia

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.

With 'deep sadness' Oakfield Betterment Committee cancels Oakfield Labor Daze at Triangle Park

By Billie Owens

Press release:

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that the Oakfield Betterment Committee Board must announce the cancellation of this year’s Oakfield Labor Daze in Triangle Park.

We know that this will come as an enormous disappointment, not only to the vendors, volunteers but to our amazing community who were looking forward to another exciting Oakfield Labor Daze this year.

This is not a decision we have taken lightly and there are a few overriding concerns due to COVID-19 that have caused us to make this decision at this time.

Labor Daze is a tradition that is and has always been funded by our wonderful sponsors. In uncertain economic times like these, our wonderful sponsors have the difficult struggle and decision to not only keep, or to not keep, employees, but to keep their door open. Oakfield Labor Daze should not be a decision they are confronted with, nor one we should present to them.

Second, our primary concern is the health and safety of EVERYONE who attends Labor Daze, which includes our committee, volunteers, food, craft and game vendors to YOU, our community, who has welcomed back Labor Daze to Triangle park with open arms.

In closing, with all these factors and uncertainty, we had to make this difficult decision.

As the weeks and months pass, we will be re-evaluating the situation and will be looking for a safe and responsible way to have a celebration during Labor Day weekend. We also look forward to getting a head start on other events that the Oakfield Betterment Committee has done in the past, new event ideas, and Oakfield Labor Daze 2021.

Please stay safe, healthy and continue to show warmth to others in these trying times.

County Legislator John Hilchey of District #1 resigns

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee County District #1 Legislator John Hilchey submitted a resignation letter dated May 14, 2020 to Legislature Chair Rochelle M. Stein.

“With my role as a Genesee County Legislator having a negative impact on my current employment, with risks of possible negative financial impact upon my employer, I hereby submit my resignation as Genesee County Legislator District #1, effective immediately. It has been an honor to serve the residents of Alabama and Oakfield and a greater honor to serve with such a fine group of legislators," signed, sincerely, John R. Hilchey.

Legislature Chair Rochelle M. Stein stated, “It is with deep and profound regret that I accept Legislator Hilchey’s letter of resignation. We are losing a community leader who has served the people of Alabama and Oakfield honorably and well. Mr. Hilchey brought expertise and vast experience to his role as legislator and we are grateful for his service.”

Oakfield's Connor Rohan attends SUNY Oneonta, a Top Music Business School says Billboard magazine

By Billie Owens

Connor Rohan, of Oakfield, is currently enrolled at SUNY Oneonta, one of the 28 colleges and universities featured in Billboard magazine's 2020 list of "Top Music Business Schools."

Rohan is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music Industry.

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, SUNY Oneonta's music industry program prepares students for careers in media and entertainment industries, including management, marketing, promotion, merchandising, publishing, production and performance.

The curriculum includes specialized music industry studies in the recording industry, entertainment industry business affairs, intellectual property law, music products, music theory, performance and history/literature.

Students also take courses from the School of Economics and Business on topics such as business law, marketing, management and accounting. Internships, field experience and several related minors -- audio productions with Pro Tools certification, performance, music theory and music literature -- allow students to tailor the program to their interests.

SUNY Oneonta is a public, four-year college in Central New York, enrolling about 6,000 students in a wide variety of bachelor's degree programs and several graduate certificate and degree programs. The college is known as both an exemplary residential campus that values inclusion, service and sustainability, and a nurturing community where students grow intellectually, thrive socially and live purposefully. Visit online here.

Law and Order: Oakfield man accused of firing gun inside residence multiple times

By Billie Owens

William R. Metz, 48, of Batavia (no address provided), was arrested April 4 and charged with: criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree -- a Class C felony; second-degree menacing; reckless endangerment in the second degree; and fourth degree criminal mischief. NYS Troopers responded to a 9-1-1 report of a possible domestic incident on Batavia-Oakfield Town Line Road in the Town of Oakfield. After an investigation it is alleged that Metz threatened the victim with a weapon and fired multiple rounds in the residence. Metz was arraigned in Town of Oakfield Court and put in Genesee County Jail on $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bound. The NYSP Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) assisted in this investigation.

Alex S. Dumbleton, 26, of Batavia (no address provided), was arrested for petit larceny. It is alleged that at 1:05 p.m. on April 4 that stole 22 items from Walmart totaling $115.50. Dumbleton was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia Town Court on May 28. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Oakfield steps up: offers to get food and other essentials for their elderly and disabled

By Billie Owens

Press release:

In accordance with the Oakfield Town Supervisor and the Oakfield Town Board, it has been decided that during the coronavirus crisis, we are offering to the ELDERLY and DISABLED residents in the Town and Village of Oakfield the following service:

  • Volunteers will get FOOD and ESSENTIAL household items for those in need. The items will be delivered to your home, at which time payment is mandatory (cash or check only). Volunteers will purchase items with their own money so please be prepared to pay them when the items are delivered.

Our volunteers will practice personal protection for both you and themselves. They will not be entering the home, just delivering to the door, with minimal contact and collecting the funds for the purchases. 

If you are in need of this service, please contact the Oakfield Town Office at 948-5835, ext. 101, Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and leave a message. A volunteer will return your call as soon as possible.

Woman found in Oakfield pond Monday night identified

By Billie Owens

Press release from the Office of the Sheriff:

On March 9 at 10:45 p.m., the Genesee County Sheriff's Office received a missing person complaint on Maltby Road, Town of Oakfield. After a search of the immediate area, the missing person was located in a small pond, just northeast of her residence.

It appears that Patricia A. Saguin, 72, was looking for her lost dog, and may have stumbled into the pond and drowned.

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Sgt. John L. Baiocco, Deputy Ryan Young, Deputy James Stack, Deputy Austin Heberlein, Investigator Joseph Loftus and Chief Deputy Joseph Graff, Genesee County Coroner Karen Lang, and members of the Oakfield Voluntary Fire Department all assisted in the incident.

The incident in still under investigation.

Body of woman found in pond on Maltby Road in Oakfield

By Billie Owens

The body of an older female who resides in the area was found in a pond behind a barn on Maltby Road in Oakfield late tonight. The location is between Fisher and Weatherwax roads.

At about 11:18 p.m. Oakfield Fire Department and Mercy medics were dispatched and Sheriff's deputies responded to the scene. Fire and medics were told subsequently to back it down and respond in non-emergency mode.

According to Sheriff's Sgt. John Baiocco, they were told the woman went outside looking for her dogs; she apparently fell in the pond at some point. Baiocco said it's unknown how long she was in the water. A coroner is on scene.

More information will be released at a later time by the Sheriff's Office.

Law and Order: Lyon Street man accused of threatening to kill a person and burn down the house

By Billie Owens

John Michael Taggert, 38, of North Lyon Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Taggert was arrested on Lyon Street following a domestic incident at 9:58 p.m. Feb. 28 during which he allegedly threatened to kill a person and burn down a house. He was processed, transported to jail and arraigned at 10 a.m. the following morning in Batavia City Court. Taggert was released on his own recognizance and is due to return to city court this afternoon (March 4). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, assisted by Officer Connor Borchert.

John Charles Clark, 51, of Linden Road, Bethany, is charged with second-degree harassment. At 12:32 a.m. on March 3, Clark was arrested following an investigation. Clark is accused of shining a light in the victim's window on Linden Road in Bethany over a prolonged period of time and repeated period of time. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Bethany Town Court on March 17. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Chamoun, assisted by Sgt. John Baiocco.

Tammy L. Truax, 55, of Leicester, is charged with third-degree assault. The incident was reported at 10:02 p.m. on Dec. 10 on Woodrow Road in Batavia. Truax was arrested on a Batavia City Court warrant on Feb. 28 after being located  by the Livingston County Sheriff's Office. She was arraigned in city court and released on her own recognizance. She is due to return to city court at a later date.

Kevin M. McCoy, 53, no permanent address, is charged with criminal contempt in the second degree. Batavia Police Officer Peter Post arrested McCoy following a complaint at the Park Site Manor Apartments on East Main Street in Batavia at 10:53 a.m. on Feb. 28. McCoy was given an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on March 10. Officer Stephen Quider assisted in the case.

Jeanne M. Casper, 41, of Knowlesville Road, Oakfield, is charged with driving while intoxicated and failure to keep right. On March 4, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies Jonathan Dimmig and Ryan Young responding to a property damage accident at 12:11 a.m. on Knowlesville in Alabama. The deputies made contact with the operator and sole occupant of the vehicle, who identified herself as Jeanne M. Casper, of Oakfield. She was arrested on the charges and is due in Alabama Town Court on March 11.

15 local students named to dean's list at Canisius College

By Billie Owens

Canisius College congratulates more than 1,110 undergraduate students who were named to the fall 2019 dean's list.

To qualify for the dean's list students must have attained a grade point average of at least 3.50 for the semester and completed at least four courses of three credits or equivalent.

Canisus College is one of 27 Jesuit colleges in the nation and the premier private college in Western New York.

The following Genesee County students made the list:

Christina Barraco, from Batavia, an undecided major at Canisius and member of the Class of 2022.

Cora Ivison, from Byron, a Communications major at Canisius and member of the Class of 2020.

Alexis Hoerner, from Batavia, a Communications major at Canisius and member of the Class of 2021.

Luca Zambito, from Elba, a Finance major at Canisius and member of the Class of 2020.

Alexander Kunes, from Batavia, an Economics major at Canisius and member of the Class of 2021.

Bella March, from Batavia, a Animal Behavior Ecology and Conservation major at Canisius and member of the Class of 2023.

Thomas Kubiniec, from Batavia, a Biology major at Canisius and member of the Class of 2020.

Calvin Herrick, from Le Roy, a Biology major at Canisius and member of the Class of 2023.

Griffin Della Penna, from Batavia, a Journalism major at Canisius and member of the Class of 2023.

Ava Horgan, from Le Roy, a Political Science major at Canisius and member of the Class of 2023.

Trevor Maier, from Oakfield, a Sport Management major at Canisius and member of the Class of 2023.

Zachary Brown, from Linwood, an undecided major at Canisius and member of the Class of 2023.

Mary Warner, from Le Roy, a Mathematics major at Canisius and member of the Class of 2023.

David Doan, from Batavia, a Finance major at Canisius and member of the Class of 2023.

James Farmer, from Alexander, a Digital Media Arts major at Canisius and member of the Class of 2020.

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