Oakfield

Brandon J. March, 39, of Batavia, is charged with strangulation 2nd, assault 3rd, and menacing 3rd. March was arrested on Dec. 28 following an investigation into an incident on South Lyon Street. March is accused of kicking a person while threatening to kill that person. March was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision.

Donald G. Vanelli, 60, of Oakfield, is charged with burglary 3rd, criminal mischief 4th, conspiracy 5th, and petit larceny. Vanelli was arrested on Jan. 4 on a warrant stemming from an investigation into a break-in at a business on Mill Street. At least two suspects stole property from the business, according to police. Vanelli was arraigned and released under supervision.

Tanisha N. Gibson, 38, of Batavia, is charged with assault 2nd, criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Gibson was arrested on Jan. 8 following an investigation into an incident on Dec. 2 on Bank Street. Gibson is accused of spraying pepper spray in the face of another person. Gibson was arraigned and released.

Johnathan M. Falk, 25, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and conspiracy 6th. Falk is accused of cooperating with another person to steal property on Jan. 5 from 7-Eleven on East Main Street. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Samuel J. Hernandez, 21, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Hernandez is accused of shoplifting from West Main Wine and Spirits on Jan. 5. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Jaliyla S. Shelton, 18, of Rochester, is charged with two counts of grand larceny 4th. She is accused of stealing two cars in Batavia. She was arrested on Nov. 2 and issued an appearance ticket.  She is accused of failure to appear on those charges and was arrested on a warrant on Jan. 10. She was arraigned and released.

Crystal L. Dacey, 29, of Attica, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and petit larceny. Dacey is accused of stealing property and prescription pills from another person on Jan. 10. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Timothy D. Cobb, 19, of Buffalo, is charged with unlawful fleeing a police officer 3rd. Cobb is accused of fleeing from a police officer following an incident at Speedway at Oak and Main on Jan. 3. The pursuit was terminated, but Cobb was apprehended a short time later. He was issued an appearance ticket and multiple traffic tickets.

James R. Briggs, 48, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Briggs is accused of stealing merchandise from Family Dollar on East Main Street on Jan. 4. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Joshua W. Bombard, 18, of Pavilion, is charged with assault 3rd and criminal mischief 4th. Bombard was arrested after police officers responded to a report of a fight at a location on Ellicott Street on Dec. 27. Bombard is accused of injuring another person and damaging that person's property. He was arraigned and released.

Jennifer M. Beswick, 41, of Batavia, is charged with DWAI/Drugs and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Beswick was arrested on Dec. 27 by Batavia PD following an investigation into a traffic accident that occurred on July 29. Beswick was issued an appearance ticket.

Jason C. Mann, 47, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Mann is accused of damaging another person's property during a fight in the parking lot at 587 East Main St., Batavia, on Dec. 24. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Martin J. Rodgers, 39, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Rogers is accused of damaging a window at a residence on Oak Street on Dec. 19 during an argument. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Naquan J. Shepherd, 24, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Shepherd allegedly hit another person during an argument on Hutchins Street, Batavia, on Dec. 20. Shepherd was issued an appearance ticket.

Ronald J. Murray, 29, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant on Dec. 26. The warrant stems from an incident on Aug. 11. Murray is accused of possessing narcotics. He was arraigned and released. 

Henry C. Roberts, 19, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Roberts is accused of shoplifting from Tops on Dec. 29. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Levy Spikes, Jr., 50, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Spikes was charged following a traffic stop by a Batavia PD patrol on Dec. 24 on Lewiston Road. He was issued traffic tickets.

Malik Isiah Ayala, 32, no permanent address, is charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Ayala is accused of stealing a pair of Nike sneakers from Dick's Sporting Goods at 4:22 p.m. Jan. 13. When taken into custody, he was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Mark E. Green, 42, of Hermitage Road, Warsaw, is charged with harassment 2nd. Green is accused of hitting another person at a residence on Briarwood Terrace, Batavia, at 5:50 p.m. on Jan. 14. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Scott David Murray, 38, no residence provided, is charged with assault 3rd and criminal obstruction of breathing.  Murray was arrested on Jan. 2 in connection with an incident reported on Dec. 30 at a location in Darien. Murray is accused of striking another person in the face multiple times and applying pressure to the neck of that person multiple times.  He was held for arraignment.

Joseph M. Andrews, 47, of East Crestwood Court, Lockport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, moving from lane unsafely, open container, and speed not reasonable and prudent. Andrews is accused of driving off the roadway at 9:03 p.m. on Jan. 13 on Lewiston Road, Oakfield, while intoxicated. The incident was investigated by deputies Mason Schultz and Zachary Hoy.

Maxim James Reynolds, no age provided, of Lakes Road, Hamlin, is charged with DWI and false personation. Reynolds was stopped at 2:33 p.m. on Jan. 14 on Reed Road, Bergen, by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Press Release:

The Oakfield Republican Committee is looking for candidates to fill the following positions. All are four (4) year terms.  

• Village Trustee (2)
• Town Justice (1)

The Committee will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 24, at 6:30 p.m.  The meeting will be held at the Village Offices, 37-39 Main Street, Oakfield.

The Oakfield Republican Committee will also hold elections for their officers at this meeting.  Open positions on the committee are as follows and are four (4) year terms:

• Chairman
• Co-Chairman
• Treasurer
• Secretary

Interest persons should submit their letter of intent to Melissa M. Haacke, Secretary ORC, 19 Bennett Ave, Oakfield, no later than Jan. 22.

Press Release:

The Town of Alabama Republican Committee is seeking interested candidates to fill an open position for Town of Alabama Justice. The Town of Alabama Republican Committee will recommend to the Town of Alabama Board for the open position.

Please send a letter of intent to Town of Alabama Republican Chairman, Earl LaGrou. 7420 Macomber Rd. Oakfield or via email, earl@lwemail.com. If you have any questions please call Earl LaGrou at 716-912-8195. All letters need to be in no later than January 31.

Press Release:

The Haxton Memorial Library Board of Trustees will hold their monthly Board
Meeting for January 2024 on Wednesday, Jan. 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the
library. The public is invited to attend.

The Haxton Memorial Library located at 3 North Pearl St. in Oakfield
provides residents a variety of programs, events and materials that are listed
on the library’s website at www.HaxtonLibrary.org.

Press Release: 

The Haxton Memorial Library Board of Trustees will hold their monthly Board Meeting for January 2024 on Wednesday, Jan. 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the library. The public is invited to attend.

The Haxton Memorial Library located at 3 North Pearl Street in Oakfield provides residents with a variety of programs, events, and materials that are listed on the library’s website at www.HaxtonLibrary.org.

Oakfield lost by two points in closing seconds to Kendall on Friday in a Genesee Regional matchup at the Hornet's Nest, Oakfield.  

Kendall stunned the squad opening up the quarter, scoring ten straight to lead 16-11 after the opening quarter.

The Hornets battled back halfway through the second to come within four.  Oakfield's Kyler Harkness scored a bucket and got fouled to give momentum and maintain a four-point lead at the half, 29-25.

Both teams exchanged game leads in the third, and then Brent Mancuso scored a buzzer-beater to end the third, 48-45 Hornets.  

In the fourth quarter, the lead increased by eight to 58-50, and the Hornets were looking to get away with the game but got into foul trouble. Kendall chipped away with two plays that positioned them with a two-point lead with 18 seconds left in game regulation.  

Kendall won 62-60.

Avery Waterson scored 30 points for Oakfield. Kyler Harkness scored eight.

Oakfield is now 2-2 on the season and plays home versus Byron-Bergen next Wednesday at 7 p.m.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Press Release:

On Thursday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m., Dance Images will be hosting a free show at Oakfield High School called “You Are Light”. They will be showcasing dancers with diverse abilities and talents, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and representation within our performances.

Dance Images believes in celebrating the unique abilities of individuals from various groups, fostering an environment that embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities for everyone to share their love for the art of dance. They pride themselves on giving all individuals the chance to share their love for dance with others.

"In this Christmas show, you will see a variety of dances such as individuals in wheelchairs, hip-hop, tap, ballet, ribbon dance, and lyrical" said Amy Pizzi, owner of Dance Images. "I had a studio in Lockport for 22 years and Oakfield has been open for 8 years. I have had so much support from my small town of Oakfield in getting my program off the ground."

"It means so much to have everyone’s support because I’ve grown up in the small town of Oakfield and have made many memories in the school where we will be performing. Many of my dancers who do not have any special needs love to volunteer to help with classes. We are a tight dance family. It has been my passion for years to showcase dancers of all abilities and demonstrate how inclusion can help not only the special needs but also other students who find a passion in helping others."  

For more info, please contact Amy Pizzi at 716-343-3162 or email her at Danceimages2002@gmail.com. 

Submitted photos by Amy Pizzi.

Santa Claus arrived in Oakfield for a short visit on Friday night, carried into town by the Oakfield Volunteer Fire Department with mutual aid from Elba and Alabama.

The children who gathered for his arrival then gathered at Memorial Park for Christmas carols and a tour of the holiday-light-decorated park.

The Christmas spirit carries on in Oakfield today (Saturday).  For information on Saturday's activities, click here.

Photos by Howard Owens

Oakfield residents gathered in the Triangle Park in Oakfield on Thursday evening for the annual lighting of the remembrance Christmas trees.

This year, there are 94 decorated trees in the park.

For more on this weekend's events in Oakfield, click here.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Christmas in the Village returns to Oakfield on Friday and Saturday with a full slate of holiday cheer, ranging from a parade and the arrival of Santa to a Christmas ornament scavenger hunt.

The fire truck parade delivering Santa and Mrs. Claus to Triangle Park is at 5 p.m. on Friday.

There will be food and beverages available for purchase at Memorial Park from the OA Parent Teachers Organization and Santino's, and Sweet Ally's will have special hours, staying open until 6 p.m.

The grand lighting of Winter Wonderland in Memorial Park is after the parade at approximately 5:30 p.m.

The evening will also feature musical performances by the Genesee Country Church children's choir, the Olympians, as well as the O-A Central School chorus and swing choir.

The Caryville Inn will be serving holiday drink specials.

On Saturday, it's Oakfield's own Small Business Saturday with an ornament scavenger hunt that will encourage participants to visit businesses in the village. 

The first 50 participants or families receive a wreath, instructions and a stamp card. It starts at 11 a.m. at The Goose Farm Market, 33 South Main St., and runs until 2 p.m.

A festive wagon will provide transportation throughout the village during the hunt.

The winners announced at prizes award at 2 p.m. at The Goose.

Santa Returns on a fire truck to Triangle Park at noon and will hear children's Christmas wishes until 2 p.m. in the gazebo while cocoa and cookies, courties at the Oakfield-Alabama Lions Club will be served.

Additional special events.

• Genesee Society of Model Engineers – Open House with working model trains on display. Holiday cookies will be served.
• Zeliff Farm Market – open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with specials on meat packages available. Samples of Snack Sticks and Meatballs too.
• Haxton Memorial Library – games, crafts, and movies
• Rusty Rail Bar & Grill / Strikeforce Lanes – opens at noon and will have bowling

A structure fire is reported at 2993 Batavia Oakfield Townline Road, Oakfield.

Oakfield Fire dispatched.

UPDATE 4:44 p.m.: Second Alarm.  Town of Batavia Fire and East Pembroke Fire dispatched. A person reportedly trapped in the structure. Alabama Fire to fill in at Oakfield Hall. Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 5:15 p.m. Joanne Beck: One occupant and two dogs were rescued from the structure safely. No other occupants are in the home. No flames and only light smoke are on scene at this time.

The fire is under control, and responding fire departments are starting the overhaul. 

UPDATE 7:43 p.m.: The scene commander was Chad Williams, first assistant chief of Oakfield Fire. The first chief on scene confirmed that there was a structure fire and a person inside, along with two dogs. That chief and a state trooper coaxed the occupant out. 

A neighbor had reported the fire and the occupant was apparently unaware of the fire.  

Williams said the first engine on scene arrived quickly. 

He said, "We made quick work into the house and ended extinguishing the fire, knocking down the base of it, and we made some headway to find where it was located."  He said the fire appeared to have started with or near a wood stove. 

The occupant was checked by medics and had no apparent injuries. 

Asked about the quick work of the firefighters to knock down the fire, Williams said, "That's that's what we trained for. We don't get these very often. A lot of folks, when we do this training, they're like, 'oh boy, why do we got to keep doing this training?' But you know, once that training kicks in, it's like muscle memory. It just kicks in. It's second nature. They go in they do what they got to do, and then everybody comes out unscathed."

Press release:

The Genesee Society of Model Engineers will host the club's 21st Annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 2, at the club's facilities located at 50 Main Street (Rte. 63), Oakfield, N.Y. 14125 (above the M&T Bank). The "FREE" event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Stairway access only.

The club's facilities feature operating layouts in O Gauge (Lionel), HO, and N. Club members will be available to answer your model railroading questions. This is a great family-oriented event filled with photo ops and fun for kids of all ages.

"The Christmas holidays seem to bring back those childhood memories of a model train and miniature village around the Christmas tree," said club president Mike Bakos. "Our members are busy keeping the tradition of trains and the holidays alive. We invite you to visit and enjoy one of Genesee County's best-kept secrets."

This year's Open House will be one of the many events featured as part of Oakfield’s Christmas in the Village celebration, along with many other family-oriented activities taking place in the village throughout the day.

The Genesee Society of Model Engineers is located at 50 Main Street (Rte. 63), Oakfield, N.Y. (above the M&T Bank) and is open Tuesdays from 7 until 9 p.m.. Business meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month. Visit www.gsme.org. Like us on Facebook.

Travis Scroger’s entry into writing was a bit unconventional: After graduating in 2020 from Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, Pa., Scroger entered one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States.

As a social media manager Scroger, of Rochester, regularly oversaw posting across all social media platforms. Yet, amid the hustle and bustle that comes with managing the online world, he was deeply unhappy.

“I worked a lot of desk jobs and I kind of fell into a depressive state and went through some pretty severe anxiety episodes,” he said during an interview with The Batavian. “I didn’t go to college or anything with the plan of writing. I just kind of fell into it.”

The up-and-coming author and writer of his first novel, the dystopian spy thriller “Torrent Breach,” will be at Haxton Memorial Library for a meet-and-greet at 7 p.m. on Nov. 9. Attendees will have an opportunity to hear about his entry into becoming a novelist and insights into his book.

After his entry into the social media profession, and outside of a few press releases, Scroger had never published anything before. He did, however, find solace in writing. 

Since he was young, Scroger recalled having linear dreams. Dreams that would carry over one night into the next. Rather than discard them, he got into the habit of writing those dreams down, although he never shared them with anyone. His novel, “Torrent Breach,” is a product of one of his dreams.

“I had never shared them (his dreams) with anybody but I didn’t have much to lose any more, so I really allowed myself to try and become openly vulnerable,” he said. “Thankfully it worked out.”

Scroger hopes that local residents come out to learn more about his book, and can glean something from his life story.

“I hope that they find it inspiring. Deep down I just want to prove that you can do whatever you really want to do,” he said. “There was a lot of times I was hesitant to pull the trigger with publishing. It is possible to do it with the right people around you."

The library is at 3 North Pearl St., Oakfield.  For more information, call 585-948-9900.

Press Release:

The Oakfield Alabama CSD today announced an amendment to its policy for serving meals for children served under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program for the 2023-2024 school year, which would allow for all children at all schools/sites to be served meals at no charge. 

For additional information, please contact the following person:

Mary Della Penna, Food Service Director, Oakfield Alabama Central School District at 7001 Lewiston St. Road Oakfield, calling 585-948-5211 ext. 4234, or by email at MDellapenna@oahornets.org.

Tyler Austin Nixon, 27, a graduate of Oakfield-Alabama High School, was honored with a Mass of Christian Burial at Resurrection Roman Catholic Church on Saturday morning, followed by burial with military honors at St. Cecilia Cemetery in Oakfield.

Nixon, a highly regarded captain in the U.S. Army, died unexpectedly on Sept. 23. He was found unresponsive in his quarters at Joint Base San Antonio, Fort Sam Houston, where he was attending Medical Service Corps training in the Captains Career Course.

His death remains under investigation by the Army, and an Army spokesman said no further information will be released until the investigation is completed.

The Batavian did not seek comment from his parents, Michael and Megan Nixon, but in a military memorial service in San Antonio on Oct. 3, Nixon was praised by a former and his most recent commander as an outstanding human being and an officer who was a credit to the U.S. military.

Col. Thomas Collette, a former commander, spoke of first meeting Nixon when the colonel took command of the 421st Medical Battalion. 

"As you can see, Tyler was a big guy with an even bigger smile. He introduced himself brimming with enthusiasm for his new role as the S3 (Operations and Training Officer),” Collette said. "I couldn't have been more pleased to have an officer so deeply committed to this position. Even in our first conversation, it became abundantly clear that Captain Nixon was an officer filled with a passion for operations and unafraid of a challenge.”

In the ensuing months, Collette said, Nixon took on increasingly complex and demanding duties that "pushed him well beyond his prior experiences. These challenges might have overwhelmed the lesser officer, but Tyler remained resolute and dedicated to professional growth and leadership development."

Collette observed Nixon as the officer in charge of the Expert Field Medical Badge competition, which would take place in Europe.

"What stood out most about Tyler in these duties was his thirst for knowledge and self-improvement," Collette said. "He valued and actively incorporated feedback from others, firmly believing he could learn from anyone. This desire to learn and grow forged strong bonds across the battalion."

Collette said Nixon displayed a "relaxed confidence and unwavering positivity" and that he was "the first to bring levity to intense situations."

He said, "We will forever remember him first for his cheerfulness, his quiet, unshakable confidence, his natural gift for uplifting others when they fell down, and his spirit that refused to quit."

Nixon graduated from Canisius College, where he attended the Reserve Officer Training Corp, and was thus commissioned as a second lieutenant upon graduation in 2018.  At Canisius, Nixon played rugby, a sport he continued to enjoy while in the Army.

Major Gray (his first name isn't mentioned during the service) remembered Nixon for many of the same traits recalled by Collette. 

He said he didn't really get to know Nixon until after they were deployed to Italy.

"During the drive to Vicenza, I learned about Tyler's love for his family, his dogs, motorcycles, lifting weights and rugby," Gray recalled. "We talked about the wonderful traveling opportunities that being stationed in Europe had to offer and how we looked forward to seeing new things and going into new places. While we were there, I learned that Tyler was an incredibly hard worker starting early and finishing late almost every day."

He said Nixon was "good-natured and easygoing" and that he could "connect with anyone."

He also recalled a story that illustrated both Nixon's love of sports and his dedication to seeing the mission through, even if it was a recreational activity.

"He literally gave up an entire weekend to umpire a softball tournament when he was told that they would have to cancel if they didn't get the volunteers they needed," Gray said. "So in the days leading up to that, he studied and learned how to umpire even though I'm pretty sure he had never played softball before, so he could umpire the game. Leading up to that time, he had to learn all the hand gestures and get all the calls down. And while he was umpiring, pretty much everyone was talking about how great he was doing and how he was the best umpire out of all the ones that they had, and that every future tournament that they were doing, they wanted him to come. That really is a testament to who he was as a person."

Besides his parents, who currently reside in San Antonio, Capt. Nixon is survived by his brother Jacob, sister Alison, and niece Coram, along with his grandparents Dale and Elaine Tucker and Michael and Kathy Nixon.

Funeral arrangements were handled by Burdett-Sanford Funeral Home in Oakfield.

The Batavian wishes to thank the Nixon family for providing us the opportunity, the honor and the privilege of covering his memorial service on Saturday.

Besides the photos with this story, you can view 49 more photos in a slideshow by clicking here.  And scroll down to the bottom of this post for a video of the Oct. 3 service in San Antonio.

Press Release:

Halloween Party: Thursday, October 26 at 6:45 p.m.

The whole family is invited to wear a costume and join us for games, treats and a craft! This year we will also have a "Costume Contest". Registration is appreciated. Call the library at 948-9900 to register.

2nd Annual Triangle Park Halloween Parade: Saturday, October 28 at 10 a.m.

Children of all ages are invited to wear their costume and "Trick or Teat" around Triangle Park in the Village of Oakfield. Our Library Volunteers will be handing out candy and we will also have a Halloween photo booth available. No registration necessary.

Halloween Preschool Storytime: Monday, October 30 at 10:30 a.m.

Wear your Halloween Costume for this special Halloween Preschool Storytime. We will enjoy “not-so-scary” Halloween stories and activities and then we will parade around the building for some Halloween treats! This program is designed for children ages 2-5, but ALL ages are welcome to attend. No registration necessary.

The Haxton Memorial Library located at 3 North Pearl Street in Oakfield provides residents a variety of programs, events and materials that are listed on the library’s website at www.HaxtonLibrary.org.

Press Release:

On Sunday, November 19 starting at 4 p.m. the Genesee Valley Wind Ensemble (GVWE) will be performing their fall concert at Oakfield-Alabama Middle/High School located at 7001 Lewiston Rd. Oakfield.

Phillip J. Briatico, founder of GVWE, will be conducting along with guest conductor Brad Willard. These works will be featured:

• Overture for Winds- Charles Carter
• Handel in the Strand- Percy Grainger
• Chant & Jubilo- W. Francis McBeth
• The Longest Day- Paul Anka arr. Brad Willard
• Beauty & The Beast- arr. Calvin Custer
• Autumn Leaves- Alfred Reed
• ‘80s Soundtrax-arr. Patrick Roszell
• The Washington Post- John Philip Sousa
• Sleigh Ride- Encore

The purpose of the GVWE is to serve and to provide the Greater Genesee Valley audience with new and familiar live music, to serve its membership with the opportunity to perform challenging wind ensemble literature, and to create the opportunity for the conductor and musicians to grow their collective musical talents.

For more information and ticket prices visit www.geneseevalleywindensemble.org or contact geneseevalleywindensemble@gmail.com. 

Alabama Fire is responding to 2557 Towne Place, near Macomber Road, in Oakfield, for the report of smoke coming from a vacant house.

UPDATE 11:15 a.m.: A chief on scene reports nothing showing.

UPDATE 11:17 a.m.: Responders, which now includes an engine from Oakfield, can respond non-emergency.