Oakfield

Statement by John Igoe, president of the Oakfield Fire Department:

The Oakfield Fire Department is shocked and saddened by the news of the alleged larceny by our Treasurer. We have been cooperating with the authorities including the New York State comptrollers and the State Police during this investigation. The department would like to apologize for the bad publicity and the mistrust that this may cause with the residents of our community, and with the Town and Village of Oakfield. The Oakfield Fire Department is in the process of changing our financial policies to keep this type of activity from happening in the future. We as a department are committed to providing the best service we can to our community, and will strive to work hard to restore your faith in our department.

Following a state audit, the treasurer of the Oakfield Fire Department was arrested today by State Police for allegedly misappropriating department funds.

Samantha Hilchey, 31, of Batavia, is charged with grand larceny, 3rd, a Class D felony.

Hilchey is accused of stealing more than $6,000 through unauthorized transactions, including paying her personal utility bills and making cash withdrawals.

"Instead of safeguarding department funds, this individual took advantage of her position to pay her personal bills and make unauthorized cash withdrawals," said State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. "I want to thank department officials for helping bring this situation to light and to the State Police for working closely with my staff as we continue our audit and investigation into the department's finances."

The department's audit isn't expected to be completed for another couple of months.

Justin Robert Swift, 35, of Guildhall Road, Henrietta, is charged with two counts of reckless endangerment and harassment, 2nd. Swift is accused of fighting with another person, then after the initial confrontation, driving his vehicle through the lawn of the Village of Corfu resident's home and attempting to strike him with the vehicle. Swift was jailed on $15,000 cash bail or $30,000 bond.

William R. Sturgeon Jr., 38, of South Main Street, Oakfield, is charged with two counts of forgery, 2nd. Sturgeon allegedly used another person's credit card on two separate occasions in April, 2013, to make purchases without the cardholder's knowledge or consent.

Village of Oakfield Mayor Jason Armbrewster submitted this picture of "OAKFIELD" being painted on the community's new water tower. He said the picture was taken Saturday by Dave Drexel, the project inspector from Clark Patterson Lee. Armbrewster said the old water tower will come down some time this summer and there will also be a ribbon cutting at a later date for the new water tower.

The public is invited to weigh in during a public hearing at 4 p.m. Monday Tuesday, June 24, on a proposal to provide U.S. Gypsum with tax incentives for a major upgrade to its Oakfield plant.

The proposed tax abatements total $375,748.

U.S. Gypsum is considering investing $23.6 million in the plant, adding production capabilities that would create 12 new production jobs within three years after the project is completed.

Project description:

The United States Gypsum Corporation (USG) is considering upgrading its Oakfield, NY, paper mill, which currently supplies USG wallboard plants with the back paper "newsline" for sheetrock wallboard, to include face paper "manila" production capacity.

The Project includes replacing and relocating the hydropulper and detrashing equipment, stock cleaning, and manila production. Management has been considering upgrades to the facility as it is more efficient to produce the back as well as the front paper applications. Completing this Project will improve safety, quality, and efficiency to ensure the longevity of the facility as well as the retention and creation of manufacturing jobs.

The investment for the Project is expected to be approximately $23 million and will be implemented in three separate phases. Phase I activities, which are expected to commence approximately in the second quarter of 2014, will include replacing and relocating the filler pulper. Phase II will require stock cleaning which will commence in 2015. During Phase III, the facility will begin manila production which will commence in 2016.

If completed, the project is expected to retain 98 jobs at the Oakfield plant.

The proposed tax relief package includes $132,960 in sales tax exemption and $242,788 in property tax abatements on an 18,400-square-foot addition, creating an increased assessed value.

U.S. Gypsum would save $242,788 in taxes on the increase assessed value (while continuing to pay current property taxes) over 10 years.

The public hearing is scheduled to be held at the Oakfield Town Hall, 3219 Drake St., Oakfield.

John A. Snook, 26, of Central Avenue, Batavia, was arrested June 10 and charged with criminal obstruction of breathing/blood circulation, second-degree harassment, and unlawful imprisonment. The arrest was made following his release from Orleans County Jail on a separate charge. The new charges stem from a domestic incident in the City of Batavia. Orleans County Sheriff's Department transported Snook to the Genesee County line and he was taken to Batavia City Court and arraigned in front of Judge Balbick. He was then put in county jail and bail was set at $2,500. The matter was investigated by Batavia Police officer Jamie Givens.

Nathen Edward Donald Brege, 22, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. On June 11 he was arrested for allegedly violating an order of protection issued by the Town of Oakfield Court by allegedly threatening the protected individual in an incident on May 31 on South Pearl Street in Oakfield. He was issued an appearance ticket. The matter was investigated by Sheriff's deputy Joseph Loftus.

Sean Robert Doran, 24, of Harper Street, Rochester, is charged with DWI, aggrevated DWI, and speeding over 55 mph on June 11 on Route 20 in the Town of Alexander. He is scheduled to be arraigned on July 1 in Alexander Town Court. The incident was investigated by Sheriff's deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Thomas Edward Bobeck, 44, of Parwood Drive, Cheektowaga, is charged with operation of a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or more as a first offense, and DWI, first offense. He was arrested on said charges after being observed allegedly driving in an unsafe manner while on Alleghany Road in Darien on June 12. He is to be arraigned on July 8 in Darien Town Court. The matter was investigated by Sheriff's deputy Joseph Corona, assisted by deputy Brian Thompson.

Ivan Jerrod Walton, 21, of Yates Avenue, Sauk Village, Ill., is charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd, stemming from an incident on March 25 at the Sears Hometown Store on Lewiston Road, Batavia. The subject was being held in the Livingston County Jail on an unrelated matter. He was arrested on June 9 and arraigned in front of Justice Williams from Batavia Town Court on said charge and returned to Livingston County Jail. Bail was set at $2,500. The matter was investigated by Sheriff's deputy Christopher Parker, assisted by deputy John Baiocco.

The Vietnam Moving Wall returned to Genesee County today and was transported in with an honor escort from Batavia to Pembroke this morning.

The wall will be on display as part of the Cost of Freedom Tribute sponsored by Oakfield-Alabama Legion Post #626 at Pembroke Town Park through Sunday.

For a schedule of events, click here.

These four photos were taken in Oakfield this morning.

We have more photos and coverage coming.

Mel Osborn placed flags in front of his residence in Oakfield in anticipation of the escort passing through the village.

The Oakfield-Alabama American Legion Post #626 is hosting a series of events this week as part of its Cost of Freedom Tribute at the Pembroke Town Park, located next to Pembroke High School, 1145 Main Road (Route 77) in Corfu. On Thursday, June 12, opening ceremonies will take place.

First, at 11 a.m., is the Assembly of Color Guards in the athletic field.

Starting at noon:

• The American flag at the park will be lowered to half staff, led by the 98th Division drill sargeant;
• The Special Forces Association Parachute Team from Fort Bragg, N.C., will conduct the "Jumping in of the American Flag." Air support will be provided by WYN Sky Diving from Akron;
• The National Athem will be sung by Harmony Bordinaro;
• The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Bobbie Metcalf of Blue Star Mothers;
• Invocation -- American Legion Post #626 Chaplain Patrick Wilson;
• Introduction of guest speaker by LTC William Fava (Army retired);
• Guest speaker -- Brigadier General Frank Cipolla (Army retired);
• Placement of Memorial Wreath -- American Legion Post #626 & VFW Post #1484;
• Placement of additional wreaths by the Vietnam Veterans Chapter #193, Blue Star Mothers, Gold Star Mothers, American Legion Post #626 Auxiliary, Genesee County American Legion, and Genesee County American Legion Auxiliary;
• Benediction -- American Legion Post #626 Chaplain Patrick Wilson;
• Rifle Salute -- North / South Skirmish Association of WNY;
• Taps -- Tom Cecere;
• Fly-over at 1300 hours, if Pentagon approved.

Following opening ceremonies, at 1:30 p.m., patriotic music will be played by Danny B.

The daily closing ceremony is at 8 p.m. with a benediction by Rev. Patrick Wilson of the Alabama Baptist Church; Rifle Salute by the North / South Skirmish Association of WNY; Taps by Tom Cecere and Frank Panepento.

Eric Marc Chiddy, 36, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with assault, 3rd, criminal obstruction of breathing, unlawful possession of marijuana and obstructing governmental administration, 2nd. Chiddy was arrested following an investigation into an alleged domestic incident on Maple Street. He was jailed on $2,500.

Travis C. Bauer, 25, of Water Street, Oakfield, is charged with DWI and unlawful possession of marijuana. Batavia PD responded to a complaint at 11:43 p.m. Friday of a sick or intoxicated driver on West Main Street. After an investigation by officers Peter Flanagan and Chad Richards, Bauer was charged.

Timothy Blase Antinora, 23, of Swamp Road, Brockport, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Antinora was stopped for alleged traffic violations at 4:09 p.m. Monday on North Lake Road, Bergen, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

A truck is on fire and it's near a building and fuel pump at 3884 Batavia Elba Town Line Road. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding. Mutual aid is requested from Elba and Oakfield fire departments.

UPDATE 1:24 p.m.: Town of Batavia command says the cab is fully involved and there are also two waste stations nearby.

UPDATE 1:40 p.m.: Command reports the fire is knocked down.

Press release:

The Board of Directors of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) approved a final resolution for applications for assistance from 9 Apollo Drive, Inc., and an initial resolution to set a public hearing for United States Gypsum Co. at the June 5, 2014, board meeting. 

United States Gypsum Company Co. is planning to upgrade its paper mill at 2750 Maple Ave. in Oakfield, NY.  The project will include replacing and relocating equipment, stock cleaning and enhanced manila production to improve the safety, quality and efficiency of the facility.

The upgrades will consist of three phases and are expected to commence in 2016. The projected capital investment is approximately $23 million. The investment will retain 98 manufacturing jobs and create 12 new production jobs.

9 Apollo Drive, Inc., is a business that manufactures doors and windows. The company plans to purchase the building located at 2 Apollo Drive in the City of Batavia to accommodate its growth and expansion. 9 Apollo Drive, Inc., will make a capital investment of approximately $750,000.

In 2002, the company was granted a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for the building located at 9 Apollo Drive, Inc., by the GCEDC and pledged to create eight new jobs. According to PARIS reporting submitted to the GCEDC in 2013, the company has created 29 jobs at this location.

“It is very encouraging to see existing businesses in our region invest resources to improve production and operations and, just as important, retain existing jobs and create new jobs,” said Wallace Hinchey, GCEDC board chairman.

Jordan Ray Smart, 22, of 6 Gibson St., Oakfield, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs. Smart was reportedly involved in a three-car accident on Main Street in Le Roy on Wednesday. Smart's car reportedly hit a parked car, which was pushed into another parked car. There were no injuries reported. Smart was arraigned and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Johnathon Bryce White, 21, of Reed Road, Churchville, is charged with criminal contempt. White allegedly violated an order of protection by riding in a vehicle with the protected party.

Kenneth Scott Lathrop, 27, of Tower Avenue, Syracuse, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to fine out of Town of Oakfield Court. The fine was related to a DWI charge. Lathrop was jailed on $500 bail.

Dwayne Andrew Pearsall, 23, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Pearsall is accused of being in a domestic dispute that took place in front of his daughter. Pearsall was jailed on $2,000 bail.

Joshua Scott Bettilyon, 26, of Gorton Road, Alabama, was charged with two felonies and several violations stemming from an incident on May 30. He allegedly operated a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or more, which is a felony, and was also charged with DWI with a previous conviction of same within the last 10 years, another felony. In addition, he was cited for alleged ATV violations -- reckless driving, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, unregistered vehicle, unlawful operation on highway, inadequate brake lights, unsafe tires, no / improper lights, and uninsured vehicle. Bettilyon was arrested by Sheriff's deputies after a short vehicular pursuit. NYS Police assisted in this incident, which was investigated by deputy Joseph Corona, assisted by troopers Hanssel and Kosowski.

Donald E. Ford, 40, of Oak Street, Batavia, was arrested by Batavia PD on charges of endangering the welfare of a child and harassment, 2nd, in an incident on May 30 on Oak Street. He allegedly threatened to harm an individual while that individual was in the presence of three children. He was jailed and bail set at $2,500. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Eric Hill, assisted by officer Frank Klimjack.

Edwin Leroy Stancliff Jr., 35, of Alleghany Road, Corfu, was arrested by Sheriff's deputies on May 30 and charged with two counts of menacing, 2nd, and criminal possession of a weapon, 4th. Stancliff allegedly displayed a 6-inch kitchen knife during a domestic dispute, threatening his girlfirend and an acquaintance. After his arraignment in Pembroke Town Court, he was jailed. The incident was investigated by Sheriff's deputy Lonnie Nati, assisted by deputy Christopher Parker.

Christopher Lynn Bayliss, 35, of Tower Road, Wyoming, was arrested June 1 following the investigation of a motor-vehicle accident on Attica Road in Alexander. He is charged with felony DWI, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, refusal to take breath test, unsafe backing of a vehicle and driving without a seat belt. He was jailed on $5,000 cash bail and is to return to Alexander Town Court on June 10.

Bryan H. Fetterly, 28, of Barrville Road, Elba, is charged with harassment in the second degree -- physical contact, and criminal mischief in the third degree -- damaging property of another person in excess of $250. It is alleged that on West Main Street in the City of Batavia on May 30 Fetterly and two other subjects were in a vehicle when an argument took place. Fetterly allegedly kicked one of the subjects several times before exiting the vehicle and then struck the vehicle, causing damage to that vehicle. He was arrested and released on an appearance ticket and is to be in Batavia City Court on June 3. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Chad Richards.

Allen W. Gray, 34, of Oak Street, Batavia, was arrested and charged with harassment, 2nd, following an incident on South Main Street, Batavia, on May 29. Batavia PD officers went to investigate a disturbance complaint and it's alleged that Gray shoved two people following a verbal altercation. He was issued an electronically generated appearance ticket and released. He is scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court on June 3. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by officer Christopher Camp.

Mamie M. Baugh, 36, of Dewey Avenue, Rochester, is charged with third-degree assault following an incident on May 25 on Bank Street in the City of Batavia. She was arrested after Batavia PD responded to a disturbance at that location. She was issued an appearance ticket for city court. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Keven DeFelice, assisted by officer Nedim Catovic.

Joseph Bennett, 26, of West State Street, Albion, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property and petit larceny. He was transferred to Batavia Police by Albion Police on May 29 after being arrested on a warrant for violation of Genesee County probation. He was jailed in lieu of $5,000 cash or $10,000 bail bond and is due in Batavia City Court on June 6. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Nedim Catovic.

Darrin Mitchell Brown, 24, of South Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. On June 1, he was arrested by a Sheriff's deputy for allegedly violating a court order of protection by threatening the protected person. Brown was issued at appearance ticket and is scheduled to be in Town of Oakfield Court on June 16 to answer to the charge. The incident was investigated by deputy Joseph Loftus.

Joey Aaron Evans, 23, of State Street, Batavia, was arrested by Batavia PD on May 29 on a bench warrant issued by Batavia City Court for allegedly failing to comply with drug court and petit larceny. He was jailed on $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bond. He is to appear in city court again on June 26.

Michael D. Snyder, 42, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested following an incident on May 30 wherein he allegedly took a 30-pack of Budweiser beer from Top's Market without paying for it. Snyder fled eastbound on Route 5 and was apprehended near the Batavia Fire Department. He was released on an appearance ticket and is to appear in city court on June 3. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Chad Richards, assisted by officer Richard Schauf.

John A. Snook, 26, of Gillette Road, Albion, is charged with petit larceny for allegedly stealing $51.95 in merchandise from Walmart on May 14. He was arrested by Genesee County Sheriff's deputies and is currently in Orleans County Jail and is scheduled to appear in Town of Batavia Court on June 16. The incident was investigated by deputy Joseph Loftis.

A 16-year-old student at Pavilion High School was arrested on May 30 and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. The student was allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance while at the high school. The student was issued an appearance ticket for Pavilion Town Court at a later date. The incident was investigated by Sheriff's deputy Chad Minuto.

John M. Englerth, 43, of 6534 Main Road, Stafford, is charged with DWI and failure to submit to breath test. Englerth was stopped at 11:48 p.m. Friday on Bank Street in Le Roy by a village police officer. Englerth was allegedly observed driving without wearing a seat belt and allegedly failed to keep right.

Jordan R. Smart, 22, of 6 Gibson St., Oakfield, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC. of .08 or greater. Smart was allegedly seen driving erratically and stopped at 1:39 a.m. Saturday on East Main Street, Le Roy, by a village police officer.

Justin Thomas Hemmer, 33, of South Main Street, Elba, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Hemmer was jailed on $500 bail.

Aaron Mark Sechrist, 23, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Sechrist allegedly stole $26 in merchandise from Walmart.

Ajia Rae Hasenauer, 21, of Main Street, Le Roy, is charged with a violation of probation. Hasenauer was arrested following a traffic stop at 8 a.m. Friday on Main Street, Le Roy, by Deputy John Weis. Hasenauer is also accused of aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, unlicensed operator, failure to stop at a red light, failure to signal a right turn and no headlights during inclement weather.

Taylor Levi Finnin, 21, of Main Street, Le Roy, was arrested on a bench warrant for an alleged failure to pay a fine. Finnin was arrested following an appearance on an unrelated Family Court matter. Finnin was arraigned before Judge Robert C. Noonan and released on a promise to start making $50 per month payments.

Raymond James Radley, 48, of Main Street, Leicester, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, and harassment, 2nd. Radley was arrested by deputies from Livingston County and turned over to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on a warrant out of Town of Pavilion Court stemming from an alleged incident May 11 on Perry Road, Pavilion. Radley was jailed on $5,000 bail.

A 31-year-old Oakfield man died in a one-car motor vehicle accident in the Town of Shelby last night, according to the Orleans County Sheriff's Office.

Jeffrey E. Muntz apparently lost control of his sedan while on Podunk Road at about 9:45 p.m. and drove into a marsh becoming partially submerged.

A passerby spotted the car off the road and called 9-1-1. That person then pulled Muntz from the vehicle and attempted to perform life-saving mesasures prior to EMS personnel arriving on scene.

Muntz was transported to Medina Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 10:38 p.m.

The investigation into the accident is continuing, but the Orleans County Sheriff's Office reports that Muntz's car was westbound on Podunk Road. It crossed the center line and ran off the south side of the roadway and continued about 165 feet before coming to rest in about three feet of marshy water, some 50 feet off the roadway.

The incident scene is less than 1/4 mile from the Genesee County line.

The Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office will perform an autopsy as part of the investigation into the accident.

The on-scene investigation was conducted by Deputy T.N. Tooley, assisted by Deputy T.C. Marano, Deputy J.J. Cole, Sergeant G.T. Gunkler, and Chief Deputy T.L. Drennan. Deputies were also assisted by the East Shelby Fire Department and Lyon’s Collision Service.

A car fire is reported on the westbound Thruway at mile marker 394. East Pembroke Fire Department is responding along with mutual aid from Oakfield and Indian Falls. Mercy medics are also responding. It's unknown if there are injuries.

UPDATE 5:50 p.m.: East Pembroke command reports the vehicle is unoccupied. Oakfield is put back in service.

UPDATE 5:55 p.m.: Fire knocked down. Mercy medics are back in service.

Joseph A. Saraceni, 17, of Linwood Avenue, Batavia, is charged with first-degree rape, a Class B felony. Saraceni was arrested by Batavia PD following an investigation by Det. Charles Dudek and Det. Thad Mart in an alleged incident reported Nov. 11 on School Street, Batavia. No further details released.

Lance Mercado, 23, of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs. Mercardo was arrested after Batavia PD received a reported of a possible intoxicated driver in the parking lot of McDonald's at 1:18 a.m., Tuesday. Mercardo was arrested by Officer Matthew Lutey.

Eric J. Davis, 36, of Corfu, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Davis was arrested by State Police for an alleged incident reported at 6:52 p.m. Tuesday on Drake Street, Oakfield. No further details released.

Timothy M. Gardiner, 38, and Maria A. Gardiner, 48, both of Scottsville, are charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 3rd. Timothy and Maria were arrested by State Police in connection with an alleged incident reported at 9:39 a.m. Feb. 16 in the Town of Bergen. No further details released.

Heidi H. Stumbo, 48, of Lima, is charged with petit larceny. Stumbo was arrested by the State Police on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation. The alleged theft was reported at 1:04 p.m., Monday. No further details released.