Oakfield

Press release:

On Wednesday, Oct. 21 United States Gypsum Company hosted a small socially distanced luncheon at their manufacturing plant and offices in Oakfield. At the luncheon, USG Plant Manager Duane VanDuuren presented Eagle Star Housing with a donation of $5,000 to help support homeless veterans in the community.

USG employs multiple veterans at their organization and were extremely honored to make the donation to a local organization helping homeless veterans. The funds will be used to help further the programming at the Pembroke House for homeless veterans and purchase much-needed supplies and equipment for the program.

United States Gypsum Company was founded in 1902 when 20 gypsum companies around the United States came together to form the company. At that time, they added more gypsum companies to form a network of gypsum mines, quarries and processing plants.

Today, USG is known for inventing latex paint, mineral fiber ceiling tile, shaft wall elevator systems and Durock® cement panels and is a market leader in wallboard and gypsum products in North America.

These products sped up the building process and improved the way buildings could be designed and built. USG has helped build some of the world’s most iconic structures, such as the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the Lotte Tower in Seoul, and the Freedom Tower in New York. More information on United States Gypsum Company can be founded at www.USG.com.

Eagle Star Housing is a not-for-profit organization in New York State that provides housing services for homeless veterans. They have a 16-bed transitional housing program for homeless veterans in East Pembroke as well as other programs for homeless veterans in Central and Western New York.

Eagle Star has provided more than 960 homeless veterans with over 81,000 nights of safe housing since opening its doors in 2012. Eagle Star is also developing a new 55-unit apartment building in Batavia that will have 28 designated apartments for homeless veterans with full support services.

More information about Eagle Star Housing can be found at www.eaglestarhousing.com

Easy to see -- 7575 South Pearl Road, Oakfield. Solid country ranch in a great location -- close to school shopping and Thruway -- located in the Oakfield School System! This home is super solid and all the mechanicals have been well maintained and updated throughout the years! There is just so much that you don't see from the road that makes this home a great buy!

Large two-car attached garage leads to homey eat-in kitchen overlooking a beautiful backyard surrounded by fields! There is a large living room and three good-sized bedrooms and full bath -- so no stairs required:) Underneath carpeting there is HARDWOOD floors throughout! The basement is awesome -- huge and finished and with a full working kitchen for the people who like to cook, can or entertain!

Although you are connected to public water, there is also a reverse-osmosis system and water softener on property as well! You can walk out basement to great backyard with a big deck and patio for your summertime parties -- also there is CENTRAL AIR for all those awesome hot days!

This home is great and really needs nothing but your décor updates! This is definitely not a drive by -- it is CLEAN and READY TO MOVE IN -- Must see to appreciate what a great property this is!! Call Lynn Bezon today to see this country ranch (585) 344-4663.

A car has crashed into a tree in Oakfield at the Depew Rod & Gun Club, 6067 Fisher Road. There are possibly two people injured. Oakfield Fire Department is responding along Mercy medics. The location is between Albion and Lockport roads.

A third-party caller reported one person was outside the vehicle and attending to someone still inside it.

UPDATE 2:27 p.m.: Command reports there's a tree in the middle of the roadway. Fire police are on scene and instructed to slow traffic down near the curve.

UPDATE 2:29 p.m.: A 35-year-old male complains of bruising around his ribs; medics are told to continue to the scene in emergency mode.

UPDATE 2:32 p.m.: A female still inside the vehicle "is possibly a sign-off but she does want to be checked out."

UPDATE 2:50 p.m.: The male patient is being transported to Erie County Medical Center by Byron ambulance with Mercy medics' Squad 1 on board.

UPDATE 2:51 p.m.: The Elba fire assignment is back in service.

David M. Schmieder, 26, of Silver Road, East Bethany, was arrested after he allegedly assaulted a Wyoming County Sheriff's Deputy in the Village of Gainesville last month. At 1:04 p.m. on Sept. 23 Wyoming County Sheriff's deputies responded to a complaint about a man walking down the middle of Route 19, obstructing traffic and acting irrationally. Upon arrival, Schmieder allegedly refused to follow orders and ignored deputies. When one deputy approached Schmieder, the police report says he "forcefully punched the deputy in the head." A short struggle ensued and two deputies were able to take Schmieder into custody. The defendant is accused of being found with an amount of suspected drugs in his mouth, "which he refused to spit out." The injured deputy was transported to Wyoming County Community Health System for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Schmieder was taken to Wyoming County Community Health System for "treatment of a medical condition." On Oct. 1 he was released from Erie County Medical Center and arrested. Schmieder was taken to Wyoming County Jail for virtual arraignment in front of Wyoming County Court Judge Michael Mohun. He is charged with: second-degree assault; tampering with physical evidence; obstructing governmental administration in the second degree; resisting arrest; disorderly conduct -- obstructing traffic; and violation of probation. Schmieder was put in Wyoming County Jail without bail on the count of violation of probation. On the other charges, bail was set at $100,000 cash, $200,000 either bond or partially secured bond (same amount).

Hope Marie Grasso, 50, of Haven Lane, Le Roy, is charged with: criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree; attempted grand larceny in the third degree; and attempted grand larceny in the fourth degree. She was arrested at 10:04 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8. Grasso had allegedly possessed two fraudulent checks that amounted to a combined total of $52,800 and she is accused of trying to cash them at a local bank. She was put in jail and was scheduled to be arraigned this morning (Oct. 9) in Batavia City Court. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore.

Francisco Martinez Jr., 47, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with: open container of alcohol on public property; petit larceny; two counts of endangering the welfare of a child; and second-degree harassment. He was arrested after an investigation into a disturbance at 3:38 p.m. Oct. 3 in Austin Park on Jefferson Avenue in Batavia. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 5. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Samuel Freeman, assisted by Officer Adam Tucker.

Nateeka M. Gibson, 31, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with burglary in the second degree -- illegal entry into a dwelling, and disobeying a mandate of a judge. Gibson was arrested at 3:24 p.m. on Oct. 4 on Washington Avenue in Batavia after allegedly unlawfully entering the home of a person with a complete stay away order of protection. Gibson was arraigned in Batavia City Court via Skype and released under supervision of Genesee Justice with a 24/7 house arrest order. Gibson was due to return to court on Oct. 8. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Mark Theodore Helm, 39, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Helm was arrested on Oct. 5 after an investigation into an incident that occurred on State Street at 3:10 on Sept. 28. Helm is accused of pushing and punching another male during an altercation. Helm is due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 5. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Samuel Freeman.

David James Leroy, 28, of Gabbey Road, Pembroke, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested at 1:24 this morning, Oct. 9, after an alleged altercation with another person. Leroy was released with an appearance ticket to be Pembroke Town Court on Oct. 21. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore.

Zachary V.D. Seeley, 23, of Lyman Road, Bergen, is charged with aggravated criminal contempt. He was arrested on Oct. 5 following an alleged violation of an order of protection that occurred at 9:09 p.m. Sept. 26 on Ellsworth Avenue in Batavia. Seeley was arraigned in Batavia City Court via Skype then put in jail "until his return date" to court on Nov. 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Jeffery Robert Roth, 54, of South Main Street, Oakfield, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt for allegedly disobeying a court order. Batavia Police Officer Peter Post arrested Roth on an active arrest warrant out of Batavia City Court and the defendant was arraigned on Oct. 4 via Skype. Roth was put in jail on $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 bond and is due back in court on Nov. 5. Post was assisted by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Grace C. Murray, 21, of Hawks Road, East Bethany, was arrested Oct. 2 after she turned herself in at Batavia Police Headquarters on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court. It was issued after she allegedly failed to appear for sentencing on an undisclosed matter on Sept. 15. Murray is to return to court on Oct. 15. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, assisted by Officer Adam Tucker.

NEW LISTINGS: 40 North Lyons St., Batavia: How cute is this home? There is such great use of space in this home many nooks that have been used so creatively! This home has way more space than you could imagine from the road-definitely worth the look!

Three bedrooms, three full baths! Large Livingroom formal dining room and super cute newly refinished kitchen with peekaboo pass through to dining room! Off kitchen is cute morning room that has slider to large deck for morning coffee or there is a pantry/wine/bar nook your choice;) Basement has been partially finished with large play space for adult or child, full bath, and once upon a time there was a small kitchenette for those that like the extra cooking and canning space.

There is also utility/laundry area as well. Back yard has been fully fenced and super private -- extra large deck with a self made play/entertaining area with pergola -- can easily be turned back to full drive with one-car detached garage. This one is well worth the look! Click here for more information on this listing.

59 North Pearl Street Road, Oakfield: *20K PRICE DROP! Awesome price for tons of OPPORTUNITY! More than what meets the eye with this solid commercial building with a space for everyone!

Attractive large office space that has large private conference room, main office space, and front office. There are two huge bay garages with oversized overhead doors --one heated. Separate storage or equipment rooms if needed.

Upstairs features large, nicely finished, three rooms and small kitchenette could be extra office space or living quarters! This place will surprise you with how nicely done and the endless possibilities that it has to offer! Easy to see! Click here for more information on this listing.

Press release:

• Genesee County received five new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Alabama, Elba, and Oakfield.
  • Two of the individuals are between the ages of 0-20, one is in their 20s, one is in their 30s, and one is in their 60s.
  • The individuals were not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Fourteen new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
  • One of the positive individuals is hospitalized.
     
• Orleans County received zero new positive cases of COVID-19.
• Nine new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.

Photos and information from Casey Luttrell:

Oakfield-Alabama High School freshman Chase Luttrell (top photo) won three trophies at the Amateur Trapshooting Association's Northeastern Grand Trapshooting Competition, held in Bridgeport Sept. 17 to 19.

The 14-year-old competed in the Sub Junior class (age 14 and under). He is coached by his father, Casey Luttrell, and Elba resident Kevin Rombaut, a teacher in the Elba Central School District.

Chase shoots a Beretta A400 multi-target 12-gauge shotgun as well as a Browning model 725.

He was named Sub Junior Singles* Champion with a high score of 89 on Friday of the competition. 

He was the Sub Junior Handicap** event runner-up with a 67.

"The scores are usually higher than this but it was kind of a rough weather day up there with some nasty wind, so all scores were lower than usual," Casey Luttrell says.

In the contest that Saturday, Singles Championship Day, Chase earned the title of Sub Junior Champion with a 178/200 and again "the weather was dicey with wind affecting the targets pretty good."

Chase shot an 85/100 in the morning and came back with a 93/100 in the afternoon for a combined score of 178/200 to win his Sub Junior class.

"His normal gun, the Beretta, was malfunctioning in the morning so that's when he switched to the Browning over/under that he had never shot before and started shooting the lights out," Casey Luttrell said. "I was very proud of him because that is a difficult thing to do.

"Picking up a gun you have never shot before and shooting it well enough to win is above and beyond my expectations for him as his father and coach."

Both father and son won in their class in Singles Championship Day.

"I thought that was pretty cool," Chase's dad said. "I won AAA class, which is the highest classification you can achieve as a shooter with a 197/200. I also won AAA class on Thursday (Sept. 17) with a 99/100. So we did great as a father and son duo and brought home some hardware to add to the trophy case."

Casey started teaching Chase about a year and a half ago, using the knowledge accumulated in his 29 years of experience as a competitive shooter in the ATA and in local leagues.

"He has improved greatly month after month," says the proud parent.

Chase also plays basketball and is a member of the Oakfield/Elba junior/senior trapshooting team.

*Singles event means shooting from the 16-yard line.

**Handicap event is shooting from a yard line that is farther back. The farther back you get, the more difficult it is.

Below, Chase and Casey Luttrell, each with a trophy they won in their respective classes at the ATA Northeastern Grand Trapshooting Competition, and their trapshooting rifles.

New Listing Alert: 7575 S. Pearl Street Road, Oakfield. Solid country ranch in one of Oakfield's best location! This home is well built with a poured foundation and all the mechanicals that have been maintained and updated throughout the years!

Large two-car attached garage leads to homey eat-in kitchen overlooking a beautiful backyard, surrounded by fields! There is a large living room and three good sized bedrooms and full bath – so no stairs required! The basement is awesome! Huge, finished and with a full working kitchen, for the people who like to cook, can or entertain! You can walk out of the basement to great backyard with a big deck and patio for your summertime parties!

This home is great and really needs nothing but your décor updates! Clean and ready to move in -- easy to see! Click here for more information on this listing. Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today - 585-344-HOME (4663).

Akeem R. Gibson is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on Feb. 29 in the City of Batavia that Gibson possessed a narcotic drug -- cocaine -- with intent to sell it. In count two, he is accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, a Class C felony. It is alleged in count two that on that day he knowingly possessed one or more preparations, compounds, mixtures or substances with an aggregate weight of 1/8th ounce or more. In count three, Gibson is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree, a misdemeanor. It is alleged in count three that on that day Gibson drove a 2005 Chrysler on Ellicott Street while his driver's license was suspended by authorities.

Stephen M. Esposito is indicted for the crime of aggravated vehicular assault, a Class C felony. It is alleged that on Feb. 7 on Route 98 in the Town of Batavia that Esposito engaged in reckless driving and caused serious physical injury to another person. He is accused of driving a 1999 Ford F250 Supercab truck while his ability to do so was impaired by use of a drug and that he operated the vehicle in a manner that caused serious physical injury to a person. In count two, he is accused of driving while ability impaired by drugs, a Class E felony, for driving that day while his ability to do so was impaired by drugs. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Esposito is accused of having been convicted of the crime of driving while ability impaired by drugs on March 10, 2016 in Town of Stafford Court and that conviction is within 10 years of crimes alleged in the current indictment.

Patrick O. Spikes is indicted for the crime of second-degree burglary, a Class C violent felony. It is alleged that on Dec. 24 that Spikes knowingly entered or remained unlawfully in a building in the first block of Porter Avenue in the City of Batavia with intent to commit a crime. In count two, he is accused of first-degree criminal contempt, a Class E felony. It is alleged in count two that on that day he violated of an order of protection, that he acted with intent to harass, annoy, threaten or alarm the protected person, and subjected that person to physical contact or threatened to do so. In count three, Spikes is accused of criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count three that on that day, he applied pressure to the throat or neck of the protected person with the intent to impede normal breathing or blood circulation.

Edward C. Simmons is indicted for the crime of second-degree burglary, a Class C violent felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 16, 2019, that Simmons knowingly entered or remained unlawfully in a building with intent to commit a crime. The building was a dwelling in the 2600 block of East Shelby Road in the Town of Oakfield.

Kyle A. Scheuerlein is indicted for the crime of criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged that on March 8 in the City of Batavia, Scheuerlein impeded the breathing or blood circulation of another person by applying pressure on that person's throat or neck. In count two, he is accused of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony. It is alleged that on that day, with intent to cause physical injury to a person, that he cause such injury with a dustpan with a long handle. In count three, he is accused of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged in count three that on that day he possessed a dangerous instrument -- a dustpan with long handle -- with intent to use it unlawfully against another person. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Scheuerlein is accused of having been convicted in in the Circuit Court of the 18th Judicial District, in Du Page County, Ill.: of: (1.) theft of stolen property with intent to deprive, a Class A misdemeanor, Aug. 2, 2011; (2.) theft -- unauthorized control with intent not exceeding $300, a Class A misdemeanor, Aug. 2, 2011; (3.) burglary, a Class 2 felony, on Aug. 2, 2011; (4.) retail theft, possessing displayed merchandise not exceeding $300, a Class A misdemeanor, Feb. 10, 2012; (5.) theft -- unauthorized control with intent to benefit between $500 and $10,000, a Class 3 felony, Feb. 10, 2012; (6.) consumption of alcohol by any person under age 21, a Class A misdemeanor, Feb. 17, 2012; (7.) retail theft -- possession of displayed merchandise, a Class A misdemeanor, June 25, 2013; (8.) retail theft -- possession of displayed merchandise not exceeding $300, a Class A misdemeanor, on June 25, 2013. These convictions form the basis for count three in the current indictment.

Eric J. McGill is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged in count one that on Nov. 5 in the area of Hutchins Place in the City of Batavia that McGill possessed a dangerous instrument -- a bat, with intent to use it unlawfully against a person. In count two, McGill is accused of second-degree menacing, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two that on that date he intentionally placed or attempted to place another person in reasonable fear of physical injury, serious physical injury or death by displaying a dangerous instrument -- a bat. In count three, McGill is accused of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. In count three, it is alleged that on April 12 in the same area, he possessed a billy (an expandable baton). In count four, he is accused of the same crime as in count one, for allegedly possessing an electronic stun gun April 12 in the same area. In count five, he is accused of the same crime as count one, for allegedly possessing a billy on May 2 in the same area. In count six, McGill is accused of the same crime as in count one, for allegedly possession a billy in the same area on June 18. In count seven, the defendant is accused of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, a Class D felony, for allegedly possessing a billy on June 18, with intent to use it against another person. In count eight, McGill is accused of the same crime as in count one, for allegedly possessing an electronic stun gun June 18 in the same area. In count nine, McGill is accused of a second count of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, for allegedly possessing an electronic stun gun June 18 in the same area with intent to use it against a person unlawfully. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, McGill is accused of having been convicted: on Nov. 10, 2008, in Orleans County Court of attempted making a terroristic threat, a Class E felony; on Sept. 7, 2017, in Town of Shelby Court, of third-degree menacing, a Class B misdemeanor; and on June 13, 2018, in Town of Albion Court, of attempted petit larceny, a Class B misdemeanor. The convictions form the basis for all counts in the current indictment except count two.

Laura Vazquez Coronado is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated as a Class D felony. It is alleged that on May 13 in the Town of Byron that Coronado drove a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt on Griswold Road while she was intoxicated. In count two, Coronado is accused of DWI, per se, as a Class D felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .08 percent or more at the time. In count three, she is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, a Class E felony, for allegedly knowing at the time that her driver's license was suspended or revoked by authorities and she was driving while allegedly under the influence of alcohol or a drug. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Coronado is accused of having been convicted of DWI, as a misdemeanor, on July 25, 2018 in Town of Elba Court, and of the same crime Nov. 28, 2018 in Town of Elba Court. The convictions form the basis for count three of the current indictment.

Samantha G. Reff is indicted for the crime of aggravated driving while ability impaired by drugs, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Dec. 3 on Route 5 and Kelsey Road in the Town of Batavia that Reff drove a 2006 black Pontiac Torrent while her ability to do so was impaired by use of a drug and that she did so while a child age 15 or less was a passenger. In count two, Reff is accused of aggravated driving while her ability was impaired by drugs, a Class E felony, and while a second child age 15 or less was a passenger. In count three, Reff is accused of endangering the welfare of a child, a Class a misdemeanor, for allegedly knowingly acting in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare of a child less than 17. In count four, she is accused of the same crime as in count three because a second child less than 17 was involved. In count five, Reff is accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly knowingly possessing buprenorphine and naloxone. In count six, she is accused of the same crime as in count six for allegedly knowingly possessing alprazolam.

Derrick R. Kio is indicted for the crime of first-degree criminal contempt, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Feb. 21 in the Village of Le Roy that Kio intentionally disobeyed or resisted a stay away order of protection. In count two, he is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree, an unclassified misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two that on that day Kio operated a vehicle in the Village of Le Roy while his driver's license was suspended or revoked by authorities. It is further alleged that at the time, he had three or more suspensions imposed on three separate dates for failure to answer, appear or pay a fine. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Kio is accused of having been convicted of second-degree criminal contempt, a Class A misdemeanor, on Dec. 19 and that conviction was within five years of the crime alleged in the current indictment.

John M. Tullar is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on March 3 in the Town of Bergen that Tullar operated a 2010 Ford on Route 33 while he was intoxicated. In count two, Tullar is accused of DWI, per se, as a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .08 percent or more at the time. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Tullar is accused of having been convicted of DWI, as a misdemeanor, on Nov. 23, 2010 in the Town of Ogden Court, Monroe County, and that conviction was within 10 years of the crimes alleged in the current indictment.

A driver is reportedly irate following a motor-vehicle accident at Bliss Road and Lewiston Road in Oakfield.

Injuries are reported.

Oakfield fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 8:55 p.m.: There are possibly six injuries, including a pregnant female. A second ambulance is requested.

UPDATE 9:06 p.m.: A third ambulance requested.

Submitted photos and press release:

Seven members of the Genesee Community College team have been recognized by the State University of New York for outstanding contributions to their profession, the campus and the community.

The SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence is given in recognition of consistently superior professional achievement and encourages the ongoing pursuit of excellence.

The following faculty and staff members earned SUNY Chancellor's Awards for 2019-2020.

GCC is proud to announce Carolyn Caccamise and Kari Heidemann have received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, which recognizes consistently superior teaching at the graduate, undergraduate or professional level of the highest quality. To say that Caccamise has been an integral part of GCC's veterinary program would be an understatement. Director and Associate Professor of the College's Veterinary Technology program, Caccamise played an integral role in building the program to what it is since she started as an adjunct instructor in 2011.

Armed with a bachelor's from Eisenhower College and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine and extensive ongoing learning, Caccamise maintains veterinary practices which helps ensure her students are at the cutting edge of practical learning and application. Caccamise resides in Alexander.

Heidemann has been an instructor of Human Services at GCC since 2006 and began teaching full-time in 2016 when she also began coordinating the program's internships, advisory board, scholarship opportunities and advising the Human Services Student Club. Heidemann graduated Summa Cum Laude from Niagara University with a bachelor's degree, earned a master's from SUNY Brockport and received a NISOD (National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development for community and technical colleges) Award. Heidemann resides in Barker.

The SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching recognizes consistently superior teaching at the graduate, undergraduate or professional level of the highest quality. This honor was earned by Adjunct Instructor Ruth Rigerman. Rigerman has taught math courses at GCC for nearly 40 years. She received the NISOD Award for Excellence in Teaching to Adjunct Faculty in 1993, 1998 and 2017. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BS in Education, Mathematics from SUNY Brockport and later earned her MS in Education there as well. Today, Rigerman resides in Batavia.

For Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities, Director of Fine and Performing Arts Maryanne Arena received a SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence. An award-winning educator, director, entertainer, public speaker, and police officer, Arena was named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary Club and received three Medals of Valor -- including one for capturing one of the New York Police Department's "Ten Most Wanted" criminals.

Since she joined GCC in 2004, Arena established GCC's Children's Theatre tour, Black History Month/ Social Justice productions and produced numerous performances. Arena also received a YWCA Women of Distinction Award for Racial Justice in 2015, a citation from Mental Health Association of Genesee and Orleans Counties for producing, directing, and acting in " 'Night, Mother" in 2012, and SUNY Chancellor's Award recipient for Excellence in Professional Service in 2009.

Arena became a Licensed Police Officer in NYC, a PD Officer Certified in East Stroudsburg, earned a bachelor's degree from East Stroudsburg University and then a master's degree in Acting & Theatre from Brooklyn College. She currently resides in Le Roy.

The SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Faculty Service, which recognizes consistently superior service contributions of teaching faculty over multiple years, was awarded to Professor of Business Lauren Paisley. Paisley first began her relationship with GCC in 2002 as an adjunct faculty member and a part-time trainer in The BEST (Business & Employee Skills Training) Center -- a role she still plays.

However, in 2006, Paisley added full-time professor of Business at GCC to her resume. Since then, Paisley has served on the College's Global Education Committee, International Student Organization (advisor), Academic Senate, accreditation work groups and committees for the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, multiple scholarship committees and numerous search committees to fill vacant positions within GCC.

Her work with student organizations has resulted in thousands of dollars to local animal shelters, food pantries, and programming designed to encourage humanity and kindness. Paisley earned her bachelor's degree from D'Youville College and a master's degree from SUNY Buffalo in Business Administration. Paisley resides in Middleport.

Human Communications and Behavior Department Secretary Michelle Forster received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Classified Service. This award is a system-level award established to give recognition for superior performance and extraordinary achievement by employees in the Classified Service. These awards demonstrate SUNY's commitment to individuals who provide superior service to its students and the community at large.

Forster has served as a secretary in GCC's Human Communications and Behavior department for 11 years. She has trained other secretaries on many operational processes, covered for other staff positions during absences, and provided superior customer service to students, faculty and staff in all circumstances. She regularly volunteers to participate on College committees and fully embraces GCC's passion to go "beyond expectations." Forster resides in Oakfield.

Recognizing consistently superior professional achievement, the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service was awarded to Kathryn Meloon. Meloon joined the Business Office at GCC in 2000 as a staff accountant, became assistant director of Finance in 2002 and in June of 2007 she was promoted to her current role of bursar where her primary focus is leading the Student Accounts Office.

However, Meloon consistently goes above and "beyond expectations" for GCC and its students. For the past three years (2016-2019) she wrote and was awarded the President's Innovation Award which allowed GCC to create its New York City Extended Student Visit initiative. The NYC Extended Student Visit brings approximately 20 already accepted NYC residents with limited financial means, on an overnight visit to experience GCC and Batavia firsthand. The visit allows these NYC students to envision themselves at GCC in an attempt to positively influence their decision to enroll.

Meloon earned a bachelor's degree at Houghton College and a master's degree at Keuka College. She currently resides in Batavia.

A fully involved barn fire is reported at 3753 Lockport Road in Oakfield. The location is between Fisher and Snyder roads. Oakfield Fire Department is responding, along with mutual aid from Alabama, Elba and the city's FAST team.

UPDATE 3:20 p.m.: The city's first platoon is called in to fire headquarters on Evans Street.

UPDATE 3:39 p.m.: About 30 yards from the blazing barn, some local farmers are trying to corral several cows that escaped from the property; unknown at this time if the bovines had been in the barn.

UPDATE 4:02 p.m.: This property belongs to Dean Norton, the former head of the NYS Farm Bureau. Several dozen head of cattle either escaped from the barn or were let out and people corralled them and put them safely in another barn on the property. Not yet known if any animals perished, but at least one suffered burns. Firefighters are still working to douse the blaze; flames no longer showing, but lots of smoldering embers and smoke.

UPDATE 4:52: Firefighters are doing overhaul now, spreading out the hay and hosing down hot spots. These are beef cattle, not dairy cows. Five of them are being treated for burns at the scene by veterinarians. It is possible one or two animals perished in the blaze; still investigating. It is believed the fire may have started after a skid loader, which has just been used, was parked next to some hay in the barn.

UPDATE 5:07 p.m.: This involved about 200 head of cattle; some managed to escape the burning barn on their own, others were let out and herded into another barn on the property, according to property owner Dean Norton.

Robin S. Brooks, 58, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, (inset photo right) is charged with third-degree assault. The defendant was arrested after an investigation of an incident at 7:30 p.m. July 17 on Hutchins Place in which Brooks allegedly broke someone's hand by slamming it in a door. Brooks was arraigned at 12:15 p.m. July 31 in Batavia City Court and was due to return to court on Aug. 5. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Samuel Freeman, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Robin S. Brooks, 58, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, is charged with second-degree assault. The defendant was arrested after an investigation of an incident at 8 p.m. July 27 on Hutchins Place in which Brooks allegedly kicked a door shut on a female's hand, causing serious physical injury. Brooks was arraigned at 9:30 a.m. July 31 in Batavia City Court and jailed on $2,500 cash bail or $10,000 bond. Brooks was due to return to city court on Aug. 5. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Samuel Freeman.

David P. Grossman Sr., 37, of Maple Street, Batavia, (below left inset photo) is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested at 8:32 p.m. Aug. 3 on Maple Street after a harassment complaint that alleges he struck two different males during an altercation. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released with a return date of Aug. 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

David P. Grossman Sr., 37, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with: fourth-degree criminal mischief; third-degree criminal mischief; second-degree burglary -- a dwelling; endangering the welfare of a child; and obstructing governmental administration in the second degree. Grossman was arrested at 2:46 a.m. on Aug. 4 on Highland Park in Batavia after he allegedly broke into a house, threatened the resident inside and damaged property. After his arrest, he allegedly kicked and damaged a patrol car, for which he is also charged. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed without bail. He is due to appear in court again on an unspecified date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jordan McGinnis, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Paul James Feitshans, 22, Siehl Road, Akron, is charged with: endangering the welfare of a child; harassment; and criminal obstruction of breathing. Feitshans was arrested at 5:59 p.m. Aug. 5 following the investigation of a disturbance on Coe Avenue in the Village of Oakfield. He allegedly struck a person and obstructed their breathing while in the presence of a child. He was arraigned in Genesee County Court and released on his own recognizance. He is due in court at a later date (unspecified). The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon, assisted by Mathew Clor.

Isaac J. Floyd Jr., 56, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, menacing in the second degree, and obstruction of governmental administration in the second degree. Floyd was arrested after an investigation into a disturbance that occurred at 7:07 p.m. July 26 on State Street. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in jail (bail status not provided). He is due back in court Aug. 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Wesley Rissinger.

William J. Hixenbaugh, 30, of School Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief in the fourth degree and criminal contempt in the second degree. He was arrested Aug. 1 after an investigation of a domestic incident July 29 on School Street. It is alleged he damaged another person's property. He was released with an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Adam Tucker.

Janice Lynn McGuire, 46, of Galloway Road, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated, first offense; operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more, first offense; speed not reasonable under special hazard; moving from lane unsafely; consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle on a highway; and failure to notify the DMV of an address change within 10 days. After a personal injury accident on Cleveland Road in Pembroke at 9:28 p.m. on Aug. 5, McGuire was arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated. She was released with appearance tickets and is due in Pembroke Town Court on Sept. 17. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Matthew Clor.

Joanne Merica Pangrazio, 49, of South Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, and criminal mischief. On Aug. 2, Pangrazio was arrested and arraigned in Bergen Town Court. The charges stem from a domestic incident reported about 1:50 p.m. on Aug. 2 on South Street Road. She was arrested at the scene and transported to Genesee County Jail for processing and virtual arraignment. She was released on her own recognizance and is due in Genesee County Court at 10 a.m. on Sept. 15. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Judd Allen Farewell Jr., 29, of Maltby Road, Oakfield, is charged with criminal mischief -- intentionally damaging property. On Aug. 3, Farewell was arrested after he allegedly intentionally damaged the toilet in his jail cell at the Genesee County Jail. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court to answer the charge on Aug. 18. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Mullen.