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Oakfield

Oakfield officials looking for person who broke into Little League food stand

By Howard B. Owens

During the early morning hours of Aug. 21 somebody broke into the food stand at the Little League fields at the Oakfield Town Park and stole drinks and candy.

Town Clerk Melissa Haacke said the thief was obviously looking for money.

Sometime after 3 a.m., the person in this photo was seen on surveillance cameras in the park, so officials are hoping to identify the person and determine if there's a connection.

Haacke can be reached at (585) 948-5835.

Law and Order: Oakfield resident accused of growing marijuana

By Howard B. Owens

Daniel C. Frey, 50, of Oakfield, is charged with unlawful growing of cannabis and criminal possession of marijuana, 4th. Frey was arrested by State Police at 12:57 p.m. Friday on Klossen Road, Alabama. No further details released.

Jason A. Perry-Murray, 20, of Jackson Street, Batavia, was arrested on warrant for an unpaid parking ticket.

Juan A. Roman, 36, of Portland Avenue, Rochester, is charged with criminal contempt. Roman is accused of violating a stay away order of protection.

Caitlin A. Hayes, 26, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear on a parking ticket. Hayes was arrested following police contact on an unrelated incident.

Elliot R. Sandoval, 38, of Spencer Court, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Sandoval is accused of kicking another person in the back while that person was walking down a flight of stairs.

Joseph J. Kostanciak, 24, of unspecified address, is charged with petit larceny. Kostanciak is accused of shoplifting at Walmart.

Sanders A. Kelsey, 27, of Batavia, and Michelle L. Franks, 33, of Batavia, are charged with petit larceny. Kelsey and Franks are accused of shoplifting at Walmart.

Carol A. Bartucca, 55, of Stafford, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Bartucca was stopped at 10:16 p.m. Saturday on Horseshoe Lake Road by a trooper.

Jeremy D. Eck, 27, of Hornell, is charged with DWI, driving while impaired by drugs and unlawful possession of marijuana. Eck was stopped by State Police at 10:27 p.m. Sunday on Route 20 and Browns Mill Road, Alexander.

Lawrence E. Rutkowski, 50, of Orchard Park, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Rutkowski was stopped at 12:11 a.m. Monday on Route 20, Alexander, by State Police.

Brett F. Dieter, 36, of Basom, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing. Dieter was arrested following an investigation of an alleged incident at 8:10 p.m. Sept. 1 on Lewiston Road, Alabama.

Michael R. Sigl, 21, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and possession of a hypodermic instrument. Sigl was arrested by State Police following an incident report at 3:32 p.m. Sunday. No further details released. 

Tyler E. Deleys, 20, of Corfu, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, petit larceny and possession of a hypodermic instrument. Deleys was arrested on Hartshorn Road, Pembroke, by State Police following a report of an incident at 3:32 p.m. Sunday. No further details released.

Steven R. Ryan, 36, of unspecified address, is charged with DWI and refusal to take breath test. Ryan was stopped by State Police at 10:10 p.m. Sunday on Route 77, Pembroke.

Lindsey N. Burdick, 32, of Pavilion, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Burdick was stopped by State Police at 11:29 p.m. Sunday on Route 20, Alexander.

Todd L. Frocione, 50, of Syracuse, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Frocione was stopped by State Police at 11:51 p.m. Sunday on Route 20, Alexander.

Local school districts benefit from 'Pencils 4 Schools' program

By Billie Owens

Over the past two weeks, 80,000 pencils have been delivered to school districts, including Batavia City Schools, Oakfield-Alabama Central, Byron-Bergen Central, Pavilion Central, Alexander Central, and Attica Central as part of the attorney William Mattar Pencils 4 Schools campaign.

It was established in response to ever-tightening school district budgets. Understanding the difficulty school districts and families face in trying to provide supplies for students, Mattar is pleased to donate these pencils to help get the school year off to a great start for the young leaders of tomorrow. This year, the firm received a record number of requests from schools.

School districts can still register for Pencils 4 Schools by calling 444-4444 or by e-mailing dawn@williammattar.com.

Representing clients across New York State with offices in the Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Binghamton, and Albany regions, William Mattar, P.C., focuses on auto injury cases for those seriously injured in motor vehicle and truck accidents. For more information about the firm’s community involvement, visit www.WilliamMattar.com

Photos: Oakfield Labor Days Parade 2014

By Howard B. Owens

Oakfield, as part of its Labor Days celebration, closed out the parade season in Genesee County once again in style, with its biggest parade yet (lasting an hour and 20 minutes).

This year's theme was a salute to agriculture, with Dean Norton, NYS Farm Bureau president, walking this parade as Grand Marshall. He was joined on the route by his family.

To purchase prints, and ensure you'll have copies of these photos years from now, click here.

Photos: Today at Labor Days in Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens

Photographer Amanda Earl attended Oakfield Labor Days today and sent in these photos.

Tomorrow, 10 a.m., the parade. I hope to see you there.

Participants in the 5K race: Michael Harasimowicz, Justin Harasimowicz, Jennifer Kirkum and Ritchie Kirkum.

Football Preview: O-A looking for young receivers and backs to step up and make plays

By Howard B. Owens

Hornets fans have much to be hopeful about in the 2014 season: A third-year starter at QB with a strong arm, a strong offensive line, experienced coaching leadership, but there's also a couple of question marks.

The big issue is who among a young group of receivers and running backs is going to step up and be the playmaker to complement QB Allen Chatt.

Head Coach Brian Palone is looking to improve on last year's 5-3 record in what promises to once again be a tough Genesee Region.

"It all depends on how those guys coming in at skilled positions do for us," Palone said. "We've got some guys who are really competing at those spots for us. It will be interesting to see how we perform in the first game."

Chatt has continued to improve at QB and has become a true team leader, Palone said. He's stepped up, providing leadership to his young receivers.

"He knows what I expect of him and what we expect of the offense," Palone said.

Law and Order: Arrests announced in apparent scrapping thefts

By Howard B. Owens

Jeremy Dean Lyons, 29, of South Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 3rd. Lyons was allegedly found in possession of more than $3,000 worth of copper wiring that was stolen from several buses parked at a business in Oakfield. Lyons was jailed on $50,000 bail.

William H. Kelly III, 44, Robert Kelly, 43, and Michael Correia, 58, all of Syracuse, are charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 3rd. The three men were arrested by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office for allegedly stealing more than $3,000 worth of brass fittings, electrical wire, tools, and plumbing and construction materials from a location in Batavia. They were arrested following a traffic stop in Huron and held without bail. (Source: 13WHAM).

Roger James Farney III, 31, of Clayton Street, Buffalo, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st. Farney was located by law enforcement at this former residence on Pearl Street Road, Batavia, allegedly in violation of an order of protection out of Family Court. 

Four Canadians -- Sarah C. Glassford, 22, of Acton, Ontario, David L. Jones, 22, of Walkerton, Ontario, Hayley M. Halls, 23, of Acton, Ontario, and Nicole P. Spurrell, 22, of Acton, Ontario -- are all charged with trespass. They were arrested by State Police in connection with a reported trespass at a location in Darien at 11:45 p.m. Aug. 16. No further details released.

A 16-year-old Batavia resident is charged with criminal mischief. She was arrested by State Police in the Town of Barre in connection with an incident reported at 6:55 p.m. on Monday. No further details released.

Lots to do and see on Sunday and Monday in Oakfield

By Billie Owens

Labor Day weekend – the last summer blowout before school starts and the temperature starts to dip – is when hundreds of people converge on the Village of Oakfield for the fun of it.

Reasons to go there on Sunday and/or Monday are ample: an arts & crafts show, 5K run, car cruise, pony rides, rubber ducky race, cow chip bingo, fireworks, parade, kid zone, basket raffles and music galore. There’s food, too, and beverages to quaff. Goodies galore.

The OBC – Oakfield Betterment Committee – has outdone itself this year, with a lineup that starts Sunday morning and goes through late Monday afternoon when cash prizes are awarded and one lucky winner will get a John Deere utility vehicle and trailer.

This year musicians include: the famous, multi-generational classic country act that is the Ramblin’ Lou Family Band; “hardcore country music with a twang” – The Ghost Riders; WNY’s oldest round and square dance band, Kelly’s Old Timers; NYS Country Music Hall of Famers -- the Craig Wilkins Band; The Old Hippies, no need to say more, except peace and love, man; and, of course, the ubiquitious King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, a hunk a hunk of burnin’ luv if ever there was one.

Plus, there will be skilled performers, jugglers, unicyclists and magicians in the Kid Zone, and a Fun Run just for kids.

Registration for the 5K and Fun Run starts at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday at the Big Pavilion at Elroy D. Parkins Park on Drake Street in the Village. Entertainment kicks off at 11 with the Ramblin’ Lou Family Band. Fireworks end the evening at 10.

On Monday, the Parade down Main Street gets under way at 10 a.m.

Dozens of locals businesses sponsor Oakfield Labor Days in the Park. Proceeds benefit improvement and beautification projects in Oakfield.

The place will be packed. Shuttle service is available.

For a detailed schedule of events, click here:

http://www.oakfieldbetterment.com/schedule.html

Law and Order: Young man accused of punching older family member, leading to felony charge

By Howard B. Owens

Forrest Ansel III, 24, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with assault, 2nd. Ansel is accused of punching a relative several times, causing physical injury. The alleged victim is over 65 and more than 10 years older than Ansel. Ansel was arraigned and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Paul C. Ferraro, 19, of South Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with grand larceny, 3rd. Ferraro is accused of stealing more than $3,000 over a two-month period while employed at Save-A-Lot. Ferraro was jailed without bail.

Thomas Webb

Thomas A. Webb, 54, of Syracuse, is charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd. Webb was arrested after a bank employee called about two people in the bank trying to cash forged checks. Webb was apprehended at the scene, but the other person fled before police arrived. Police recovered the checks and the IDs of both suspects. The investigation indicates at least one other person may be involved. That person appears to have supplied the forged checks to the suspects and similar checks that were cashed at another bank branch in the City of Batavia. Le Roy PD and Batavia PD are working together in an ongoing investigation.

Timothy J. Lewis, 20, of Ellicott Street Road, Pavilion, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Lewis is accused of hitting a family member and a friend while in the parking lot of Oliver's Candies at 3:30 a.m., Wednesday.

Katherine S. Thomas, 41, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. Thomas is accused of intentionally breaking a glass mug on the sidewalk in front of her residence, causing a physically offensive and hazardous condition.

Possible structure fire on Farnsworth Avenue, Oakfield

By Billie Owens

A possible residential structure fire is reported at 8 Farnsworth Ave., Oakfield. The home is filled with smoke. Oakfield command on scene reporting nothing showing. Alabama fire is asked to stand by in quarters in case needed.

UPDATE 11:21 a.m.: Command tells the crew headed to the scene to check out the basement, which smells like smoke.

UPDATE 12:34 p.m.: The problem was a "burnt cooler motor." Responders are back in service.

Oakfield Town Clerk reminds residents to get their dogs licensed

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Article 7 of New York State Agriculture and Market Law requires all dogs older than four (4) months to be licensed within the town they reside. This ensures proper vaccination against rabies that protect both you and your neighbors.

Any dog living with you for more than 30 days must be licensed. Residents of Oakfield (both town & village) will receive their enumeration paperwork within the next week. The paperwork must be returned to the Town Clerk no later than November 1, 2014.

Should you fail to meet the deadline and are found to be harboring an unlicensed dog(s) you will be subject to court fines and an enumeration fee of $5 per dog that will be added to your licensing base fee.

Melissa M. Haacke

Town Clerk/Tax Collector/Registrar of Vital Statistics/Notary Public

3219 Drake Street
Oakfield, NY  14125

Phone 585-948-5835, ext. 20
Fax 585-948-8108

Car-pole accident reported in Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens

A car has hit a pole on Route 262 just east of Fisher Road. At least one person is injured. Oakfield fire responding with Mercy EMS. Mercy Flight on ground standby. 

UPDATE 4:20 a.m.: Patient is being transported to ECMC.

Law and Order: Charge upgraded against Oakfield resident in tree cutting incident

By Howard B. Owens

James Herbert Manes, 77, of Sunset Parkway, Oakfield, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Manes allegedly stood on a shed in his yard and used a saw to cut branches from a tree in his neighbor's yard. Manes was previously charged with trespass in the incident. He was arraigned in Town of Oakfield Court on Monday night on the upgraded charge.

Alfredo Jalowayski, 52, of Saint Paul Street, Rochester, is charged with possession of more than 400 untaxed cigarettes, speeding (43 in a 30 mph zone) and no or inadequate exhaust. Jalowayski was stopped at 6:25 p.m. Tuesday on Main Street, Village of Oakfield, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. 

Gregory John Richenberg, 56, of South Holley Road, Holley, and Jeremy John Richenberg, 34, of Fancher Road, Albion, are charged with trespass. The two men were allegedly on property in Byron owned by a family member after being advised by the propery owner to stay off the property.

Lost dog found on Alibon Road, Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens

Jeff Allen's daughter found this dog wandering on Albion Road, Oakfield, last night. Jeff said he checked with neighbors and nobody had seen the dog before. It appears to have been at large for some time. The dog has a collar but no tags. If it's your dog, contact Jeff at (585) 356-9705. The owner should be able to describe the collar or present proof of ownership.

UPDATE: All spiffed up:

Tree-trimming by 77-year-old Oakfield resident leads to trespass charge

By Howard B. Owens

A 77-year-old resident of Sunny Brook Trailer Park in Oakfield never even left his property today to cut limbs from a tree in his neighbor's yard.

His tree trimming with a chainsaw on a pole resulted, however, in a trespassing charge.

James Herbert Manes, of Sunset Parkway, Oakfield, was arrested by Deputy Chris Parker.

Parker said Manes and his neighbors have a documented history -- at least two prior law enforcement contacts in 2011 and 2012 -- of disputes.

The trespassing charge, Parker said, is the result of that history and the assertion that the park manager told Manes he couldn't cut the tree limbs.

Manes allegedly stood on the roof of his storage shed to cut the limbs.

Parker was dispatched to the scene at 11:30 a.m.

"Obviously, you're allowed to cut tree branches on your side of the property, but he reached over and cut the limbs down to the base," Parker said.

Manes was issued an appearance ticket.

Law and Order: Keeney Road resident accused of grand larceny

By Howard B. Owens

James Joseph Argento, 36, of Keeney Road, Le Roy, is charged with grand larceny, 3rd. Argento allegedly stole property with an approximate value of $5,000 from a location on Keeney Road, Le Roy. Argento was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Arlin Joselin Reyes, 31, of Townsend Avenue, Bronx, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Reyes was arrested on a warrant out of Darien Town Court. The incident was reported at 5:30 a.m., Nov. 24. Reyes was arraigned on the charged, entered a guilty plea, paid his fines and was released.

Abraham Lyn Rendon-Matadamas, 31, of Lewiston Road, Alabama, is charged with assault, 3rd. Rendon-Matadamas allegedly struck another person in the face. The alleged victim was treated at Medina Hospital. Rendon-Matadamas was arraigned in Town of Alabama Court and released on his own recognizance. He was also handed an order of protection. 

Devon Michael Husted, 16, of Broadway Road, Alexander, is charged with criminal sale of marijuana, 5th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Husted allegedly sold marijuana while at Darien Lake Theme Park.

Michael Anthony King Jr., 16, of Oakfield, is charged with first-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child. King is accused of sexual contact with a child less than 11 years old. He was arraigned and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Derek G. Thomas, 37, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and menacing, 3rd. Thomas was allegedly involved in an incident at 9:30 p.m. July 6 on Lewis Place. He is accused of shoving one person and threatening another. 

Alicia May Lyons, 34, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Lyons is accused of wrapping several items in her coat while at Tops Market and then proceeding out of the store without paying for the items.

Thomas C. McJury, 48, of Brooklyn Avenue, Batavia, is charged with deteriorated roof covering. McJury was arrested on a City Court warrant stemming from an alleged property maintenance code violation. McJury posted bail and was released.

Emily N. Indovina, 19, of Erie Street, Mt. Morris, is charged with trespass. Indovina is accused of going to a residence she was advised not to visit by a Batavia PD officer the day before.

Konstantin Logvinsky, 28, of Middlesex Road, Rochester, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. Logvinsky was arrested on a warrant, posted bail and was released.

Alexandria C. Pisarek, 21, of Oakfield, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Pisarek was arrested by State Police at 2:42 p.m. Saturday in the Town of Batavia on Route 33. No further details released.

Dominique D. Davis, 21, of Rochester, is charged with issuing a bad check. Davis was arrested by state police. No further details released.

GCEDC approves USG project in Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Board of Directors of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) approved a final resolution for application for assistance from United States Gypsum Co. (USG) at the July 10, 2014, board meeting. 

United States Gypsum Company Co. (USG) 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 is expected to commence in 2016. The projected capital investment is approximately $23 million and the investment will retain 98 manufacturing jobs and create 12 new production jobs.

In other matters, Graham Corporation’s 2013 project with the GCEDC involved expansion of its operations on Harvester Avenue, Howard Street and Florence Streets, in the city of Batavia. There has been a longer than anticipated construction time on these projects and Graham Corporation is requesting a PILOT amendment in order to delay the commencement of the PILOT by one year. This amendment will not result in any additional incentives for the project.   

“The significant investments in businesses right here in our region is strongly reflective of the ongoing economic growth we continue to witness in all industry sectors,” said Wallace Hinchey, GCEDC Board chairman.

Photos: A bit of Oakfield in USAF museum in Ohio

By Howard B. Owens

Master Sgt. Jason Earle (retired), a former Genesee County resident, was visiting the U.S. Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio when the word "Oakfield" caught his eye.

A bag of beans labeled "George W. Haxton & Son, Inc., Oakfield, N.Y." was in a display showcasing the USAF's efforts during the Berlin Airlift following World War II.

Earle said, "I'm quite sure there was a lot of war effort going on with the numerous factories the county had at the time, but nobody really thinks of what effect our local farmers had as well."

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