Oakfield

An Oakfield man has been accused of impeding firefighters who responded to a report of smoke in a residential trailer on Overlook Drive on Sunday.

Jeffrey M. Johnson, 27, is charged with obstructing firefighter operations.

Town of Batavia Fire responded to the call at 5:20 a.m., Sunday.

Johnson was said to be uncooperative and allegedly refused firefighters entry into the trailer, which firefighters said was filled with significant smoke.

State Police were summoned and Johnson was taken into custody and jailed on $250 bail.

It was determined the smoke was the result of food left on an unattended stove.

NOTE: Johnson's arrest was reported in this morning's Law and Order, but we received additional information this afternoon.

Oakfield Fire is being dispatched to 14 Orchard St. for the report of a house filling with smoke.

UPDATE 11:04 a.m.: There is apparently a sewer test in the neighborhood. All equipment, stage in quarters.

Jason P. Andrews, 38, of Lake Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 5th, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 5th. Andrews is accused of selling an unspecified controlled substance in the form of pills to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force. Andrews was arrested at his residence, arraigned and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Jonathon Grant Browne, 22, of Leighton Avenue, Rochester, is charged with possession of untaxed cigarettes, unlawful possession of marijuana, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, speeding and driving a vehicle without stop lights. Browne was stopped at 4:08 p.m. Tuesday on Main Street, Oakfield, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

A 17-year-old youth, residence not specified, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd. The youth was arrested in Alexander by State Police. No further details released.

Jenna L. Josephite, 26, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and Dillon M. Brito, 23, of Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Josephite and Brito were arrested and charged by State Police at 3:30 p.m. Sunday on Route 5, Town of Batavia. No further details released.

Grand Jury Report:

Veronica Garcia is indicted on a count of felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .18 or higher, two counts of driving drunk with a child less than 15 years of age in the vehicle and endangering the welfare of a child. Garcia is accused of driving drunk Dec. 19 on Route 98, Alexander, with two children in the vehicle. She allegedly has a prior DWI conviction from February, 2011, in the City of Batavia.

Timothy Burch sent in this picture from this morning of a funeral procession in Oakfield for Alan H. Myers, who died at the age of 88.

According to his obituary, he led a heck of a life:

At age 11, he worked for adult wages on the Elba muck. He delivered newspapers by bicycle, set bowling pins, and in the winter, ran a muskrat trap line. He served during World War II with the Marine Corps and was awarded medals for marksmanship. He was stationed in Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba.

After an honorable military discharge, he was employed by U.S. Gypsum for 11 years and survived severe injuries from a mine tunnel collapse. He farmed and ran a chicken egg business.

He was trained as a draftsman with the aid available from the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, eventually retiring from Eastman Kodak Co. as a master draftsman engineer in 1989.

Al Myers was an exceptional craftsman in home repair and antique restorations and a gifted landscaper. His land and home were his passion. An avid naturalist and protector of wildlife, Al was also a marble shooter, game player, chess player, hunter, lover of dogs, cats, and the comedy duo Laurel & Hardy. He was a renowned billiards player, friend of Native Americans, and a Civil War enthusiast. He helped found the 44th NY Volunteer Civil War Regiment and was instrumental in the development of the North South Skirmish Association, where he won many marksmanship medals in antique firearms competitions.

Otto Charles Reinhardt, 48, of Clarence Center Road, Clarence, is charged with disruption of a religious service, criminal mischief, 4th, harassment, 2nd, trespass, assault, 3rd, and criminal contempt, 2nd. Reinhardt allegedly disrupted a religious service at 2:54 p.m. Sunday at 282 Broadway Road, Darien, and punched several people. He allegedly damaged personal property. He had allegedly been previously barred from the property. At 12:03 a.m. Sunday, at another location on Broadway Road, Darien, Reinhardt allegedly violated an order of protection out of Erie County Family Court. He was also charged with trespass related to that incident. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Joseph Christopher Downs, 43, of Knowlesville Road, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and moving from lane unsafely. Downs was arrested following the report of a single-vehicle accident at 8:10 p.m. April 12 on Fox Road, Oakfield. The accident was investigated by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

An Oakfield woman has been arrested by the Local Drug Task Force, accused of dealing oxycodone in the City of Batavia.

Michele L. DiFalco, 26, of Webber Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with three counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and three counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd.

DeFalco allegedly sold oxycodone to an agent of the task force. She was arrested Thursday at her home.

Following arraignment today, DiFalco was put in the Genesee County Jail.

A car fire is reported at 55 Garibaldi Ave., Oakfield. 

A chief on scene reports a working car fire. 

Oakfield fire dispatched. 

4:31 a.m.: Oakfield command reports the fire is out. 

Press release:

Two students from the Batavia Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center, Morgan Good, a senior and an Agri-Business Academy student from Pavilion Central Schools, and Emily Borkholder, a senior and an Animal Science student from Oakfield-Alabama Central Schools, recently attended the New York State Farm Bureau Taste of New York Lobby Day and Reception in Albany. Holly Partridge, Batavia CTE Animal Science instructor; Kerry Richardson, Batavia CTE Agri-Business Academy instructor; Catherine Bennett, Batavia CTE assistant principal, escorted the students.

During this event, members of the New York State Assembly and Senate met with businesses, farms and educational institutions that rely on New York state agriculture to run their business.

“We learned how much agriculture drives our economy in New York state. One of the most interesting experiences was when we attended two legislative meetings with Senator Michael Razenhofer and Assemblyman Michael DenDekker. We discussed what needs to be changed in our state to help farmers become more productive,” Emily said.

“We also spoke with other senators and assemblymen from throughout New York state and helped them to understand and increase awareness of the needs of farmers from our area,” Morgan added.

Throughout the conference exhibit time, the group showcased duck eggs versus chicken eggs in baking, the important collaboration between the Batavia CTE Animal Science and Culinary Arts programs and how the farm-to-table concept is incorporated into the curriculum of these two programs.

Press release:

Nominations are currently being accepted for this year’s induction class of the Oakfield-Alabama Alumni Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding OACS alumni who have achieved distinction in their lives and chosen field after high school through significant contributions to their career, community or through personal achievements. If you know a person who meets the following criteria, please consider nominating him/her for this prestigious honor:

1.  Nominees must be graduates of OACS or one of its predecessors, or have been active in school classes and activities during their senior year (Nominees who left school while in good standing to perform military service are also eligible.  Deceased alumni are not eligible for induction until the 5th anniversary of the year of their death.);
2. Nominees must have graduated prior to 1998;
3. Selection is based on achievement after leaving OACS which includes a worthy record in more than one, and exemplary achievement in at least one of the following:

• Job-related achievements
• Professional honors and awards, professional affiliations, publications
• Civic or community involvement
• Personal achievements/accomplishments
• Positive impact on the communities in the Oakfield-Alabama school district

Anyone may submit a nomination for any person meeting the criteria stated above. Nominations must be made during the nomination period only (March 1 – April 30) by using the Online Nomination Form or the PDF Nomination Form (see links below). Electronically submitted nominations are strongly preferred over mailed-in, hardcopy nominations.

1. Online Nomination Form  http://www.oacsalumni.org/content/HallOfFame/NominationProcess/OnlineForm
2. PDF Nomination Form http://www.oacsalumni.org/content_files/HallOfFame/NominationProcess/form.pdf

Press release:

Children who reside in the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District and who will be 4 years old by Dec. 1 this year are eligible to be registered for our Universal Pre-Kindergarten program for the 2015-2016 school year.  If you need a registration packet, please call the elementary school office at 585-948-5211, ext. 3211, to request one, or e-mail kfisher2@oahornets.org

Kindergarten registration is scheduled for Monday, March 23rd through Thursday, March 27th at the elementary school office between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2p.m. Information packets have been sent to families. If you did not receive a packet or are new to the district, please notify the elementary office at 948-5211, ext. 3211, and we will send one to you.

Please bring the following mandatory documents with you: a completed Student Information Form (from the packet received in the mail), your child’s birth certificate, two proofs of residency, a current immunization record and a current physical examination.

Only children who have reached their fifth birthday on or before Dec. 1, 2015,may be registered for the 2015-2016 school year.

Brian Michael Glor, 43, of Church Street, Oakfield, is charged with DWI and refusal to take breath test. Glor was arrested following an investigation into a hit-and-run accident at 7:34 p.m., Monday, in the City of Batavia, by Deputy Michael Lute.

Steven R. Colombo, 28, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Colombo allegedly violated a complete stay away order of protection. He was allegedly found hiding in the pantry of the protected party's residence.

Jimpce J. Etienne, 38, of Buell Street, Batavia, is charged with unnecessary noise. Etienne is accused of playing extremely loud and disturbing music at 11:30 a.m., Saturday.

Kayla D. Joiner, 22, of Schreck Avenue, Buffalo, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, charge. Joiner turned herself in and was jailed on $100 bail.

Thomas J. Mitchell, 25, of Batavia, was arrested on two warrants for alleged failure to appear. Mitchell was located and arrested and jailed on $1,500 bail.

Robin A. Pickering, 31, of Croop Road, Clarence Center, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, moving from lane unsafely, operation by an unlicensed driver and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle. Pickering reportedly drove her car into a snowbank on Burke Drive, Batavia, at 4:36 a.m., Friday. The accident was investigated by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

James Rocco Soccio, 33, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with coercion, 2nd. Soccio reportedly went to the residence of a person scheduled to speak against Soccio in a Family Court proceeding. Soccio allegedly threatened to harm the person. 

Jacob J. Camerera, 23, of South Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, reckless endangerment, 2nd, and two counts of aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd. Camerera allegedly drove a vehicle toward four other people in a reckless manner on Watson Street, Batavia, at 4:59 p..m., Feb. 15. One of the four people was covered by an order of protection.

A 17-year-old resident of Walnut Street, Batavia is charged with two counts of harassment, 2nd, and criminal mischief, 4th. The youth was arrested following an alleged incident at his residence at 11:30 a.m., Friday.

Kenneth L. Perkins, 51, of West Main Street, Corfu, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Perkins allegedly damaged the property of another person.

Heyward Clark Jr., 50, of Whitney Avenue, Niagara Falls, is charged with four counts of endangering the welfare of a child, driving while ability impaired by alcohol, following too closely, driving without a license, and child passenger in back seat not properly restrained. Heyward was stopped at 12:02 a.m. Saturday on Lewiston Road, Batavia, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Jennifer P. Hepp, 32, of Varysburg, is charged with petit larceny. Hepp was arrested by State Police on Friday at a location on Veterans Memorial Drive. No further information released.

Philip D. Stahli, 34, of Lockport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Stahli was arrested by State Police in Pavilion on Saturday. No further details released.

Harry R. Silliman, 50, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd, and harassment, 2nd. Silliman was arrested by State Police for an alleged incident at 9:45 p.m., Feb. 17. No further details released.

The Allens food processing plant in Oakfield is being evacuated because of a strong odor of natural gas coming from behind the building. The plant manager tells dispatch there's a main gas pipeline behind the facility, located at 40 Stevens St. in the village. Oakfield fire is responding, along with mutual aid from Alabama. Winds are north/northeast at 15 mph.

UPDATE 2:15 p.m.: National Fuel has been notified. No ETA given.

UPDATE 2:33 p.m.: The fuel line has been shut off.

Collin Wickings gets a helmet adjusted before taking a snowmobile ride in Oakfield this morning.

Genesee Sno Packers hosted their annual ride for clients of Genesee ARC, an event that had to be cancelled last year because there wasn't enough snow on the ground. This year, plenty of snow.

Colleen Fisher getting ready for her ride.

A rollover accident, unknown injuries, is reported at 7420 Lewiston Road. Oakfield fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 4:31 p.m.: A responder on scene reports "minor, if any, injuries" and says medics can "back it down."

UPDATE 4:39 p.m.: Oakfield is back in service.

Press release:

Del Plato Casey Law Firm, LLP and Raymond F. Cianfrini, Esq., of Cianfrini Law Firm, LLP, are proud to announce that Mr. Cianfrini has joined Del Plato Casey Law Firm as an “Of Counsel” attorney as of January 1, 2015. 

Mr. Cianfrini’s office will continue in its long-standing location of 31 Main Street, Oakfield, New York, where legal assistant and office manager Rhonda Natalizia will also continue to serve clients. 

Michael A. Del Plato and Peter M. Casey will also offer a wide range of legal services at the Oakfield office, in addition to their current location at 73 Main Street, Batavia, New York. 

Mr. Cianfrini, a 1972 Graduate of UB Law School, has been continuously engaged in legal practice in Genesee County and the surrounding area for 42 years.  He will continue to provide quality, client-focused legal services as part of Del Plato Casey Law Firm.  Mr. Cianfrini, Mr. Del Plato, and Mr. Casey may be contacted at either the Batavia office (585-344-1050) or the Oakfield office (585-948-5201).

Del Plato Casey Law Firm, LLP is a general practice law firm handling Commercial and Residential Real Estate matters, Wills and Trusts, Estates and Probate, Business Formations, Family Law matters, Divorces and Legal Separations, Criminal Defense, DWI matters, Traffic Offenses and Personal Injury.

Additional Note: Ray Cinanfrini is chairman of the Genesee County Legislature. Michael Del Plato is recently retired as a City Court judge.

Press release from State Comptroller's Office:

Former Oakfield Fire Department treasurer Samantha Hilchey was ordered to pay $16,281 in restitution at her sentencing Monday in Oakfield Town Court. Hilchey created direct withdrawals from the department's account to pay her National Grid, Verizon Wireless and other personal bills before her thefts were revealed by an audit and investigation by the office of New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

"Ms. Hilchey decided the public should subsidize not only her utility bills but also her K-Mart shopping," DiNapoli said. "Also disturbing is the unknown whereabouts of $4,340 in cash from a Mother's Day raffle. I thank Genesee County District Attorney Lawrence Friedman and the New York State Police for partnering with us to hold this individual accountable. I urge other fire departments to double check their books and increase their oversight to prevent similar abuses."

Hilchey, 31, of Batavia, was also sentenced to three years probation pursuant to her larceny conviction.

"The Genesee County District Attorney's Office thanks the Office of the Comptroller for its assistance and accounting expertise in the investigation and prosecution of this matter," Asst. District Attorney William Zickl said. "Investigations Director Stephanie Kelly and State Police Investigator Ron Wilson were instrumental in uncovering Ms. Hilchey's crime and making her accountable to the Oakfield Fire Department and the community."

The Comptroller's audit and investigation found that Hilchey stole $16,281 for personal use through a variety of bank or cash transactions in 2012 and 2013. The probe also found that $4,340 in cash from a Mother's Day raffle was unaccounted for.

The audit concluded that Hilchey was able to carry out the scheme because the Fire Department Board failed to establish proper internal controls such as requiring that transactions be properly recorded and that an annual audit of the treasurer's books be completed.

The Comptroller recommended that the Oakfield Fire Department:

* Audit and approve claims prior to payment and ensure that all disbursements are supported by vouchers;

* Review bank statements and cancelled checks monthly;

* Ensure that officials keep records of ticket sales and use of raffle funds; and

* Have the treasurer maintain accurate, complete and up-to-date accounting records that document all cash receipt and disbursement transactions.

In response to the audit, the Oakfield Fire Department Board of Directors thanked the Comptroller's Office, agreed with the findings, and promised to take corrective action along with additional safeguards. The Fire Department's response is included in the audit.

To read the audit, visit: http://osc.state.ny.us/localgov/audits/firedists/2015/oakfield.pdf

DiNapoli encourages the public to help fight fraud and abuse. New Yorkers can report allegations of fraud involving taxpayer money by calling the toll-free Fraud Hotline at 1-888-672-4555, by filing a complaint online at investigations@osc.state.ny.us, or by mailing a complaint to: Office of the State Comptroller, Division of Investigations, 14th floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236.

This morning, the new Oakfield water tower stood out against the gray, winter sky.

The snowstorm has passed, but a couple of flurries this evening are possible.

It's cold, though, and only going to get colder.

There is a wind chill advisory in effect from 7 p.m. through 10 a.m.

Winds will average 10 mph, creating wind-chill values of 15 to 20 degrees below zero.

There is a greater risk of frostbite and hypothermia, so appropriate dress and caution is advised.

Smoke is reported in the basement of a structure at 2719 Lockport Road. Oakfield fire is responding, along with mutual aid from Alabama. Town is Batavia fire is asked to fill in at the Oakfield Fire Hall. The location is Allied Electric Co., located between Bliss and Lewiston roads.

UPDATE 8 p.m.: Command says responders can proceed non-emergency.