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Six local students named to Dean's List at Buffalo State

By Billie Owens

The following students were named to the Spring 2012 Dean's List at Buffalo State University.

  • Valerie Klug, a business administration major, from Corfu

 

  • David Dupre, a business studies major, from Corfu

 

  • Kimberly Schildwaster, a career and technical education major, Oakfield

 

  • Brittany Moose, a fashion and textile technology major, from Le Roy

 

  • Rachel Pettys, a hospitality administration major, from Darien Center

 

  • Stephanie Esten, a hospitality administration major, from Oakfield


To qualify, students must earn a GPA of 3.5 or higher and complete a minimum of 12 credit hours. Founded in 1871, Buffalo State is the largest comprehensive college in the SUNY system offering more than 165 undergraduate and 62 graduate programs in the arts, sciences, professions, and education.

GCC Spring 2012 President's List honorees

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College proudly announces that the following students are among 540 students who were named to the President's List for the Spring 2012 semester. Students honored on the President's List have maintained full-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better. (The college also maintains a Dean's List comprised of students who earn a quality point index of 3.50 to 3.74. Genesee's Dean's List will be released in the next several weeks.)

This year's Genesee Community College Spring 2012 President's List honorees, with their hometowns, are listed below:
 

Basom

Danielle Hirtzel
Jessica Pfalzer
Theresa Rainey
Elias Seward
Leah Snyder

Batavia

Russell Jackson

Bergen

Elizabeth Jarnot
Charles Lee
Lindsay Stumpf

Byron

Tiffany Harrington
Richard Lucas
Stacy Maskell
Arlene Olmstead
Adrienne Payne
Danielle Thom

Corfu

Angel Alexander
Stacy Brockway
Rachel Doktor
Tracy Kearney
Michael Kraus
Kyle Maurer
Kayla Meyer
Alyssa Reeb
Dawn Roberto
Dawn Smith
Trevor Spiotta
Dana Wolbert

Darien Center

Shannon Bates
Kylynn Bank
James Erb
Matthew Herod
Hannah Zimmermann

East Bethany

Autumn Atkinson
Julliane Ingalls
Alec Kirch
Bryce Kirch
Sarah Lawson
Janet Gohlke

East Pembroke

Anthony Nati

Elba

Michael Anauo
Nicole Beardsley
Richard Dorf
Chapin Guthrie
Chelsie Pangrazio
Samantha Walker

Le Roy

Kevin Callahan
Andi DeBellis
Eric Hayes
Stephanie Heisler
Jeanice Howard
Gregory Humphrey
Donald Kahm
Mark McAvoy
Cody Niccloy
Willard Prevost
Michele Rast
Bethany Roth
Heather Schroeder
Brenda Sheflin
Denise Simcick
Michael Sullivan
Conor Tomaszewski

Linwood

Deena Hernandez

Oakfield

Della Balduf
Jonathon Cassiano
Lindsay Chatt
Benjamin Cherry
Angela Larmon
Laura Ostrowski
Sara Read
Joseph Sullivan

Meghan Vandersteur

Pavilion

Samantha Barclay
Patricia Brown
Wendy Edwards
Kaleigh Kingsley
Jonathan White

South Byron

Halle Davalos

Stafford

Michelle Jackson

 

Genesee Community College offers over 60 academic programs and certificates, including the new Veterinary Technology (Vet Tech) and Polysomnography (Sleep Tech) programs. Genesee is accessible through seven campus locations throughout Western New York, as well as through online classes in the Distance Learning program. College housing is available at College Village, just a three minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes yet state-of-the-art technology both inside and out of the classroom, Genesee Community College is known for being "high-tech" and "high-touch."

Oakfield resident looking for help in locating stolen scooter

By Howard B. Owens

If you see anybody with a scooter that looks like this, Oakfield resident Lois Sutton is hoping you will contact the Sheriff's Office.

Sutton said this morning somebody stole her from Motofino scooter from her back yard. She thinks the look of the scooter is unique enough, and there are no local dealers, that it will stand out.

The Sheriff's Office can be contacted at 585-345-3000.

Feed truck reportedly on fire on Albion Road, Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens

A feed truck at Lamb Farms on Albion Road, Oakfield, is reportedly on fire.

Oakfiled Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 10:09 a.m.: A chief on scene reports a working truck fire.

UPDATE 10:15 a.m.: Fire knocked down.

Suspect accused of spitting blood on deputy's face

By Howard B. Owens

A 29-year-old Batavia man was jailed on a $10,000 cash bail after allegedly spitting blood on a deputy's face when the deputy attempted to arrest him at an address on Bennett Avenue, Oakfield, at 7 p.m., Thursday.

Shawn Michael Twardowski, of Montclair Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, and harassment, 2nd.

Twardowski was arrested by Deputy Matthew Fleming after Fleming responded to a report that Twardowski was at the address in Oakfield in violation of an order of protection.

The criminal contempt charge was elevated to the first degree because Twardowski has a second-degree criminal contempt conviction within the past five years.

As Fleming placed Twardowski under arrest, Twardowski allegedly spit blood on the deputy's face, leading to the harassment, 2nd, charge.

Bail was set at $10,000 or $25,000 bond.

Oakfield-Alabama wins junior/senior baseball championship

By Howard B. Owens

Submitted by Scott Gayton:

Oakfield-Alabama defeats the Batavia Yankees to win the Junior/Senior Championship Title. The final score was 4-3. Front row from left: Coach Joel D'Alba, Jordan D'Alba, Andrew McIntyre, Tristian Korzelius, Cole Phelps, Cameron Dayka. Back row: Coach Scott Gayton, Zach Gayton, Allen Chatt, Danny Dinsmore, Austin Fisher, Chris Nanni, Hunter Spiotta, Josiah Yantz, Manager Bruce Chatt.

Law and Order: Batavia resident accused of using forged business checks

By Howard B. Owens

Richard Lee Maston, 30, of Colorado Avenue, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd. Maston is accused of possessing two forged business checks at two separate locations within the City of Batavia, one on July 9 and one on July 18. Deputies are  investigating whether Maston allegedly cashed more than 12 other checks at locations in the City of Batavia and one location in the Town of Batavia, all between July 8 and July 17. Maston was arraigned and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Michael C. Buzzell, 34, of 6 Lewis Place, Batavia, is charged with menacing, 2nd, and criminal possession of a weapon, 4th. Buzzell allegedly threatened to kill a person while holding a knife. Police were called the scene at 9:15 p.m., Thursday. Buzzell was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Tyrone N. Thigpen, 35, of 5 Pearl St., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Thigpen is accused of violating a "stay away" order of protection.

Ronald J. Murray, 17, of 7 Wood St., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Murray is accused of stealing a bicycle that was parked outside of a downtown restaurant. Police report later locating Murray with the bicycle a short time later.

Ian C. Blain, 23, of Ashland Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle and unlawful dealing with a child. Blain is accused of taking a vehicle from the parking lot of the Log Cabin Restaurant in Pembroke and leaving it abandoned in a field off Indian Falls Road. He's also accused of providing alcohol to a person under age 21.

Stephen P. Pahuta, 50, of Oakfield, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing, strangulation, coercion, three counts of criminal mischief, and harassment, 2nd. Pahuta was arrested following a report of an incident at 11:40 a.m., Thursday, in Oakfield. State Police responded. No further details were released.

Smoke reported inside residence in Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens

Oakfield Fire Department is responding to a report of smoke in the bathroom at 32 Bennett Ave., Oakfield.

UPDATE 8:27 a.m.: A burned out light fixture is reported.

UPDATE 8:35 a.m.: Oakfield back in service.


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Law and Order: Inmate accused of stealing two candy bars, trying to bring into jail

By Howard B. Owens

Joseph Anthony Auricchio, 21, of Route 20, Darien, is charged with petit larceny and promoting prison contraband, 2nd. Auricchio is accused of stealing two candy bars from a Volunteers for Animals donation box at the Genesee County Animal Shelter and then attempting to bring those candy bars into the Genesee County Jail. According to the Sheriff's Office, Auricchio was made a trustee July 6 to replace as trustee an inmate scheduled to be released. On July 6, Auricchio was among three inmates tasked with custodial duties at the animal shelter. When the three inmates were returned to the jail by Deputy Ron Meides, a search allegedly found the candy bars hidden in Auricchio underwear. The candy bars were unapproved merchandise to allegedly bring into the jail.

Bradley J. Broadbent, 32, no permanent address, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Broadbent is accused of entering bathrooms of an office complex at 29 Liberty St., Batavia, and damaging fixtures some time before 3:20 p.m., July 6. Broadbent is currently being held in the Genesee County Jail on several other charges stemming from alleged events that same day.

Kenneth Scott Lathrop, 25, of Ruhlmann Road, Lockport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, and open container with intent to consume. Lathrop was allegedly found in a Monte Carlo parked at the side of the road on Route 262 just east of Fisher Road, Oakfield. Deputy Tim Wescott had responded to the area at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, after the Sheriff's Office received reports of a Monte Carlo speeding and unsafely passing other vehicles.

Patricia Marie Anderson, 27, of Walkers Corners Road, Byron, is charged with petit larceny. Anderson is accused of shoplifting from Kmart.

Katherine L. Urf, 51, and Joseph M. Franchi-Platten, 28, of 218 Elicott St., lower, Batavia, are charged with petit larceny. Urf and Franchi-Platten are accused of shoplifting food items from Tops.

Joanne Jefferson, 53, of 23 Walden Creek Drive, Batavia, is charged with felony DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, driving left of pavement markings and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Jefferson was arrested after Batavia PD received a report at 10:22 p.m., Saturday, of an erratic driver heading west on Route 5 into the city. Jefferson was stopped by Sgt. Dan Coffey. Jefferson allegedly has a prior DWI conviction within the past 10 years. She was jailed on $500 bail.

Law and Order: Batavia woman accused of giving bath salts to minor

By Howard B. Owens

Ashley R. Keene, 24, of 244 Liberty St., Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Keene is accused of providing bath salts to a juvenile to snort.

Chad E. Merle, 31, of 3225 Broadway Road, Alexander, is charged criminal contempt, 1st. Merle is accused of sending multiple text messages to a person protected from contact by a court order.

Jamie E. Andrews, 19, of 15 School St., Batavia, is charged with harassment,1st. Andrews is accused of continually following around her ex-boyfriend and driving by his house repeatedly for no legitimate purpose. Andrews was previously arrested by Batavia PD for allegedly harassing her ex-boyfriend.

Valerie Marie Covill, 23, of Oaklawn Drive, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right and unlawful possession of marijuana. Covill was charged following a one-vehicle accident at 12:014 a.m., June 28, at 3064 Galloway Road, Batavia. The accident was investigated by Deputy James Diehl and Deputy Matthew Fleming.

Peter James Przybyl, 19, of Peachy Road, Bergen, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and unreasonable speed on a curve. Przybyl was arrested following a motor-vehicle accident at 3:10 a.m., Saturday, on Route 19, Bergen. The accident was investigated by Deputy Frank Bordonaro.

Kelly Elizabeth Howard, 19, of Judge Road, Oakfield, is charged with two counts of petit larceny. Howard was allegedly observed by loss prevention at Target shoplifting June 8 and July 16. Howard allegedly stole merchandise worth $64.60.

Quentin Israel Humphrey, 20, of East Bethany Road, Le Roy, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child. Humphrey is accused of hosting an underage drinking party.

Justin Baehr, 21, of Linwood Road, Le Roy, is charged with DWI and unlawful possession of marijuana. Baehr was observed early Sunday morning allegedly driving erratically, swerving in and out of his lane on West Main Street, Village of Le Roy, and operating with a loud exhaust. During the traffic stop, officers allegedly found marijuana, marijuana paraphernalia and other apparent drug paraphernalia. Additional drug charges possible pending the outcome of lab tests.

Michael Perdue, 49, of West Broad Street, Rochester, and Jeffrey L. Hayes, 47, of Meadow Circle, Avon, are charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd. Perdue was allegedly operating a vehicle at 4:46 p.m., Sunday, on Route 237 in Byron. Perdue was stopped for allegedly speeding. An ID check revealed Perdue allegedly has 13 prior suspensions on his driving record. Hayes was allegedly found in possession of a crack pipe with residue. Perdue was stopped by Deputy Brad Mazur, who was assisted at the scene by Deputy Chad Minuto.

Matthew James Pietrzykowski, 19, of Bethany Center Road, East Bethany, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and moving from lane unsafely. Pietrzykowski was taken into custody following a report of a vehicle in a dith at 1:15 a.m., Sunday, in the area of 3630 Broadway, Alexander. The accident was investigated by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Three-car accident in Oakfield

By Billie Owens

An accident is reported in Oakfield. Three vehicles are involved, and in the third car, there's a man slumped over the steering wheel at 106 S. Main St. It is believed to have initially occurred on Orchard Road, for reasons that are unclear, those involved are in three different locations, spread over a mile-long area. An Alabama firefighter happens to be with one of the parties involved outside the village; she is said to be shaken up but otherwise OK. State troopers and medics are responding.

UPDATE 11:36 a.m.: Sheriff's deputies are also responding. Initial reports indicate that at South Main near Orchard, the driver of a green car "took out two others. They just didn't see each other." That driver was slumped over the steering wheel. The other vehicles are possibly at Route 63 and Fisher Road, and at Route 63 and the village line. Responders are taking more information and there is some confusion about the whole scene.

UPDATE 11:48 p.m.: Mercy medics are transporting the driver of the green car to UMMC. Oakfield Fire Department, which also responded to the scene, is back in service. The other people involved in the accident are not injured.

Brush fire off Route 63, south of Village of Oakfield

By Billie Owens

A brush fire is reported off Route 63, just south of the Village of Oakfield. Oakfield Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 3:17 p.m.: The fire is knocked down.

UPDATE 3:19 p.m.: Oakfield is back in service.

Forty-five local students make the Deans' List at SUNY Brockport

By Billie Owens

The College at Brockport, State University of New York, recently honored students who excelled academically by naming them to the Deans' List for the Spring 2012 semester. Students who earn a GPA of 3.70–3.99 are named to the Deans' List with Honors (***), while students who achieve a 3.40–3.69 are named to the Deans' List.

The honorees, and their hometowns, are:

Basom

Krystal Rivers

Lori Stellrecht

Bergen

Mary Cocking

***Joanna Menzie

***Samantha Elliott

***Melanie Monroe

***Shane Chatham

Danielle Lovett

Kathleen Lovett

Harjit Singh

***Brian Burgay

Byron

***Patricia Johnston

Melissa Dilcher

Melissa Hale

Darren Kwiatkowski

Capri Sullivan

Corfu

Casey Herman

East Bethany

Amanda Boulden

Elba

Torianne Cavallo

Bronson Cole

Le Roy

***Danielle Ford

***Gena Korn

***Antonio Madau

***Christina Mancuso

***Joseph Patton

***Emily Kovatch

***Abigail Graham

Katlyn Brooks

Chelsea Dillon

Chelsey Macomber

James Mangefrida

Jason McElroy

Danielle Merica

Joel Pitts

Justin Toland

***Lyman Rhodes

***Katherine Rogers

Oakfield

Kristen Casper

***Samantha Denton

Zackary Kibler

Shelby Kielbasa

Pavilion

***Theresa Raponi

Sarah Merritt

South Byron

Kallee Stein

Stafford

***James Mignano


The College at Brockport offers 50 undergraduate majors, more than 40 graduate programs as well as 24 teacher certification programs. The college has been rated among the "Best in the Northeast" by The Princeton Review, a "Best Regional University" by U.S. News & World Report, and a "Best Value" by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.

Smoke in the basement of Oakfield residence

By Billie Owens

A possible fire is reported at 24 Maple Ave. in the Village of Oakfield. There are no flames showing, but smoke is coming from the basement. The caller says it may be electrical in nature. Oakfield Fire Department is responding. The power has been turned off. The location is between Gibson and Main streets.

UPDATE 12:18 p.m.: The firefighter says "We've got an electrical fire in the wall." A pumper and tanker from Elba are requested to the scene.

UPDATE 12:29 p.m.: A building inspector is called to the address.

UPDATE 12:32 p.m.: A rep from the Niagara-Mohawk power company is requested.

UPDATE 12:32 p.m.: The fire is out. Oakfield and Elba are back in service.

Oakfield man suffers minor injury after being struck by car in parking lot

By Howard B. Owens

A 62-year-old pedestrian suffered a minor injury after being struck by a car at 6:15 p.m., Wednesday, in the parking lot of Santino's Pizza. It's located at 2 Main St., Oakfield.

The driver, Angela N. Husted, 29, of Le Roy, said she did not see Franklin J. Ludwig, of Oakfield, as she backed out of a parking space.

Ludwig was transported by ground ambulance to UMMC.

No citations were issued.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Joseph Graff.

Local student athletes named to NJCAA Academic All-Region List

By Billie Owens

Several student-athletes from Genesee Community College were named to the NJCAA Academic All-Region List for the 2011-2012 athletic seasons. Students honored on the NJCAA Academic All-Region List have maintained full-time enrollment and earned a grade point average of 3.5 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.

Those who made the list include:

  • Summer Bliss, of Bethany, a member of the women's soccer team;
  • Lauren Hughes, of Elba, a member of the volleyball and swimming and diving teams;
  • Cody Niccloy, of Le Roy, a member of the men's soccer team;
  • Emily Mott, of Oakfield, a member of the swimming and diving team;
  • Lindsay Chatt, of Oakfield, a member of the softball team;
  • Amanda Brown, of Bergen, a member of the women's soccer team.

Genesee Community College Athletics Program endeavors to provide a quality and competitive intercollegiate athletics program consistent with the National Junior Collegiate Athletics Association (NJCAA) philosophy and the overall educational mission of Genesee Community College.

Participation in collegiate athletics should be an extension of the total educational experience for the student athlete. The inherent philosophy emphasizes the athletic setting as a classroom used to teach character, commitment, work ethic, respect for differences, and the importance of sacrifice, teamwork and cooperation.

For further information and pictures go to Genesee's Athletic Web page, which is updated regularly with game results, team rosters, photographs and information about Genesee's overall athletic program. http://www.genesee.edu/athletics

Oakfield Betterment Committee Movie in the Park

By Melissa Haacke

The Oakfield Betterment Committee will show "ET The Extraterrestrial" on Saturday July 21, 2012 in the Elroy D. Parkins Park, Drake Street in Oakfield.  The evening begins at 8:00 pm with the movie starting at dusk.

The movie is FREE for all ages.  We will sell hot dogs, drinks, candy and popcorn.  The Oakfield Girl Scouts will be selling "Glow in Dark Necklaces".

The Betterment Committee will also be drawing the EARLY BIRD winner for presale tickets for Labor Day Weekend. 

Event Date and Time
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Car fire reported in front of Arnold Farm, Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens

A car fire has been reported at 2878 Batavia Oakfield Townline Road, Oakfield.

The car is in front of the Arnold Farm.

Oakfield Fire Department is responding.

The first chief on scene reports heavy smoke.

UPDATE 11:33 p.m.: The fire is out. A tow truck is en route to haul the vehicle away. The road is reopened. Oakfield is back in service.


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Second member of alleged meth ring busted in 2009 enters guilty plea in federal court

By Howard B. Owens

Another of the five defendants rounded up July 9, 2009, as part of a local and federal investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine in Genesee County entered a guilty plea today in federal court.

Andrew Chapman, 42, of Batavia, admitted to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute,  methamphetamine.

He faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, or both.

Chapman received the meth he sold from Donald G. Vanelli II, 49, of Le Roy, who is serving more than 17 years for his role in the sale and distribution of meth locally.

Also charged as a result of the investigation by the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force, the FBI and the DEA, were David H. Cohen, 51, of 918 Goodman St., Rochester, Donna L. Boon (aka Donna McAuley), 46, of 3658 Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road; and Kerry A. Ball, 53, of 7202 Meadville Road, Basom.

The status of Ball's case was not released, but the case against Cohen is still pending.

Boon's charged related to the initial arrest were later dismissed and Boon proclaimed her innocence, but she was subsequently re-arrested.

Chapman will be sentenced Sept. 17.

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